Track Calories and Power with HR2VP Extension on Your Karoo

The HR2VP extension allows Karoo users to estimate virtual power and calories using only heartrate data. This guide will help you install, configure, and optimize the extension on your Karoo device for the most accurate performance.

What is HR2VP Extension?

HR2VP stands for Heart Rate to Virtual Power. This extension enables cyclists to convert their heart rate data into real-time virtual power readings and calorie estimations. It’s an affordable alternative for riders who want detailed power data without investing in expensive hardware like traditional power meters.

Additionally, HR2VP pulls individual parameters such as FTP (Functional Threshold Power), minimum and maximum heart rate directly from your Hammerhead dashboard. This ensures a personalized experience with power and calorie data that reflects your specific fitness profile.

Why Choose HR2VP?

Virtual Power Estimation: Translates heart rate data into power output, helping cyclists train more effectively.
Calorie Tracking: Provides accurate estimates of calories burned during your rides, helping you manage energy intake and optimize nutrition.
Cost-Effective: Avoid the high costs of dedicated power meters.
Compatibility: Works seamlessly with your Karoo device and existing heart rate monitors.
Training Load Monitoring: Analyze effort levels and manage recovery more effectively using both power and calorie data.

Setting Up HR2VP on Your Karoo

Installing and setting up HR2VP on your Karoo is a simple process. Follow these steps to get started:

Download HR2VP: HR2VP is now available on the new Extension Library with other third party apps like: Epic Ride Weather, GibLi, hDrop Hydration, myWindsock & VinApp. Just open the Extensions Library, select HR2VP and click on install.
Or side load the .apk extension
Download HR2VP Extension
Add to Data Screen:
- Go to Profiles on your Karoo.
- Select the profile you use for cycling and navigate to Data Pages.
- Choose the data screen where you want HR2VP displayed. If needed, adjust the layout to create space for new fields.
- Click on the desired data field, scroll down to HR2VP, and select either power or calories.
Configure Smoothness: Open HR2VP in the Extension Library and adjust the smoothness slider if you notice fluctuations in power readings. For a more accurate response, keep the slider towards “accurate,” but adjust based on personal preference.

Tips for Accurate Data

Tip 1: Use a reliable chest strap heart rate monitor for the most consistent data. Optical sensors, such as those on smartwatches, may lag or misread during high-intensity efforts, affecting both power and calorie accuracy.

Tip 2: Ensure your heart rate strap is securely fastened and properly moistened for better skin contact, reducing data dropouts and improving calorie estimations.

Tip 3: Regularly update your parameters in the Hammerhead dashboard and keep firmware up to date to maintain optimal performance and ensure accurate calorie tracking.

Using HR2VP in Your Training

HR2VP is designed to help cyclists train smarter by providing a consistent measure of effort. Here’s how you can incorporate it into your routine:

Interval Training: Use virtual power zones to fine-tune your workouts and maintain targeted effort levels while tracking calories burned.
Endurance Rides: Monitor calorie burn and pace yourself efficiently over long distances to avoid energy depletion.
Race Strategy: Use power and calorie data to optimize pacing and ensure you’re properly fueled throughout the event.
Training Load Analysis: Evaluate accumulated stress over time using both power and calorie data to prevent overtraining and promote balanced progression.

What's New?

With the latest 1.2 version, there are new features:

Use your cadence sensor to mudulate power according to cadence
FTP estimation is available in the app after your ride if you connect a real power meter and heart rate monitor to your Karoo

If you connect a cadence sensor, you can enable power modulation based on cadence. Whether or not you should enable this option depends on your riding style and training goals.

For example, if you prefer a slower cadence on climbs, this feature may reduce your power output, making it less ideal for hill efforts. In this case, you might prefer to keep it disabled for more consistent power readings.

However, if you ride mostly on flat terrain and don’t shift gears frequently, enabling power modulation can provide a more responsive power estimation, better reflecting changes in your pedaling effort.

Concerning the FTP estimation this corresponds to the best FTP parameter to put in the Karoo Dashboard if you want to maximize accuracy of the virtual power estimation for your next ride.