I posted an article a while back on the Herman Digital Trainer and the DVD set, Fit to Defend, that is shipped with the HDT. The Herman Interactive Training System consists of a control device, sensor, and software programs that measures time and g force impact upon a target that the sensor is affixed to. With this information it can measure power and speed for single and multiple strikes and track this information over a period of time.
I integrated the use of the device into my training on a weekly basis. It was a lot of fun to use and turned just about any work out into a competition. The interface took a bit of getting used to especially since we were only using it on a weekly basis and not quite enough to fully familiarize ourselves with the user interface. There were a few down sides to the product though that kept us from realizing its full potential. The first one was that it ate through batteries. Even when not in use it would tend to drain the batteries. We tried to always remove the batteries when not in use, as the instructions recommended, but we wouldn't always remember to do this, so the next time we would go to use it, the batteries would be dead. The other down side was that it didn't have any way to specify a specific user so if you are working out with someone else, your scores and their scores are all stored in a log together. So, you either have to write down your scores if you want to keep a history (not really that difficult), or offload the log file to a computer before switching users (probably more effort than it is worth). Now if you are a professional (you would be the sole focus of your training) or strict amateur (you don't care to keep that detailed of records) then this probably isn't a big deal to you, but if you are somewhere in between then it could be.
The last big issue that we had with it was that we had to learn to strike and hold targets in a specific way. This was specifically bad with the WaveMaster. The problem was that sometimes it would record the rocking of the bag as a second strike. This meant that the spotter had to hold the target in such a way that it could move enough to register the hit, but not enough so that the targets rebound would cause a second recording of a strike. Alternatively we would have to focus our strikes in such a way as to penetrate the target just enough to deliver our blow, but not so much as to cause the target to rock. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as control is very important in the martial arts, but it was something that we had to get used to.
You may notice that I am speaking in the past tense. This is because one day the device just stopped working. It no longer would record strikes coming from the sensor. I don't know if it was the sensor that went out or the device itself. Although it was a great device, I didn't want to order a second sensor if the device itself was bad and I had no way to test which part of the system had went out. Ultimately it ended up setting on a shelf and forgotten about. Until today. Today I received the following email from Garri Productions, the makers of the HDT...
Garri Productions is pleased to announce that the modified Herman controller starts shipping next week. This new Herman drastically improves the life of the 2 AA batteries. You no longer need to take the batteries out when not using Herman or replace them on a frequent basis. With our improved power firmware, the batteries in Herman will last many months. We will replace your existing Herman with the improved version for free. Simply send us an e-mail with your request and we'll provide instructions for the switch. We're also pleased to tell you that the latest operating system 1.03.09 is now available for download from our site, as are 23 updated workouts, updated instructions, a VISTA download, and a detailed list of the features included in the new operating system. As always, if you ever have any questions, please let us know. Thanks, Gary
Needless to say, I will be sending mine in for an upgrade. If I get it back and it still doesn't work then I won't hesitate to order another sensor or two for the new unit. Sweet!
Originally posted on phildavis.vox.com
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