If you’re like me and are constantly on a laptop – there are really two minor issues that I have with the Garmin USB stick that I use to download workouts from my Forerunner to my computer. First up is the issue of simply losing the darn thing in my backpack or around the house.

• How To Use Garmin Ant Stick

But, I’ve since shared.Second, is the issue of it simply breaking off. Having broken off various USB doo-dads from my computer before (as well as smart cards sticking out the side), breakage is a reality, and with it hanging off 1-2” into the wild blue yonder, it’s a prime target for a grade-A fail.And I suppose a third issue is The Girl stealing it. Somehow that only works one way in attempting to prevent me from stealing her stick. But it doesn’t keep her from stealing my ANT stick. And neither will this.

She’ll still likely try to steal it while giving me that innocent ‘I’m not guilty’ smile. An alternativeSo back in January when I was stick that could replace your existing Garmin ANT+ USB stick that you use with your current Forerunners I was pretty jazzed to give it a whirl. I immediately ordered one and waited for the horribly oversized box from Amazon to arrive.But I don’t think I was prepared for just how small it is once I got it all unboxed. Just check it out in comparison to your normal ANT+ stick:As you can see, it’s tiny.

And the best thing is that with being so small, I can leave it in my laptop 24×7. In fact, aside from a few tests in other computers – it hasn’t left my laptop since the package arrived. That includes plane flights, to and from work, and all assortment of wanderings around town. Well ok, it left my laptop to take these photos:But, you may be asking how is it that a Suunto branded stick works with Garmin watches? See, when it comes to ANT+ USB sticks, there are basically two flavors – ANT1 (USB1) and ANT2 (USB2).

You can see the flavors on the back of virtually all sticks in tiny writing – “USB2 Wireless USB Stick”ANT1 had a limited number of channels (4), whereas the newer ANT2 stick has more channels (8). In common scenarios like downloading your data, it doesn’t really matter. But when it comes to applications that may leverage the USB stick for real-time data transfer – such as – the extra channels become really important if you have multiple ANT+ accessories (like Speed, Cadence, Power Meters, Heart Rate, etc).

Or – if you’ve got multiplayer type applications taking advantage of it. Each channel is limited to one ANT+ accessory.So the Suunto stick is ANT2, which means that despite being Suunto it’s really just like any other ANT+ stick under the covers. Thus it doesn’t look any different to the Garmin software than Garmin’s own stick.Using the mini-USB stickAll you do is simply plug in the stick, give it a few seconds to grab the USB drivers from Windows Update (I’ve tried it on Windows Vista and Windows 7) – and you’re good to go! You’ll note that initially when it first starts looking for drivers, it calls it the Suunto Movestick Mini (it normally comes with the Suunto Quest watch).Once it finishes up being installed – it’s the same old ANT USB Stick 2 (ANT2).For all you Mac folks, I was able to also download workouts without issue using the Garmin ANT Agent and in this case, a Garmin (but again, any Garmin watch will work).Like the Mac, on Windows once you’ve got the drivers automatically installed, you’ll use the Garmin ANT Agent software just as you normally would. It’ll simply download from any device you have (i.e., etc – no problems!).In short, plug it in, forget about it.Now, I do want to point out that while this is a Suunto ‘accessory’, it’s the only Suunto accessory that will work with other ANT+ devices (like your Garmin). The remainder of the accessories (i.e.

Heart rate straps) are using Suunto’s proprietary ANT variant which aren’t compatible with anything else. And, while I’m at it – since I know a few of you have asked about the new Suunto Ambit GPS integrated watch – yes, I will definitely be reviewing it and should have a unit in my hands as we get into the first week of March. Looking forward to it! 3rd Party Compatibility:Now the cool part with being the standard ANT2 stick is that all of the 3rd party applications that use the ANT+ USB sticks support it just fine.Take for example (where I heard about the stick, and yes, ) – it easily works with the Suunto Movestick Mini seamlessly – you’d never know the difference:Next up we have the Trainer – which also works just fine. Just be sure to be on software version 3.7 or 3.8 (latest versions) – which added support for the ANT2 USB sticks out of the box (prior to that you had to jump through some hoops).

If you’re on the 3.5 or 3.6 – simply click the update button that’s been blinking at you for the past month or so.And for those developers/testers in the house – yup, it works with the ANT+ simulator perfectly fine too (you may remember this ). There are undoubtedly many more apps it works with, but these were just a few that I could think of that I had handy.About the only downside I can think of is that if you do take it out of your computer and place it somewherethere’s probably a good chance you’re going to have to search longer to find it since it’s about 20% of the size of the original one.But, that’s a risk I’ll takemostly because it’s never leaving my laptop. Others have simply put a dot of epoxy on it to ensure it never leaves its home (though, it’s pretty darn snug in the port already).

PricingThe Suunto Movestick Mini stick depending on tidal patterns and other random pricing metrics. If you using the DCR reader coupon code of DCR10BTF then you’ll get 10% off your cart, as well as support the site.Enjoy, and thanks for reading! I don’t think this is correct (or I mis-understood the question).On my PC at home I use one Windows Login and a single Garmin ANT+ stick. Once I plug it in it sucks data off of my 610, 910xt, Swim and puts them on my Garmin Connect account.

It also pulls data from my girlfriend’s 610, 310xt and Swim and uploads to her account separately.I think it asks for the account info when pairing the watch Perhaps this is a newer feature of the ANT Agent, but I am pretty sure I have been doing it this way for around 2 years. Could you check the system log on your Mac using Console.app? One problem that I (and others) have been having is that with the Garmin ANT+ stick plugged in to our computers, we’re getting repeated kernel error messages every 2 seconds that look like this:kernel: USBF: 321438.

88 AppleUSBEHCI0xffffff800b76f000::Found a transaction past the completion deadline on bus 0xfd, timing out! (Addr: 4, EP: 1)(see ). The problem has been going on for awhile with no word from Garmin.

I’d be interested to see if the Suunto gives the same error.I end up keeping my stick unplugged until I need it, but this might help narrow down the problem. I know this is a year stale but I’ve been curious about this as well. I get those same errors with my Garmin ANT+ stick and I finally decided to buy the Suunto stick to see if the problem existed with it as well. Sadly, it does. I get the same errors in system.log, and if I leave the stick plugged in for more than a few hours it locks up the computer completely.Machine is an Early 2008 Mac Pro, and it doesn’t seem to matter if I plug in to USB ports directly on the computer or if I plug into ports on an external USB hub.

You say “ANT+ is different than BT (or BTLE), so the two aren’t compatible. Sorta like USB vs Firewire.

IPhone vs Android. Boxers vs Briefs. Tacos vs Burritos. Coke vs Pepsi. Nutella vs Fluff. Oh wait, actually those two are definitely compatible.”This is no answer at all.

It isn’t like Coke vs Pepsi, for example, because they both serve the same function – hydration. The question is HOW and/or WHY BT and the ANT gadget are different. I have a Garmin fitsmartHR, If I choose to link the data to my laptop, which has bluetooth, can I, or not? Suppose I have a device that wants to see an ANT. Will it also work with BT? If not, why not? Why create a separate device (ANT) which seems to do what BT does?

It was a perfect answer to his question. It wasn’t a dissertation on the topic, since that’s not what he asked about.BT and ANT serve the same function, just like Coke and Pepsi. They are merely competing standards. ANT+ came before Bluetooth Smart (which is very different than regular Bluetooth).

These days, ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart are both low-power protocols – and competing sensor systems. They don’t talk to each other. So you can’t use a BT device to talk to an ANT+ device. Or vice versa.Many companies now create dual-sensor systems, such as Wahoo Fitness, that just broadcast on both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart. There are benefits to both systems, depending on what you want to do. Right now, ANT+ is ubiquitous in cycling for example. Hi RayThanks for the site, I love it.

I have a quick question I’ve not been able to find an answer to on the web.I use a Garmin Forerunner 610 and can upload runs and rides to my home computer no problem, but the IT policy at work won’t let me install the communicator plugin or ANT software to my work laptop. I come straight to work from cycle training, so I can’t upload to Garmin Connect (or, more importantly, onward to Strava) until late evening, which is rather annoying.Do you (or anyone else reading) know if there is any way I can get the ride file off the watch without using the ANT dongle? I tried using the charger cable and plugging it in to the USB port of my laptop, hoping that the Garmin Connect site might see the watch without the plugin, or that I might be able to access the watch like a USB drive and take off a TCX file manually, but that didn’t seem to work.Any ideas much appreciated. My back up option is to buy the 810, but I’m not all that enthused by it and I get all the data I need from the 610 – when I’m actually on the move all I really need is speed, distance and time, which I use a cheap Cateye computer for.

$500 seems like a lot to shell out just for the phone function.ThanksBen. Strange, it works on my W8 boxes (have a few of them).

Nonetheless, a trick to get the drivers is to grab the Garmin ANT Agent software download (it’s free). And install that. That has the driver package as part of it, and is pretty tiny.

How To Use Garmin Ant Stick

Then just turn off the ANT Agent. I’d have to think of you could uninstall the ANT Agent and whether or not it’ll un-install the drivers.One minor note, if you have Windows RT (such as Microsoft Surface), the ANT stick (of any flavor) won’t work today. I’ve been working with some folks to try and get those drivers inbox via Windows Update so it will work so that folks like TrainerRoad can develop against it – but for now, not quite yet. I got one of the new garmin sticks with a new 910xt. There is a slight hitch for people for whom this is the first or only stick.While the stick works fine with ant agent, antware II etc, and Golden Cheetah, it is not recognized by the Sport Tracks 3 Live Recording plugin or Virtual Runner (Treadmill simulator), both of which are fine with the original garmin stick or the movestick mini. Presumably there is something subtle in the initialisation which is done differently in these two apps – obviously there may be others in the same boat.I am fairly sure I did come across something which didn’t work with the movestick, but it escapes me at the moment.

Hi,I bought it to originally use with a tanita bc1000, however, i since ordered the withings, BUT, I am now wanting to use my garmin HRM chest belt with my android phone and pc. I am awaiting a usb otg to arrive so i can use an ant+ stick with my android as selfloops.com suggest.I have the suunto here, but it is repackaged waiting for me to send it back but if my usb otg cable arrives i might unpack it and try it on my phone.It would be good if it absolutely is ant+ but is a bit disappointing choose to not display or advertise it as suchvery confusing. I’ve had the Suunto Mini in my MacBook Air for about a month now & it has never once given me a problem. I set my up MBA & the Garmin ANT Agent with the official Garmin ANT+ stick. When I plugged the new stick in, the computer recognized the Movestick Mini immediately the same way it recognized the Garmin ANT+ stick.

I just leave it plugged in my MBA 24/7 & when I run during the day at work, my Garmin 410 syncs up with my MBA & when I come home, it does not sync again with my mac at home. So no no issues with duplicate entries in Garmin Connect. Just in case anyone wants further detail, (i.e.

Ignore this and just read what ray said if you want simple) the Suunto Movestick Mini and Adidas MiCoach Connect stick are both AP2 Ant+ sticks. AP2 Ant+ sticks are the ones that were out right before the ANTUSB-m sticks (the new mini Garmin stick)Outside of the compatibility issues Dan mentions the ANTUSB-m stick is the newest and best version (has all the features) but doesn’t look like anyone is using those new features yet so its main advantage is size.Also if you want a Ant+ stick that works with Android make sure it is a AP2 or newer stick. (the older AP1 sticks don’t work). Hi RayI recently purchased a Wahoo Kickr and wish to use Trainer Road.Based on what I have read in your reviews the Suunto USB Ant stick seemed the way to go for connecting to the Kickr and other devices.I have not been able to connect it to any devices at all.

Hey DC, I am thinking about giving up on the Elite my training app & moving to Trainerroad for inspiration. I take it this Suunto ant receiver will be compatible with the speed sensor I have bought to pair to the turbo muin (same one I see in the photo that elite sent you)?Given the issues I have been having with stretching the cable to read cadence I would probably use this set up which I hope you can validate:1. Garmin GSC for cadence2. Elite speed sensorSo those 3 different sensors can be connect simultaneously to the Suunto & communicate with trainer road?Cheers mate.peter. I tired the Suunto Movestick mini this past weekend using a laptop with W8. I downloaded Garmin ANT Agent and it states that it recognizes the Movestick, but it never picks up the signal from the Powertap G3 hub.

I gave the wheel a few spins to make sure it was awake, but ANT Agent never stops searching.I also had Golden Cheetah open with the training mode and device searching and no signal was picked up from the G3.Not a hug deal to me since I record my training on either a Garmin 500 or 800 and upload to WKO, but so far I have not found a solution or reason why ANT Agent is not picking up the signal. So I bought this and ultimately ended up returning it. It only detected my Garmin 310XT about 1 time in 5, and even in the end just stopped detecting it altogether.

FWIW I’m running WIndows 8.1 64 bit and had the latest version of ANT Agent installed (2.3.4).And not only that, it ended up getting stuck in my USB port!! I removed the dongle but the metal casing remained inside. After much fiddling with a tweezers I got it out and put it straight into an envelope and returned to Amazon.Maybe I just got unlucky. Why do you say that?It does indeed, as many people have used it without problem.

In fact, I’ve used it with Outside Interactive (assuming you have the iPad adapter).As for the ANT+ USB stick, it has never connected directly to the footpod (Suunto or Garmin). Rather, it requires an application to leverage that USB stick. For example, the Outside Interactive app on a PC. In that case, you just need to simply ensure the drivers are there.Finally, despite what the packages say, the Suunto footpod is dual ANT/ANT+. Sorry for the noob question or if this has been discussed already (I haven’t read through the entire thread)it seems the Suunto Movestick (PC POD) has been discontinued and only the Movestick Mini is now available. The key differences being size, and the ability to read & record HR info from the belt directly onto PC via the Movestick (up to 3 belts simultaneously), something lacking in the Movestick Mini.

Is there any way around this? I have already bought the Movestick Mini following bad advice from a supplier, and it’s worthless to me if I can’t get the HR info without a wrist unit. I can officially confirm that the Movestick mini works for the Garmin 910xt, which I am delighted about as it’s really small and convenient and cost 2/3 of the Garmin Ant Stick.I was a little bit nervous to spend the money and find it didn’t work, so I called Garmin South Africa who could NOT confirm for me that it worked.

Strange that. Obviously brands want to keep it within the brand. Suunto couldn’t confirm it for me either so trusted DCRainmaker and glad I did.

Worked a treat. All data uploaded to Garmin Connect through Ant Agent.Going to get new Trainerroad account tomorrow and see if it connects nicely to my Power2max Power Meter. Excitement abounds.Thanks DC for your solid research / advice as always. Having a lot of difficulty pairing my 310xt.

I constantly have to re-pair and or restart either the 310 or ant agent and it will eventually work. Although i haven’t got it to work on my new mac mini. And, I can’t seem to pair it directly to Garmin Connect. I have to use the ant agent. My wife’s corded fr10 works fine.

What is the deal with the pairing issues with the 310 and why hasn’t Garmin resolved them. From reading threads on other forums, I know I’m not the only one having this problem. Any suggestions? Mathew: have you tried completely uninstalling Garmin ANT Agent, including getting rid of all the files within /Library/Application Support/Garmin as well as factory resetting the 310xt before reinstalling ANT agent and re-pairing?

I remember needing to do something like that a couple years ago for my 610. No guarantees, but if won’t make it any worse.For what its worth the Suunto stick has been working great with my 2012 mac mini that I bought this summer as a refurb.

My 610 reliably xfers workouts when I get home whether it’s immediately after a run or if I ran earlier in the day. NO does not support Windows 10I made the mistake of installing Windows 10 and the Suunto stick does NOT work anymore. Worked before Win 10 and works on my Windows 8 machine. Suunto support has been very disappointing. Takes weeks to return emails, and when they do they are vague and don’t address the issue. I feel like we communicating in the Twilight Zone.

My Question “When will you support Windows 10 with your Movestick? It does not work on my Windows 10 Machine” Answer “We no longer support Garmin Products, Please contact Garmin directly” When I responded again, their mailbox was full. Great product with Windows 8, but Lousy support. I am completely confused.

I use a computrainer and have a Garmin 920XT. I upload all of my workouts to training peaks. To capture my heart rate in the Computrainer program.

It is asking me to pair my Garmin HR monitor to my ANT+. I called Garmin and they said that there is not such thing. So then Racermate(computrainer) told me to purchase the ANT Suunto Mini Stick.

My question is if I purchase this and down load the driver, will it pick up my heart rate if pair with the stick? Can I even pair my Garmin HR monitor to the stick? If not, how do I get my watch to upload to Computrainer and then to Training Peaks so I have my power meter, HR and work out all in one file instead of three?Thanks. I think you are lucky because the Suunto Movestick Mini is only ANT.

I bought it after reading your article because I wanted to upgrade the firmware of my Rotor Inpower. Installed good (found the drivers somewhere hidden on the Suunto site) but connection was short (Windows 7 and Windows 8.1). Even tried it without succes on the iMac. Logged a case by Suunto and they said:We are very sorry for the delay in responding your inquiry.Suunto Movestick Mini is ANT device, not ANT+. This wireless device works only with Suunto watches such as Suunto Quest and Suunto M4/ M5.Should you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.Sincerely,FukutaSuunto Customer Support TeamSee also to discover the difference between ANT and ANT+. So I bought one if these a year or two ago after reading this and finally decided to get it out today:).

Couple questions I didn’t see answered above in all replies.1. My PC was recently upgraded to Windows 10. Will it work? Saw one reply saying no but that was it. Figured you’ve tried by now.2.

How many ANT+ devices can one stick read. Is it just one? We use with multiple trainers so could have many ANT+ devices going at once and wondering how many it will read.3. I saw you said it did not work with PoeerTap but isn’t the PowerTap just ANT+? Wanted to possibly use my wife’s Powertap for her power instead of the CompuTrainer power while using ErgVideo. I have just got a Garmin 610 second-hand, and it works perfectly, but there was no ANT stick. From reading the Garmin site, my old Mac (running 10.6.8 Snow Leopard on an old MacPro 1.1) won’t support the software/drivers that come with the official Garmin stick, but it seems that the Suunto one you recommend here does (based on a post on Amazon under the Suunto product page itself (“I plugged it into my Macbook, and it just worked.

I’ve used this on the Macbook and a Mac Mini running various MacOS versions, from Snow Leopard to Yosemite without issue”). Just wondering if you or any of your readers could confirm this before I go and buy a stick that doesn’t work. And yes, I know I need a new computer but that’s why I bought a second-hand Garmin! Just a shame the watch doesn’t show up on the desktop like the old Forerunner 10; nothing wrong with drag and drop – they should have left that system in place. Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best!.

But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out too.