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Using the Nike+iPod Sensor

By Wendy Bumgardner, About.com

Updated July 12, 2008

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Using the Nike+ Sensor on Other Shoes

Nike+iPod Sensor Attached by Tape

Nike+iPod Sensor Attached by Tape

Wendy Bumgardner © 2006
You can use the Nike+iPod sensor on other shoes, although you will want to calibrate it each time you attach it to get the best accuracy.

Quick Tape Method: My first method was just to use packaging tape. I tucked the sensor underneath the shoelaces and then criss-crossed packaging tape over it. Duct tape would probably work fine as well, but you don't want any kind of tape that would shield the wireless transmission. Aluminum foil is especially a dumb idea.

Sensor Should be Untilted and Secure: The Nike+ sensor is a piezoelectric accelerometer that is fairly tolerant of being at an angle. But you want it to be close to being parallel with the ground, as it would be under the sockliner of the Nike+ ready shoes.

You want the sensor to be held securely, not bobbing or swaying, and to be parallel with the ground and not tilted.

Bosco's Sensor Pouch: A simple pouch that attaches to your shoelaces with Velcro, very inexpensive. Review: Bosco's Sensor Pouch

Canvas Sensor Pouch: A canvas sensor pouch that laces through your shoelaces. Canvas Sensor Pouch Review

Accuracy: Right out of the box, uncalibrated, and taped to an unauthorized shoe, I got a distance estimate within 10% of what the Google Map Pedometer said I walked over 2 miles. That's as good as any pedometer can be expected to be. I would expect more accuracy after calibrating it.

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