new contec 50F finger probes short lifespan?

[cathyf]

I can tell from the various pictures on the internet that the Contec 50F has two versions, with the newer version has the probe plug into the wristband with a usb C connector. I just had my second probe fail. Both of them failed after about 4 months of use.

The first one I chalked up to a one-off weak solder joint, but now that I've had a second one fail on pretty much the same time frame I'm thinking that it's the design.

Have other users had the same experience? If anybody else has had a failure, has anybody successfully taken one apart and fixed it?

I ordered another probe a couple of weeks ago, and it shipped on the 21st. No idea when it will arrive, though, since it is shipping from China.

[cathyf]

I've now had the third probe fail.

I think that it's a really poor design, in that snagging the cable jerks on the solder joint on the finger part, and pulls it out.

The hubs thinks that a smarter design would be bluetooth between the probe and the wristband.

Anybody else had similar experience, or am I just unlucky? Anybody figured out a fix?

[Jeff8356]

To help prevent the cable snagging you could try using some tape (paper surgical tape) to hold the cable in place.  Or maybe an elastic "Ace" bandage.  Even an old sock over your hand.

While it doesn't solve the design issue, it may help the probe(s) last longer.