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Getting started

This section describes everything you need to know to get CyclingDF4 2 up and running on your Garmin device.

Topics:

Install data field

Adding a Connect IQ data field to one of your native Garmin apps like "Run" allows you to see custom metrics (like specialized running power, heart rate gauge, etc.) without leaving the standard tracking screen.

Important Distinction Before You Start Ensure you have downloaded a Data Field and not a Widget or a standalone Watch App:

  • Data Field: Sits inside your normal Garmin native app in a seperate data page.
  • Watch App: A standalone app that replaces the Garmin native activity entirely.

Please install the CyclingDF4 2 data field by downloading it from the Garmin App Store via the Garmin Express Software on PC/MAC or via the Garmin ConnectIQ mobile app on your mobile phone.

Link to CyclingDF4 2 on Garmin App Store

Install instructions:
In order to use this Data Field, you will need to set up a screen with only one field and select CyclingDF4 2 from the Connect IQ fields options. The WHOLE screen is needed for displaying all the information which can highly be configured via settings.
Here's how you can set it up:

  • Step 1: Install the Data Field (phone side):
    • Open the Connect IQ mobile app on your phone.
    • Search for the data field CyclingDF4 2.
    • Tap Install or Download
    • Sync your watch with the standard Garmin Connect app to ensure the file is transferred.
  • Step 2: Add CyclingDF4 2 data field to your e.g. watch (Garmin device side): These steps apply to most modern Forerunner, Fenix, and Venu/Vivoactive models. Navigation may vary slightly (touchscreen vs. buttons).
    • Open the Garmin native app like Run activity:
      • Press the Start/Stop (top right) button.
      • Select Run (do not start the timer yet).
    • Enter activity settings:
      • Forerunner/Fenix (Buttons): Hold the Up/Menu button (middle left) until a menu appears.
      • Venu/Vivoactive (Touch): Swipe up or hold the bottom button (depending on model) to access the menu.
      • Select Settings.
    • Select data screens:
      • Scroll down and select Data Screens.
    • Choose where to put it:
      • You can edit an existing screen (only if it has just one field) or add a new one.
      • To Add New: Scroll to the bottom, select Add New, select Custom Data.
      • To Edit Existing: Scroll to the screen you want to change, press Start (or tap icon), select Edit Data Fields.
    • Select the slot:
      • This is a complex Connect IQ field which requires a "1 Field" layout (taking up the whole screen). If the field doesn't show up later, try changing the layout to 1 Field.
      • Tap or select the scrren where you want the new data to appear.
    • Find the Connect IQ field:
      • Once you've selected the slot to change, you will see a list of categories (Timer, Distance, Pace, etc.).
      • Scroll to find Connect IQ fields.
      • Select it, and you should see the name of the data field you downloaded in Step 1.
      • Select the field.
    • Save and Exit:
      • Press the Back button repeatedly until you return to the main screen. You should now see your new data field active.
  • Step 3: Configure the data field (phone side):
    • This Connect IQ fields allows you to customize it (e.g., changing colors or averaging time). You cannot usually do this on the watch. Here the link to the available configuration options for CyclingDF4 2.
    • Open the Connect IQ Store app on your phone.
    • Tap My Device (bottom right) and select **My Data Fields".
    • Tap CyclingDF4 2 you installed.
    • Tap Settings.
    • Adjust your preferences and hit Save. The watch will update automatically (usually immediately, sometimes requires a sync).

Once you've completed these steps, you'll have everything you need for a run on just one screen.
If you require further assistance with setting up data fields for your device, please refer to this link for instructions.


Trouble shooting:

  • I see an "IQ!" icon: This means the data field has crashed. This usually happens if the field is outdated or incompatible with your specific watch firmware. Try uninstalling and reinstalling it.
  • The field isn't in the list: Sync your watch again using Garmin Express (PC/Mac) or the Garmin Connect mobile app. If it still doesn't appear, check the store page to ensure it is compatible with your specific watch model.
  • "2 of 2" Error: Most Garmin watches have a limit of two Connect IQ data fields per activity profile. If you try to add a third, it won't let you. You must remove an old one first.

Change the user settings

The CyclingDF4 2 in the PREMIUM version offers a huge amount of configuration options which can be changed on your PC/MAC your or on your mobile phone:

Change user settings on PC or MAC

All configurations can be changed on your PC or MAC by using the Garmin Express Software. Before changing configurations, please make sure that you have installed the latest software version. The software can be downloaded from the official Garmin web site.

Note The pictures in the following sections are taken from the Garmin Express Software V7.28.0 running on Windows 11 and may be subject of change in future Garmin versions.

Step 1: Start Garmin Express Software Look for the symbol as shown below and double-click it to start the Garmin Express software.

After that you should be able to see your Garmin device as shown in the picture below. If not, please add your device first. For details refer to the documentation provided by Garmin.

Step 2: Establish Connection between PC/MAC and the Garmin Device Connect your device via USB to your PC/MAC. Your device should be automatically detected and the Garmin Express software starts a synchronization process. When everything is ok, it is signalized via green lights as shown in the figure below. In case problems occur, please refer to the documentation provided by Garmin.

Step 3: Select Device Please click on the icon which shows your device. Following picture should appear:

Step 4: Find Application or Data Field Please click the marked button in the picture above. A list of all installed applications and data fields on your device should appear. Please scroll up/down until you find the application or data field you would like to configure as shown in the figure below:

Default Garmin Express Software Version

Step 5: Select Application or Data Field for Configuration Please select the RH-SPORTS application or data field you would like to configure by clicking with the left mouse button to the three dots as marked in the left picture above for your application or data field of choice. A context menu will be shown where you have to select "Settings"

A similar screen like shown below should appear:

Step 6: Change Configuration Please note that configuration changes ONLY apply on your Garmin device if you have entered a proper PREMIUM activation key in the field marked in the picture below. For details about the possible key types, please refer to the registration key details. If a proper activation key is entered, you can change ALL configurations according to your needs. Finnaly press the "Save" button at the bottom of the dialog. The Garmin Express Software will update the configurations on your device. In case of errors, please refer to the documentation provided by Garmin.

Step 7: Disconnect Device After the configuration changes were saved, disconnect your device from the PC/MAC.

Step 8: Start Application or Data Field on Device Please start our RH-SPORTS application or data field on your Garmin device. If you have the PREMIUM Version (key was correct), then all your configuration changes should have been applied. If not, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.

Change user settings on mobile phone

All configurations can be changed on your mobile phone by using the Garmin ConnectIQ™ mobile app which is available for Android- and iOS-compatible devices. Before changing configurations, please make sure that you have installed the latest mobile app version. The app can be downloaded from the appropriate App Stores (e.g. Google Play, Apple Store, etc.)

Note The pictures in the following sections are taken from the Garmin ConnectIQ™ mobile app V2.43 running on an iPhone 14 Pro with iOS 26.2 and may be subject of change in future Garmin versions.

Step 1: Start Garmin ConnectIQ™ mobile app Look on your mobile phone for the app with the symbol shown belowe and click it to start the Garmin ConnectIQ™ mobile app.

A similar window as shown below should appear.

Step 2: Press device button The device button is located at the bottom on the right side. Please press it and following picture should appear if the device is not connected so far:

If the device is already connected with your mobile phone via Bluethooth, then the proper connection status is shown as illustrated in following picture:

Step 3: Select your Garmin Devices If you have multiple Garmin devices and the wrong device is selected by default, please select a proper device via the button on the top on the left side.

Step 4: Select RH-SPORTS product If you would like to change the settings for a RH-SPORTS application, please click the marked button My device apps as shown in the pictures below:

If you would like to change the settings for a RH-SPORTS data field, please click the marked button My data fields as shown in the pictures below:

Step 5: Select an Application or Data Field for Configuration A list of all applications and data fields appear. Please scroll up/down until you find the application or data field you would like to configure as shown in the figure below:

Step 6: Select Settings Please click on the Settings button as shown in the picture below:

Step 7: Change Configuration Please note that the configuration changes ONLY APPLY on your device if you have entered the proper PREMIUM activation key in the field marked in the picture below. For details about the possible key types, please refer to the registration key details. If a proper activation key is entered, you can change ALL configurations according to your needs.

Step 8: Save Configurations Finally press the Save button at the top on the right side. The Garmin mobile app will update your configurations on your device. In case of communication errors, please refer to the documentation provided by Garmin.

Step 9: Start Application or Data Field on Device Please start our RH-SPORTS application or data field on your Garmin device. If you have the PREMIUM Version (key was correct), then all your configuration changes should have been applied. If not, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.

Start the data field

Pre-Condition:

Perform following steps to use the data field:

  • Method 1: For 5-button watches (most Forerunner models, Fenix, Epix, Instinct, Enduro)
    • Press the Start/Stop Button: This is the top-right button.
      • Note: On some models, this button has a colored ring or a "Run" icon.
    • Select "Run":
      • If "Run" is the first option, simply press the Start/Stop button again to select it.
      • If you see a different activity (like "Bike" or "Trail Run"), use the Up/Down buttons (middle-left and bottom-left) to scroll until "Run" is highlighted, then press Start/Stop.
    • Wait for GPS:
      • You will see a screen with data fields (timer, distance, pace). Do not start running yet.
      • Look for a GPS bar at the top turning Green or a message saying "GPS Ready."
    • Start the Timer:
      • Press the Start/Stop button (top right) one more time. The timer numbers will turn green or start counting. You are now tracking.
  • Method 2: For Touchscreen & 2 or 3-button watches (Venu, Vivoactive, Lily)
    • Press the Action Button:
      • This is usually the top-right button.
    • Select "Run":
      • A list of activities will appear on the screen.
      • Tap the Run icon on the touchscreen.
      • Note: If you don't see "Run", you may need to tap the dots or the "More" icon at the bottom to find it in the extended list.
    • Wait for GPS:
      • Wait until the GPS arc at the top turns Green or the watch vibrates to signal it has a lock.
    • Start the Timer:
      • Press the top-right button again to begin tracking.

How to Find Your New Data Field

Once you have started the timer:

  • Use the Down button (bottom-left) or **Swipe Up on the screen to scroll through your data pages.
  • Your new Connect IQ data field (from the previous step) will appear on one of these screens.

How to Stop and Save

  • Press the Start/Stop button (top right) to pause the timer.
  • Select Save (on screen or by pressing Start again) to finish the workout.
  • Select Resume if you just stopped for a traffic light and want to keep going.

Change user settings

Registration key for PREMIUM version

There are following ways to get a registration key in order to activate the PREMIUM version:

  • Method 1: After successful donation, you receive a mail from RH-SPORTS with the PREMIUM registration key(s) as PDF.
    • If you donated for the Complete application and data field package, you get:
      • a master key in the format "RH-SPORTS-Nxxxx", which can be used in:
        • the RH-SPORTS HUB application to start from there all other standalone applications.
        • each individual standalone app and data field.
    • If you donated for an individual application or data field or a package includes more applications and/or data fields, you get a key in the format "XXXX XXXX" for each included product.
  • Method 2: If you have reveived an RH-SPORTS gift card then you can use the code on the gift card as master key (in the format "RH-SPORTS-xxxxxxx") in:
    • the RH-SPORTS HUB application to start from there all other standalone applications.
    • each individual standalone app and data field.

Please copy the registration key exactly in the given format (e.g. XXXX XXXX) into this text field. The registration key evaluation is case sensitive.

Here some important registration hints:

Hint 1: Please copy the registration key exactly in the given format (e.g. XXXX XXXX) into this text field:

  • The registration key for individual applications or data fields is a hexadecimal number (numbers from 0 to 9 and big letters from A to F).
  • The master key has the format "RH-SPORTS-xxxxxxx" where x must be a capital letter or a number.

The evaluation of the code is case-sensitive!

Hint 2: Please synchronize the settings with your watch afterwards. If you use Garmin Express software on PC or MAC, please disable the bluetooth connection between your mobile phone and watch during configuration as otherwise the settings might be overwritten again.

Hint 3: Sometimes it is necessary to reboot the watch once (for whatever reason).

Hint 4: Please use the prooper key for the selected standalone application or data field.

Hint 5: Please make sure that there are no floating point values in the app settings anymore (except for Swimming App where they are allowed).

ANT+ power sensor pairing

This application or data field is supporting the ANT+ power sensor profile even on devices where Garmin does not support this natively itself.

In all cases, the ANT+ power sensor needs to be paired with the device before it can be used. Where Garmin supports the power profile natively, the pairing must be done via the watch settings. This is fully controlled by Garmin.

Where Garmin does NOT support the power profile natively, the pairing is done automatically by the application or data field upon start. Even an automatic re-pairing is implemented during the session, if the connection to the power sensor gets lost. In order to avoid that a pairing is done to a wrong ANT+ power sensor (e.g. to one of the colleagues you ride with), the user can set the application or data field specific setting for "Paired ANT+ power sensor ID" to one of the following values:

  • -1 means that a pairing to any ANT+ power sensor is possible and that this ID is NEVER locked. Upon re-connection a different power sensor might be found and used. This setting e.g. makes sense when you have more bikes with power sensors and change them regular and you ride alone. Because then you do not have to update the pairing information in the settings.
  • 0 means that a pairing to any ANT+ power sensor is possible and that this ID is locked when found first. The sensor specific ID is then automatically entered into this field and a re-pairing is only possible to the same power sensor with this ID.
  • other values mean that a pairing is only possible to that specific ID anymore. It can be set to -1 or 0 at any time by the user to allow a pairing to other sensors again.

Note:
By default the value -1 is set for legacy reasons to allow pairing to all ANT+ power sensors!

Color scheme

This option allows you to select the background and text color.

Following options are available:

  • White background with black text color and grey header/footer
  • Black background with white text and grey header/footer
  • White background with black text and inverted colors in header/footer
  • Black background with white text and inverted colors in header/footer

Please refer to following picture for better illustration:

Note:
By default the option with "Black background with white header/footer" is used for best readability on all devices!

Note:
One Edge® devices, the color scheme is taken from the settings in the Garmin native app and not from the data field settings!

Note:
For devices with AMOLED display (e.g. Venu™ based devices) we strongly recommend to always select the black background to avoid damages due to burn-in effects and to save battery life time!

4-field data page

This option allows you to freely select the content of all 4-field data pages out of a huge list of all available data fields (even during the ongoing training session). This enables you to adjust all fields completely according to your personal preferences.
For an overview of available data fields, please click here!