Are you thinking of getting started with the waterproof Nightrider BluCon transmitter for Freestyle Libre?
I put together a brief overview of key advantages and disadvantages of the Nightrider BluCon transmitter.
The points below are based on my 3 months’ testing of the Nightrider with my FreeStyle Libre sensors. I hope this review will help you decide if the waterproof Nightrider BluCon transmitter is the right way to go for you.
What is NightRider BluCon?
NightRider BluCon is a 3rd party transmitter made by a US company called Ambrosia Systems, Inc.
This device sends data from your Libre sensor directly to an app on your phone every 5 minutes which helps you turn your Freeetyle Libre into a full CGM (continuous glucose monitor) and completely avoid scanning.
BluCon works with first and second generation of FreeStyle Libre; Libre pro; and Libre US 14 day sensors. So no matter what Libre model you have you should be able to use it.
Is Nightrider BluCon Transmitter Waterproof?
Yes, I tested the waterproof version.
The water resistance standard is IP67 which means that it can be dropped in a body of water up to a meter deep for half an hour.
What I did is I took showers and did my workout with the NightRider and I had no issues.
You can also get a cheaper standard version of the NightRider which is not waterproof.
Unboxing of NightRider BluCon
In the package, you will find:
- The BluCon Reader
- A Power pin – to turn on the device and reset Bluetooth if needed
- One replacement door for the battery compartment
- Instruction manual
- And a few transparent stickers
How to Use NightRider BluCon Transmitter
You are supposed to put BluCon directly on top of your FreeStyle Libre sensor.
I find this pretty good because due to the large size of the contact area NFC can reliably capture all data and you should not have any missed readings.
The transmitter is quite big and I am sure you can get used to it but I have to say
that it bothered me a bit especially at the beginning.
The device is definitely not heavy (it is about 10g) but I would personally prefer a bit smaller body and a bit lighter device.
How to Keep NightRider BluCon On?
You have 3 options:
My preferred option is using an over tape. I place a piece of paper between the sensor and the NightRider and then another piece of paper between the NightRider and the over tape to avoid them sticking together.
Second option is a double sided tape which you put between the Libre sensor and BluCon. I would not recommend this one because the NightRider and the sensor will stick to one another and it might be impossible to take the BluCon off without ripping out the sensor. And if that happens, you just need to keep the NightRider on until your sensor expires and take these two pieces apart later.
Last option is getting an arm band holder from the Ambrosia’s website.
How to Start Using NightRider BluCon?
- Download LinkBluCon app from the Apple App Store/Google Play Store and open the app on your phone;
- Press the switch located in the hole on the BluCon; you’ll see a red light flashing once BluCon is on;
- Click the scan button and locate the device;
- You need to enter the 6 digit pass code printed on the side of the BluCon next to the serial number to pair the phone with NightRider; this makes your data more secure because no one else can read you data;
- Place the BluCon above the sensor
I read a lot of reviews from other users complaining about the LinkBluCon app because it was losing the Bluetooth signal and they always needed to reset the device when that happened.
It seems that Ambrosia must have fixed this problem as it did not happen to me at all and the Bluetooth connection was very reliable.
Anyway, if this happens to you can try using the xDrip app instead which is now available for both iphone and android users.
What Battery Does NightRider BluCon Use?
BluCon uses a standard watch battery CR2032 which you can buy pretty much anywhere. This battery cannot be charged.
When I tested the device for two weeks nonstop, the battery lasted for the whole time. In total it lasted about 2.5 weeks but I would recommend replacing it every time you apply a new sensor because it is difficult to change the battery with the sensor on.
To change the battery you just twist off the cap with a coin. A lot of users complained that the material of this cap is very soft and wears out quite fast. I assume that is why Ambrosia adds a spare cap in the package. I’ve been using this device on and off for about 3 months and the cap still seems to be quite OK.
What Apps Does NightRider
BluCon Use?
The LinkBluCon app has all the functionalities that LibreLink app has, such as history of readings, various reports, like daily patterns, time in range, estimated A1C, low glucose events, etc.
On top of that you can set alarms and notifications for:
- high and low glucose outside of your target;
- when your blood sugar is rising or dropping fast;
- when there have been no readings in the past 20
minutes
If you’re an apple user you can take a quick glance of your glucose without opening the app, because the app uses the typical notification number in the top right of the app to display your latest glucose reading.
The other helpful app you can use for monitoring glucose levels of your loved ones is FollowBluCon.
This app allows caregivers to receive data from BluCon device that the patient is wearing directly to their phone.
The Caregiver can view the LinkBluCon user’s daily graph and readings and they can also modify the target range.
NightRider BluCon Versions and Prices
Non-waterproof NightRider BluCon cost $110 ($10 off with this link).
Waterproof NightRider BluCon cost $145 ($10 off with this link).
Is NightRider BluCon Worth It?
The idea behind this product is great. NightRider BluCon combined with Freestyle Libre is a very cheap CGM option.
The Nightrider worked just fine for me and helped me take my Libre to the next level! Plus I could get readings directly on Apple watch which is the feature I loved the most.
The product also comes with a 12-month warranty.
What I personally didn’t like so much is that the NightRider BluCon is a
bit too big, it’s not chargeable, and there is just a bit too much hustle
around it.
I would really love if the product was thinner and a bit more user
friendly.
When you use the NightRider you can definitely further improve your diabetes management and catch sudden spikes and drops earlier which is great.
It is up to you if you choose to lose a little bit of the “elegance” that the sleek Libre sensors have.
Here is a video from my YouTube channel where I discuss the NightRider Blucon for FreeStyle Libre in detail. Enjoy watching!
Full disclosure: I am not paid for writing this blog, but I received the waterproof transmitter from Ambrosia in exchange for an honest review. Certain links on this page are discount links and/or affiliate links. When you use affiliate links for your
purchase I will receive a small provision from the seller.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and everything here is my opinion in my own words. On this page, I am sharing my diabetes journey with you and do not provide medical advice.