Motorola Motoactv :: Elliptical Step Count Is Inconsistent

I am currently using a variable stride elliptical trainer Precor 100i.When using device with watchband, the step count always shows zero.When using the device with armband, the step count is very inconsistent depending on the orientation on the arm (i.e. 40 50 % Difference Between workouts).When using the device with the hip clip the device is consistent within 5% which is good enough.In regards to the watchband. The directions say to not place your hands on the stationary part of the Elliptical.That make sense and since my hands are on the moving parts of the Elliptical I would assume that the multi-axis accelerometer would not have an issue keeping the step count.

I would also assume that the multi-axis accelerometer would not have an issue keeping the step count regardless of orientation on the arm (i.e. Up, Down, Side)I want to use the watchband so that I can get periodic updates on my workout intensity.