Monitor Pickup problems on PM3 retrofit onto model C

[cygnusecks]

I recently got a used model C for Christmas.. and with a PM3. After installing the PM3, I plugged the pickup in, but the PM3 would stay on zero (i.e. the screen worked fine, but would not show the distance or time advancing).

I checked the cord and pickup itself and all looked fine. Then I thought that some times in airplanes my headphones sometimes don't work unless I have them sort of halfway plugged in.

So I gently pulled out the pickup plug A LITTLE BIT and voila, the monitor started showing my progress! But I am concerned the pickup plug is not firmly snapped into the monitor, so it's probably going to jiggle out during my first real rowing session. But if I firmly snap the plug in, the monitor stops showing progress.

Suggestions as to why this is happening, and how to keep the plug in at the right spot? Is there some voltage difference between the model C pickup and the PM3 monitor? Or some plug defect? Is this a known issue? Should I get a replacement PM3?

The model C has manufacture date of 9/27/99. The PM3 is brand new from C2.

[Citroen]

Main menu --> More options --> Utilities --> LCD Contrast.

Once you're on the LCD contrast menu press [change units] three times, then press [change display] three times.

Then a hidden menu appears. Ensure that you've set the PM3 to model B/C on that hidden menu.

If it still doesn't work you'll need to move the circuit board jumper to configure the PM3 hardware for model B/C.

If it still doesn't work then you may need to replace the flywheel sensor.

[cygnusecks]

Main menu --> More options --> Utilities --> LCD Contrast.

Once you're on the LCD contrast menu press [change units] three times, then press [change display] three times.

Then a hidden menu appears. Ensure that you've set the PM3 to model B/C on that hidden menu.

Found the secret menu - it was on "B/C" - so I tried "A" and "D/E" but neither did the trick..

If it still doesn't work you'll need to move the circuit board jumper to configure the PM3 hardware for model B/C.

I took out the 4 housing screws to get at the circuit board. Didn't see any obvious jumpers.. so I took the 2 screws out that held the circuit board/LCD panel and looked under it - nothing obvious there either.

If it still doesn't work then you may need to replace the flywheel sensor.

Yeah, perhaps. I'll guess I'll email C2 and see what they think I should do (try a new PM3 - or replace the flywheel sensor).

It sure is weird that it works when I pull out the plug ever so slightly. Makes me think the physical connector that accepts the plug is somehow defective or made wrong. But then I'd think C2 would know about and document the problem. Thanks for the tips!

[cygnusecks]

Yeah, perhaps. I'll guess I'll email C2 and see what they think I should do (try a new PM3 - or replace the flywheel sensor).

UPDATE: Emailed C2, Shawn suggested a replacement pickup sensor wire, so I ordered one ($11 for the tiny wire -- but $8 shipping, which, someone is getting ripped off, and it's either me or C2 depending on their shipping arrangements). Anyway, the wire worked so I'm happily rowing on the C2 again! But sheesh, $8 to ship a tiny wire...

[nharrigan]

Main menu --> More options --> Utilities --> LCD Contrast.

Once you're on the LCD contrast menu press [change units] three times, then press [change display] three times.

Then a hidden menu appears. Ensure that you've set the PM3 to model B/C on that hidden menu.

If it still doesn't work you'll need to move the circuit board jumper to configure the PM3 hardware for model B/C.

If it still doesn't work then you may need to replace the flywheel sensor.

Thanks Dougie. Not sure why this info is not in the manuals. Last time I had to call C2 to get this answer. And of course 2 years later I couldn't remember how to find the secret menu.

Cheers,

Neil

[Carl Watts]

There is a couple of hidden menus in the PM3 and it's probably a good idea they remain that way unless you really need to know how to change the set-up.

The later versions of the PM3 do not have a jumper and if you have the latest version of the firmware installed on any PM3 it will tell you on the LCD screen with a little picture of it if you need to move it.

Not really sure why so many people have problems with the pickups on a model C. The best test is by using a multimeter on the connector set to Ohms and it should read close to 100 Ohms. Wiggle the wire and pull it and if there is no change in the reading the pickup is fine. It is a whole lot easier to test it than to try and fit a new one when you may not need to. The pickup on the Model C is just a coil of fine wire which is highly unlikley to fail so the problem will invariably be the connector.