Model A Speedometer

[acline444]

Hello:

I am just starting a daily rowing routine and I have an old Model A with the speedometer. I did order a PM3 and can't wait to get that set up. I am hoping my Samsung Galaxy S3 will work with it.

While I am waiting for the new monitor, I am wondering how the speedometer works and if mine is broken. I had called Concept2 and was told that the speedometer is in miles. So I rowed for 20 minutes today and according to the speedometer, I did 8.4 miles which is 13,518.5 meters. I know I am not that good yet!!! So, if anyone has any input into how the speedometer works, what the units are etc, I would greatly appreciate it. I will assume that the retro-fit does not use any of the old parts, so once I get rid of my Sturmey Archer Speedometer, it will be like having a brand new rower, not quite...

[c2jonw]

13K in 20 minutes would be a blistering pace! It's not the case though. On most of the Model A speedometers a mile on it's odometer was roughly equivalent to 500 meters, so your 20 minute workout was more like 4200 meters or a 2:23 /500 pace. Note that the A odometer basically just counts flywheel revolutions so it is prone to inaccuracies due to changes in "local conditions"- such as air temperature, humidity, wind, proximity to walls, etc. These variables are all taken into account by our PM1-PM4 electronic monitors, resulting in a very high degree of accuracy, repeatability and comparability between machines. C2JonW

[acline444]

I just got my PM3 and Android kit for my model A. It looks pretty cool having the old and the new. When this model A was built, there were no GPS, No Wifi, no Cell phones, no internet. What did we do. I set up my Samsung Galaxy S3 with the Erg app and logged my rowing pieces right to the on line log. Way Cool.
One comment about mounting the magnet and sensor: Make sure you pay attention and do not overtighten the magnet. It is very easy to warp it. Also, the sensor is very delicate and easy to break off the hub that goes on the axel. Superglue is an easy fix. It would be nice if the sensor hub was a bit tougher material.

Everything works great once I got it set up. Model A is not as smooth as the C and D I use in Crossfit, but it works very nice and with the PM3 its like having a new rower.

[Brent]

Any chance that you still have the model a speedo and drive unit? I just bought a model a and am not ready to spend $200 for the PM5...
Thanks,
Brent

[c2jonw]

Hi Brent,

Sorry but all of the Model A speedometer components went out of production many years ago....C2JonW