Long Workouts - Reliable Data Capture

[Michael M.]

I want to row ultra-distances over several days. The 12-hour mode is helpful for that, but I'm worried that the batteries might run out. Is it possible to connect the PM5 USB B-C cable to the iPhone power adapter?
Thanks for yo our advise.
Best regards Michael

[Dangerscouse]

I want to row ultra-distances over several days. The 12-hour mode is helpful for that, but I'm worried that the batteries might run out. Is it possible to connect the PM5 USB B-C cable to the iPhone power adapter?
Thanks for yo our advise.
Best regards Michael

Do you mean the PM5 or your phone for running out of battery?

[Citroen]

The PM5 will stay alive forever if powered by USB.
If it's on batteries you get ten minutes unless you press a button (which resets the timer).
So those five small grey buttons can be pressed - they won't terminate your workout and the monitor will stay alive.

[Tsnor]

I want to row ultra-distances over several days. The 12-hour mode is helpful for that, but I'm worried that the batteries might run out. Is it possible to connect the PM5 USB B-C cable to the iPhone power adapter?
Thanks for yo our advise.
Best regards Michael

Modern C2 ergs have a small generator that runs off the flywheel and delivers enough power to run a PM5. The batteries are not used while rowing. A PM5 with weak or dead batteries will start right up if you take a few strokes -- it's running off the generator. (But don't leave dead batteries in the PM5, they leak).

Older C2 ergs do not provide current to run a PM5, so there is a small chance of a PM5 failing with dead batteries while you are rowing. PM5 Battery life on these ergs is really long, about 200 hours use (about 2 million meters rowed). The PM5 also has a display that gives a guess as to remaining battery life.

If you are concerned that the batteries will fail in your 12 hour piece then replace your batteries when they get down to 1/4 battery life. If your erg does power the PM5 while rowing like most C2 ergs then it will be many years before you get to 1/4 battery life. If your erg does not power the PM5 then 1/4 life gives you a big buffer for long rows and inaccurate battery life indication.

For your original question. YES you can use any USB charger to power a PM5 with the USB type-B (printer) cable connection. Very new PM5s dropped USB type B in favor of USB-C. I don't know if a new PM5 with USB-C can be powered via the USB cable. But it's not really needed given PM5 battery life.

[Sakly]

Regarding battery life: my erg is from Jan '22 and has over 7mm on it. PM5 still shows a full battery symbol.

[iain]

Older C2 ergs do not provide current to run a PM5, so there is a small chance of a PM5 failing with dead batteries while you are rowing. PM5 Battery life on these ergs is really long, about 200 hours use (about 2 million meters rowed).

My PM3 is still on original batteries on well over 10MM and nearly 15 years.

[Tsnor]

Older C2 ergs do not provide current to run a PM5, so there is a small chance of a PM5 failing with dead batteries while you are rowing. PM5 Battery life on these ergs is really long, about 200 hours use (about 2 million meters rowed).

My PM3 is still on original batteries on well over 10MM and nearly 15 years.

Nice ! Are you on a model D, E or rowerg? if so that's the generator keeping you from using batteries.

(if me, I'd toss those 15 year old batteries and install new ones with a claimed 10 year storage life. And be ready to clean up debris from the old batteries leaking)

C2 claims about 350 hours (3.5 million meters?) for a pm3 in a model A, B or C here https://www.concept2.com/support/monito ... leshooting

[iain]

Nice ! Are you on a model D, E or rowerg? if so that's the generator keeping you from using batteries.

(if me, I'd toss those 15 year old batteries and install new ones with a claimed 10 year storage life. And be ready to clean up debris from the old batteries leaking)

Model D, probably will shortly as in the last 4 months they are nolonger showing as 100%.

[Michael M.]

I want to row ultra-distances over several days. The 12-hour mode is helpful for that, but I'm worried that the batteries might run out. Is it possible to connect the PM5 USB B-C cable to the iPhone power adapter?
Thanks for yo our advise.
Best regards Michael

Modern C2 ergs have a small generator that runs off the flywheel and delivers enough power to run a PM5. The batteries are not used while rowing. A PM5 with weak or dead batteries will start right up if you take a few strokes -- it's running off the generator. (But don't leave dead batteries in the PM5, they leak).

Older C2 ergs do not provide current to run a PM5, so there is a small chance of a PM5 failing with dead batteries while you are rowing. PM5 Battery life on these ergs is really long, about 200 hours use (about 2 million meters rowed). The PM5 also has a display that gives a guess as to remaining battery life.

If you are concerned that the batteries will fail in your 12 hour piece then replace your batteries when they get down to 1/4 battery life. If your erg does power the PM5 while rowing like most C2 ergs then it will be many years before you get to 1/4 battery life. If your erg does not power the PM5 then 1/4 life gives you a big buffer for long rows and inaccurate battery life indication.

For your original question. YES you can use any USB charger to power a PM5 with the USB type-B (printer) cable connection. Very new PM5s dropped USB type B in favor of USB-C. I don't know if a new PM5 with USB-C can be powered via the USB cable. But it's not really needed given PM5 battery life.

Many thanks for your the detailed information and advice …