For xmas I got a retrofit kit for PM3, for the Model C
1st off... it seems assinine to require a new arm assembly. Why a retrofit kit, specific for the Model C, cannot simply consist of a new monitor (without having to replace the entire arm), is simply... well... assinine!
No simple on/off control... is this too much to ask for those of us who prefer to control the function of our electronic devices?
The manual: Looks like a book at first glance... but turns out to be a slim 2 or 3 pages of very basic info, repeated (ad nauseum) for an additional 40 or so pages, in 100 different languages.
There is very little info about the functions/features of the provided memory card; additionally, there is no information provided about the software CD included (maybe there is more info on the disk itself, but I sure would like to know what I am installing BEFORE I install it).
It seems the monitor itself has a lot of WASTED functionality. I mean seriously... There is little information provided about the pre-programmed workouts. If you have not used such workout routines before... What do these things mean? However, there is plenty of permanent memory allocated within the PM3 to display several pages of information on the LCD screen, with moving diagrams... of how to row!
The assembly does not appear to fit correctly onto the Model C... or at least, it does not fit well... and there are design issues (the stop, on the swing arm for instance). I tried installing the hardware in every conceivable way, and there is just no way that it has nice fit/finish.
So far, this monitor seems to be a big step BACKWARD from the PM2... I'm going to try it for a workout and see what I think... but so far it is a major disappointment.
PM3 retrofit - 1st impressions
You should be, as I am, delighted that C2 does their best to upgrade functionality on older products, even Bs. A lot of companies cease all support on an existing model as soon as the new one hits the streets. And at a reasonable price at that. You can even have a Silencer Kit for your C that makes it almost as good as a D, just call C2.
Now:
On it has, just press the button and voila menus!! Off is shortly after you stop rowing when you aren't paging and reading results.
Try to install the PM3 with the PM2 arm, it will not. In my opinion fit is no better or worse than the PM2.
So you need a paper manual when all the info is stored IN the PM3?
Why do I need special program install instructions in WinXP?
Why ask "What these things mean? When you can try the unit out and find out? Are you the same guy that instead of RTFM or Try, post questions in a forum because you don't like to dig info out yourself? Read lazy!!
Now:
On it has, just press the button and voila menus!! Off is shortly after you stop rowing when you aren't paging and reading results.
Try to install the PM3 with the PM2 arm, it will not. In my opinion fit is no better or worse than the PM2.
So you need a paper manual when all the info is stored IN the PM3?
Why do I need special program install instructions in WinXP?
Why ask "What these things mean? When you can try the unit out and find out? Are you the same guy that instead of RTFM or Try, post questions in a forum because you don't like to dig info out yourself? Read lazy!!
Bob in Munich
85yrs, 85 kilos or 187 pounds, 185 cm or
6ft I Row and I ride my HP Velotechnik Scorpion FS20 E-Trike.
85yrs, 85 kilos or 187 pounds, 185 cm or
6ft I Row and I ride my HP Velotechnik Scorpion FS20 E-Trike.
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johnlvs2run
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Re: PM3 retrofit - 1st impressions
I don't know anything about the retrofit, but sold a model C then got the D and am very happy with it. I was skeptical of the pm3 and it does have some flaws where the pm2+ is much better, for example resolution and sluggish display. However, overall I am very pleased with the pm3, in particular the force curve. You can turn the monitor off by pressing on/off 4 times in a row, being sure to pause in between as otherwise it might go off and back on.
I agree the manual and also display are not all that detailed, though I've been able to figure out most of the things.
One thing I've not figured out is if the log card allows more splits or repetitions to be saved in the favorites, as the monitor goes up to only 30 of them total, i.e. 6 repetitions per favorite.
Whether or not you get used to the monitor, what you might consider is to sell the model C and get a new model D. The resale value is pretty good usually, and this way you wouldn't need to bother with retrofits.
I agree the manual and also display are not all that detailed, though I've been able to figure out most of the things.
One thing I've not figured out is if the log card allows more splits or repetitions to be saved in the favorites, as the monitor goes up to only 30 of them total, i.e. 6 repetitions per favorite.
Whether or not you get used to the monitor, what you might consider is to sell the model C and get a new model D. The resale value is pretty good usually, and this way you wouldn't need to bother with retrofits.
Re: PM3 retrofit - 1st impressions
"On" is accomplished by hitting any button.alambrose wrote:For xmas I got a retrofit kit for PM3, for the Model C
No simple on/off control... is this too much to ask for those of us who prefer to control the function of our electronic devices?
"Off" can be manually done if you have the latest firmware - hit the menu button until you reach the main menu... then hit the menu button again 4 times (or is it 3?) and it will turn off.
Also, it will turn off in 1 minute if left at the main menu and no other activity occurs. (if the PM3 isn't connected via USB to a computer - ie, a power source)
Aside from BobD, your comments are appreciated... As stated BobD, my post was about "1st impressions", so why don't you GFYS!
I did a workout, and don't particularly care for the PM3... Also, I couldn't find a way to display the drag factor during my workout, which is easy to do on the PM2...
The battery pack on the PM3 is a monstrosity as well... and as mentioned by another, the PM3 display is sluggish.
I ended up mounting the new arm upside down, which eliminated the issue with the stop. The monitor end of the new arm seems a bit too wide for the monitor (and no, it is not reversed because it wouldn't fit at all the other way); it is just a poor fit. The bolts (both) seem to be about a 1/4 inch too short... One of the nuts provided has a nylon lock at the end of the threads, but the bolt is too short to reach nylon... again another design flaw, probably caused by using "off the shelf" hardware, instead of hardware designed specifically for the retrofit.
I'm just going to re-package it, and send it back for a refund... I am much happier with the PM2
I did a workout, and don't particularly care for the PM3... Also, I couldn't find a way to display the drag factor during my workout, which is easy to do on the PM2...
The battery pack on the PM3 is a monstrosity as well... and as mentioned by another, the PM3 display is sluggish.
I ended up mounting the new arm upside down, which eliminated the issue with the stop. The monitor end of the new arm seems a bit too wide for the monitor (and no, it is not reversed because it wouldn't fit at all the other way); it is just a poor fit. The bolts (both) seem to be about a 1/4 inch too short... One of the nuts provided has a nylon lock at the end of the threads, but the bolt is too short to reach nylon... again another design flaw, probably caused by using "off the shelf" hardware, instead of hardware designed specifically for the retrofit.
I'm just going to re-package it, and send it back for a refund... I am much happier with the PM2
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johnlvs2run
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I also like the drag factor displayed while rowing. What I did on the pm3 was to check the drag factors for every setting and make a list of them, so now I just go by the damper and the drag factor is a rough estimate based on the list. I didn't know the pm3 had a battery pack though.
That's a great idea to turn the monitor arm upside down. I was thinking of cutting the stop off but haven't done anything with it yet. I'm surprised the retrofit doesn't fit though, as usually the c2 parts fit well. Maybe give the pm3 force curve a try before sending it back, just so you'll know how it works.
That's a great idea to turn the monitor arm upside down. I was thinking of cutting the stop off but haven't done anything with it yet. I'm surprised the retrofit doesn't fit though, as usually the c2 parts fit well. Maybe give the pm3 force curve a try before sending it back, just so you'll know how it works.
It doesn't come with a separate battery pack... I was referring to the hump on the back of the thing that houses two D cells... The PM2 in my model C only uses AA cells... which I haven't had to replace yet.
I haven't tried the force curve... I'll have to give that a shot...
As for the drag... I find that I get different readings even at the same damper setting for a variety of reasons:
-the damper was changed, and then moved back to its original location, resulting in a slightly different drag.
-stroke rate & effort appear to have some effect
-buildup of dust and such over time
-and also, I have a floor fan blowing on me during hard workouts, and I place it at the head of the erg, next to the flywheel. This creates a markedly different air current around the damper, with a noticeable effect on the drag.
At a damper setting of 2, my drag can be anywhere from around 101 to 108, depending on the aforementioned factors
I haven't tried the force curve... I'll have to give that a shot...
As for the drag... I find that I get different readings even at the same damper setting for a variety of reasons:
-the damper was changed, and then moved back to its original location, resulting in a slightly different drag.
-stroke rate & effort appear to have some effect
-buildup of dust and such over time
-and also, I have a floor fan blowing on me during hard workouts, and I place it at the head of the erg, next to the flywheel. This creates a markedly different air current around the damper, with a noticeable effect on the drag.
At a damper setting of 2, my drag can be anywhere from around 101 to 108, depending on the aforementioned factors
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Citroen
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Re: PM3 retrofit - 1st impressions
Yes there is. With V97 firmware the [MENU/BACK] button will power down the PM3 when pressed four times in succession.alambrose wrote: No simple on/off control... is this too much to ask for those of us who prefer to control the function of our electronic devices?
Otherwise it will power down automatically after 1 minute or 4 minutes depending what function (if any) was last used from the menu.
In terms of functionality the PM3 is streets ahead of the PM2.
- Intervals are easier to program
- You can store 10 personalised workouts (5 in the custom list, 5 in the favourites on the logcard)
- Logcard
- Online racing with RowPro http://www.digitalrowing.com
- Force curve
- Pace boat
- Rerowing facility - which will automatically set the pace boat
- Five different standard displays
- Variable intervals, try rowing 250, 1':30"r, 500, 3':00"r, 750, 4':30"r, 1K, 6':00"r, 750, 4':30"r, 500, 3':00"r, 250, stop on a PM2