Concept2 Forum

I have a concept model c with a pm2 but it doesn't give the stats that I need for training like the machines in the gym with ps4s, does anyone know the difference between a pm3 and 4? And whether either will work with a model c easily? Thank you, I'd really appreciate your thoughts?

PM3, PM4 & PM5 are all compatible with a model C. It just needs the right configuration.

PM3 is the original 2003 display with the microcontroller and the pixel based LCD display (rather than being hard-wired electronics like the PM2/PM2+). There was a later upgrade with the PM3A.

PM4 was introduced in 2006. It has a faster processor, more memory and the optional rechargable batteries. It also supports both analog and ANT/ANT+ HR monitors. And has wireless racing. Wired racing is easier with a PM4 because it includes the RS485 interface. There is also a PM4A which improved on the original PM4 microcontroller design.

PM5 was introduced a year ago. It has no logcard reader, a faster processor, more memory and backlighting for the LCD display. There's no rechargeable batteries. It supports ANT/ANT+ & BTLE. It has the wireless racing and wired racing.

You may find a PM3 or PM4 on eBay when someone has upgraded their monitor to a PM5.

PM3 and 4 no longer available new from Concept 2. You have to go PM5, and you have to specify Model C or D. It cannot be configured in the field(or so I was told when I ordered one last week).The 3's and 4's can be field configured. As Carl said, may be able to get a used one. But as with all electronics could be a bit of a crap shoot.

The post 2008 model of the PM4 made when they changed the processor from Motorola to Atmel was the best monitor made.

Basically I just have not seen them in for repair. Has everything you need including wireless racing and ANT+ for the likes of a Garmin chest strap and works flawlessly with RowPro. I'm using one five days a week now.

Having said that its just about time to jump to the PM5, hopefully most of the initial problems have been sorted and if they have not already they will be in 6 months time.

I did offer the chance for Concept 2 to send me a free PM5 for testing and a full product evaluation but it never arrived in the mail

Hi, I'm interested in your PM2 if you would like to sell it? Mine has bitten the dust recently and funds are tight at the moment, so I'm looking for a second hand one! Thanks, N.

I retrofitted a PM5 onto my model C and love it.
I use an ANT+ heart rate monitor and collect the data via the ErgData app.
While the firmware continues to be updated occasionally I have found the last 3 versions (~8 months) to be reliable.

Edward4492 wrote:You have to go PM5, and you have to specify Model C or D. It cannot be configured in the field(or so I was told when I ordered one last week).

That info was wrong. The PM5 can be field configured to all models, from Model A to Model E.

AlexMarsden wrote:I retrofitted a PM5 onto my model C and love it.
I use an ANT+ heart rate monitor and collect the data via the ErgData app.
While the firmware continues to be updated occasionally I have found the last 3 versions (~8 months) to be reliable.

Bought myself a PM5 last night, so looking forward to playing around with it! I use a Garmin HRM, so it will be nice to see all that info on the monitor rather than glancing at my watch all the time. Rowing greatness here I come...