Concept2 Forum

I have just changed to a new gym and I have got a problem with the two Concept2 rowing machines.

They are two model E's, both using PM 4 monitors.

I first noticed that the drag resistance felt really low. There wasn't much resistance at all in both machines, even on the number 10 damper setting. I raised this issue with the staff. But of course they had no idea what I was talking about. They just don't know how the machine works.

Since I'm not used to running maintenance on these machines I tried to read up a bit on this forum and i found out I could check the Drag Factor. So I did a drag factor test today and these are the results:

Machine 1
1 : 295
5 : 298
10 : 300

Machine 2
1: 47
5: 51
10: 57

These readings doesn't make any sense to me, I mean both machines are standing right next to each other. They look to be the same age and they seem to be very clean inside the fan as well.

Does anyone have an idea what would cause such weird readings?

Does moving the lever close and open the side vent?

Does moving the lever give the feel of more and less drag?

If the above statements are true then check the charged state of the batteries. The manual is here:

http://www.concept2.com/us/service/moni ... anuals.asp

The PM4 is self charging and if they rower is not getting used perhaps the batteries are low. The manual suggests using regular batteries in some circumstances.

anders.g wrote:I did a drag factor test today and these are the results:

Machine 1
1 : 295
5 : 298
10 : 300

Machine 2
1: 47
5: 51
10: 57

These readings doesn't make any sense to me, I mean both machines are standing right next to each other. They look to be the same age and they seem to be very clean inside the fan as well.

Does anyone have an idea what would cause such weird readings?

When the reading gets down to 45, then it starts over at 300. The same when it gets to 300, then starts over at 45. Basically a reading of 45 and 300 are the same. A reading of 295 with light resistance would be a actual drag factor of 40.

It sounds to me that both machines need to be cleaned.

Have you checked that the monitors are configured for the right model.

Main menu --> More options --> Utilities --> LCD Contrast
Once you're on that menu press [CHANGE UNITS] three times then press [CHANGE DISPLAY] three times.

That brings up the hidden menu where you can configure the monitor for the model of rower that it's mounted on. Check it's set for MODEL D/E.

Upgrade the firmware on both monitors using a laptop with the supplied USB lead by running the C2 Utility.

If you still get the weird numbers then call C2 for support.

The vent opens and closes fine and it does give more drag opening it up all the way. However the change in drag is still very low as my drag factor test confirms.

I will go back and show them them how to perform the drag factor test themselves and see if i can convince them to clean it out and do some maintenance. I'll also double check that the monitor model is correctly configured.

I think my biggest problem will be convincing the staff that they really need to do something. Since I live in Spain I'm mostly considered to be an annoying tourist

Thanks guys!