PM3 Contrast Setting

[psyrett]

Just got a D rower with the PM3. Hard to read the screen and I have to change the contrast setting each time. Is there a way to save the setting? It is at 103 and I have to darken it to about 35 to have an easy reading screen. I have to go through all the steps each time we use it to reset. Hoped it would save the setting.

[Citroen]

See http://www.c2forum.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=11868

[Carl Watts]

Sounds an odd fault, the PM3 should remember the setting.

The only time it reverts back to the default is when you remove the batteries.

Are you having to enter the lauguage and the clock each time you turn it on ?

What version of Firmware and what is athe datecode of the monitor from the "Product ID" screen ?

[psyrett]

The unit is brand new and was picked up at the factory in Vermont on Tuesday. Date code is 2372011 and rower was boxed on 11/9/11. The date and time seem correct when starting and have not had to re-enter. The display is very dim and the only way to see it is to adjust the contrast darker and then it goes back to the original setting each time you restart.

[Citroen]

The unit is brand new and was picked up at the factory in Vermont on Tuesday. Date code is 2372011 and rower was boxed on 11/9/11.

Call C2 at 800.245.5676

[psyrett]

Called C2 this morning and was informed that if I choose a setting number lower than 45 on the contrast it will not save it. I reset it to 48 and it did save it. Thanks to Josh at C2 for the quick and correct answer!

[Carl Watts]

Called C2 this morning and was informed that if I choose a setting number lower than 45 on the contrast it will not save it. I reset it to 48 and it did save it. Thanks to Josh at C2 for the quick and correct answer!

The typical Contrast setting that is required is about 133.

If you reset your PM3 it should come on with the contrast setting it required in the factory to get a good display, you should not have to change it. The fact that your now having to change it at all indicates a problem and also 45-48 is way too low. The older models of PM3 had displays from a different manufacter and they were very inconsistant and required settings from between 66 and 226. The new displays are much better and 133-136 is usually perfect.

Whats your default setting ?

[psyrett]

Default wast 113 when first turned on. Unable to clearly read display at this setting. I am now running at a setting of 45 inorder to see during exercise.

[btb1490]

I was having the same issue. Thanks for the tip of not setting it lower than 45. My rower is set up in an area with poor lighting, that's why I need the contrast set so dark.

[Carl Watts]

I was having the same issue. Thanks for the tip of not setting it lower than 45. My rower is set up in an area with poor lighting, that's why I need the contrast set so dark.

This is one of the advantages of using RowPro as you have the twin screen that shifts what you have on the PM3 to your computer monitor so not only is it much larger it can be viewed in total darkness, although I have to say I find it hard to row in the dark on the occasion the lights have not been turned on before a long row and it gets dark while your still rowing !

[btb1490]

I was having the same issue. Thanks for the tip of not setting it lower than 45. My rower is set up in an area with poor lighting, that's why I need the contrast set so dark.

This is one of the advantages of using RowPro as you have the twin screen that shifts what you have on the PM3 to your computer monitor so not only is it much larger it can be viewed in total darkness, although I have to say I find it hard to row in the dark on the occasion the lights have not been turned on before a long row and it gets dark while your still rowing !

I've had that happen too! And then when you're done, you hope you don't trip and fall on anything because it's so dark.

[Carl Watts]

When I get some spare time I will have a go at a project to LED backlight the LCD display.

Already have a whole bag of suitable LEDS its just a question of wiring them in to a suitable supply Voltage in the monitor. The LCD itself will have to become a semi-permanant fixture to the front of the case and it's not going to look pretty on the inside. The LED's will have to run all of the time the PM3 is powered up so the battery consumption will also rise. Not really a problem on the newer PM3/PM4 as they use half the run current anyway and if your always connected to USB, then no problem either.

[btb1490]

When I get some spare time I will have a go at a project to LED backlight the LCD display.

Already have a whole bag of suitable LEDS its just a question of wiring them in to a suitable supply Voltage in the monitor. The LCD itself will have to become a semi-permanant fixture to the front of the case and it's not going to look pretty on the inside. The LED's will have to run all of the time the PM3 is powered up so the battery consumption will also rise. Not really a problem on the newer PM3/PM4 as they use half the run current anyway and if your always connected to USB, then no problem either.

Impressive that you'd be able to rig up something like that. You could save yourself a bunch of time and just wear a headlamp, and use the time you saved by rowing more.

[Carl Watts]

Yeah but the lamp will clash with my bandana that I have rolled up for a sweat band!

Will post some pics of the monitor (not the sweaty bandana) if I get it up and running.