Concept2 Forum

Hi!

I am sure this has been answered before, but I cannot find the right entries.

As a group we are forced to row at home due to "Corona". Is there a way, to connect our Ergs using the internet? We would like to share our realtime data as if we were sitting next to each other.

We all use either Andriod or iOS devices, connectd via blue totth to the erg. It would also be possible to connect the ergs via USB or network to a PC, incas there would bei a tunneling solution...

Thanks,

I think most methods need your performance monitor wired to a laptop.

https://www.concept2.com/service/software/ergrace
https://www.digitalrowing.com/

There's nothing like those for mobile phones (yet).

I would like to find a way for my teammates and I to work out together from separate basements too. The manual says that the PM eth port will not work via a router which is a shame. Why and can it be circumvented?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Thl ... a3770/edit#

joejones wrote: ↑

November 1st, 2020, 9:57 am

I would like to find a way for my teammates and I to work out together from separate basements too. The manual says that the PM eth port will not work via a router which is a shame. Why and can it be circumvented?

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Thl ... a3770/edit#

Your answer is in the manual:

RS485 is a ‘serial’ data connection method used between PM4 and PM5 monitors for racing.
There is no ‘standard’ connector for RS485, so Concept2 chose to use RJ45/Ethernet patch
cables as they are easily obtained from many sources.

I.e. it's not ethernet, just using the cable format.

Have you looked at ergworld.com ? this might be what you are looking for although haven't tried it myself.
We were hoping for rowing in Zwift but this has been delayed again. I do however use it, so you could create meetups and row together this way. see link in my signature, but ergworld.com looks your best bet at the moment.

I see. Here's another thought. Using primary and secondary monitors, up to 4 primary monitors can be use together (pg 10). Could 4 computers join the same VPN and host a 4 person race with 4 computers via the web?

I'll check out Ergworld. I have not heard of that one. Thanks, J

joejones wrote: ↑

November 1st, 2020, 11:12 am

I see. Here's another thought. Using primary and secondary monitors, up to 4 primary monitors can be use together (pg 10). Could 4 computers join the same VPN and host a 4 person race with 4 computers via the web?

I'll check out Ergworld. I have not heard of that one. Thanks, J

All primary monitors are connected to a single windows PC by USB. As far as I know ergrace is not capable of running on multiple computers all talking to each other as designed as a venue tool. Only remote access is for view only.
As previously posted time-team.nl do virtual race software but it's only run by themselves for events. I don't think they sell it.

I have only seen ergworld.com on their Facebook site and rowers using it on YouTube so if you get it working would be interested to hear your experience with it.

Dino wrote: ↑

November 1st, 2020, 10:59 am

RS485 is a ‘serial’ data connection method used between PM4 and PM5 monitors for racing.
There is no ‘standard’ connector for RS485, so Concept2 chose to use RJ45/Ethernet patch
cables as they are easily obtained from many sources.

I.e. it's not ethernet, just using the cable format.

If you connect that to a router you're risking either a) blowing up your PM5 or b) blowing up your router.

joejones wrote: ↑

November 1st, 2020, 11:12 am

I see. Here's another thought. Using primary and secondary monitors, up to 4 primary monitors can be use together (pg 10). Could 4 computers join the same VPN and host a 4 person race with 4 computers via the web?

I'll check out Ergworld. I have not heard of that one. Thanks, J

You can't do USB over VPN. It's not fast enough.

Get a copy of RowPro each and create/join an online RowPro race.
I don't think Concept2 have published how https://www.concept2.com/service/software/ergrace would work over a wide-area network. The have details for ergrace on a local area network.

I agree that Row Pro by digital rowing is the solution you are looking for. I have been rowing with others over the internet on RowPro for several years. Application requires a computer and it does the job. It is less than perfect but I can usually find others to join my sessions.