PM5 - swapping a Bikeerg model to a Rowerg

[Steveh101]

Hi All, I picked a PM5 up from my local gym that has come off an erg bike, i want to install this on my rower to replace the PM3. Can it be reset so that the screen will be set up for the rower? At the moment it says just ride, needs to be just row and then upload what ever firmware update it needs for rower.

Thanks Guys

Steve

[Tsnor]

Can it be reset so that the screen will be set up for the rower?

Concept2 utility is a free download. From windows you need a normal USB printer cable to connect your PC/laptop to the pm5. If possible use a laptop and make sure the laptop is plugged into wall plug to cover against power interruptions while flashing the bios. Your laptop/PC will need internet while connected to your erg to download the firmware.

Even though the PM5 gets power from the USB cable during this procedure, I'd install new D cell batteries from a major brand that claims 10 year life in the PM5 before flashing. The old batteries from the gym may be getting ready to leak or fail during the update.

https://www.concept2.com/service/softwa ... nitor-type

Converting Monitor Type
This function allows you to change the type of machine the monitor will be used with (SkiErg, Indoor Rower Model A, B, C, D, E or Dynamic).

Launch the Concept2 Utility.
On the main screen, click Maintenance and Settings.
Click Perform Monitor Maintenance.
Select PM3, PM4 or PM5 as appropriate for the monitor you want to maintain. If your monitor is already connected, skip to step 6.
Use a USB cable (standard printer cable) to connect the monitor to your computer.
Click Convert Monitor Type.
Select the machine type you want to convert the monitor to.
Click OK. The Concept2 Utility will begin converting the monitor. The conversion takes several minutes. The utility displays a progress indicator will the conversion is occurring and will notify you when the conversion is complete.

If it doesn't work after update make sure you picked the right rower model then check the troubleshoot info to verify your install on your rower. Good luck. Should work fine.

[Steveh101]

Thanks for the reply! glad to know its is possible!

Thanks

Steve

[Carl Watts]

I would be surprised if you can change a BikeErg PM5 to a rower PM5.

Usually they lock this type of thing in with the serial number of the monitor.

That link describes the change of a SkiErg to a RowErg but not a bike.

[Tsnor]

I would be surprised if you can change a BikeErg PM5 to a rower PM5.

Usually they lock this type of thing in with the serial number of the monitor.

That link describes the change of a SkiErg to a RowErg but not a bike.

People who disagree with Carl are usually wrong.

Instead of following my earlier post, call or email C2 support. They are very good. Ask for the right procedure.

Email: info@concept2.com
Phone Customer Service: Toll-free 800.245.5676 or direct 802.888.7971

[wryly coyote]

When I try to connect my PM5 (firmware 168) to my macbook via usb-a with concept2 utility 7.10.01, utility doesn't see the device connected and the PM5 just crashes.

Any ideas on what's going on and how to fix?

I have tried rebooting my Mac and also have taken the batteries out of the PM5 and put them back in.

[Steveh101]

Thanks for the heads up Carl, I will try anyway just out of curiosity. I will report my outcome next week.

Steve

[smokersteve]

Concept 2 has great customer service. They helped me out a couple times over the phone and most definitely know if it can be done and if so how to do it

[Carl Watts]

Don't take my word for it, its an educated guess. Give C2 a call and post here if its possible or not.

[Steveh101]

Ok, so got my PM5 from BikeErg home, plugged into utility program, changed to Model D and whoosh off it went, all reprogrammed in 10 minutes. Got a reply from Concept 2 support as follows.

Jan 4, 2022, 4:51 AM EST

Hello,

This is correct yes you can set up the monitors to work with any machine.
You can change the machine using the concept2 utility software I will include the instructions for doing so below:
You may need a newer mounting arm and bolts to fit this monitor to your machine. If you are trying and it isn't fitting correctly then the parts you require are these, this will probably not be needed:


Hope this helps someone else!

Thanks for heads up, i can now get back on after 5yrs away from rowing, just need to find a good fat burning program now to shed the old aging belly!

Thanks

Steve

[Tsnor]

Nice. TY !! for posting how you got it working and C2's take on this. Absolutely helps other people and brings closure for anyone wondering what happened.

[Steveh101]

That's what a forum is about, no point just joining, asking and not following up. If people take the time to reply to me, I will and have always reported my results, good or bad! that way we all benefit ten fold!

Steve