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Do you mean the PM5 or your phone for running out of battery?Michael M. wrote: ↑March 31st, 2025, 3:41 pmI want to row ultra-distances over several days. The 12-hour mode is helpful for that, but I'm worried that the batteries might run out. Is it possible to connect the PM5 USB B-C cable to the iPhone power adapter?
Thanks for yo our advise.
Best regards Michael
Modern C2 ergs have a small generator that runs off the flywheel and delivers enough power to run a PM5. The batteries are not used while rowing. A PM5 with weak or dead batteries will start right up if you take a few strokes -- it's running off the generator. (But don't leave dead batteries in the PM5, they leak).Michael M. wrote: ↑March 31st, 2025, 3:41 pmI want to row ultra-distances over several days. The 12-hour mode is helpful for that, but I'm worried that the batteries might run out. Is it possible to connect the PM5 USB B-C cable to the iPhone power adapter?
Thanks for yo our advise.
Best regards Michael
My PM3 is still on original batteries on well over 10MM and nearly 15 years.
Nice ! Are you on a model D, E or rowerg? if so that's the generator keeping you from using batteries.
Model D, probably will shortly as in the last 4 months they are nolonger showing as 100%.Tsnor wrote: ↑April 4th, 2025, 5:04 pmNice ! Are you on a model D, E or rowerg? if so that's the generator keeping you from using batteries.
(if me, I'd toss those 15 year old batteries and install new ones with a claimed 10 year storage life. And be ready to clean up debris from the old batteries leaking)
Many thanks for your the detailed information and advice …Tsnor wrote: ↑April 3rd, 2025, 9:13 pmModern C2 ergs have a small generator that runs off the flywheel and delivers enough power to run a PM5. The batteries are not used while rowing. A PM5 with weak or dead batteries will start right up if you take a few strokes -- it's running off the generator. (But don't leave dead batteries in the PM5, they leak).Michael M. wrote: ↑March 31st, 2025, 3:41 pmI want to row ultra-distances over several days. The 12-hour mode is helpful for that, but I'm worried that the batteries might run out. Is it possible to connect the PM5 USB B-C cable to the iPhone power adapter?
Thanks for yo our advise.
Best regards Michael
Older C2 ergs do not provide current to run a PM5, so there is a small chance of a PM5 failing with dead batteries while you are rowing. PM5 Battery life on these ergs is really long, about 200 hours use (about 2 million meters rowed). The PM5 also has a display that gives a guess as to remaining battery life.
If you are concerned that the batteries will fail in your 12 hour piece then replace your batteries when they get down to 1/4 battery life. If your erg does power the PM5 while rowing like most C2 ergs then it will be many years before you get to 1/4 battery life. If your erg does not power the PM5 then 1/4 life gives you a big buffer for long rows and inaccurate battery life indication.
For your original question. YES you can use any USB charger to power a PM5 with the USB type-B (printer) cable connection. Very new PM5s dropped USB type B in favor of USB-C. I don't know if a new PM5 with USB-C can be powered via the USB cable. But it's not really needed given PM5 battery life.