Model C with PM2 Issue

jeffk14 · Post by **jeffk14** » April 25th, 2015, 1:57 pm

I have a model C rower in excellent condition but the PM2 monitor has developed a condition that I can't find an answer to in searching the forums.

It powers up with the on/off button, but does not power up when rowing is commenced. Also, it is completely unresponsive to self test, mode selection, 4 finger reset or any other inputs from the keypad, other than it can be turned on and off with the on/off button. There are no error codes and all readouts are frozen on "zero". I love this rower but I don't want to spend a lot of money upgrading the monitor. I don't need the features offered by the newer monitors. I see on the parts list for the Model C that a PM4 upgrade kit is $280. That is much more money than I want to put into this older machine. Looking for alternatives. Thanks.

Citroen · Post by **Citroen** » April 25th, 2015, 4:05 pm

Throw it in the recycling and pay up for a PM5. The PM4 isn't made any more.

There's very little value in repairing a twenty year old piece of broken electronics. The thing that kills them is blown caps and corrosion due to leaking batteries. If the PCB isn't intact then it's irreparable.

Hollywood_Kuma · Post by **Hollywood_Kuma** » April 25th, 2015, 4:13 pm

PM5 retrofit kit is $180. The PM4 retrofit is cheaper at $150 (not $280), but it would be a false economy to buy the cheaper legacy monitor. It would be a worthwhile upgrade even if your PM2 wasn't broken.

The handle retrofit at $15 is also worthwhile.

As others have said, there's no point wasting time trying to fix a PM2.

AndyGadget · Post by **AndyGadget** » April 25th, 2015, 6:26 pm

That is much more money than I want to put into this older machine.

Go on, buy a PM5. Bigger and brighter!
If your model C is in excellent condition as you say, then it's going to be a lot cheaper than shelling out for a new ergo.
I recently bought a PM5 for my old model B - it wouldn't win any prizes for looking good but mechanically sound.

jeffk14 · Post by **jeffk14** » April 27th, 2015, 8:19 pm

Thanks for the replies and yes, I definitely intend to get the upgraded handle.

Carl Watts · Post by **Carl Watts** » April 30th, 2015, 8:18 pm

There is a chance there is a problem with the pickup sensor as well.

Also these machines are getting so old I had a model C I repaired the monitor on but it still didn't work properly. Its turned on with the button and even turned on when you rowed but didn't register your rowing. Turned out that two of the three magnets in the flywheel had corroded and lost their magnetism. Discovered that they turned to dust when I hit them with a punch and drilled out the flywheel to 3.1mm holes and replaced all of them with neodymium 3x3mm magnets held in with permanent loctite, problem solved.

Chances are there is corrosion in the PM2 battery area and it takes out the 3Vdc supply to the pickup Op-Amp so even with it powered up if you row it still doesn't register your rowing.

Measure the pickup with a multimeter it should be about 105 Ohms, wiggle the cable at the plug while testing it to check for breaks.

The magnets can be checked with the cover off, use a paperclip and check the three locations the silver magnets are embedded in the flywheel near the centre bearings.

Magnets and pickup okay then its the PM2 itself.

Edward4492 · Post by **Edward4492** » May 5th, 2015, 11:28 pm

I'm working on an old "C" model in a crossfit box. The machine pulls smooth as glass, has a goofy monitor I've never seen before (S# 400029 on the monitor), not a PM2,seems to work okay. We have a good spare PM3 we want to use, but it won't register when I pull the handle. It works fine on a "D" model. I'm assuming there's a compatibility issue with the pick up? I have a new pick up ordered for it. Most of the parts are very inexpensive for the C2 machines. I just started a side business cleaning and servicing ergs in the local crossfit boxes. Unreal response, haven't had a "no thank you" yet!

Any insight on this odd-ball monitor would be appreciated, I'll post a photo next time I'm out there.

Citroen · Post by **Citroen** » May 6th, 2015, 4:01 am

Pick a photo from here: http://www.concept2.com/service/monitors
It's probably a PM1.

Carl Watts · Post by **Carl Watts** » May 6th, 2015, 4:02 am

Edward4492 wrote:I'm working on an old "C" model in a crossfit box. The machine pulls smooth as glass, has a goofy monitor I've never seen before (S# 400029 on the monitor), not a PM2,seems to work okay. We have a good spare PM3 we want to use, but it won't register when I pull the handle. It works fine on a "D" model. I'm assuming there's a compatibility issue with the pick up? I have a new pick up ordered for it. Most of the parts are very inexpensive for the C2 machines. I just started a side business cleaning and servicing ergs in the local crossfit boxes. Unreal response, haven't had a "no thank you" yet!

Any insight on this odd-ball monitor would be appreciated, I'll post a photo next time I'm out there.

You need to configure the PM3 in the software to use it on a Model C.

Its a hidden menu.

Go to the LCD Contrast setting and then hit the Change units 3 times and then the Change display 3 times and it will allow you to select the model.

You may have to also physically shift a jumper inside the PM3 on some models, but that will show on the screen if you need to do that as well.

Bob S. · Post by **Bob S.** » May 6th, 2015, 11:17 am

Citroen wrote:Pick a photo from here: http://www.concept2.com/service/monitors
It's probably a PM1.

I thought that the PM1 (actually labelled with just PM) was only used on the Bs. Did some of the early C's have it?

B.

c2jonw · Post by **c2jonw** » May 6th, 2015, 12:19 pm

http://www.concept2.com/service/monitors/pm1

C2JonW

Edward4492 · Post by **Edward4492** » May 6th, 2015, 9:25 pm

Thanks to all of you guys for the quick responses.....you've been a HUGE help! It's definitely a PM1 that's on there. Like I said, we're gonna put a PM3 on there (we have a couple of spare ones). If I use p/n 1748 (new pick up) will it snyc up with the PM3? Or should I leave the existing p/u on and attempt to re-configure the programming?

PS-Nice meeting you at CRASH B's Jon.

c2jonw · Post by **c2jonw** » May 7th, 2015, 7:51 am

Nice meeting you, too Ed. Sounds like the pickup on the C is ok, so all you need to do is configure the PM3 for a model B/C per Carl's instructions. C2JonW

Edward4492 · Post by **Edward4492** » May 7th, 2015, 11:08 am

Will do! Thanks again for all of your help. As a side note, the tech people at C2 have been very helpful also.

Edward4492 · Post by **Edward4492** » May 9th, 2015, 10:49 pm

Big thanks to C2 Jon and Carl, got my "project C" working perfect! Paired the PM3 as per Carl's instructions, replaced a broken damper, new modern handle, added the cam-lock retrofit in place of the big "pin" to secure the mono-rail. All good; box-owner is thrilled!

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