Question About Uploading Data To Pc.

[[old] Johnny]

I have almost decided to buy a C2 rower. I am wondering if I should buy the EXTERNAL USB LOGCARD READER sold here at the same time. If I understand correctly, this is needed to load data directly from performance monitor to PC unless PC and erg are set up within cable length of each other. Is that right? Does the data go into the PC in a format for loading into on-line log? I suppose it must be possible to manually enter the same data from the PM3 into the PC. Is it practical to periodically remove the PM3 from the erg and move it to the PC to upload the data without the logcard reader, or is the PM3 fairly permanently connected to the rest of the erg?<br /><br />Sorry for the rambling question. It's just hard to understand enough without actually having the erg. I suppose the thing to do is just buy the rower without the logcard reader, and see if I want to order the logcard reader separately afterward, but I appreciate any more info or comments on this.<br />Thanks.

[[old] Citroen]

<!--QuoteBegin-Johnny+Jan 15 2006, 03:12 PM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(Johnny @ Jan 15 2006, 03:12 PM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I have almost decided to buy a C2 rower.  I am wondering if I should buy the EXTERNAL USB LOGCARD READER sold here at the same time.  If I understand correctly, this is needed to load data directly from performance monitor to PC unless PC and erg are set up within cable length of each other.  Is that right?  Does the data go into the PC in a format for loading into on-line log?  I suppose it must be possible to manually enter the same data from the PM3 into the PC.  Is it practical to periodically remove the PM3 from the erg and move it to the PC to upload the data without the logcard reader, or is the PM3 fairly permanently connected to the rest of the erg?<br /><br />Sorry for the rambling question.  It's just hard to understand enough without actually having the erg.  I suppose the thing to do is just buy the rower without the logcard reader, and see if I want to order the logcard reader separately afterward, but I appreciate any more info or comments on this.<br />Thanks. <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br />The logcard utility program (using a stand-alone OmniKey reader) <b>cannot</b> be used to upload rowing workout info to the ranking system.<br /><br />What it does do is two things: 1) allows you to extract data as a *.csv (comma seperated variables) file which you can open in MS Excel of Open Office as a spreadsheet. 2) allows you to do some logcard maintenance (but not the full range of functions that you can do on a PM3). <br /><br />I open the spread sheet and use cut'n'paste for the (non-standard) distances but I have to re-type the times in the ranking system. It's a shame the ranking system can't read the data from an *.lcb (logcard backup file) and do an auto update.<br /><br />If you want dynamic uploading you'd need to hook up your PM3 to your PC and use RowPro (which costs $99). There's currently no other way.

[[old] eparizeau]

My 2 cents:<br /><br />RowPro is an excellent product and I cannot image using the C2 without it. It helps with motivation and the online racing/workout features are terrific. It also simplifies record keeping (As noted above, the auto upload to the C2 Electronic log is simple). I highly recommend you consider it if you are making the investment in an erg.<br /><br />See: www.digitalrowing.com<br /><br />(Once the erg comes, you can download the software to your PC and try it free for 10 rows)<br /><br />Best, Ernie