Concept2 Forum

I've been using RowPro for about six months now and unplugging the cable from the Pm3 after every row. As a result of all the plugging/unplugging, I've messed up the socket and the cable just sort of hangs there loosely and won't make a connection to the computer anymore. Thankfully, Concept2 is sending me a new Pm3 to swap for the broken one. I'm wondering if I leave the unit hooked up all the time, will I kill the batteries or otherwise wreck the new Pm3? Afew times in the past, I've forgotten to disconnect it, and have noticed the display on the Pm3 still lit up hours after my row. Thanks!

I wondered about the same thing. Somewhere on the C2 website I found a statement that when the PM3 is hooked up to the computer it is powered by the computer. Hopefully that is right. <br><br>My solution to leaving the PC running and the rower hooked up is to hibernate the computer (I seem to remember regular sleep still powering up the pm3), which is a sleep option under XP. This works pretty well. I don't use my rowing computer for anything else, so this works for me.<br><br>I have never used one, but I would guess you get a usb switch, and switch off the port for the pm3 when you aren't using it.

<!--QuoteBegin-stevem+Sep 29 2004, 07:28 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td class='genmed'><span class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></span> (stevem @ Sep 29 2004, 07:28 AM)</td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->As a result of all the plugging/unplugging, I've messed up the socket and the cable just sort of hangs there loosely and won't make a connection to the computer anymore.<!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><br>Perhaps you could use an extension cord and leave that in the PM3 and disconnect the other side. <br><br><!--QuoteBegin-michaelb+Sep 29 2004, 02:26 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td class='genmed'><span class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></span> (michaelb @ Sep 29 2004, 02:26 PM)</td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->My solution to leaving the PC running and the rower hooked up is to hibernate the computer (I seem to remember regular sleep still powering up the pm3), which is a sleep option under XP.<!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><br>Check the manual of your computer to see if the USB-port stays powered while asleep.

Stevem: There were production problems wtih some early PM3's -- the contractor did not solder down the connector well (cold solder joint). If anyone has this problem, they should contact Concept2 to get it replaced under warranty. <br><br>If the PM3 stays powered up, it means it is still getting power from the PC.<br><br><br><br>

Concept2 sent me a new one- it only took a day to get here- I was very surprised. I guess since it's getting powered by the computer it won't be a problem leaving it connected. I did have to downgrade the firmware to version 67 to get it to work with RowPro 1.6. If 1.7 is ever released I'll be able to upgrade back to Ver 82.

I have been wondering if the PM3 switched from batteries to USB power when connected to the PC?<br><br>No one seems to know? I broke my first PM3 by plugging it in and out. Luckily still under warranty so Concept sent me a new one. You can buy USB extenstion leads, so what I plan on doing if these batteries don't last long is leaving one end of the extension plugged in and having the part where it joins nice and handy to be unplugged.<br><br>Bit of a poor design feature like the drag leaver on the model C was.

The computer powers the Pm3 when it's connected. I've left it hooked up continuosly for about a month now, and with daily use, the batteries are still at 100%.

The PM3 is fully powered by USB power if USB power is present, but the 100% reading is because the USB power is there. Remove the USB cable and the battery % will drop to the real battery level.<br><br>