Concept2 Forum

So, This is my friends account, but he said I could use it, so I wouldn't have to register, as I'm not a rower. My friend has brain damage, and isn't able to spend hours researching stuff for only a few questions. He responds to things better visually, so I told him I would do my best to figure out how to set things up how he wants them. Sorry that this post might turn into a long one, but I'm trying to help him out, and include as much info as I can, so I can get it done right for him. So, if I'm able to get some answers here, as to where I should look to get this all set up for him, I'd at least have some places to start more in depth researching, if nobody has actual answers. Any/All help would be greatly appreciated!

Friend just ordered a new Model D, with PM5. and gets delivered in a couple days. His phone is a Nexus 6P, (USB-C connection) if that matters for anything.

I don't really know anything about the rowing world..and he knows very little, except he enjoys doing it. So please be a little patient with me, as I attempt to explain how he wants to set things up.

First question. He wants me to make him an exercise room based around his new rowing machine. He want's a TV in it, and to be able to get an image that shows how he is rowing. (doesn't have to be exact rowing form, just like the speed of the boat, compared to another boat) Is it possible to get an image onto a TV, using software/hardware? He told me he read that it could be done, just didn't remember where, or how. He doesn't really have use for another desktop/laptop, so ideally this should be done through the rower itself using a cable? (I don't know anything about this rower, except it's supposed to be the best) If that isn't possible, the next best thing would be through his phone, or an android based tablet. (he doesn't own a tablet, but is ready to buy an android based one) If an actual computer is Absolutely necessary, he is willing to get a dedicated laptop for the room.

2nd question, that goes along with the first. He wants to be able to see his boat's image, vs a computer based image of another boat, like in a simulated race.. or if possible, a race against himself, using whatever personal best workout he has done. An actual, highly scenic based thing, like rowing down different rivers would be awesome..but he said he would be ok with just basic side by side generic looking boats.

3rd question. I am guessing there are tons of software programs that can monitor everything imaginable related to rowing, and then some. I don't know anything about any of those stats, or what is helpful, etc, and neither does he. He is only using this for basic exercise though, to improve quality of life. Hooking this stuff up, it's OK to be complicated, as I'll be doing that for him. However, once it is set up, it needs to be pretty simple to operate/use. After talking with him about his goals, All he is really looking for, is a Simple/Reliable way to collect data on -- Time spent rowing, Distance rowed, and Calories. Then be able to break down totals based on weekly, monthly, and yearly (MUST be able to track at least up to 1 year) into some type of image based chart. Line chart/pie chart, anything that is a visual representation, as that's the easiest by far for him to understand due to his brain damage.

Last question. He currently just uses the Google Fit app, to track his normal daily stuff so he able to show dr.s his activity levels. I'm not familiar with it at all. But was wondering if there was a way to incorporate his concept 2 rowing into it? If there isn't, are there any activity trackers/smart watch type of thing (no iphone stuff) wearable type of thing, that would be able to track his rowing, along with his walking, normal daily activities. He said he isn't sure that Fit works with rowing, I know nothing about it, but he said he is open to switching from Google Fit, to something that is more rowing friendly, if there are any suggestions. For daily activities would need to be able to track Steps/Distance/Time/Calories.. Then with the rowing part, Calories, Distance, and Time. Again, data should be able to be broken down into weeks/months/and at least up to 1 year information storage. Displayed visually (non-number based way)

I really hope I was able to make his wishes known, and understandable. Any/All help would be greatly appreciated by both of us!
Thanks!

I am afraid that the rowing world is not really good in the 'easy to set up and operate' part.

My advice would be to look into RowPro (needs a computer) which has a lot of what you describe.
If you don't care about online rowing against other users, ErgData on a tablet and the Concept2 online logbook for tracking
Total meters and various breakdowns. Also lets you rank workouts against others.

For more advanced stats and visualization, my own site Rowsandall.com, but I am the first to admit that an intuitive user interface is not the strongest part of my site.

Thanks for the suggestions. I just woke up, and took a pretty quick look at RowPro. So far, it seems like it will work..and there is a free trial, so nothing to lose. I'll definitely look into it, as well as the others later today. Thanks for he suggestions.

I'll be the one that initially sets up everything, so complicated initial setup is ok. I'm more concerned with simple to use software After I already set it up for him. Basically, something where he can just open a program, hit start, begin rowing.

For Question (1) you can use a solution like Google Chromecast, Roku or Apple TV to mirror your computer, tablet or Phone display onto your computer. I have used Roku to cast from my phone to the TV it seems as though any of these solutions would allow that. I have not tried casting the ErgData ( the free app that is available with the PM5 ) to my TV yet. You can also go with a cabled solution if you have an apple device. Depending on which one you have there is probably a cable adapter available. I have used the DVI to HDMI one to use my Apple laptop as the player for my home entertainment system.
(2) If you can get 1 to work, you should be good.
For these two, I would prefer an I-pad solution. You can use the I-pad to display your Erg Data or Row Prow information. Its plenty big enough and leaves your TV screen free for other distractions. There are plenty of solutions out there that can easily be adapted to hold a pad in the right location.
(3) I just started using the free software, ergdata along with the online logbook. I am pretty pleased with it. I have heard good things about rowpro but did not see it as worth it for me.
(4) would love to know the answer to this myself.

Just a quick thought - you may or not already know that the PM5 monitor itself has a screen that will show your pace against another virtual boat - ie two boats going from left to right across the screen - you just have to choose the pace of that boat when you set up the workout.

If that would do the job then you could use an app like ErgData on his phone or a table to easily record all the workouts and sync them to his online logbook, and use the tv purely for some entertainment during the workout.

Hope this helps at all - he could at least use that feature until you get a more complete setup.

All the best

Adding to aussieluke's reply, if you select re-row as the workout option, you can row against any of your recent previous workouts and the boats show the difference all the way through the workout.