How to downgrade PM5 firmware

[Mahboud]

Since upgrading the PM5 system a few weeks ago, to version 175, my PM5 has required new batteries before each row.

It looks like the PM5 doesn’t go dormant in between workouts. The backlight does go off but the display stays on. I’ve been greeted with a low battery warning each time I arrive before even touching the screen. When I check battery status under utilities I get 0% for the battery level. When I change batteries I see the new batteries at 100%. Then a few days later it’s down to 0!

Something is broken in the new firmware. How do I downgrade?

[Citroen]

Have you tried pressing the [MENU] button four times to switch the PM5 off?
Have you tried disconnecting your printer cable from the bottom of the PM5?

To downgrade firmware you'd need to write to info@concept2.com.

[Carl Watts]

Factory default reset it.

[Mahboud]

Have you tried pressing the [MENU] button four times to switch the PM5 off?

I just did and it did turn off. However, I never had to do this before and my battery usually lasts over six-months.

Have you tried disconnecting your printer cable from the bottom of the PM5?

There's no printer cable that I know of.

[Joebasscat]

Have you tried pressing the [MENU] button four times to switch the PM5 off?

I just did and it did turn off. However, I never had to do this before and my battery usually lasts over six-months.

Have you tried disconnecting your printer cable from the bottom of the PM5?

There's no printer cable that I know of.

Chances are good if you will turn the PM5 off with the four presses after each row, you will get much more than 6 months with each set of batteries.

[Sakly]

Have you tried pressing the [MENU] button four times to switch the PM5 off?

I just did and it did turn off. However, I never had to do this before and my battery usually lasts over six-months.

Have you tried disconnecting your printer cable from the bottom of the PM5?

There's no printer cable that I know of.

Chances are good if you will turn the PM5 off with the four presses after each row, you will get much more than 6 months with each set of batteries.

Right, but after a few mins PM5 should turn off anyway (if no BT connection holds awake). Even if the long timeout for 12h is configured, it should be off the next day, but sounds like it is not.

[Dangerscouse]

I just did and it did turn off. However, I never had to do this before and my battery usually lasts over six-months.

When you say "over six months", do you mean just over? I changed my PM5 batteries at least a year ago, maybe even closer to 18 months, and I noticed the other day that it's still at 84%.

I've rowed circa 3.5 million metres in 12 months, so it's not like I don't use it enough, so six months sounds a bit odd to me. FWIW, I almost always leave the monitor to turn off automatically.

[JaapvanE]

I've rowed circa 3.5 million metres in 12 months, so it's not like I don't use it enough, so six months sounds a bit odd to me. FWIW, I almost always leave the monitor to turn off automatically.

I do about the same distance a year, row nearly every day. It takes me some time to get settled in (I connect EXR via Bluetooth before I can set up the route and training, my HR belt and watch via ANT+), and even then the batteries last me over a year, 18 months to 24 would be closer. But after rowing I will always turn off the PM5 as the BLE connection tends to keep it turned on.

[Sakly]

My erg will be two years old in January, ~4.3mm meters during this time. Display shows full battery symbol, never had the idea to check the details yet.
Switch on PM5, open ergdata on android device, select session from favourites, wait for HR to be displayed and start. Takes approx 2mins. After the session I use long press or 4x press of menu button to switch off.

[Willy.VdW]

I've rowed circa 3.5 million metres in 12 months, so it's not like I don't use it enough, so six months sounds a bit odd to me. FWIW, I almost always leave the monitor to turn off automatically.

Isn't the PM5 powered by the spinning flywheel?
If that is so, then one would think that battery lifetime isn't (much) related to distance rowed.

[JaapvanE]

Isn't the PM5 powered by the spinning flywheel?
If that is so, then one would think that battery lifetime isn't (much) related to distance rowed.

Correct, in essence it's battery use is driven by the time the PM5 is active, but isn't powered by the flywheel (unless the PM5 is retrofitted to a Model C or earlier).

For me, I row 5 times a week, including two group rows on EXR (where I typically wait 15 mins in advance). Normal sessions I usually need 5 to 10 minutes to set up.

[Dangerscouse]

Isn't the PM5 powered by the spinning flywheel?
If that is so, then one would think that battery lifetime isn't (much) related to distance rowed.

True, but what I was trying to demonstrate was that I use it regularly, and I don't turn off the monitor after I've finished and there's no draining of the battery, so there must be another issue to consider.

[Rumpled]

Could it be that the phone the OP uses to connect to the PM5 stays in range after rowing and maintains connection? Hence, keeping the PM5 on.

I would suggest ensuring the PM5 is turned off post row and making sure the phone is disconnected. See if this changes battery life.

[Willy.VdW]

Isn't the PM5 powered by the spinning flywheel?
If that is so, then one would think that battery lifetime isn't (much) related to distance rowed.

True, but what I was trying to demonstrate was that I use it regularly, and I don't turn off the monitor after I've finished and there's no draining of the battery, so there must be another issue to consider.

Ah, I see

[Carl Watts]

If you are using ErgData it can keep the phone on if it stays in range.

Best to just factory default reset the PM5, make sure the PM5 is not connected to the phone by turning off the Bluetooth and check it shuts down in less than a minute unplugged from the rower.