PM5 is here ...

[harrinp1]

I got the following replies from Concept2 in the UK which others may find useful:

A PM5 unit is able to connect to an iphone using the ErgData app either via the iconnect cable + an apple official 30-in to lightning adaptor or via Bluetooth (available in a later firmware version).

And:

If I remember correctly we are currently designing a new cradle which can incorporate a larger phone to sit on top of the monitor. In terms of future functionality, there are plans to update our software development kit in order to open up the possibilities for 3rd party software developers to create apps for all operating systems, so watch this space.

[6co2000]

Hello everyone on the forum.
Newbie in here and in rowing. I am interested in purchasing a Concept 2 indoor rower.
Something that is very important to me is fitness data. I run, bike and Swim and keep all my data in Garmin Connect and SportTracks.

I understand that the PM5 is capable of receiving ant+ HR data. This is good.
But what I am interested in is the following:

Can the PM5 broadcast Power Data, Cadence Data, Speed Data, Distance data via ANT+, so that I can record it into my Garmin watch or Garmin cycling computer?

What I find in the forums or in the manuals, is that the PM5 can receive ANT+ data, but it does not say if it can broadcast that data back
Can anyone answer this?

Thx to all
6co

[RoidbotPR]

As far as I know the only way to capture data from the PM5 is via USB, to either smart phone:

http://www.concept2.com/service/software/ergdata

or connecting the supplied USB drive and downloading the data to your computer.

[c2scott]

Hi folks, a short PM5 update:
1) New Concept2 Utility 6.77 has been released for PM5 compatibility
2) 6.77 will download firmware version 15 (715 for ski erg) to update monitors through a USB Cable or through USB Flash Drive
3) Firmware 15 has many fixes and a few small new features. It is a highly recommended update.
4) ErgData for iOS using the cable is being worked on, a release could come in 30 days or so. A new version of the ErgData app AND PM5 firmware version 16 or higher may be needed. If you are serous about wanting to be a beta tester, email me and I'll see if we can get you on the list.
5) ErgData for Android is also being worked on. If you are serous about being a beta tester, email me.
6) Concept2 is experimenting with Bluetooth Smart (aka Bluetooth Low Energy) connection to mobile devices. It's in the VERY early stages, but the first tests have gone well with an iPhone 4S.
7) The "Special" file folder should probably have been hidden, but it is a provision for special features. Mainly it is used for in house development and testing.
8) For those of you who have not yet seen the PM5, stop by the Concept2 tent at the Head of the Charles. I won't be there but the PM5's will be.
9) [edit] Garmin ANT+ Watches are NOT currently enabled in the PM5 firmware; however this is also 'on the list' of things to do.
- Scott

[nickc84]

Can you a upgrade a pm5 monitor if you bought one with a pm4?

[Citroen]

Can you a upgrade a pm5 monitor if you bought one with a pm4?

Yes. And you'll get a good price for the PM4 on eBay.

[nickc84]

Thanks.. I should of just got the pm5 when I ordered mine. It was only $50 more

[Carl Watts]

Thanks.. I should of just got the pm5 when I ordered mine. It was only $50 more

Nothing wrong with the PM4, its been 10 years in production and a very very very reliable and stable product firmware wise. I would not be in a hurry to get a PM5 for at least a few years. If there is anything I have learned in life its a myth that "newer is always better". The general problem these days is that nothing stays in production long enough to get all the problems with it sorted out, they just move onto another model with a load of different problems.

That PM4 of yours is Gold.

[davidg]

Hi everyone...

I was looking for info about the PM5 and bluetooth that i just couldn't find on the Concept2 webpage.

Is it possible to connect the PM5 via BLE to a Suunto watch and send data over to the watch? I know the PM4 enabled this via ANT+?

I am especially interested in Pace, Power and Cadence data. If anyone could say YAY or NAY to this that would be great!



Cheers,
D.

[c2scott]

Connecting to certain compatible ANT+ watches is possible on the PM4, and it is coming to the PM5 (a firmware update will be required).
Here is an example of rowing data from PM4 to Garmin Watch to Garmin Connect. Please note this is 'simulated' rowing data (I didn't row it):
http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activi ... gnW4.email
Unless Suunto watches support the ANT+ Fitness Equipment profile aka "FIT", then there is no Suunto watch link.

So simple answer to Suunto Watch: NO, I don't think so.

[ehagberg]

Any news on when we'll be able to purchse a PM5 as an upgrade to machines we already own? Looks like we can still only order PM4s.

[davidg]

Connecting to certain compatible ANT+ watches is possible on the PM4, and it is coming to the PM5 (a firmware update will be required).
Here is an example of rowing data from PM4 to Garmin Watch to Garmin Connect. Please note this is 'simulated' rowing data (I didn't row it):
http://connect.garmin.com/modern/activi ... gnW4.email
Unless Suunto watches support the ANT+ Fitness Equipment profile aka "FIT", then there is no Suunto watch link.

So simple answer to Suunto Watch: NO, I don't think so.

Any specific reasons? I mean, if you would enable BLE connectivity not only for the HRM you would satisfy a lot of customers... Advancements in wearable tech were substantial and is really sad to see that the best rower is not able to keep up .



Cheers,
D.

[c2scott]

Bluetooth Smart is being enabled for app connectivity, but there is no standard Fitness Equipment profile yet. I have heard rumors of one being developed. When this is standardized and starts to be adopted this will be reviewed based on the benefits to the rowing and skiing community.

That said, the PM5's Bluetooth Smart connection to ErgData is under development using a custom Concept2 profile. If you wish to participate in beta testing please contact me via email (preferably not via PM on this forum).

[ChrisPBacon]

Received my D model with PM5 on Wednesday.

Just a haeds up that the supplied thumb drive does not work. The PM5 does not see it and I have tried it in several other computers. (XP, 7 and 8) and they do not see it.

Using a spare thumb drive I had laying around and it works fine. Just not as cool since it's not black and doesn't say Concept 2.

[RBFC]

Any news on when we'll be able to purchse a PM5 as an upgrade to machines we already own? Looks like we can still only order PM4s.

I am also interested in this, as my PM3 just broke yesterday after 10 years of use. Email to C2 support sent, will report if I hear anything. I already use the Polar H7 Bluetooth transmitter for my Polar HRM and my iPhone, so the PM5 makes perfect sense. Having hard time considering buying PM4, which will become "obsolete".

Lee