20 months off - on the saddle again

[nates]

For the first time in my life I had been sticking with an exercise plan for about six months... Then covid shut down everything last year. When gyms finally opened up everything was rigid mask enforcement around here even for cardio. And rowers got scarce. And crazy expensive..

Today I just dragged home an older C2 with a PM3 monitor. They had a few to pick from, and the chain was smooth. Drag factor had a good range, and the monitor works. It's a PM3 not a 5 so I need to figure out the software side for workout tracking. And clean out enough space in the crowded bonus room for it

But I'm psyched. I cannot run. I've tried for a few weeks at a time. 1-2 minutes I'm over Max HR. But I can park the erg at any heart rate I want and keep it there for an hour without asthma kicking in (so long as I keep HR below 160 or so). I've hit 183 before in sprints (I'm 51) and it was exhilarating. Never felt better in my life when I was doing intervals. Then... 20 months off. Until today!!!

[MPx]

Welcome back. Take it steady. You'll get all those newby gains again to help motivation and no problem getting back to where you were or better. But dont try to do it in a month or two or you'll get disappointed. Its a long term path...maybe a year...so make sure you're enjoying it.

[nates]

PM3 appears to work. DF 120 went from 6-8 to 2 on cleaning. I oiled the chain. It's not making any really ugly noises but is louder than I recall. But the kicker is heart rate and Erg Data. I run erg data on my phone which is usb-c. My HR is a Garmin HRM Dual. A Polar H9 gets me 1/3 the way to a PM5, which has BT.

[Dangerscouse]

Welcome back, and I agree with what Mike (MPx) said

[nates]

Seems the louder chain is because it's a model C that's rowed 1/8 the way around the world. I guess I'll go ahead and replace the chain.

[Tsnor]

Seems the louder chain is because it's a model C that's rowed 1/8 the way around the world. I guess I'll go ahead and replace the chain.

Hope some oil and TLC fixes the chain. If not then you may be doing some more work. For bicycles this is conventional thinking: "Normally, chains and sprockets should be changed at the same time. To not do so may cause accelerated wear on both the new chain and the old sprockets. If your old chain had stretched enough to need changing, you can bet the sprockets are worn, as well." replace chain/sprocket video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjbnINLJvgM Someone who knows the HW better can give you better guidance. I'd try oil and rowing for a month or two before acting, but I'm, lazy.

Here are some connectivity fixes for your PM3. That said, I like my PM5 and upgrading your PM3 to a PM5 and then selling/giving away your PM3 is a good option.

For PM3 attachment to Ergdata, use an OTG usb cable. $10 if you have an android phone. I use an ergdata on an old kindle with micro-USB, this cable works for me https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S6 ... UTF8&psc=1 . I have not tried a USB-C OTG cable, but there are a ton of them out there ... google cable printer "OTG". You need an OTG usb cable with printer at one end. This is the same cable a phone would use to attach a printer - needs to be OTG and you should verify OTG is turned on in your phone. ***NOTE*** the cable I spec'd worked for me. I did not try any of the USB-C cables.

Concept2's official stance is use their part if you can get it "OR USB Cable and a USB OTG (On-The-Go)* Adapter (available from Amazon, Monoprice and other online vendors)." The usb OTG cables combine the cable with the otg adapter. You can get them separately if you want. https://www.concept2.com/service/softwa ... quirements

As you note, HR monitor is a problem with your current belt. I use a dual HRM (polar h10) to both pm5 and polar beat app. I mainly look at polar beat for heart rate. I like it's display better. Once I didn't notice the HRM didn't connect to the PM5 until half way through a workout. So you do have the option of using your HRM belt's app for HR display and capture, it just won't go into concept2 log or show up on the Pm3 screen. Likely you can sync your C2 log entry to garmin and use that for summary and HR data, and only go into specific C2 log workouts when you want splits, etc. Or just get PM5 and use your dual capability to send HR data to both like I do with the H10.

[nates]

Thanks. I don't actually know that the PM3 HR works or if it's been corroded. I did buy the chain/sprocket kit and a USB c printer cable. I'm considering a PM5 but it'll wait until next month. I am also looking at a Raspberry Pi Open Rowing Monitor, as what I'd really love is to just overlay HR and ergdata over video. ASMR/low key engaging videos seems to be my secret for slogging away for an hour at something. I have a 10" pi screen case that's a little small still for it's intended purpose but might work for that, and I have an ANT+ stick otw already.

[DavidA]

Seems the louder chain is because it's a model C that's rowed 1/8 the way around the world. I guess I'll go ahead and replace the chain.

I'll second the idea about just oiling the chain for a bit first. An eighth of the way around the world is not much for the C2 hardware - it's built to last much longer than that.

David

[Tsnor]

.. I don't actually know that the PM3 HR works or if it's been corroded

PM3 does not come standard with a HR monitor receiver. It's a $25 part you buy from concept2. I could not find details on the protocols supported, but it sure looks like the old gymlink / coded gymlink protocol from the preference for polar HR belts.

Here for receiver: https://shop.concept2.com/heart-rate-eq ... pment.html

Here for more options: https://shop.concept2.com/41-heart-rate-equipment

[nates]

Chain was rusty but the worst was probably the rollers (or lack thereof). It's a new machine now.






Now about those heel scrapers

[nates]

Rowed a 10k this morning. Oh my way quieter and smoother. It really is a new machine.