Garmin HRM-Dual and PM4

[jrkob]

Dear all,

I am a new poster here. My wife offered me a Garmin 255 watch a few weeks ago, as well as a Garmin HRM-Dual and I am gradually learning how all this works.

We have a Concept 2 rowing machine at our gym downstairs, unfortunately it doesn't have the PM5, only the older PM4.

The PM4 doesn't seem to be able to detect my Garmin HRM-Dual, via the More Options/Connect Garmin via ANT+ menu. The PM4 says "cannot detect HR monitor".

I've tried everything I could think of.

I tried to help myself and looked at the manual of the PM4 https://www.concept2.com/service/monitors/pm4/manuals, but the manual isn't specific as to whether the Garmin HRM-Dual is compaptible, or not, with the PM4.

So for starter, is my Garmin HRM-Dual supposed to be compaptible with the PM4 ? Pretty fundamental question... !

Thank you,

- Jean.

[Citroen]

This page has some PM4 specifics
https://www.concept2.com/service/heart- ... h-your-pm4

[Carl Watts]

Literally just repaired a PM4 monitor with the ANT+ HR not working.

So basically if you have a really old version of the PM4 that can only run even the latest V29 firmware for it then the latest HR strap like the Garmin RUN DOES NOT work.

I mucked about with it for ages, factory reset, redid the firmware and even replaced the complete wireless daughter board on the back inside cover.

Read this post and suddenly thought I would try my old Garmin HRM1 strap and boom it showed up immediately in the connect HR window.

Very annoying to say the least.

Clearly things have changed in the ANT+ protocol and if you have a Gen 1 PM4 then you are stuffed with a brand new Garmin strap because its no longer compatible.

[Rick]

Just a thought, but if you’re using ErgData you might be able to connect your HRM there and track your workout and HR that way.

[jrkob]

Guys thanks a lot for the help, appreciate it.

I referred to the link provided by Citroen above which suggests to update the MP4 firmware (which I didn't know was possible).
Which I did, and now the PM4 detects my watch (which in turn is connected to my Garmin HRM-Dual).

I'm sorted.

Thanks a lot !

- Jean.

[JaapvanE]

Which I did, and now the PM4 detects my watch (which in turn is connected to my Garmin HRM-Dual).

Jean,

When I look at the dcrainmaker review of the 255, it says it supports SmartTrainer ANT+ connectivity as well. So you might give it a try to hook up your watch the other way around as well by adding the rower as a new sensor: your Garmin will record the rowing session for you when you start a workout on the watch.

[jrkob]

Jean,

When I look at the dcrainmaker review of the 255, it says it supports SmartTrainer ANT+ connectivity as well. So you might give it a try to hook up your watch the other way around as well by adding the rower as a new sensor: your Garmin will record the rowing session for you when you start a workout on the watch.

Hooo, very smart, I understand what you mean. Let me try tomorrow and revert. This would be very, very neat.

[Carl Watts]

I would suggest that people make a note of what revision of PM4 they have when they state if it works or doesn't work and the strap they are using, that way it will be more useful for others with problems reading this.

https://www.concept2.com/service/monitors/pm4/firmware

The first Gen PM4 clearly doesn't work with the V29 firmware released way back in 2012 with the latest ANT+ chest straps like the Garmin RUN.

The second Gen PM4 clearly works if you update your firmware to V332 as its not as old with the last firmware update from 2018. This version uses a totally different micro and the board was completely redesigned so it was really a PM4.5 anyway.

[jrkob]

Ok, luckily I had penned down what firmware the PM4 was on before updating it yesterday.
It was 313 Build 0. What I think happens is that no one bothered updating the firmware since we took delivery of our Concept 2 D. In fact I don't see this machine being used by many residents, it's always available when I go to the gym, and I think I'm the only one who has ever attempted to link it to a watch lol