Model E coming in September?

Tyn · Post by **Tyn** » July 7th, 2006, 5:12 am

Nice piece of photoshopping!!

c2bill · Post by **c2bill** » July 7th, 2006, 11:04 am

neither is a hoax... but all infoformation that has been posted is a bit premature... pretty darn good detective work all around. I'm going to have a definitive post (with pictures...) ready to go in a few minutes.

-bp

Joanvb · Post by **Joanvb** » July 7th, 2006, 11:17 am

Great! Thanks, Bill.

arakawa · Post by **arakawa** » July 7th, 2006, 12:37 pm

The rugged double-coated frame is taller for easier access.

... and for longer falls to the floor after a 2K time trial!

c2bill · Post by **c2bill** » July 7th, 2006, 12:47 pm

On September 1st we will begin offering the new Model E Indoor Rower in addition to the Model D. The Model D itself is changing slightly (see the end of this post for more detail). Please post with questions and i'll answer as i can.

Concept2 Model E Indoor Rower
available Sept 1

The Model E is the 5th generation of our successful Indoor Rower. It includes all the proven features of the Model D plus the additional features described below.

Model E Features:
• The frame is 6” higher, positioning you at a comfortable seat height
• One-piece leg design for greater stability and solid feel
• Nickel plated chain for low-maintenance and a clean look
• Longer monitor arm makes it easier to reach the PM4
• Fully enclosed chain housing for easier cleaning
• Powder-coated frame is sealed with a clear top coat for extra durability.
• Light metallic gray finish with dark blue-gray accents.
• PM4 Performance Monitor is standard on all Model E Indoor Rowers.

PM4 Features
The PM4 includes all of the features of the PM3 plus these additional features:
• The PM4 has the on-board computing power to support machine to machine racing, both wireless and wired.
• Built in Compatibility with Suunto heart rate technology (chest belt provided) which offers improved transmission and eliminates interference from nearby rowers.
• Rechargeable battery pack is included with the PM4. As you row you will actually be recharging your battery. The battery pack can also be recharged by connecting the PM4 to a PC through the USB port.
• The PM4 has increased memory capacity to allow for future expansion and features

The Model E will be available for delivery September 1st, 2006. Pre-orders are being taken now.

The photo above shows the new Model D alongside the new Model E. The graphics on the D have changed slightly on the monorail and there is a new framelock and footstretcher design that makes it easier to separate the two parts for storage or transport. The new Model D, with the PM3 or the PM4, is available for delivery September 1st, 2006. Pre-orders are being taken now. The current Model D is in stock and available for immediate delivery

michaelb · Post by **michaelb** » July 7th, 2006, 12:58 pm

c2bill wrote: The PM4 has the on-board computing power to support machine to machine racing, both wireless and wired.

Thanks for the info. Can you explain more about how the racing will work? Is this just for venue racing or can the PM4 connect to a computer and race over the internet (via rowpro or natively)? Is there going to be a wireless computer hookup? How many rowers does the race feature support? Is there a screen shot of a test race we can see?

How do they race "wired"? Is that USB or ethernet or something else?

thanks.

Ben Rea · Post by **Ben Rea** » July 7th, 2006, 12:58 pm

Tyn wrote:Nice piece of photoshopping!!

pwnd

c2bill · Post by **c2bill** » July 7th, 2006, 1:08 pm

The PM4 has an "ANT" chip included - this is a low power small footprint "bluetooth like" chip that allows each pm4 to talk to the other. range and baud rate are limited (max of about 10m).

As of September we will not be offering a PC/ANT communication option (an ANT dongle) however this is being discussed (one of our readers has already called the ANT chip manufacturer asking for this - they will not be able to supply this dongle - as it is primarily a software issue).

So...

PM4-PC Communication option: USB
PM4-PM4 communication options: Wired (rj45 "ethernet cable") or ANT wireless

Because of the limitations of ANT the maximum number of PM4's that will be able to be raced wirelessly will be small - likely less than 4 - but this has not yet been thoroughly tested. This features is intended mainly for health clubs and small informal races (boathouses and schools perhaps).

Once you wire the machines together - then the maximum number of machines that can be raced together (without using a PC) is probably going to be 8.

The ANT chip also allows us to communicate with Suunto HR belts without needing to use an external receiver (as we have to do with Polar) - which we have found to be more robust in many cases than other HR options.

Screen shot of a PM4 race being run without using a PC (you are lane 3 in this shot)

Sir P · Post by **Sir P** » July 7th, 2006, 1:45 pm

c2bill wrote:On September 1st we will begin offering the new Model E

Hi Bill, long time no speak (thank God you say

)

Does the Sept 1st date apply to the U.K dealership? any idea of U.K cost?

Sir P

JohnGB · Post by **JohnGB** » July 7th, 2006, 1:57 pm

Could you please clarify if there will be any performance difference between the old model D and the new model D. Also besides the coloring and the PM4, will there be any difference between the new and old Model D?

Thanks,

John

c2bill · Post by **c2bill** » July 7th, 2006, 1:57 pm

hello mr. pirate... the UK will be launching the E around the same time frame i believe. I do not know the UK pricing.

cheers
bill

Sir P · Post by **Sir P** » July 7th, 2006, 1:59 pm

c2bill wrote:hello mr. pirate... the UK will be launching the E around the same time frame i believe.

Thanks Bill

c2bill wrote:I do not know the UK pricing.

I do, take the U.S.A price and double it

Sir P

c2bill · Post by **c2bill** » July 7th, 2006, 2:00 pm

JohnGB wrote:Could you please clarify if there will be any performance difference between the old model D and the new model D. Also besides the coloring and the PM4, will there be any difference between the new and old Model D?

Thanks,

John

The only structural difference between the New D and the older D is the frame lock mechanism (the front caster wheel design is also changing very slightly and the footstretcher assembly will be high impact injection molded nylon). Beyond that all performance issues will be exactly the same.

The 'light blue' color of the D will remain the same on the front end of the rower - the back end monorail color has darkened and there are new graphics on the monorail itself.

The PM3 will continue to be the standard monitor for the model D - the PM4 differences were highlighted in a previous post.

hope that helps.
-bill

Sir P · Post by **Sir P** » July 7th, 2006, 2:10 pm

Bill, why the "E" after such a short time after the "D" (3.5 years Apx). The gap between the Models A, B & C were many years apart? Why the height change? is this all due to market research results?

Just interested.

Sir P

whp4 · Post by **whp4** » July 7th, 2006, 2:20 pm

c2bill wrote:• Nickel plated chain for low-maintenance and a clean look

Will it be possible to retrofit this chain to rowers already in the field?

Should we expect to see current Model D, Fall 2006 Model D, or Model E hardware at the races this season?

Bill

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