Changing damper settings during record attempts

[OarConsequences]

On http://log.concept2.com/rankings.asp it states "You are free to choose the setting you prefer so long as you do not change it once you have started the piece."

However, there is no damper setting requirement stated on this page: http://www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/r ... quirements

Which set of rules is the "official" one that must be followed to have a valid row?

There is also no category for team events on the rankings page. During a team event can each individual rower change the damper setting to his/her liking or must the entire team use the same damper setting throughout?

Presumably, someone could gain advantage from having different damper settings during a timed piece; otherwise, it would seem pointless to have ever had a rule about changing it. Does the performance monitor record drag factor as part of the verification code? Conceivably it would be possible for someone to leave the damper at the same setting but achieve the same effect of changing it by covering or uncovering the opening which the damper regulates.

[Citroen]

The old model B PM1 monitor didn't calculate drag factor on every stroke, so there was a way to trick the monitor by changing the damper mid stroke and making the rowing easier but the results better.

Concept2 countered that by the "no change of damper during a race".

If you''re going for a ranked event then you should stick to the same rules as for racing.

For team events you have a quick conference between the rowers before you start. The result normally comes out around 125 drag factor and it's not changed during the event.

Since you've found an inconsistency send an email to ranking@concept2.com to get them to change and clarify it.

[OarConsequences]

Thanks for the background. That would certainly explain the need for that rule.

I'm not interested in competing or ranking myself though I am interested understanding all the rules for doing so.

So if the new monitors do take drag factor into account for each stroke then wouldn't it not matter if the damper setting were changed during a race? (Disregarding, for the sake of argument, that someone with a partner who could change the damper setting for them would have an advantage over someone racing alone who could only change it by interrupting their strokes.)

Though teams may choose to stick to one setting, my question is whether or not they *must* do so.

[hjs]

Thanks for the background. That would certainly explain the need for that rule.

I'm not interested in competing or ranking myself though I am interested understanding all the rules for doing so.

So if the new monitors do take drag factor into account for each stroke then wouldn't it not matter if the damper setting were changed during a race? (Disregarding, for the sake of argument, that someone with a partner who could change the damper setting for them would have an advantage over someone racing alone who could only change it by interrupting their strokes.)

Though teams may choose to stick to one setting, my question is whether or not they *must* do so.

If you lower the setting right after the drive and up again after the recovery you would get false readings. The lower drag during the recovery would make the fan slow down less.
Try it yourself with a "dragchanger" as assistant.

[OarConsequences]

@hjs
Thanks for the explanation.