Retrofitting a PM3 monitor onto my Model C

[Ombrax]

I just bought a (used) PM3 to replace the PM2+ on my Model C rower. (I don't yet have the monitor - it's "in the mail.")

I had assumed it would be a simple swap, remove the 2+ and put the 3 in it's place, but I just checked the C2 site and it seems to suggest that I also need to replace the monitor arm - is that correct? If so that's a bummer, because I don't want to put a whole lot more money into this project.

Info from C2 site: http://www.concept2.com/files/pdf/us/mo ... trofit.pdf

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. If you are retrofitting a PM3 or PM4 on a Model C Indoor Rower:
a. Remove monitor arm and performance monitor (PM) from indoor rower.
b. Attach new monitor arm and PM as shown in assembly diagram.
c. Do not send the old monitor arm or hardware back to Concept2.

Edit: OK, now I'm really confused - I just looked at the exploded view schematics for the Model C and D rowers, and both showed a monitor arm part number of #1025 - the same part. So why would I have to change the arm if I'm going from a PM2+ to a PM3. Help!

Any relevant advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Edward4492]

It's relatively simple. If you have the plastic arm it will either bolt right up or you have to shave a hair off of the arm if the monitor won't slip right in place. If it's the old metal arm you can play around with some washers and make it work. You'll have to re-program the monitor for a "C" if it came off a "D". Very simply procedure. Go into Utilities and hit the screen contrast button. Then hit "change units" three times and "change display" three times to access the hidden menu where you can match to your machine. It' s all on the C2 website also. I've done dozens of these.

[Ombrax]

Thanks Edward - that's exactly the information I was looking for.

(My Model C has the plastic arm, so I'll modify it as required.)

Louis

[Carl Watts]

Don't jam the PM3 onto the PM2 Arm it needs 1/16 inch taken off it.

The best way is if you have a drop saw with a fine blade for aluminium, it just rips it off. You need to get it square to the blade and just take it all off one side.

[Ombrax]

Thanks Carl. 1/16" - that isn't much.

I do have a chop saw, that could do the trick, but only have a wood blade on it.

Once I receive the PM3 I'll see how the tolerances stack up and proceed from there. If my arm is a bit narrow and the PM3 opening a bit wide I may get lucky. If I only need to remove a teeny bit I may just use a sanding block.

[Edward4492]

Carl is correct as always, hes a pro. I've used a sanding block as well. Works just fine. It's not the end of the world if you go too far (I've botched a few) just get to square and use a washer or two. Not as "clean", but works just fine.

[Ian Wilson]

Retrofitted PM5 to Model C Followed all instructions as above. Configured monitor to Model C from delivered D/E Used old monitor arm and took off a very thin piece of plastic with a disc sander. All working perfectly. Thanks for all the advice.