New Model D Rower—PM not turning on

[kurtfoss]

Set up my new Concept2 with PM5 rower, Model D, at home. However, when I start a workout by pulling the handle, the monitor never activates—hit Just Row button and start rowing, but no results are displayd. After a short time while I am still rowing, it shuts off all together. I tried to update the firmware, but I appear to have the latest version (168). Came with 2 D batteries installed, and I checked that they were put in correctly. Not sure what else to try.

I read something about the battery compartment in newer rowers having a foam pad inside, but not present in mine.
SS begins with 43102...

Suggestions?

[Citroen]

1. Is the flywheel sensor connected to the PM5?
2. Is the cable between the sensor and the PM5 damaged?

If you've got a digital multimeter measure the resistance between tip and sleeve on the 2.5mm TRS plug. Measure the resistance between ring and sleeve.

https://www.concept2.com/files/pdf/us/m ... ace_CD.pdf

[Carl Watts]

Make sure the pickup sensor plug is fully pushed into the bottom of the PM5.

If you then pull the handle the PM5 should turn on, you do not need to press any buttons on the monitor itself.

The PM5 turns on VERY quickly when you pull the handle.

Check the model of Erg type after pressing the more options and utilities a couple of times. Make sure its set to a Model D/E.

Check the battery level in the more options and utilities screen.

[kurtfoss]

I had wondered if the problem could be as simple as the D batteries that came installed could be dead, but I didn’t have any new ones on hand. Got some late yesterday—and that seems to be the issue. Now working. Thanks for helpful suggestions!

[Citroen]

I had wondered if the problem could be as simple as the D batteries that came installed could be dead, but I didn’t have any new ones on hand. Got some late yesterday—and that seems to be the issue. Now working. Thanks for helpful suggestions!

We should have had you connect a phone charger or a laptop (or any USB host including my LG smart TV) with a USB-A to USB-B printer cable as that works even with the battery compartment empty.

[c2jonw]

Note that the PM5 should work even with no batteries in it. It may take a few strokes to get it to light up and some memory functions will be compromised but it will operate running on generator power only.

[Carl Watts]

Only put decent quality Alkaline batteries in the Concept 2 monitors.

This applies to all of the monitors. Cheap batteries that end up leaking are the leading cause of monitor deaths.

[smitch1984]

Check to see if it's the "Stuck On Zero" problem.

https://www.concept2.com/service/monito ... stuck-zero

I know the URL says PM3, but it includes instructions for both the PM5 and the PM3.

[Citroen]

Check to see if it's the "Stuck On Zero" problem.

https://www.concept2.com/service/monito ... stuck-zero

I know the URL says PM3, but it includes instructions for both the PM5 and the PM3.

The menu option on PM5 V30/V168 has been unhidden. It's behind the Utilities option.

[jwhite]

I just bought a new bikeerg and I had the same problem with the PM5. I had to put in new batteries. It would come on if I pedaled, but immediately turn off when I stopped. Once I put in new batteries everything worked great.

[Citroen]

I just bought a new bikeerg and I had the same problem with the PM5. I had to put in new batteries. It would come on if I pedaled, but immediately turn off when I stopped. Once I put in new batteries everything worked great.

One thing folks can do to check that before leaving their house to buy new batteries is connect a USB phone charger (wall wart) with a USB-A to USB-B printer cable



That will power the monitor even if the batteries are dead or (with my test-bed PM5) missing.

The other thing is sit on the rower and pull the handles or ride the pedals to spin up the flywheel and start generating power. That will wake up a monitor with dead batteries.