ErgData: Syncing with Concept2 Performance Monitors, Troubleshooting, and Optimization

How to Sync Your ErgData App with Concept2 Performance Monitors

Seamlessly integrating your ErgData app with a Concept2 Performance Monitor (PM) is crucial for tracking, analyzing, and storing your rowing, skiing, or biking workout data, providing an invaluable tool for performance enhancement and progress monitoring.

Understanding ErgData: Your Digital Rowing Companion

ErgData is a powerful, free application developed by Concept2 designed to enhance your indoor rowing, skiing, or biking experience. It connects to your Concept2 Performance Monitor (PM) – specifically the PM5, PM4, or PM3 – to display real-time workout data, record your sessions, and upload them directly to your Concept2 Online Logbook. This eliminates manual data entry, provides richer data visualization, and offers additional features like custom workouts and challenges. For fitness enthusiasts, personal trainers, and student kinesiologists, ErgData transforms raw workout numbers into actionable insights, facilitating a deeper understanding of training adaptations and performance metrics.

Prerequisites for Seamless Syncing

Before attempting to sync ErgData, ensure you have the following components and conditions in place for a smooth connection:

• Concept2 Performance Monitor (PM): You will need a PM5, PM4, or PM3.
  • PM5: Features built-in Bluetooth Smart (BLE) for wireless connection.
  • PM4/PM3: Requires a Concept2 USB cable or an Android-compatible USB On-The-Go (OTG) cable for wired connection. Bluetooth connectivity for PM4/PM3 is possible with a Concept2 Retrofit Kit that includes a PM5.
• ErgData App: Download and install the latest version of the ErgData app from the Apple App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices).
• Connectivity Method:
  • Bluetooth Smart: For PM5 users, ensure your mobile device's Bluetooth is enabled.
  • USB/OTG Cable: For PM4/PM3 users, have the appropriate cable ready.
• Concept2 Online Logbook Account: While not strictly required for app functionality, having an account is essential for uploading and storing your workout data long-term and participating in Concept2 challenges. Create one at concept2.com/logbook.
• Charged Devices: Ensure both your mobile device and your Concept2 PM have sufficient battery life.

Step-by-Step Guide: Syncing via Bluetooth (PM5)

The PM5's integrated Bluetooth Smart technology makes wireless syncing straightforward.

1. Step 1: Prepare Your Performance Monitor

   • Turn on your Concept2 machine (rower, SkiErg, or BikeErg) by starting to row/ski/bike or by pressing any button on the PM5.
   • On the PM5, navigate to the "Connect" menu.
   • Select "Connect Phone/Tablet". The PM5 will then display a four-digit pairing code. This makes the monitor discoverable.

2. Step 2: Open the ErgData App

   • On your mobile device, ensure Bluetooth is enabled.
   • Open the ErgData app. The app will automatically begin searching for nearby Concept2 PM5s.

3. Step 3: Connect to Your Monitor

   • When your PM5 appears in the ErgData app's list of available monitors, tap on its name.
   • The app will prompt you to enter the four-digit pairing code displayed on your PM5. Enter the code.
   • Once connected, the ErgData app will display "Connected" and mirror the PM5's display, showing your workout metrics.

4. Step 4: Start Your Workout

   • From within the ErgData app, you can select a workout, or simply start rowing/skiing/biking. The app will automatically begin recording your session.
   • All real-time data will be displayed on your mobile device, often with more detailed metrics and graphical representations than the PM5 itself.

5. Step 5: Uploading Your Workout Data

   • After completing your workout and stopping the monitor, ErgData will automatically prompt you to save the workout.
   • Confirm the workout details (date, distance, duration, etc.).
   • If you have linked your Concept2 Logbook account within the ErgData app settings, the workout will automatically upload to your online logbook. You can verify this by checking your logbook on the Concept2 website.

Step-by-Step Guide: Syncing via USB/OTG Cable (PM5/PM4/PM3)

For PM4 and PM3 users, or PM5 users who prefer a wired connection, a USB cable is required. Android devices typically use a USB On-The-Go (OTG) cable, while iOS devices require a specific USB-to-Lightning/USB-C adapter.

1. Step 1: Gather Your Cables

   • You will need a standard Concept2 USB cable (Type A to Type B, often supplied with the machine).
   • For Android devices, you'll also need a USB On-The-Go (OTG) adapter that converts the standard USB-A end to your phone's charging port (USB-C or Micro-USB).
   • For iOS devices, you'll need an Apple Lightning-to-USB Camera Adapter or a USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter, depending on your device's port.

2. Step 2: Connect Devices

   • Plug the square (Type B) end of the Concept2 USB cable into the USB port on the back of your PM4 or PM3 monitor (or the PM5).
   • Plug the rectangular (Type A) end of the Concept2 USB cable into your USB OTG adapter (for Android) or Apple Camera Adapter (for iOS).
   • Connect the adapter to your mobile device's charging port.

3. Step 3: Open ErgData and Monitor

   • Turn on your Concept2 machine and PM.
   • Open the ErgData app on your mobile device.
   • The app should automatically detect the wired connection and display "Connected." If prompted, grant the app permission to access the USB device.

4. Step 4: Transfer Data

   • Real-time Display: Once connected, ErgData will display real-time workout data as you row, ski, or bike, similar to the Bluetooth connection.
   • Uploading Past Workouts: For PM4/PM3, if you have saved workouts on the monitor's internal memory, ErgData can often import these past sessions directly to your app and then upload them to your online logbook. Look for an "Import Workouts" or "Transfer Data" option within the app's menu when connected.
   • Saving Current Workouts: After completing a workout, the app will prompt you to save and upload the data to your Concept2 Logbook, provided your account is linked.

Troubleshooting Common Syncing Issues

Encountering problems is frustrating, but most issues have straightforward solutions.

• "Monitor Not Found" or Connection Drops:

  • Check Bluetooth: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your mobile device and that the PM5 is discoverable (in the "Connect Phone/Tablet" menu).
  • Proximity: Move your mobile device closer to the PM.
  • Interference: Minimize other Bluetooth devices or Wi-Fi signals nearby.
  • Restart Everything: Close ErgData, turn off/on Bluetooth, restart your PM, and then reopen ErgData.
  • Forget Device: On your mobile device's Bluetooth settings, "forget" or "unpair" the PM5, then try connecting again through ErgData.
  • Cable Check: For wired connections, ensure the USB cable and OTG/adapter are securely connected and not damaged. Try a different cable if possible.

• Data Not Uploading to Logbook:

  • Internet Connection: Verify your mobile device has an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data).
  • Logbook Account Link: Go to ErgData settings and confirm your Concept2 Logbook account is correctly linked and authenticated. Re-enter your credentials if necessary.
  • Pending Uploads: Check if there are any pending workouts in ErgData's "History" or "Uploads" section that need manual initiation.
  • Concept2 Server Issues: Occasionally, Concept2's servers may experience maintenance. Check their website or social media for announcements.

• App Crashing or Freezing:

  • Restart App: Force close ErgData and reopen it.
  • Restart Device: Reboot your mobile device.
  • Update App: Ensure you have the latest version of ErgData installed. Check your app store for updates.
  • Device Compatibility: Verify your mobile device's operating system meets the minimum requirements for the ErgData app.

• Outdated Firmware:

  • PM Firmware: An outdated PM firmware can sometimes cause connectivity issues. Regularly check and update your PM's firmware using the Concept2 Utility software on a computer. This is particularly important for PM5s to ensure optimal Bluetooth performance.

Optimizing Your ErgData Experience

To maximize the benefits of ErgData and ensure reliable data capture:

• Regular Firmware Updates: Periodically check the Concept2 website for firmware updates for your Performance Monitor. Keeping your PM's firmware current ensures compatibility with the latest ErgData features and resolves potential bugs.
• Maintaining a Stable Connection: Always place your mobile device close to the PM during workouts. Avoid letting your device's screen lock or the app go into the background during a session, as this can sometimes interrupt data flow.
• Leveraging Logbook Features: Explore the full capabilities of the Concept2 Online Logbook. It offers detailed analytics, personal best tracking, ranking against other users, and participation in global challenges, all fueled by the data synced from ErgData.
• Privacy Settings: Be mindful of your privacy settings within the ErgData app and the Concept2 Logbook, especially if you prefer to keep your workout data private or only share with specific groups.

Conclusion

Syncing your ErgData app with your Concept2 Performance Monitor is a fundamental step towards a more informed and effective indoor training regimen. By following these clear, step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting common issues, you can unlock a wealth of data, track your progress with precision, and elevate your understanding of your physical performance. Embrace ErgData as your essential training partner to optimize every stroke, pull, and pedal.