Technical Support - PM4 Monitor
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My PM4 is warning me that the batteries are too low, but I think the batteries are OK.
Follow the diagnostic steps below to determine whether the problem is with the generator/sensor cable or the battery. (Applies to Model D and E Indoor Rowers only)
- Remove all batteries from the PM4.
- Ensure the sensor cable is plugged in firmly and all the way.
- Row hard on your Model D or E Indoor Rower.
- If the PM4 comes on and stays on while rowing, then at least part of the generator is working. Proceed to step 4.
- If the PM4 does not come on, then generator/sensor needs to be replaced.
- Install fresh D-cell batteries in the PM4. The PM4 should power up.
- Set the language and date.
- On the PM4 Main Menu select More Options, then Utilities, then Product ID.
- Look at the Model type. Make sure it is set to D (or D/E) for a Model D or E Indoor Rower. If it says A, B, or C, contact Concept2.
- Look at the firmware version and ensure your PM4 is running the most current version. This is especially important if your PM4 firmware is Version 16 or below. If you have old firmware, the rechargeable battery will not work at all after a while. Your PM4 will work fine after updating the firmware and fully charging the battery pack.
- Press [Menu-Back] until you reach the Main Menu.
- Select Just Row.
- Start rowing:
- If the numbers begin counting, then the generator appears to be working. Proceed to step 10.
- If the numbers do not begin counting, replace the generator/sensor before proceeding.
- Stop rowing, press Menu-Back while the flywheel is still spinning, and wait for 30 to 60 seconds. If you receive a low battery message, replace the generator/sensor. Otherwise, proceed to step 11.
- Remove the D-cell batteries and install the rechargeable battery pack.
- If possible, plug the PM4 into a USB port of a computer overnight to charge battery. Note: Concept2 recommends turning off your computer's Hibernate or Sleep modes; otherwise, you may not get a good charge.
I'm using D-cell batteries in my PM4, and the battery life seems short.
(Applies only to PM4s in use with Model A, B, or C Indoor Rowers) Under normal circumstances, a set of Alkaline D cell batteries should last for about 350 hours of operational time. If you find this is not the case, take the following steps:
- Check your firmware version: On the PM4 Main Menu select More Options, then Utilities, then Product ID. If your firmware version is less than 21, then updating your firmware may extend the life of batteries, as newer firmware uses the microprocessor more efficiently.
- Observe the performance monitor after rowing. The monitor should turn off within six minutes of the time you stop rowing (except when plugged into a computer, using PM4 racing, or during certain types of intervals). If it is not turning off within that timeframe, please contact Concept2 for assistance.
- Check the battery level: On the PM4 Main Menu select More Options, then Utilities, then Battery. Once the battery level gets down to about 80%, the battery percentage should not go down by more than 1% per day. If it does, there is probably damage to the circuit board and the unit should be replaced. In a health club, the most likely cause of this is spraying the monitor with cleaning chemicals.
The monitor does not come on at all or only shows a few vertical or horizontal black lines.
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Fully re-charge the battery pack using a personal home computer. (Does not apply to D-cell batteries)
- Ensure that the battery pack is installed in your PM4. This solution does not apply if you are using two D-cell batteries in your PM4. D-cell battery users should proceed to Solution 2.
- Power up the computer if it is off.
- Connect your PM4 to the computer with the USB cable that came with your indoor rower or monitor purchase. The PM4 should power up within 10 seconds of connecting it to your computer. If this does not happen, press the Menu-Back button on the PM4. If the PM4 still does not power up, proceed to Solution 2.
- Leave the PM4 connected to the computer for eight hours or overnight. Your computer must remain on for the recharge to occur. Therefore leave the monitor on the Main Menu screen.
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Perform a full monitor reset
Warning: Depending on the age of your monitor, resetting the monitor may delete all workout data from the PM4 memory; workout data stored on a LogCard will not be deleted. Additionally, following a reset, you may need to re-program your monitor with the correct language, and the current date and time. To perform a full monitor reset:
- Remove both D-cell batteries or the battery pack from the monitor.
- Leave the batteries/battery pack out of the monitor overnight. Re-install the battery pack. If you are using batteries, install two fresh D-cell batteries.
If the problem persists, the PM4 must be replaced.-
#37-, #39-, #137-, or #240- These error codes are associated with the PM4 Log Card, or the PM4 memory if no Log Card is used.
A: If Log Card is Used
- Download and install the latest version of the Concept2 Utility on your computer.
- Launch the Concept2 Utility.
- Connect the PM4 to your computer with the USB cable provided with your PM4.
- Insert your Log Card into the PM4.
- Using the Concept2 Utility, transfer your Log Card data to a spreadsheet. During the transfer data function, the Concept2 Utility will detect and correct the errors associated with the Log Card. It does this by rewriting the card. When you are prompted to have the Concept2 Utility rewrite the card, select OK. Your data will be retained.
B: If LogCard is NOT Used
Perform a full monitor reset. Warning: Depending on the age of your monitor, resetting the monitor may delete all workout data from the PM4 memory; workout data stored on a LogCard will not be deleted. Additionally, following a reset, you may need to re-program your monitor with the correct language, and the current date and time. To perform a full monitor reset:
- Remove both D-cell batteries or the battery pack from the monitor.
- Leave the batteries/battery pack out of the monitor overnight.
- Re-install the battery pack. If you are using batteries, install two fresh D-cell batteries.
- Update the PM4 firmware.
#43 This error code means there is a problem with the format of the Log Card.
A: Check Log Card and machine - Check that you are not trying to use a SkiErg Log Card with an indoor rower or vice versa. Each type of Log Card is formatted specifically for its intended machine (SkiErg or indoor rower). Look at the front of the Log Card to determine what kind of card it is.
B: Repair Log Card - Your Log Card's information may be damaged and need repair. You can do this using the Concept2 Utility.
- Download and install the latest version of the Concept2 Utility on your computer.
- Launch the Concept2 Utility.
- Connect the PM4 to your computer with the USB cable provided with your PM3.
- Insert your Log Card into the PM4.
- Using the Concept2 Utility, transfer your Log Card data to a spreadsheet. During the transfer data function, the Concept2 Utility will detect and correct the errors associated with the Log Card. It does this by rewriting the card. When you are prompted to have the Concept2 Utility rewrite the card, select OK. Your data will be retained.
#50 This error occurs when the monitor cannot properly compute the drag factor.
If this is a new indoor rowing machine, ensure that the plastic wrap has been removed from the flywheel. If the problem persists or is occurring despite the plastic wrap having been removed, take the following steps:
- Inspect the back of the performance monitor for a Model C label.
- Check the Performance Monitor's Product ID screen:
- On the Performance Monitor Main Menu, choose More Options
- Choose Utilities.
- Chose Product ID.
- Take note of what the screen shows next to Model: "B/C" or "D/E."
- Take note of the serial number on your indoor rower.
- Contact Concept2 with the information from steps 1-3 and ask to speak to a technician.
#571 This error code applies only when the rechargeable battery pack is in use with the PM4.
When the rechargeable battery pack is in use:
- Ensure that the battery pack is present and properly installed. If this is the case, it is possible that the battery pack is dead.
- Ensure you are running PM4 firmware version 18 or above. If you are running a lower version of PM4 firmware, update the firmware in your PM4 and allow the battery pack to charge overnight. Notes:
- If you are unable to check your firmware version due to low battery pack power, either install two D-cell batteries into the monitor, or connect the monitor to a powered-up computer using the USB cable.
- When charging the battery pack by plugging it into a computer, the computer must be on, and the computer's sleep mode must be disabled. This ensures that power remains flowing to the USB port that you are using to charge the battery pack.
- If the problem persists, it may be due to the usage pattern of the indoor rower. If the usage pattern is inadequate for keeping the battery pack charged, you may want to switch to using two D-cell batteries.
#573-1 This error occurs when powering up the performance monitor.
Concept2 recommends updating the firmware in the monitor to the latest version. In the meantime, use one of the following resolutions to fix the problem. If you have not yet installed batteries in your performance monitor, do so now to resolve the problem. If your monitor already has batteries in it, you can resolve the issue by removing the batteries and unplugging the USB cable and leaving the batteries and cable out for 24 hours. If you need to get your monitor functioning quickly, instead of the 24 hour reset, you can perform the following factory reset. Just be aware that, although performing the following reset will resolve the problem, it will also clear all memory (including lifetime meters) as well as any language, date, and time settings:
- On the face of the monitor, press and hold the [Change Units] and [Change Display] buttons, while pressing and releasing the RESET button on the back of the monitor.
PM4 Firmware Overview
The PM4 Firmware now includes games! - There are two current versions of PM4 Firmware:
- Version 318
- Version 28
Concept2 recommends running the most current PM4 Firmware available. The version you require depends on the age of your PM4, although the functionality is the same in each case. Firmware updates are done through the Concept2 Utility, which you can download for free. Using the Concept2 Utility will automatically provide you with the correct version for your PM4.
The monitor screen flutters with horizontal lines going across it. While the LCD is "fluttering" other symptoms may be observed such as incorrect stroke output values, erratic strokes/minute display, inability to connect to PC or Mac or code 50 error.
The monitor should be replaced.
The monitor cannot read the LogCard.
Remove the LogCard and then reinsert it. If this does not help, try another LogCard.
The monitor displays the message "Cannot read LogCard" when the LogCard is inserted.
When this happens the problem is with the LogCard, not the monitor. You can try and repair the LogCard using the Concept2 Utility. If this doesn't help, you will need another LogCard.
- Download and install the latest version of Concept2 Utility on your computer.
- Launch the Concept2 Utility.
- Connect the PM4 to your computer with the USB cable provided with your PM.
- Insert your LogCard into the PM4.
- Using the Concept2 Utility, transfer your Log Card data to a spreadsheet. During the transfer data function, the Concept2 Utility will detect and correct the errors associated with the Log Card. It does this by rewriting the card. When you are prompted to have the Concept2 Utility rewrite the card, select OK. Your data will be retained.
The LogCard suddenly loses workout history information. It may show total summary, but not specific monthly summary or individual workout information.
The LogCard has been corrupted. Using the most recent version of the Concept2 Utility, go to Transfer Data > Transfer to Spreadsheet (or any option that requires the Concept2 Utility to read the LogCard). The utility will detect the errors and prompt you to rewrite the card. Select Yes. You will not lose any workout data.
The LogCard is not recording any rowing/skiing data.
When the card is not recording any data:
- Make sure your workout is longer than one minute in duration. Workouts that are less than one minute long do not get saved either in PM memory or on the Log Card.
- Make sure you press [Menu-Back] to return to the Main Menu before removing the Log Card. If you remove the Log Card before pressing [Menu-Back], the monitor will record the information in Memory and not on the Log Card. This applies to "Just Row/Just Ski" workouts, "interval" pieces, and any pre-set workout where you do not finish the entire piece.
Note: If your workouts were saved to Memory and not to your Log Card, it is possible to transfer the ten most recent to your LogCard.
The monitor does not acknowledge an inserted LogCard at all.
This indicates a problem with the monitor, please return the unit to Concept2.
The Log Card is not recording monthly totals.
This can occur if workouts have been saved to the Log Card with future dates. (Having workouts with future/invalid dates occurs when the date on the PM is not set correctly. The only resolution is to delete these workouts from your Log Card. (If you use an online logbook at concept2.com, manually enter those workouts in your logbook before deleting them from your Log Card.
Once you've deleted the workouts from your Log Card, use the Concept2 Utility and go to the Transfer Data > Upload to Online Logbook option. It's OK if you don't have an online logbook, because all you need to do is get the Concept2 Utility to read the data on the Log Card, and going to this option accomplishes this. When the Concept2 Utility reads the Log Card, it will clean up any problems and reset your monthly totals.
The monitor does not power up when you press a button or insert a LogCard. The monitor only powers up and works when you are rowing.
- (Applies only when the rechargeable battery pack is in use with the PM4)
- Ensure that the battery pack is present and properly installed. If this is the case, it is possible that the battery pack is dead.
- Ensure you are running PM4 firmware version 18 or above. If you are running a lower version of PM4 firmware, update the firmware in your PM4 and allow the battery pack to charge overnight.
Notes:- If you are unable to check your firmware version due to low battery pack power, either install two D-cell batteries into the monitor, or connect the monitor to a powered-up computer using the USB cable.
- When charging the battery pack by plugging it into a computer, the computer must be on, and the computer's sleep mode must be disabled. This ensures that power remains flowing to the USB port that you are using to charge the battery pack.
If the problem persists, it may be due to the usage pattern of the indoor rower. If the usage pattern is inadequate for keeping the battery pack charged, you may want to switch to using two D-cell batteries. See PM4 Power Information. (below)
- (Applies only when the rechargeable battery pack is in use with the PM4)
While you are rowing, the monitor either resets to zero or freezes.
Reset the monitor by inserting a pen or pencil tip into the reset hole on the back of the PM4 and pressing lightly.
Warning: Depending on the age of your monitor, resetting the monitor may delete all workout data from the PM4 memory; workout data stored on a LogCard will not be deleted. Additionally, following a reset, you may need to re-program your monitor with the correct language, and the current date and time. If the problem persists, return the unit to Concept2.
Battery and Mains Power Guide
Re-chargeable PM4 Battery Pack
Each PM4 comes supplied and fitted with a rechargeable battery pack which provides the start-up power the unit needs to power up from off mode. Using the rower will re-charge the battery up but this is heavily dependent on the usage pattern, therefore the harder and longer you row the more power that is transferred to the battery pack. Please bear in mind that a continuous row of between 6-8 hours is required in order to fully charge a flat battery.
If the amount of rowing is not enough to re-charge the battery pack there is an option to re-charge it externally by either plugging the USB cable into the PM4 from a PC, this requires connection for 24 hours for a full battery. Or you can purchase a Mains USB adaptor which also plugs into the USB socket of the PM4 and will fully charge a flat battery in a few hours.
*Charging the batteries by rowing is only available on Model D and E rowers.
Charging the Battery Pack
When connected to either a PC or Mains charger via the USB socket, go to the "Battery" screen to ensure the battery level indicator is active, and then return the PM4 back to the "Main Menu" screen in order to continue the charging cycle.
D Cell Batteries
Alternatively you can remove the re-chargeable battery pack and use normal LR20 or D type batteries instead which will give 300 hours of power to the PM4.
AC Adaptor
The PM4 unit can also be powered without the need of batteries at all by using a USB cable connected to a PC or via a Mains USB adaptor.
The monitor comes on and you can navigate the menus, but when you begin rowing, the monitor numbers stay at zero.
- Ensure the generator/sensor cable is plugged in fully.
- Ensure the model type on the monitor matches the indoor rower in use. Check this as follows:
- On the Main Menu, choose More Options.
- Choose Utilities,
- Choose Product ID and look at what appears next to "Model." If the model type indicated on the monitor does not match the indoor rower in use, contact Concept2.
If the problem persists or these first two conditions do not apply to your monitor, proceed with the next step.
- Perform a full monitor reset. Warning: Depending on the age of your monitor, resetting the monitor may delete all workout data from the PM4 memory; workout data stored on a LogCard will not be deleted. Additionally, following a reset, you may need to re-program your monitor with the correct language, and the current date and time.
Perform a full monitor reset:
- Remove both D-cell batteries from the monitor.
- Leave the batteries out of the monitor overnight.
- Install fresh batteries.
- If the problem persists after resetting the monitor:
- Unplug the monitor sensor cable and inspect it for frays or breaks. This is the wire that leads from the bottom of the monitor to the flywheel of the Indoor Rower. If frays or breaks exist, the pickup wire will need to be replaced.
- Inspect the monitor sensor cable port on the bottom of the monitor. If there is a crack in the port, the PM4 will need to be returned to Concept2 for repair.
- If the wire and port look fine, securely plug the wire back into the monitor.
- If the problem persists and you have access to a known working PM4, swap the monitors to determine whether the problem is with the monitor sensor cable or the monitor itself:
- If the known working monitor stays at zero when you begin rowing, the monitor sensor cable is faulty and must be replaced.
- If the known working monitor operates normally, the original PM4 is faulty.
- If you do not have access to a known working PM4, contact Concept2 or your authorised dealer for further assistance.
- If the PM4 is used in a health club or other setting where a user may have sprayed the indoor rower and monitor down with a cleaning solution after use, inspect the inside of the monitor and the circuit board for contamination. To inspect the inside of the monitor:
- Disassemble the PM4.
- Inspect the circuit board. If contaminants are visible, wipe down the circuit board with a cloth slightly dampened with water.
- Allow the circuit board to dry and reassemble the PM4.
- If the problem persists, or if no contaminants were visible on the circuit board, the PM4 must be returned to Concept2 or replaced.
Dark or Faint Screen - The monitor comes on and works, but there the screen is not visible, it is too dark or too faint.
The LCD contrast needs adjusting. From start up, the unit should be on the Main Menu, then select More options (button 5) then Utilities (button 2), then LCD contrast (button 3). Then select either Lighter (button 4) or Darker (button 5) to adjust the display level until visible.
Smashed screen - The LCD screen looks cracked/smashed.
The LCD has smashed and leaked internally, probably due to the handle being released by the user unexpectedly and then striking the front of the unit.
To resolve the issue, the PM3 must be returned to Concept2 for repair or you can purchase an LCD screen replacement.The square USB jack (the largest jack on the bottom of the monitor) is loose.
The USB jack has broken off the circuit board. To resolve the issue, the PM4 must be returned to Concept2 for repair or replacement.
