is this the NES version? or is this just like the newer ones?
is this the NES version? or is this just like the newer ones?
Are you talking about the load generator or the handlebar controller?
Basically here are the models:
CAT 6000 750 watt Load generator, Usually came with a model 8000 HB controller which only works standalone or with the NES.
CAT 8000 pretty much the same as above, was available with model 8000(NES) HB controller or 8001(PC) HB controller.
These 2 load generators were not calibrated on a dyno (it was before they had the dyno) so expect them to be off. I have 1 CAT 6000 and it’s off by 20 watts below 200, and 45 watts above 200.
Next models up were the computrainer pro models (8001,8002). The earlier models (till late 90s or so) were not as accurate as the newer ones. At some point they started calling the pro model 8002, but the very latest ones just say either Computrainer Pro or Computrainer Lab and have a chrome flywheel (as opposed to blue) and a small extension wire for the power connector. I have a pro and a Lab (2011 models) and they are very consistent and read 2% lower than my quarq (due to loss of power in the drivetrain).
The 8001 and later handlebar controllers can work with either the 750watt load generators or the 1500watt ones and can work with a PC or NES. You need a different chipset for the different configurations. Newer features, like the drag coeficient were only added to the 1500 watt PC chipset.
One other important thing to note, not all the handlebar controllers are created equal. The older 8001 handlebar controllers (it might be all of them, I don’t know for sure what year the cutoff is) didn’t use a quartz timing crystal and are off by 1%. You would have to open it up to check the pcb layout.
Here is a link to the computrainer site with some mention of the models. It doesn’t get into the details of the timing crystals though.
http://www.computrainer.com/html/model_notes.htm
Here are the chipsets that an 8001 or 8002 handlebar controller can have:
for use with 750 watt load generator: 5.19 for NES, and 27.41 for PC (27.41 actually reads as 23.41 on controller startup).
for use with 1500 watt load generator: 15.19 for NES, and 45.53 for PC (latest revision)
25.33 (older revision PC)
25.41(PC), (with this revision the controller doesn’t display PRO until software is running)
25.43(PC)
There are other revisions , these are just the ones i’m aware of.