Hi all, trying to get back into shape and I am having some problems with my computrainer. When I try to increase the wattage it does not immediately increase. It often takes up to 1 minute before it finally hits the wattage I dialed in. I am not sure if its a cable issue or the electronics. Advice appreciated.
thanks.
From the Racermate/Computrainer Forum:
http://www.racermate.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4046&p=18351&hilit=erg+mode#p18351
Good luck. I’ve noticed this issue also.
Erg mode, though I/we don’t use it too much, fluctuates a bit. 1 minute is probably a bit long, but it could be about right.
I have found that erg mode, when I’ve used it, is also a little bit speed/cadence dependent as well. If you’re in the 53x11 and pushing 90rpm going 30 mph or more, then it might not respond quite as well as if you were in a more realistic gear like 53x17 or something (depending on your wattage) riding 22 mph. Likewise if you are riding at 45rpm and going 8mph, it might have a tougher time adjusting or dialing it in to your desired wattage.
That’s not a direct answer to your question. A 1 minute lag time seems a bit long, but since the Computrainer is not a direct wattage measurement like a powertap or crank based PM, it does take it a bit to settle in. As long as it is pretty consistent, I wouldn’t worry about it.
That doesn’t sound right. If I’m in basic ERG mode and am using the yellow controller keys to adjust wattage, it usually responds in a few seconds. So it does sound like you are having a hardware problem.
Assuming you’re riding your CT stand-alone and no external software involved (PerfPRO, Trainerroad, etc.) then there should be little lag between selecting more load via the handlebar controller and realizing it. Likely a DIN cable issue. I use electronic cleaner spray from Radio Shack on my CTs (have 5 running 4 days a week x 2 sessions) and it helps a lot. Those old 8-pin DIN cables are especially prone to poor connections, so a little spray every week or so makes the connections almost certain. Both ends (at the load generator and at the handlebar controller, and the cable ends themselves. Worth the $5 investment…