Given all the new developments in computer graphics, including interaction via the web, how long can Computrainer last with a program and interface that haven’t been updated in years? Is TACX good enough yet to overtake them? Honestly, it’d be nice to have a larger company take them over and beef up the guts of the Computrainer with some better graphics, etc.
They are a German company and from what I have seen not very interested in pushing boundaries with their software. The system itself is great but their software is terrible.
Couple of months ago I asked if they would provide access to their serial communication protocol, messaging etc. What I wanted to do is route the serial flow via the internet so people could race against each other remotely. Actually I could do this without knowing the protocol but really wanted to it so I could capture metrics and perform error checked etc. I offered to sign what ever NDA agreement, but they said once that’s its all propriety and consequently ignored me.
Now I still plan on doing this, but the project is on hold as a few other things have taken priority. The next step was play about with the interface and simulating AI riders. There is all sorts of possibilities but CT don’t seem open to any kind of suggestion.
“The system itself is great but their software is terrible.”
Absolutely. I recall one of our weekly tech support calls when the helpful service rep boasted, “We haven’t had to change our software in ten years.”
I politely mentioned to him that was a matter of opinion and that I get a new version of I-Tunes automatically about every three weeks.
If Racermate gets complacent about updating their product they will be passed easily and soon. Realistically, considering their primary business (Floscan) is fuel management systems for aircraft and other mega-dollar enterprises I doubt they’d miss the business.
The people who tend to benefit most from a Computrainer ride in Erg mode. Forget the courses and ride Erg…
Luckily there are a few companys who make s/w that works on the CT, and others, so it technically is no big deal.
Dave
But if you are going to ride in erg mode, then how is this superior to a TACX Flow for way less $$$.
Luckily there are a few companys who make s/w that works on the CT, and others, so it technically is no big deal.
Dave
Examples? Links?
The CT can hold out as long as it has better hardware than competing machines. And Racermate already has much better hardware developed as of several years ago.
“They are a German company…”
You know, I knew there was some kind of worm-hole thing going on on that big bike path that runs through Seattle…
This explains it! Every time I ride past the Racermate office/factory, I’m actually riding through Germany!
…no wonder my legs are so sore today!
:0)
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http://www.fitcentric.com/html/netathlon_2_0.html
I have used the above for a few year. NA2 is much more solid than NA1 was.
What is neat about this product is I can race with others online.
NA2 supports many different types of trainers.
Another is http://www.ergvideo.com/default.aspx
I really really want to try, but if I did, I would buy the 9 pack.
So, two examples of S/W that is MUCH better than CT.
Dave
$1650 is waaaaaaaaaaay too much for this product.
imo, it appears the hardware and software were finished just as windows 95 was released, and have not been updated since.
if an enterprising individual/company creates a user-friendly, intuitive, MODERN interface (keeping in mind that most people are no longer using 166 mhz pentium computers) to control the load unit and/or controller, they’re going to make a LOT of money. ditch the current bulky 8-bit controller & take advantage of modern communication protocols & they’ll make even MORE money.
there’s a huge hardware/software opportunity out there just waiting to be filled…
that’s all i have to say.
for now.
Read what you want in to this.
I heard they are no longer doing/allowing group buys.
Is it to much trouble? They figure they can get the sales anyhow? Just caving in to dealer complaints?
Don’t know but I am sure ST will read more into it then I.
But if you are going to ride in erg mode, then how is this superior to a TACX Flow for way less $$$
Is TACX an ergometer as well as a ride simulator? I thought TACX was just a ride simulator, but never really checked this out carefully. If TACX is also an ergometer, then it is hard to see how a Computrainer will be able to maintain its price premium.
As an aside, a Computrainer Rep told me this summer that they are bringing out HiDef videos of famous rides/races, and that will be their answer to the obsolete video issue.
They are a German company and from what I have seen not very interested in pushing boundaries with their software. The system itself is great but their software is terrible.
Couple of months ago I asked if they would provide access to their serial communication protocol, messaging etc. What I wanted to do is route the serial flow via the internet so people could race against each other remotely. Actually I could do this without knowing the protocol but really wanted to it so I could capture metrics and perform error checked etc. I offered to sign what ever NDA agreement, but they said once that’s its all propriety and consequently ignored me.
Now I still plan on doing this, but the project is on hold as a few other things have taken priority. The next step was play about with the interface and simulating AI riders. There is all sorts of possibilities but CT don’t seem open to any kind of suggestion.
I was thinking about the same thing yesterday, trying to reverse the communications protocol and then programming some AIs to race against. You’d set their physical and mental attributes. To simulate the myriad of recreational racers around here that like to race me, I’d have to create a rider that weighed 180-200 lbs, was very aggressive, and has an FTP of 220-250W.
I’ve monitored the serial port while the VT was running but haven’t tried figuring it out.
Tacx has several models that support Ergo function.
The Tacx Flow is the most basic model that has ergo function but no simulator.
the Fortius and Cosmos have both simulator and ergo, the cosmos having a stronger brake than the fortius.
“if an enterprising individual/company creates a user-friendly, intuitive, MODERN interface (keeping in mind that most people are no longer using 166 mhz pentium computers) to control the load unit and/or controller, they’re going to make a LOT of money.”
Nobody is ever going to make a **LOT **of money building electronic trainers.
If someone designed and built an electronic trainer that was so good that every person ever to post on ST bought one, their total yearly sales volume might just be close to the number of Ipods Apple sells in the average 24 hour period - and by the time the scale of production got large enough to be profitable, the unit would probably be obsolete, and someone would post something that reads exactly like what you just wrote…
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I heard new software will work with Googe Earth
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**Nobody is ever going to make a **LOT of money building electronic trainers.
perhaps i overstated a bit. there is a big opportunity out there just waiting for someone to pounce on. as soon as i finish my VB class, i’ll get right on it.
the computer controller Tacx units have 3 modes:
Real life video - actual courses (on dvd) filmed with gradients
iMagic - 3d virtual worlds with gradients (beaches, mountains, forests, track…)
Catalyst - “erg” mode. make your own workout or use a preprogrammed one. wattage/cal./HR/speed/cadence/time and gradients all shown.
I’ve seen people mention the spin scan on the CT, is it useful?
Someone on the Forum called CompuTrainer “Infotainment” which is exactly what the 3D courses are. They have tons of data and information for you to watch while you ride - the courses, IMO, are not that cool or realistic (at least they don’t feel that way). I agree with what someone else said here that the ERG mode is where the real training value/benefit exists. I too am underwhelmed by the archaic nature of the software. And RacerMate is worthless when it comes to service.