Hi,
I’m a happy user of Poweretap and recently upgraded the computer to Joule 2.0. I have today 2 wheels with Powertap as I use together with the Joule. But I’m thinking about buying a third set of wheel with Powertap. Can I do that? Will Joule recognize 3 different sensors?
In the user manual it said it can be compatible with many ANT+ sensors. But how many can be Powertap hub?
Not sure of the exact number but I have it successfully paired with 4 different PT Hubs.
4 is more than good enough
Thank you
.
compared to the PT head unit, what do you like and dislike about the Joule?
Joule Likes:
I like being able to see current and average power at the same time
The interval function is easier to use on the Joule - one button
Much faster post-ride download (micro USB versus USB serial)
Able to store multiple PT wheels (I have an Open Pro training/crit wheel and a Zipp that does double duty as a race wheel and a trainer wheel with Conti trainer tire) and switch between them more quickly
Able to view raw and offset torque during manual zero
Able to store multiple rides if I’m on the road - can leave the laptop at home (already have to bring a separate work laptop when traveling)
Onboard TSS/NP/IF - useful for SST rides to verify intensity and if on the road for multiple days to roughly regulate training doses
Joule Dislikes:
Had a couple issues with manual save. Always able to drag the data file off the Joule and import it into PA, but the PA download function sometimes did not work. Apparently fixed now
Appears to be vulnerable to file system corruption if disconnected physically without ejecting the drive
Power display is smaller than Cervo
High stack height of harness/mount
Must use PA to set FTP in order to have TSS/IF accurate
No direct download for WKO+/Golden Cheetah. Only PA direct download.
Hmm, not being able to direct download into WKO might be the deal breaker for me.
I’v played around with PA and think it pretty much sucks ass.
Thank you very much for the summary, that was awesome of you to take the time to do.
Im not a Joule user but i downloaded directly into WKO+ 3.0 yesterday with the old PT unit.
Glad to add some value. The PA two-step to get data into WKO+ is a pain, complicated by the fact that I’m on a Mac so it’s download to PA, export to .csv on the Mac desktop, drag the .csv to the XP desktop, and open the .csv with WKO+.
That said, the download of the Joule is so much quicker than the Cervo, especially when compared with the WKO+ 3.0/Device Agent lash up, that I can do all of the above steps faster than downloading the Cervo to WKO+ 3.0 if the ride is longer than 2.5 hours or so.
One more aspect of the Joule that I like is the built in barometric altimeter and all of the data that can be derived from that. I have a window of mine setup to show the percent grade I am climbing on a continuous basis. If you live in a hilly or mountainous area, this is pretty handy. The altitude changes, of course, are recorded and depicted in PA along with a number of metrics unique to climbing. I was skeptical of the accuracy at first since I am also a pilot and didn’t have a lot of confidence in what has to be a tiny altimeter. However, I have checked the readings against known elevation points and it has been spot on, within just a few feet. Amazing for the size of the device.
The Joule also records outside temps. I like that because I can use any temps over 90 degrees to explain my slow pace. Seriously, it is surprising how much variance I have seen in temps on my long rides (60-80 miles) in different terrain and changing weather conditions.
FWIW,
Greg
I know u hate Garmin but the 500 is quite nice
3 different toggle screens with 8 fields u can customize
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I liked the very easy Garmin setup. Fields are easy to customize - I have a 305 Forerunner and the process is similar.
It would be a great CPU to pair with a Quarg because one could use GPS speed/distance and not have to add a speed sensor, which I’ll have to do with the Joule when my Quarg arrives.
I run the Garmin 500 - Quarq set up.
Very happy with it. Despite no riding for over a month! ![]()
At what “rate” do you display your current watts on the Garmin??
3 second avg with 1 second updates to the screen
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Hmm, not being able to direct download into WKO might be the deal breaker for me.
I’v played around with PA and think it pretty much sucks ass.
Thank you very much for the summary, that was awesome of you to take the time to do.
WKO+ will import from the Joule. They just haven’t finished updating their software. But they are planning to make it compatible “soon.”
Have you used the update PowerAgent with TSS/IF/Pnorm?
Last time I used power agent was about 8 months ago. Not impressed at all compared to wko. Unless there has been a vast and drastic improvement, I’m not inclined to revisit it. But if there has been a vast and substantial improvement, well never say never bc you know I just might.
Actually didn’t they release an update within the last week or so that supports the Joule + the garmin 305!!!
WKO+/Joule compatibility rolled out on June 18. It appears to work fine. Haven’t been able to download a new file yet.
Last time I used power agent was about 8 months ago. Not impressed at all compared to wko. Unless there has been a vast and drastic improvement, I’m not inclined to revisit it. But if there has been a vast and substantial improvement, well never say never bc you know I just might.
There has been pretty much a top-to-bottom changes. I think it’s worth revisiting.
Mark…1 more question…
Is the Edge 500 an easy to use computer to record intervals?
Thanks…