Here’s some info that came out on the google wattage group from Quarq that will be of interest to those with newer quarqs (red led and cr2032 batteries). I’ve copied the message directly below. Hopefully this is ok by the slowtwitch forum rules.
Qalvin for Mac: All done. Almost through the Mac App Store acceptance process. Stay tuned for release.
Accelerometer cadence is now in final testing. There are some not-so-secret beta testers in the field. We are coming down the home stretch to public release, so here are a few details.
We have been working very hard on accelerometer cadence for quite a while. The accuracy and performance of the magnets and reed switches is very high, setting a high standard for expected performance.
All Quarq power meters with an LED and CR2032 are compatible with accelerometer cadence. When ready, we will release a new firmware for these devices.
Accelerometer cadence is automatically enabled when the magnet is dislodged or removed. No user intervention is needed.
Accelerometer cadence offers convenience and was developed for bikes that have limited options for magnet placement. Performance is excellent up to 160rpm and in all but the most extreme vibration environments. A magnet is the preferred method for cadence measurement. It ensures that cadence is the most accurate no matter what the conditions.
In terms of accuracy, single pedal stroke cadence accuracy decreases by a maximum of ~2%, but cumulative accuracy is unaffected. There is little or no impact on cumulative power values such as kilojoules, average power and normalized power.
Benchmark tests show the accuracy of Quarq’s accelerometer cadence matches or surpasses other products that use accelerometers for cadence.
VERSION 23AUGUST 13, 2014
Activates accelerometer cadence in all power meters with an LED and CR2032 battery. Accelerometer cadence will switch on automatically when a magnet is not present.
Now I just need Qalvin to be released for the Mac so I don’t have to buy the ANT+ dongle…
Or have a galaxy s5 and update from your phone with no extra attachments . That was super easy . 5 minutes from seeing post to downloading qalvin and updating firmware . Sweet
Excellent news !
I was very happy with my Quarq when I was using one, now also happy with my SRM but it seems SRM is a bit sleepy in term of launching new options / updates, etc.
Now Quarq if you read me… please please bring back an option like ROTOR 3D+ to enable Quarq users to ride 150/155/160mm crankset, I’d definitely try the latest QUARQ
It is true!.. FW2.3 was released yesterday and features AxCad (Accelerometor Based Cadence). This is a bit of a soft release and will be advertised more at a later date. Anyone using a newer Quarq that uses a CR2032 battery will be able to update their Quarq’s firmware via Qalvin and ditch the magnet if you so desire. Qalvin for Mac has also been approved and is available for download. This will be updated on www.Quarq.com soon.
If any Quarq users would like info on how to update the firmware or have further questions about AxCad, shoot us an email at ThinkFast@Quarq.com or call 800-660-6853.
We are tied to SRAM crank lengths on most models. The Quarq for Specialized and Cannondale are spider only options and will work with any available length of the corresponding crank.
It just seems to be the new hit thing. Rotor does it for $2400. Will it help 99% of us, no. So yeah, I guess I was just curious if Quarq was doing it because everyone else seems to be
As we measure power from the most accurate source (the spider), the torque is constantly being measured in the full 360 degree rotation which is from both legs in all positions. We will continue to offer Power Balance, which splits the rotation in half via crank orientation and shows the percentage difference this way.
Cycling and triathlon are endurance sports, and teams, pro athletes and age-groupers who want to go faster focus on developing their aerobic and anaerobic energy systems and tracking their fitness and fatigue. Sports science supports this. Right now, getting the most accurate power reading from the most reliable source is our focus. I am sorry, but I cannot reveal anything more about our direction or future products.
