I’m looking to buy a used Computrainer for Zwift/TrainerRoad via Mac. What should I look for? What parts do I need? There’s a lot of them for sale and trying to figure things out before hand. Thanks in advance!
A PC to use it with, unless you’re going to do boot camp.
I always thought it would be cool to run the NES version…
Don’t need too much, as I’ve run my mac and TrainerRoad for a long time. It should come with the connectors, and I use a Garmin stick and HR strap for wireless HR info. Bulletproof, and so easy to operate.
I’m looking to buy a used Computrainer for Zwift/TrainerRoad via Mac. What should I look for? What parts do I need? There’s a lot of them for sale and trying to figure things out before hand. Thanks in advance!
Does models matter (8001 vs 8002 etc)? I’m guessing I need the head unit?
The difference between an 8001/8002 is basically an updated load generator (where the cables connect, etc… I think both are still rated 1500w and functionally similar - basically either will work, get the 8002 if the price isn’t a difference.)
Besides the computrainer itself (load generator/trainer) you’ll need the head unit, power supply (and necessary DIN cables to hook it up if they aren’t included) and audio cable to link it to the head unit.
If you want to hook it to your computer you’ll also need the FTDI USB to Stereo adapter cable.
First, age of the unit (obviously). Serial # 30,000+/- is about circa 2007-08. 46000+/- is circa 2012 while 50000+/- is circa 2013. Ask the seller to provide the numbers. xxxxxLG and xxxxxHB for the load generator and controller.
Their should be a pig tail style power cord. Early units plugged directly in.
The power supply should be 1500w, not the 750w for early units.
No blue fly wheels. Those were discontinued in late 2007, but you see them around a good bit.
The manuals have publication dates on them so look at those dates.
Racermate One came out 7/2012. It was offered as an upgrade, but if the head unit has “Racermate One” on the original sticker (not an overlay) it should be 2012 or later.
Look at wear on the roller, serious rust on the frame & a warped copper plate inside the LG. If deformed it will often have a ringing noise while spinning.
Most modern PCs lack a serial port so see who supplied the serial/ USB adapter. FTDI is what you want.
Firmware version in the load controller. Early firmware versions may not support either Zwift or Trainer Road. You can search for a thread that details the version #. I don’t recall myself.
Look at the graphics on the LG. Very late models are multi colored backrounds, not single color backrounds.
I actually have a NES and old head unit
.
I was aware of the blue flywheel and needing to get the usb to stereo adapter but not the rest. Thanks for sharing - that’s useful info. I ended up buying this:
It kinda blows my mind you can get a complete computrainer with everything for under $350. That’s about what I paid for my fluid trainer. I ordered a spare power supply and cables from racermate before that closes/dries up. They shipped everything next day so the doors are still open for spare parts. I’m not sure why anyone would by anything else considering you can get a good used CT with everything for under $350. That’s stupid cheap.
any advice on how to get it going on a mac? What serial to usb are you using? I could never get mine going (on a mac or more recently even on a pc) I have an old computrainer so maybe thats the issue?
any advice on how to get it going on a mac? What serial to usb are you using? I could never get mine going (on a mac or more recently even on a pc) I have an old computrainer so maybe thats the issue?
I have used mine with an older Macbook Pro and it’s been fine. I can look to see the brand, but it was the one supplied by Computrainer.
any advice on how to get it going on a mac? What serial to usb are you using? I could never get mine going (on a mac or more recently even on a pc) I have an old computrainer so maybe thats the issue?
Do you have the adapter that looks like this (click on the blue type 7 text)? https://www.racermateinc.com/adapters/
When my unit comes in I’ll be setting it up on a mac. You could also run parallels/windows 7 on your mac. I have that on mine and it works great.
Ive used a CT with Trainer Road via a Mac. Older CT head unit firmware versions do not run work with TR or Zwift. It is why you need a relatively recent vintage head unit. I had one from late 2007(serial #29069HB) and it ran TR fine.
Always use a FTDI chipset based stereo/USB cable. Never Prolific chipsets. Never.
i think that might be my problem - old head unit
my computrainer would be vintage 2003ish
.
i think that might be my problem - old head unit
my computrainer would be vintage 2003ish
Unfortunately, I suspect that is correct.
I found this regarding chipset/firmware versions:
Chipset Versions
16.15 � Chipset for Nintendo and Commodore 64
27.41 - Chip reads 23.41 on Handlebar Controller (for 750-watt “Standard” Load Generator with Pro Controller)
25.33 - First PC Chip - did NOT have ERG mode function during PC use.
25.41 � Allowed for ERG function in newly released Coaching Software. CT maintains stand-alone function until a race screen is displayed. Allows stereo cable to remain inserted while doing calibration, except for 3D. Controller displays PRO only when software is running. Alternates display of HR and cadence while running external software.
25.42/25.43 - Mostly changes to do with wireless HR and drag functions.
45.43 � Added Aerodynamic Drag Factor
41.62 - Puck controllers
Note - PC software will not display anything above 40.95 correctly and the RM1 software display this 40.95 value as 45.43 (hard-coded). The short lived 41.62 was not supposed to see the light of day, but did, and will also display as 45.43 in RM1. You can only tell the version using the 4-second start-up display.
35.65 - Puck controller with no earclip HR circuits and embedded Polar HR components previously in the red-lump Polar HR cable.
36.10 - Further modes internal to add better chip and memory.
Note the poster said 45.43 or later is needed for TR functionality.
And here is a roller from a current Ebay listing. I can’t quite figure out how he abraded the thing so much. I’ve never seen one with a visible indentation due to wear.
You’ll likely need the 45.43 firmware chip to run TrainerRoad and Zwift. Some have done it without, but be sure what chipset is in the handlebar controller. Those chips are still available from RM (I think), but won’t be forever. I had to burn my own to keep the studio alive…
The most important thing to look for is wahoo on the flywheel, make sure it doesn’t say computrainer anywhere on it or you will be stuck with a dinosaur with a bunch of wires coming out of it. pink/not pink. i really dont get you guys
Only time will tell.
I don’t know why anyone would consider buying a Wahoo though?
Especially due to the fact that Computrainers are available at fire sale prices…
I have many friends that have a Wahoo and have had minimal problems.
What I don’t know is that if I had a Wahoo that I could do year after year …multiple times a week…20 min intervals at 430 watts without it ever flinching?
I do know that the Computrainer is fully capable of the task because I did it for years…and it still can do it.
$350-$400 versus $1000-$1200 for a product that doesn’t have that history of reliability?
Doesn’t make sense…at least for me…