Getting accurate data

PowerControl

Where do I find the new firmware for my PowerControl?

Simply download the latest SRM Win software from www.srm.de (in the Support section). Install the software, and then connect your PowerControl to your computer. The firmware update will be done automatically.

It's a good idea to check for updates on the website periodically, and keep your software up to date. We are constantly working to improve it, and this way you will get any firmware updates as they come out as well.

If I download and install the PC VI firmware update, will all of the training files currently saved on my computer will be deleted, or just on the SRM bike computer?

When you download and install the firmware upgrade for the PC VI, you will see the following warning: "ATTENTION: Training files will be deleted after firmware upgrade! Please download your training data first!". This warning only refers to any training data that you currently have on your PC VI that you haven't downloaded into the SRMWin software yet. Make sure you download your training files into your existing version of SRMWin before you install the new firmware.

All of your training files in the software on your computer are safe, and will not be deleted.

My PowerControl battery ran down completely. Can I wake it up?

Charge the PowerControl for a full 12 hours. Unplug and replug the PowerControl from the charger until you are sure that they are connected properly. If it still doesn't work, then send it in for service.

My computer won't connect to my PowerControl

There are a few things that could be causing this, so let's start with the quick and easy ones.

First of all, check that your PowerControl has some life in it (more than an hour, or 10%). You can do check the remaining battery life by pressing "Mode" and "Pro" at the same time. The value right side middle line with an "h" behind it indicates the number of hours of battery left. If it's less than one hour,, plug it in for an hour and then try connecting again.

Second, try waking the PowerControl up before trying to connect, by pressing the "Mode" button on it once.

Third, and this may sound silly but it's easy to do, make sure you have the download cable plugged into the right port on the PowerControl if you have an "online" version with two or three ports on the back. The cable goes into the one called "Online/Charge", NOT the port in the middle labelled "Sensor".

Fourth, make sure you've plugged the download cable into the same port on your computer as you did when you first connected the two. This is important for USB ports, since most new computers have two or three - the driver is only installed for one port, not all of them. You always need to use the same port to connect your PowerControl, once you've finished the installation and successfully made a connection.

If you've checked all of those and still can't get a connection, and you're using a USB download cable, go back and make sure you've installed the USB driver. It's on the SRM CD-ROM, in a folder called "USBCableDriver". Just double-click on the file in that folder, and it will run the installation program.

Unplug your download cable, and then plug it in again after the driver has been installed, and it should recognize it as a "Prolific USB to Serial Cable". Once it's done that, try clicking on the "PowerControl Setup" icon again, and it should work.

My computer STILL won't connect to my PowerControl V...

How frustrating! But you can fix it, you just need to tell your computer where to look. Here's how...

Make sure your PowerControl is connected to your computer, and is on. If you have a PC-IV, you'll need to keep pressing the "Mode" button on it to turn it on before each attempt to connect.

Click on the Windows "Start" button, and then on "Control Panel". Then, in the screen that opens up, click on "System". You may see a message warning you about changing the settings in this folder, but click on the warning message to view the contents of the folder anyway.

Click on the "Hardware" tab, and then on the "Device Manager" button.

In the Device Manager screen, scroll down until you see "Ports (COM & LPT)" and click on the plus sign next to it (which changes to a minus sign when it's open, as shown below) to open it up. Then double-click on "Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port". If this doesn't exist, it means you need to go back and install the USB driver (see page 40 for instructions).

Once you're into the Properties screen, click on the "Port Settings" tab, and then on the "Advanced" button.

In the Advanced Settings screen, as shown below, look at the box near the bottom called "COM Port Number" - you need to have a COM port number below 10 for the USB port to work with your PowerControl. The COM number in the field is the one that's currently being used, so to change it, click on the down arrow to the right of the field, and then select the lowest available COM port. Click on "OK" to save the changes and exit.

Click on "OK" to close each of the other screens, until you've closed the "System" Control Panel.

Open the SRMWin software, if you don't have it open already.

Tell the program what kind of PowerControl you have, by selecting either "PCV" or "PCIV" from the dropdown list on the main menu bar. Then, click on "Options" on the menu at the top of the screen, and make sure that you're looking at the "0 System" tab, as shown below. Now, Then, tell it where to look for your PowerControl, by selecting the "Active port", which you set a minute ago in the System Properties (i.e. COM2).

Click on "Apply", and then on "OK" to save the changes and exit the Options screen.

Now for the moment of truth! Make sure everything is connected, and that your PowerControl is on, and try clicking on "PowerControl Setup" again... It should show you the settings in your PowerControl. If it STILL doesn't work, please get in touch with us.

How do I set the "total distance" on my PowerControl back to zero?

Connect your PowerControl to your computer, and click on the "PowerControl Setup" icon. You will see the screen below. Click on "Clear Odo Values".

A warning screen, shown below, will appear. Click "OK" if you want to reset your distance, time, and energy to zero, for instance at the start of each season. Click "Cancel" if that's not what you want to do!

My PowerControl V has ‘frozen', like a computer that has crashed. I can't get it to do anything...

Make sure your PowerControl is charged, and then connect it to your computer and click on "PowerControl Setup". Then click on "Special". On the right side of the "Special" screen is a button called "Reset PowerControl", click on this. A warning screen will appear, as shown below. IF YOU CLICK ON "OK" ALL OF YOUR STORED DATA WILL BE DELETED, INCLUDING TOTAL DISTANCE, TIME, AND ENERGY, AS WELL AS YOUR POWERCONTROL SETTINGS. Having said that, at least it should work again...

My PowerControl V keyboard won't work.

Connect your PowerControl to your computer, go to "PowerControl Setup", and then click on "Special". There is a button on the right side of the screen called "Unlock Keyboard". Click on this, and it should solve your problem. If this doesn't work, send your PowerControl in for a service, as the connection between the keyboard and the rest of the PowerControl may be broken.

I've been riding for longer than the PowerControl says

The PowerControl may think that you're in the middle of an interval, and so is only showing you data from a portion of your ride. Look to see if the letters "Int" are flashing on the left side of the display, and if they are, press the "Set" button once to end the interval. After 10 seconds or so when the summary data from that interval is displayed, you'll be back into normal mode and will see data from your entire ride.

Otherwise, it may be that you've set your PowerControl to show your rolling time ("time speed > 0") or pedalling time ("time cadence > 0"). Both of these settings will omit time that you've spent stopped at a stoplight, for instance. To change these settings, connect your PowerControl to your computer, open up the SRMWin software, and click on the "PowerControl Setup" icon. Click on the "Special" button, and then select whichever display options you prefer.

The PowerControl V keypad doesn't work

First of all, try unlocking the keypad by connecting your PowerControl V to your computer and using the SRMWin software. Click on the "PowerControl Setup" icon, and then click on "Special". Then click on "Unlock Keyboard".

If that doesn't work, it may be that there is a physical problem with the connection between the keypad and the electronics in your PowerControl. Send it back to a service centre along with a Return Form.

The display freezes after hitting the "Set" button

The display "freezes" for about 10 seconds when you end an interval, so that you can see your summary data from that interval. If you don't want to see this, press and hold the "Mode" button until you see the main screen again.

SRM System with sensor cable

How should I install the sensors for my wired system?

For wired SRM Systems, the proper placement of the sensor cable is crucial for power measurement. Be sure that the sensor is placed so that magnetic end is over the Reed Switch, and the white square printed on the sensor is over the sending coil. If using the new style sensor cable (which mounts under the derailleur cable guide) be sure that the top of the plastic housing installs level to, or slightly higher than, the sending coil. From this position you can then move the sensor closer or further away, adjusting for proper transmission.

How do I get the most accurate data with a wired system?

Position: All wired and wireless systems require that you have the sensor cable or sensor magnet within 3-5 mm of the power meter lid. This is one if not the most important part in setting up your PM for the most accurate data. Make sure that your PM is installed. Then shift your

Cable : Make sure that cable is not pinched, crimped, cut frayed or damaged. This sometimes needs close inspection too see. T

Zero offset: It is very important that you do your zero offset before each ride. It is also suggested that you again check and do your zero offset 15 minutes into the ride. This will assure that you got the most correct data from your system.

Additional information for PowerControl V user (systems with sensor cable):

Checking to make sure that you have a stable zero offset will also help you get the most accurate data. To do this make sure that your sensor cable is positioned as listed above, then spin your cranks backwards to wake up the PowerMeter. Place your right crank arm at twelve o'clock, go into your zero offset mode on the PowerControl. Slowly spin the cranks backwards to nine then six then three back to twelve. Your offset should be stable + or - 10 throughout the entire revolution. If you see drops in this process, reposition your sensor and repeat until it is stable.

My system doesn't show power or cadence readings

Both of these values come from the power sensor, so this is a sign that either the power sensor is not positioned correctly, the sensor cable is damaged, or that the battery in the PowerMeter is dead.

Check that the sensor cable comes out of the power sensor pointing away from the bottom bracket for road and track systems, or towards the bottom bracket if using a traditional style sensor with a mountain bike PowerMeter. The sensor should be within 3 to 5mm of the back of the PowerMeter.
Check that there are no breaks or nicks in the sensor cable itself, since these will interrupt data transmission from the PowerMeter to the PowerControl. If your cable is damaged, you can order a new one from the SRM online shop at www.srm.de.
If your crank is relatively old, it could be that the battery in the PowerMeter is empty. The battery has a life-span of about 700 - 1,400 hours, depending on PowerMeter model. Fluctuations in temperature or leaving the PowerMeter unused for a long time can reduce this life-span significantly. Please send the PowerMeter in for the battery to be changed. You should clean it, leave the right crank and chainrings attached, and enclose a "Return Form" found on the SRM website.

My system shows no speed or distance data

This suggests that your speed sensor isn't passing close enough to the magnet on the wheel. Try adjusting the angle of the wheel magnet on the spoke so that it passes closer to the sensor, or adjusting the position of the speed sensor on the fork (or chainstay if using a rear-mounted speed sensor). Sometimes you may need to try different positions along the fork to get the best position.

Some models of wheel magnets have a very small magnetic field (e.g. MAVIC R-SYS wheels with integrated magnet). That may cause speed drops or wrong data.

If you have a wired system please check as well that there is no damage to the sensor cable itself, since this will prevent data from reaching the PowerControl. Replacement sensor cables can be ordered on our website.

There could also be a broken pin on the back of your PowerControl. The pin at 11:00 is the speed pin. A broken pin can be replaced, if you send the PowerControl in for servicing.

How do I test if the power sensor of my sensor cable is installed properly?

It is possible to get power readings that are wrong, if the sensor only picks up data for part of a pedal revolution. This can happen if the sensor is attached to the bike frame too loosely, or if it is a little bit too far from the PowerMeter lid. It can also happen if your bike frame flexes when you apply a lot of power. If this is the case, the PowerMeter will pick up a little bit of data, but not for the whole pedal revolution, and your data will be intermittent or incorrect.

To test that the wired power sensor is on properly, you need to check that it is picking up a signal all the way around a pedal revolution. Start with the pedal pointing upwards (12 o'clock), press "Mode" and "Set" at the same time on the PowerControl, and look to see if you are getting a zero offset reading (see page 24). Make sure that you are not touching the crank or pedal when you do this. Then rotate the crank around so that the pedal is pointing forwards (3 o'clock,) and check the zero offset again. It should be within 10 units of the 12 o'clock reading. Do this two more times, at 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock. All four values should be within 10 units of each other. If they're not, make small adjustments to the position of the power sensor, and repeat the check until you get stable readings all the way around the revolution.

The power reading is too low or too high

Once you've been training with power feedback for a short while, you'll have a pretty good feel for what power you normally produce. If you notice that the power being shown on the PowerControl is too low or too high, there are a few things you can check.

Please check that the zero offset is correct.

For PowerControl V users:

First, check that you have the correct slope entered into your PowerControl. Press the "Mode", "Pro", and "Set" buttons all at the same time. This takes you into the first setup screen. Press "Mode" six times to get to the second setup screen. The slope that the PowerControl is using for it's power calculations is shown at the bottom left of the screen (e.g. "25.0"). If it isn't the correct slope for your PowerMeter, press the "Mode" button once more so that the "S" in the bottom right of the screen is flashing. Then correct the slope by pressing the "Pro" button to increase it or the "Set" button to decrease it. Press and hold the "Mode" button to exit the setup screen when you're finished.

Second, check that the zero offset is correct.

Third, check that the sensor cable is positioned correctly, so that it is receiving data from the PowerMeter through the whole 360° revolution.

If you've done all of the checks listed above and the power reading is still too low, you can send it in to an SRM Service Centre for calibration.

I'm trying to set the zero offset, but the PowerControl V won't go into the right mode

If the PowerControl V thinks you're in the middle of an interval, it won't switch into zero offset mode. If this is the problem, the letters "Int" will be showing on the left side of the PowerControl's middle line, with an interval sequence number below them. Simply press the "Set" button once to end the interval, and then try to get into zero offset mode again by pressing "Mode" and "Set" at the same time.

Speed, heart rate

Heart rate

Coded/noncoded/ANT/ANT+Sport

There is no heartrate reading on the PowerControl

The PCVs work with coded Polar heartrate straps (T61 or WearLink). Older models (before November 2005) work with uncoded Polar or Suunto straps. The new PCVIs only work with the Suunto ANT and ANT+Sport straps. Other 2.4 GHz heart rate belts like the Polar W.I.N.D. are right now not working with the PC VI.

If you're using the correct type of strap for your PowerControl and still don't get a reading, check that the battery in your heartrate strap is working by testing it with it's companion heartrate watch, if you have one. If it works with the watch, try holding the PowerControl close to your chest and see if you get a reading. If it works when the PowerControl is close to the strap, adjust your handlebar mount with your PowerControl on it until you get a reading when you're in riding position.

If you're using a PCVI, make sure you have paired the PowerControl with the heart rate strap, otherwise it won't know where to look for the heartrate signal.

How can I set up the PC VI to work with a different brand of heart rate strap than Suunto?

The PC VI now has capability for read the Garmin ANT+Sport.
Make sure your PCVI has updated firmware. You can do this yourself at www.srm.de support.
Then:

Connect your PowerControl VI to your computer.
Select PowerControl Set up
Click on the "Special" button
Click on the "Hardware" tab
Check the box that says ANT+Sport
Click OK then OK again to store and exit.

I own two SRM systems on two separate bikes. Will one heartrate strap work with both systems, or once it's paired to a PowerControl will it only work with that one?

You can use one heartrate strap with two PowerControls.
If wired - just go ahead and use them as the Polar chip in the PCV picks up
the code automatically.
If you have wireless, you will need to pair both PowerControls with the
strap, then once paired you are good to go and will remain paired with both.

Speed

My PowerControl shows no speed

This is an indication that something is going wrong between the speed sensor and the PowerControl. There are a couple of things that you can check.

First, if you have a wired system, make sure you have the speed sensor and wheel magnet mounted correctly.

If you use a wired system and a PowerControl V check that there is no damage to the sensor cable between the speed sensor and the plug. If there are any nicks or cuts that expose bare wire, then you'll need to order a new sensor cable.

Look at the plug on the back of the PowerControl. If the prong in the 11:00 position is missing or is pushed too far into the PowerControl, the speed data won't be able to get from the sensor cable to the PowerControl. Please send the PowerControl to a service centre for repair.

If you have a Wireless SRM System and a PowerControl VI check if your speed sensor and your PowerControl are paired.

The speed is too high or too low

First, check that you only have one magnet mounted on your spokes. If there are two, this will cause the speed to be doubled. Then check that the tire circumference is set correctly. Last, make sure that the units are set to what you would like to see (miles or kilometres, see below for instructions).

Wireless System

What do I need to install for my wireless system?

For Wireless SRM Systems, there are three items needed to mount to the frame. (1) the speed sensor (either Suunto Road Bike POD or Bike POD) and the wheel magnet , (2) the handlebar clip, and (3) the cadence magnet.

When installing the cadence magnet, be sure to align the magnet to pass over the path of the reed switch. If you find you are getting inaccurate readings for power or cadence, try moving the magnet closer to or further away from the PowerMeter lid. It might also be necessary to change the height of the magnet (see special bike frames).

How do I get the most accurate data with a wireless system?

Make sure that you have your cadence magnet installed a within 3-5 mm of the PowerMeter lid. This is one if not the most important part in setting up your PM for the most accurate data.

Checking to make sure that you have a stable zero offset will also help you get the most accurate data. To do this make sure that your magnet is positioned as listed above, then spin your cranks backwards to wake up the PowerMeter. Place your right crank arm at twelve o'clock, go into your zero offset mode on the PowerControl. Slowly spin the cranks backwards to nine then six then three back to twelve. Your offset should be stable + or - 10 throughout the entire revolution. If you see drops in this process, reposition your magnet and repeat until it is stable.

Make sure that your Power Control is paired with your Power Meter!