Polar CS600 Power - First on the Block...

MOlenick

Thanks. I did manage to get the files copied to the harddrive and installed. (I think). If you don't mind me asking, "How the hell did you ever get this thing to work?" I am pretty sure our setups are similar, Virtual PC 7.02 and Windows 98 on OS X. I've tried every port in the Preference file with no luck. Either the Port can't be open, or it fails to communicate with the CS600. I don't want to turn this into a Virtual PC forum, but I am ready to punt the whole mess. I am computer savy, but this has me at a loss.
Thanks to anyone who can help.

jcjordan

Well finally got my CS600 and I must say I dont understand how come everyone thinks its hard to set up.

Took me about 30-40 min and have not had a single problem either on the road or on a trainer. Far more reliable then my old S720i, especially when it comes to interference with the HR.

Love the new software and how you can create training sessions.

__________________
"Pain does not last, bones heal and chicks dig scars"

Ergoman

I have to agree that it's pretty easy to set up....when it works. Unfortunately my power unit was faulty right out of the box and the time I spent on setup was wasted since I had to remove everything to send it back for a replacement.

robd2

jcjordan, what component group are you using? I swear this thing doesn't work with the Dura Ace 7800 set. I'm ready to smash mine against the wall. The power paddle that is. I think my chain speed sensor keeps going out on me.

jcjordan

I am using it on the Ultegra 6600 on a 2002 Trek 5200. I would point out that you really need to be careful on how you place the power sensor unit. The getting of the centre dot in the middle of the stay does seem to alow some give, but getting the stack hight right is essential. dont worry that the chain gets pulled to the unit when its sitting still, that just means that its well within the sensor range.

__________________
"Pain does not last, bones heal and chicks dig scars"

jcjordan

Anyone know how to get the zones to work with power rather then HR?

__________________
"Pain does not last, bones heal and chicks dig scars"

robd2

J\V

First of all, can you verify within VirtualPC and/or W98 that the IR unit is functioning properly on the system side?

Second, is the unit's IR windo within an inch or so of the IR port?

Third, and this is off the top of my head, are you certain that you have selected the correct 'setting' on the VirtualPC side? I'm running v4.03, so it probably looks way different. Also, within the Polar software, you have to select the USB port that it's plugged into, no hubs, direct connection is best.

If none of this works for you e-mail me, and then I can try to sit down with VPC open and confirm the settings it had.

Good luck,

J

__________________

'07 S-Works Tarmac SL, Polar CS600+Power
2008 Cervelo P3C, Zipp 808s

'07 Specialized Epic Marathon w/Crossmax SLRs
CycleOps Pro 300PT Indoor Cycle Trainer (my winter ride)

J\V

This is the EXACT issue I've had with two different units (with very different serial numbers), on two different bikes, running both 7700 and 7800. One person here on the forums reported bringing his (similar) unit directly to Polar Finland to have his power sensor fixed under warranty right after getting it. I think he said they indicated that something was loose inside of it, and was repaired, but I don't recall if he ever reported back to confirm that it was repaired adequately.

I think they have a QC problem on these power sensors, because the dropouts I've seen are totally random, yet sometimes caused by large vibrations (i.e. hitting a pothole, for example). I know it has nothing to do with the installation, because it has worked flawlessly for hours on end in the beginning, only to develop the issue all of a sudden, after which it persists.

Call Polar Support, they've been very good lately. And, most of all, report back here what you find out.

Good luck.

-J

__________________

'07 S-Works Tarmac SL, Polar CS600+Power
2008 Cervelo P3C, Zipp 808s

'07 Specialized Epic Marathon w/Crossmax SLRs
CycleOps Pro 300PT Indoor Cycle Trainer (my winter ride)

jcjordan

I should point out that I am running a Dura Ace Chain, they last longer then Ultegra.

I have the chain sensor about 1 mm when I have it in the small/small as per the book. This can be quite hard to judge as the chain keeps getting pulled to the sensor, if you turn the crank you get a better idea of distance

__________________
"Pain does not last, bones heal and chicks dig scars"

jstock

I guess you may be refering to me. My unit is still not rock solid, but much better now. Before turning it in to Polar it dropped out a lot. After the "fix" I've experienced 4 incidents. One time it dropped out for about 5 minutes while riding close to a train track, so it might have been interference. One time it dropped out for a few minutes after hitting a pot hole really hard. Two times it has failed to start at all. Both times I stopped after a minute or so and it worked as soon as I started again. I've done about 800 kms on it after the "fix". The pothole incident was for sure related to the known problem, the others may have been something else. Of course there may have been drop outs that I haven't noticed.

If I recall correctly there is a post by Per Elmsäter at wattage detailing what serial numbers are affected by the known bug.

Regarding DA, I can't see how that could have anything to do with it (I'm running DA).

manos

I'm running Dura ace and with Polar CS 600+power for about 4200 KM and everything works perfect !

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MOlenick

Yes to all. When I open up the IR control panel it does see "Polar CS600" as a IR device near by.
I have tried holding the unit anywhere from 1cm to 8cm away.
I am not sure what you mean by the correct 'setting'.
I have tried it directly plugged into the USB slot on the front of my G5, and have tried every port on the Polar software from IR to COM 9. IR and USB try to connect, but fail to after 5 or 6 minutes. All the COM ports, say the port could not be opened.
Thanks

J\V

The last thing I can think of off the top of my head: When you are ready to Connect, just hit the bottom right button once, only. If I'm remembering correctly, it's like the 720i in that after you hit the button once, what comes up on the display might suggest you need to hit the button again. Don't.

I don't have the unit with me here at work so I can't give you the exact details, but the bottom line is don't hit any buttons beyond the first 'Connect' screen, even if it seems like you should.

That's all I got.

__________________

'07 S-Works Tarmac SL, Polar CS600+Power
2008 Cervelo P3C, Zipp 808s

'07 Specialized Epic Marathon w/Crossmax SLRs
CycleOps Pro 300PT Indoor Cycle Trainer (my winter ride)