PM5 Bluetooth

By the Watta Team · Updated

PM5 Bluetooth: The Concept2 PM5 Performance Monitor includes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity, allowing it to wirelessly transmit workout data to compatible apps and devices.

What is PM5 Bluetooth?

The PM5 is the performance monitor attached to all current Concept2 ergometers (RowErg, SkiErg, BikeErg). It includes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and ANT+ wireless connectivity, enabling real-time data transmission to smartphones, tablets, and heart rate monitors. Bluetooth pairing allows compatible apps to receive stroke-by-stroke data during a session, including split time, stroke rate, distance, watts, and calories. However, Bluetooth connectivity can be unreliable in gym environments with many competing signals, and pairing sometimes fails or disconnects mid-session. The PM5 also stores up to 100 recent workouts in its internal memory, which can be accessed via USB or the Concept2 Utility app.

How Watta Uses PM5 Bluetooth

Watta bypasses Bluetooth entirely by using AI-powered OCR to read the PM5 screen from a photograph. This eliminates pairing issues, connection drops, and the need to set up Bluetooth before every session. Simply photograph your PM5 screen after your workout and Watta extracts all the data instantly.

Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Watta connect to the PM5 via Bluetooth?
No. Watta uses AI OCR to read your PM5 screen from a photograph. This is faster and more reliable than Bluetooth, with no pairing required. Just snap a photo of your results screen.
Why is Bluetooth pairing sometimes unreliable?
Gym environments often have many Bluetooth devices competing for signal. The PM5 Bluetooth can also be affected by distance, phone operating system updates, and background apps. These issues are why Watta uses camera-based OCR instead.
Can I use a Bluetooth heart rate monitor with Watta?
Watta does not connect directly to Bluetooth heart rate monitors. However, you can enter your heart rate data when logging a session, and Watta will calculate your personalised Karvonen-based heart rate zones.

Related Content

PM5 MonitorThe PM5 (Performance Monitor 5) is the current-generation display unit on Concept2 ergometers, showing split time, distance, stroke rate, watts, heart rate, and other workout metrics.Concept2 RowErgThe Concept2 RowErg is the industry-standard air-resistance indoor rowing machine used by Olympic teams, universities, CrossFit boxes, and home gyms worldwide.Erg Screen (PM5 Display)The erg screen is the Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) display on a Concept2 ergometer that shows real-time workout metrics including split time, distance, stroke rate, and calories.Concept2 MemoryConcept2 memory is the onboard storage on the PM5 monitor that automatically saves workout data, storing up to 200 workouts that can be reviewed on-screen or transferred via USB or Bluetooth.Erg Technique GuideRowing for BeginnersApps That Work with the Concept2 PM5For Concept2 UsersFor Home Gym
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