Hub software update

Leslie Schneider

So, I bought a used Powertap last February which came with a Joule.  I never properly mastered it but I used the numbers as  a base and they all looked normal (i.e. avr watts working relatively hard would be in the 160s -180 range, up over 200 when I pushed).  Anyway, my Joule died in a downpour and I bought a new one on Ebay.  However the new one is not matching up properly.  I called a local Powertap retailer hoping they could help me with my Joule and they said my problem was probably that the hub needing a software upgrade. And I should ship it to Powertap.

 If you've stayed with me this long, thanks.   My question is, prices have come way down on the Powertap.  I'm thinking that instead of sending this old one in for an upgrade, perhaps I should get a new one and sell this one on Ebay to recoup some of my costs. 

 THoughts?   (I know I'd spend more getting a new one but...the shop would take care of everything instead of my doing a lot of fussing.  I'm basically lazy and scared of taking apart my bike.)

scott dinhofer

Leslie:
which LBS? I have found that the ones i use are notoriously lacking in PT knowledge.
the one time i had an issue with my Joule, after asking here, I found that the suggestion of calling cycleops direct was THE way to go. Thier CS people were amazing, spent the time and got the job done. If you feel like you have spare change to spend on a new PT, do it, new gear is always fun, but if you can get the existing one serviced, especially now that it is the end of season and you can get by for a few weeks, then do that.

save the $ towards a new bike, helmet, Westchester CC LS jersey, En schwagg or filling RnPs sbux cards!

Leslie Schneider

Hi Scott! I called over to Bethel Cycle. Have never dealt with them before. I like your suggestion of calling CS. I guess I was thinking someone should be able to see my equipment. But if they were able to help you over the phone...certainly can't hurt to see if they can help me. Thanks for the suggestion and I look forward to meeting you soon.

Keith Wick

The only thing I remember about a software update with a Powertap was when they went ANT+. If this is what they are talking about, then you can order the software upgrade which just plugs into your existing hub. I think mine cost $99 from wheelbuilder when I did it at the time. The newer G3 hubs have something different to update the software. You can find the step by step process for you to do this yourself here:

http://www.slowtwitch.com/Tech/Hub_How-To_-_Powertap_3486.html

scott dinhofer

@ Leslie:
not sure BC is the place, he seems good, but not sure how conversant he is in PT. I know that i love the guys at Bikeway in Mahopac, and they know next to nothing about PTs, same can be said for Hickory and tweed in Armonk... all the best in the area, but not smart on power devices...

lemme know when you want to have that coffee, got in touch with some of the other local ENers that have cropped up and am planning on a late November get together... will email you details

Leslie Schneider

Thanks Keith, I'll look into that. It's all a little intimidating to me but I'll figure it out.

Gordon Cherwoniak

Leslie,

I agree call power tap their customer service and troubleshooting is great.

Can you borrow or meet up with someone who has a garmin or another head unit, that they know if working, to pair up with your PT?  When I had problems I took my PT in to my local shop and they could not get my PT to sink to with their joule.  This will hopefully eliminate that the Joule is the problem.  They then sent in the PT hub for repair. 

Edit: I own a wireless prior to the G3 models, SL+ I believe.

 

Gordon

Leslie Schneider

Another good suggestion, thanks Gordon!