Rowing & Sports Performance Monitoring Support

Troubleshooting/FAQs - SpeedCoach®

NOTICE: The most effective way to troubleshoot the SpeedCoach unit is to narrow the variables and determine which component is at fault.  In order to do this, you will need to trade units with a fellow rower.  You should use his or her unit (with the same stroke-mode setting and calibration number as your unit) on your dock station.  The fellow rower should use your SpeedCoach (with the same settings) on his or her docking station.  This will allow you to determine if the control unit or the docking station is at fault.

When should I reset my SpeedCoach?

• If you are experiencing difficulty with your SpeedCoach unit, you should initially try performing a hard reset.

Will resetting my SpeedCoach erase the memory? / Will I lose my accumulated distance if I reset my SpeedCoach?

• The hard reset will clear all memory and restore the factory default settings.  If your accumulated distance is important to you, please record it.  If you ran the calibration routine and changed the calibration number, please record the calibration number.

How do I reset my SpeedCoach?

• Using a nickel, since other coins tend to destroy the plastic, remove the battery port door.  Then, remove the battery.  While the battery is out, depress the top and bottom switches for ten seconds and then release them.  Wipe the battery clean so that it is void of fingerprints and any other debris.  Re-install the battery with the negative side down.  Make sure the O-ring is correctly positioned in the case groove.  Re-align and install the battery port door, making certain you completely seal it.  Now, turn the unit on.  If the accumulated distance does not read zero, repeat the hard reset.  Once the accumulated distance is zeroed, you can enter a recorded calibration number if you have one.  If you were experiencing difficulty with your stroke rate readings, put the unit in the 0-Stroke mode.
• Doing a hard reset quick resets calibration to 1.000 and the stroke mode to 2-STROKE mode.

Why does it seem like my stroke rate is doubled?

• Your unit is probably in 1-Stroke mode.  To change your unit from 1-Stroke mode to 2-Stroke mode, hold the bottom button until “2-STR” appears on the display, then release it.

Why can’t I get my stroke rate or speed readings?

• In this case, it is most likely the case that the unit is not in contact with the mounting bracket since no boat information is reaching the unit.  Push the unit onto the mounting bracket until you hear a loud click.  Be sure the lanyard is not interfering with the connection.

How come I’m not getting any speed/split readings?

• First of all, you will not get these readings unless you have the impeller installed in your boat.  While your SpeedCoach can execute other functions without the impeller, it is essential that the impeller be installed for split readings.
• If you do have this problem with an installed impeller, you need to make sure that the impeller is installed close enough to the blue sensor.  The impeller must be mounted within 10” of the blue sensor. See SPC installation instructions for more information.

Why does my speed/pace reading seem inaccurate?

• You have an incorrect calibration number and must reset the calibration of your unit. See unit instructions for more information.

How come I’m not getting a stroke rate reading?

• This is happening for one of two reasons.  It could be that the magnet is not passing close enough to the black sensor.  To solve this problem, you must adjust the magnet installation so that the magnet passes the black sensor within 3/4”s.
• The other possibility is that the magnet and black sensor are not aligned correctly. See SPC installation instructions for more information.

Why am I not getting a stroke rate, time, or distance readings?

• This could possibly be a seat sensor failure.  To make certain that it is a problem with the sensor and not the unit, put the SpeedCoach in 0-STROKE mode to bypass the seat sensor.

Why isn’t my timer starting?

• Your unit is in STOP or MEMORY mode.  You just need to clear STOP.

How do I properly install my impeller and SpeedSensor (blue sensor)?

• The impeller should go 16’3” from the bow.  If elsewhere on the boat, the SpeedCoach should be recalibrated.  It should be positioned approximately under the footstretchers.  While the impeller does not need to be on the centerline, it must be submerged (if NOT centered be sure to still align the sensor accordingly with the movement of the boat).  The impeller can be adhered to the hull of the boat with double-sided tape (included with purchase) or good electrical tape.
• The SpeedSensor, which is the blue sensor provided, should be as close to the impeller as possible (maximum or 11”).  You install the SpeedSensor inside the hull (i.e. the opposite side from the impeller).  The SpeedSensor can either be installed perpendicular to the impeller when positioned directly above it, or parallel to the impeller when it is located one impeller length in front or behind of the actual impeller.  Although inside the hull, the SpeedSensor still must be fixed securely to the shell.  Make sure you clean the surface well before taping it to the boat.

How do I install the magnet and SeatSwitch (black sensor)?

• The SeatSwitch, or black sensor, should be fixed mid-way through the length of the slide.  This will ensure the best reading.  Additionally, it MUST be oriented perpendicularly to the axis of the boat.
• The magnet must pass over the SeatSwitch.  Therefore, it too must be oriented perpendicularly to the axis of the boat.  You also must make sure that it is mounted to the seat within 3/4” and 1 1/2” of the deck.

Do I need to calibrate my SpeedCoach?

• The SpeedCoach is factory calibrated to provide reasonably accurate performance in most shells IF the impeller is installed approximately 16’3” (5m) from the bow.  Calibration is an optional step, which allows the display unit to compensate for different impeller locations and to perform very accurately.  You do not need to calibrate your system if you are only concerned with comparing performance on a day-to-day basis.  However, calibrating your unit will make certain your splits are accurate.

How do I calibrate my SpeedCoach?

• To calibrate your system, row or paddle over a measured distance on still water (on moving water row or paddle both up and down stream and average the results shown on your display).  Then, use the following formula to obtain your calibration value:
• Make a record of your calibration value for future reference.  If you move your unit to a new boat, or modify the location of your impeller, you may want to recalibrate it.  Remember, calibration is boat and location specific!

What should I do if I suspect a wiring problem?

• If possible, try a unit that is known to work with the suspect wiring to determine whether the problem is your unit or the wiring.  Be sure the calibration number and stroke mode are set the same as your unit.
• Check the wiring for visible cuts or nicks.
• Check that both sensors are correctly aligned (i.e. the black sensor aligned properly with the magnet and the blue sensor aligned properly with the impeller).
• Check the impeller for debris and make sure it is not damaged.
• Check that the metal contacts on the unit depress easily and rebound level to the back surface of the unit.
• Check the metal contacts on the mounting dock and make sure they are flush with the surface of the dock.
• Clean the contacts on both the control unit and the docking station with Bon Ami (a non-abrasive cleanser available at most local stores).

Why does my timer shut off after 6 seconds?

• This is probably a problem with your SeatSwitch (the black sensor).  You should test your seat sensor by placing the unit in 0-STROKE mode to check if the unit is functioning correctly.  If all readings are correct in 0-STROKE mode, the problem is either the SeatSwitch or the magnet (this test will NOT work for kayakers).
• You should check the installation of both your SeatSwitch and magnet. See SPC installation instructions for more information.

How come I have speed readings, but no distance, average, or clock shows?

• This is probably a problem with your SeatSwitch (the black sensor).  You should test your seat sensor by placing the unit in 0-STROKE mode to check if the unit is functioning correctly.  If all readings are correct in 0-STROKE mode, the problem is either the SeatSwitch or the magnet (this test will NOT work for kayakers).
• You should check the installation of both your SeatSwitch and magnet. See SPC installation instructions for more information.

What Stroke Mode do I want?

• 2-STROKE mode is for the majority of rowers.  For this mode, input comes from the SeatSwitch and the magnet under the seat.  It counts once for every two passes over the SeatSwitch.
• 1-STROKE mode is for kayakers ONLY.  Input comes from the paddle switch sensor.
• 0-STROKE mode is for those individuals not using the seat sensor (This does NOT work for kayakers).  The input for this mode comes from modulations in the speed of the boat.

How do I set my desired Stroke Mode?

• To select a particular Stroke Mode turn on the unit and hold the button down until either 2,1, or 0-STR is displayed in the bottom left window.  Release the bottom button when the desired setting appears.

Why is my LCD dim?

• Check the battery voltage and/or replace the existing battery.
• The CR2032 is a common battery available at most local stores.  A CR2032 has an average expected battery life of 400 hours.