Last Sunday, I tested the app with my rowing machine—a First Degree Fitness Viking V—which features a Bluetooth module and provides basic indoor rowing metrics. The connection between the app and the machine was instantaneous. However, only the total time and segment times were displayed correctly. The machine uses a water tank with paddles for resistance, mimicking the experience of rowing on water: the harder you pull, the more resistance you encounter.
Data provided: Time, min/500m pace, stroke count, watts, calories, and distance.
The issue is that the following fields in the app remained at zero:
- SPM (Strokes Per Minute)
- Watts
- Pace (seconds/500m)
- Distance (meters)
It would be fantastic if the app captured all the data sent by the machine. There is no need for an “ERG mode” to control resistance, as I manage that myself by varying the intensity of my pull.
I also believe it should be possible to program workouts based on specific parameters—for example, time/pace, distance/watts, etc.
FTP isn’t particularly useful for rowing; a 2km test is typically used to track progress. For a machine like mine, it would be sufficient if the app simply read all the data transmitted via Bluetooth.
I’m not sure if there are plans to develop this into a robust tool for rowing, but that would be fantastic.
Thanks a lot, Alex.
I’add you a screen capture of the app connected to the rower machine.
