Direto X resistance changes

[winlikefin]

Hi
I bought a Direto X for my son in December 2020.
He was never really happy with it but used it during lockdown for training using Zwift and downloaded sessions on his Garmin 520.

I need to get fit and have started using it myself this week for 20-30 minutes at a time.

I have noticed that the resistance increases for a few seconds then goes back to normal.

I am not using Zwift - just recording my time on the bike using the Wahoo app.

Strangely the resistance change doesn't happen in the 2 easiest gears but does in any of the other nine.

I have calibrated the trainer and there are no firmware updates required.

Am I the only one to have this problem?

thanks
Finbar

[Elite Admin S]

Hi

Did you notice in which occasion the resistance increases without reason?
Does it happens only at start up or during the training session?
If you use my e-training (just for a test) do you have the same issue?

Regards

[winlikefin]

Hi
I haven't used the myEtraining app to record any sessions.
I will try it later today.
My training is 'free' - I don't connect to Zwift (or any of the other platforms), or follow any program with set power levels, I just sit on the bike and try to get my heart rate up by turning the pedals.
The resistance seems to change at a regular interval - it seems like every couple of minutes the resistance increases for a few seconds then returns to normal.
It happens all through the session - if I use the 2 easiest gears then it doesn't happen but any of the other gears cause it to happen, doesn't matter if I pedal fast or slowly.
I'll try to time it when I'm on later.
thanks for the reply
Finbar

[Elite Admin S]

Now I got it!
You are pedaling but you're connected with your Wahoo. If the resistance sent by the wahoo device is 0 (minimum resistance), every 3 minutes the trainer does a homing procedure (basically, it checks to not have loose the zero position). This is what you're experiencing.

[winlikefin]

That's good to know!

Is there a way around this or do I just have to put up with it?

Is it an issue with the Wahoo or would other apps/devices have the same thing?

thanks for the reply

Finbar

[Elite Admin S]

Hi

It's not an issue, it's a functionality of our firmware. It is used to check the zero position of the motor and it happens when you're connected with an application or a device and resistance is zero.

I understand that this may be unpleasant for your type of training though.
You have different options:
- you can connect the trainer on your wahoo as a speed&cadence sensor (and not as an indoor trainer)
- you can power off your Wahoo device (but in this case you won't see your speed... I don't know if you are interested on it).

[winlikefin]

Hi

I have tried the turbo again using different apps (Zwift & RGT Rouvy) and a different head unit - Garmin 520.

Every time the same thing happens.

The resistance is 'normal' for about a minute then it gets really hard for 10-15 seconds before going back to normal again.

This repeats every minute or so - it doesn't sound like the 3 minute firmware check that you describe.

My son tells me that the turbo has always done this and this is the reason he doesn't like the turbo - he preferred using the old Turbomuin that had worn out bearings! I have recently changed the bearings in the Turbomuin so will be going back to using it.

At the minute the Direto-X is unusable for any training.

[Elite Admin S]

Hi

Please do this test:
- power off ALL your apps and devices
- power on ONLY one of them (for example, only your Garmin)
- connect the garmin to your trainer as a speed&cadence sensor plus a power sensor (and NOT as an interactive trainer)
- start riding

If also in this way you have resistance variations, please contact our customer care.
Go to this page, select the product and then the link to open a ticket:
https://support.elite-it.com/

[winlikefin]

Hi

I did test the turbo connected to Zwift as a power source and cadence source.

The resistance changes still happened.

I disconnected the laptop & unplugged the turbo to be sure all connections were cancelled then connected to the myETraining app on my phone.

The turbo connected right away and I was able to see all the information displayed on screen.

When I tried to adjust the resistance of the turbo using the app I did not feel any difference at the crank but the power displayed on the app increased dramatically - up to 1850 watts!

As the turbo is only a few months old I contacted the retailer and they have agreed to replace the turbo with another one.

I have left the faulty one with them and am waiting for the replacement to be delivered to the store.

Many thanks for your advice on this.

Finbar