PM5 Firmware
Firmware is the computer program embedded in and running your Performance Monitor. We strongly recommend that you keep your firmware up to date with the current version.
Updating PM5 Firmware
There are various ways to update your firmware, depending on the age of your PM5. If your monitor meets the minimum threshold firmware version, using ErgData is the easiest and—being wireless—requires no additional equipment. We recommend trying that first.
If your PM5 does not meet the minimum firmware version threshold for wireless updates, don't worry! You can cable your PM5 to a computer and use the Concept2 Utility to update the firmware. PM5s that have a USB-A port (sometimes referred to simply as a "USB port"), can also use a flash drive to update the firmware.
Which Ports Does My PM5 Have?
Take a look at the back of your PM5 to see what ports it has:
- All PM5s have two race system jacks to the right of the battery cover. These are RJ45 jacks for cabling PM5s together for racing and are not needed for updating firmware.
- To the right of the those jacks, your PM5 will either have a USB-C port for connecting to a computer, or a USB-A port (sometimes simply referred to as a "USB port") for use with a flash drive.
- If your PM5 has a USB-A port, it will also have a USB-B port below the race system jacks for connecting to a computer.
Equipment Needed
If using ErgData to update your firmware is not an option, then:
- If your monitor has a USB-C port, you will need a cable that has a USB-C plug on one end for plugging into the PM5, and either USB-C or a USB-A plug on the other end for plugging into your computer. Check your computer for the type of plugs it can accommodate. Please note that USB-C flash drives are not compatible with the PM5.
- If your monitor has the USB-A and USB-B ports, you either need:
- A flash drive, or
- A cable that has a USB-B plug on one end for plugging into the PM5, and either a USB-C or USB-A plug on the other end for plugging into your computer. Check your computer for the types of plugs it can accommodate.
With the necessary equipment ready, click the appropriate update method for your situation for step-by-step instructions.
Updating Firmware with ErgData
When you open ErgData and connect with your PM5, you'll be notified if your PM5 needs a firmware update. Tap on the PM5 ID, then tap on “More Info” for instructions on how to proceed with the wireless firmware update. PM5s with firmware above the minimum threshold firmware version will be able to update wirelessly. For PM5 monitors with firmware below the threshold, the ErgData app will instruct you to use the Concept2 Utility to update firmware.
Updating Firmware with a USB Cable
For a video demonstrating this, see our YouTube channel.
- Install the Concept2 Utility on your PC or Mac, if you don't already have it.
- Launch the Concept2 Utility.
- Windows: Start menu > Concept2 Utility
- Mac: Finder > Applications > Concept2 Utility
- Connect your Performance Monitor to your computer with the USB cable. Wait until you see ‘CONNECTED’ in the green box on the Concept2 Utility.
- Click Update Firmware.
- The Concept2 Utility checks the firmware currently installed on the Performance Monitor and will indicate whether an update is available. If your Performance Monitor firmware is current, the Concept2 Utility will let you know that as well.
- Click Install Vxxx where xxx is the firmware version number you're about to install.
The update takes several minutes. During the update, the Concept2 Utility displays a progress indicator and will let you know when the process is complete.
Note on Beta Firmware: If a beta firmware version is available and you want to install it instead, click the Install Beta Firmware link. Beta firmware releases are development versions made available for testing before general release. Beta firmware may include new features and fixes for issues discovered in current versions. When beta firmware is available, it will be offered as an installation option through the Utility when you check for updates. Sometimes beta firmware can have bugs so we really appreciate getting all feedback on beta firmware. Please email your feedback to [email protected].
Updating the Firmware with a USB Flash Drive for the First Time
For a video demonstrating this, see our YouTube channel.
Concept2 recommends using a USB 2.0 or USB 3.1 flash drive that is 16GB or smaller, and it must be formatted to FAT or FAT32 (not exFAT or NTFS). The flash drive must be dedicated for use only with Concept2 equipment and not contain any other folders. Click for more info on how to format a flash drive.
- Initialize the USB flash drive with the PM5
- Press Menu to turn the PM5 on. Plug the USB flash drive into your PM5 and wait 10–15 seconds.
- The PM5 will prompt you to name the USB Logbook (use the arrow and +/- keys to create a name, then press the checkmark).
- Remove the flash drive.
- Install the Concept2 Utility on your PC or Mac, if you don't already have it.
- Use the Concept2 Utility to load current firmware files onto the flash drive
- Launch the Concept2 Utility
- Windows: Start menu > Concept2 Utility
- Mac: Finder > Applications > Concept2 Utility
- Select Update Firmware > PM5.
- Insert the USB flash drive.
- Select Install Release Firmware.
- Eject the flash drive once complete.
- Launch the Concept2 Utility
- Install the firmware on the PM5
- Press Menu to turn the PM5 on. Plug the USB flash drive into your PM5 and wait 10–15 seconds.
- The PM5 will ask if you want to install the new firmware.
- Select Update Now twice to start the update.
The update takes several minutes, and the PM5 displays “update in progress” messages during this time. The update is complete when the PM5 displays the Main Menu. You can then do your workout or take the USB flash drive to another PM5 that needs updating.
When updating from firmware version 12 (indoor rowers) or 712 (SkiErgs) and earlier, follow the USB Cable procedure.
Updating the Firmware with a USB Flash Drive Previously Used with Concept2 Equipment
For a video demonstrating this, see our YouTube channel.
- Install the Concept2 Utility on your PC or Mac, if you don't already have it.
- Use the Concept2 Utility to load current firmware files onto the flash drive:
- Launch the Concept2 Utility
- Windows: Start menu > Concept2 Utility
- Mac: Finder > Applications > Concept2 Utility
- Select Update Firmware > PM5.
- Insert the USB flash drive.
- Select Install Release Firmware.
- Eject the flash drive once complete.
- Launch the Concept2 Utility
- Install the firmware on the PM5
- Press Menu to turn the PM5 on. Plug the USB flash drive into your PM5 and wait 10–15 seconds.
- The PM5 will ask if you want to install the new firmware.
- Select Update Now twice to start the update.
Additional Resources
- How to check your current firmware version
- Power the Performance Monitor on by pressing any button
- Select More Options > Utilities > More Utilities > Product ID
- The firmware version will be listed as the top line on the Product ID screen.
- There are several different firmware versions depending on your monitor. See the PM5 Timeline for more information.
- Concept2 Utility system requirements
Concept2 Utility 7.14.00
Note: The latest releases of the Concept2 Utility only support 64-bit Windows and
Mac OS 10.13 and later. If you are running an older version, please install the legacy version for Windows or Mac OS, available here.
Important:
- If you have workouts in PM Memory, we recommend transferring those workouts to your Online Logbook account before updating your firmware.
- Please report problems and feedback regarding the current versions of PM5 Firmware to [email protected].
