Schwinn MPower Echelon2 Power Upgrade Installation guide

General Information
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637-8584 Rev. D
Latest Rev.
How is the Echelon2(G) console and power upgrade dierent from the Echelon?
• The Echelon 2 can be easily identied by its black polymer face plate and red body
compared to the Echelon 1’s all-red construction.
• The power sensor has been replaced with a new sensor that is more stable and more accurate than the previous
power sensor, and consumes less energy.
• The new power sensor uses an all new algorithm that provides more accurate and consistent power readings.
• The new power sensor has been simplied by removing the power sensor rmware.
• Now only the console contains the rmware that drives the whole system, and rmware updates for the entire
system can easily be done through the USB drive.
• There is now a dedicated ON/OFF button at the top.
• The END button has been replaced by the AVG/MAX button.
• The term WATTS has been changed to POWER, though the units of power are still measured in watts.
• The speed display has been removed, and the heart rate, calories, and optional gear display have been moved
up to the third line.
• There are now AVG and MAX power displays in the STAGE and TOTAL ride timers so that riders can see their total
ride average power at all times, and they can now see their stage average power.
• The function of the STAGE button has changed so that one press starts a stage, a second press ends the stage
and freezes the data, a third press clears the stage and begins a new stage.
• When a rider stops pedaling and the console enters Pause mode, the timers now will continue running for as
long as the e is in Pause mode; however, the console will not continue counting average power until the rider
begins pedaling again.
• The console connector has been redesigned and now has a protective cap that prevents the connector from
accidentally being unplugged.
• The data le that can be uploaded to a USB drive displays summary data for the entire ride and for each stage,
as well as total ride data.
• Improved battery life.
The Echelon2(G) console seems to report higher or lower power (watts) than the Echelon. Is the Echelon2(G) less accu-
rate than the Echelon?
• The Echelon2(G) has been designed, tested, and validated to be more accurate than the Echelon. In some cases,
the Echelon2(G) may report lower power (watts) than the Echelon due to improved accuracy. If riders are used
to higher numbers and want to see higher numbers, then the PWR ADJUST feature in the service menu can be
used to adjust the power display to be higher (or lower if desired). The PWR ADJUST feature allows you to adjust
the power up or down between -99% and +99% to change the level of power that is displayed for a given level
of resistance.
How does the Echelon2(G) measure power and how does that method of measurement dier from how other group
cycling bikes measure power?
• The Echelon2(G) uses a simple and robust position sensor to measure the angle of the resistance mechanism.
The console then uses an algorithm to calculate the power based on the angle of the resistance mechanism.
The algorithm was developed using a laboratory dynamometer to validate the accuracy of the power algorithm,
achieving a level of accuracy that is comparable to other group cycling power meters.
Echelon2(G) FAQ
Applies to: Echelon2 + Echelon2(G)

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637-8584 Rev. D
How do I record my ride data using a USB drive?
• Insert a USB 2.0 drive into the USB port in the top of Echelon2(G) console before beginning the ride. Once the
ride is nished, press and hold the AVG/MAX button on the console to end the ride. The console will then go
into a ride summary screen and will then proceed to export the data from the ride to the USB drive. After 30
seconds the USB drive can be safely removed.
How do I manually end my ride?
• To manually end a ride, hold the AVG/MAX button for 5 seconds and the ride will end. Once the ride has ended
a summary screen will be shown. It is during this summary screen when the console pushes ride data to the USB
drive, if one is inserted into the console.
I see that the term “WATTS” was replaced by the term“POWER.” How does power dier from watts?
• Power is the correct term for the parameter while “watts” is the unit of measure of power similar to how “miles”
is the unit of measurement for “distance”. The power is still measured in watts; however, we changed the term to
power since it is more easily understood by consumers.
Is the Echelon2(G) power display limited to 999 watts like the Echelon?
• No. The Echelon2(G) is capable of displaying four digits for power, and so riders can now exceed 1000 watts
Why is speed no longer displayed on the Echelon2(G) console?
• On a stationary indoor cycling bike speed is a largely estimated number that provides little value given that the
bike is not moving. Speed outdoors is a byproduct of power so indoors they can by used interchangeably. Our
Schwinn Master Instructors and product development team feel that power is a more important training param-
eter with an indoor bike, so we added average and maximum power displays to the Stage and Total timers and
eliminated speed in order to simplify the display and not have excess data points.
Why is distance still used on the Echelon2(G) when speed is not and how is distance calculated?
• Our education team feels that distance is a parameter that many of their riders like to see compared to speed,
and that keeping distance is very important as it gives riders a benchmark to reach, especially when doing stag-
es. Distance is calculated using an algorithm that is based upon power and simulates the distance one would
travel on at ground. With the Echelon2(G), riders can set distance goals for themselves for the ride or for stages,
and use average power as a guide to help them be sure they will meet their goals.
How are gears calculated on Echelon2 Power Sensor VS. the 4iiii Powermeter?
• Echelon2 Power Sensor: Gear is calculated on the Echelon2 Power Sensor by interpreting the angle at which
the sensor is set and assigning a gear ratio to that angle. As the angle of the brake changes with increasing or
decreasing the resistance, the gear ratio will change.
• With the 4iiii Powermeter: Gear is calculated based on a range of measured torque. As the torque on the user
left crank arm changes throughout the ride, the gear displayed will also change
Why am I not able to turn on the Echelon2(G) console by pressing any button like I was able to on the Echelon?
• On the Echelon2(G), we created a dedicated ON/OFF button at the top of the console. The console can be pow-
ered on or o using this button only.
How does the Stage timer on Echelon2(G) work?
• On the Echelon2(G), we changed the function of the Stage timer so that when stopping a stage, the data is fro-
zen on the screen for the rider to see before starting another stage. To clear the data and begin a new stage, the
rider simply needs to tap the STAGE button a second time.

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637-8584 Rev. D
Why is there a clicking sound coming from the speed (RPM) sensor? Is it broken?
• A faint clicking or ticking sound may be heard coming from the speed sensor while the bike is in use, this is
normal operation. The clicking sound is the magnetic switch inside the sensor counting the RPMs and is a sign
that the sensor is operating correctly.
When I try to enter service mode, I am getting a screen that says“ENTER PASSCODE,” what is the passcode and how do I
enter it?
• The passcode is“218”To enter it, use the AVG/MAX button to scroll through a 1-9 number count, use the light
button to accept the number once “2”“1” and “8” have selected.
How do I turn o/on the passcode lock for service mode?
• To turn o the passcode, enter service mode by holding the STAGE and AVG/MAX buttons at the same time until
the passcode screen appears, enter “218” for the passcode, then us the AVG/MAX button to scroll until you see
“PASSCODE” and press the light button to access the passcode options. From here, the passcode can be turned
o or on.
Why do I have to calibrate the Echelon2(G) console monthly?
• The Echelon2(G) console is the most stable and reliable group cycle computer that Schwinn has ever produced.
If you are encountering inaccurate watts/power/calories ensure that the console rmware is updated to V1.6 or
greater; see below for instructions on how to check the rmware version. Always perform the Zeropoint Calibra-
tion with the calibration tool. Ensure that the brake magnets are the proper width apart. If the console is being
improperly calibrated, you may want to apply the passcode feature to keep unauthorized users from entering
the service menu
The amount of calories that the console shows for my ride are lower than the amount of calories that my heart rate mon-
itor says I burned. How are calories calculated on the Echelon2(G)? Why are they lower than what my heart rate monitor
says?
• Calories on the Echelon2(G) are calculated directly from the power, and are a true measure of the amount of
energy expended by turning the pedals. The Echelon2(G) calories do not take into account any biological factors
such as age, weight, and gender. The Echelon2(G) calories also do not take into account calories burned due to
a person’s normal metabolic rate. Heart rate monitors use heart rate, age, gender, and weight to estimate how
many calories a person burns. The heart rate monitor not only accounts for work done on the bike, but also
resting metabolic rate while doing the work. So the heart rate monitor calories will likely always be higher than
the calories calculated by the Echelon2(G). The amount of dierence between the two will depend on physical
tness level and biological factors of individual riders.
How do I check the current rmware version on the Echelon2(G) console?
• To check the current rmware version on the Echelon2(G) console, do the following:
i. Press the ON/OFF button at the top of the display
ii. Push and hold the STAGE and AVG/MAX buttons at the same time until “Carbon Blue”appears
on the display, this is the landing screen for the service menu.
iii. Press the AVG/MAX button to scroll through the service menu until “SYSTEM”is displayed,
then press the light button to enter the SYSTEM menu.
iv. The current rmware version will be displayed in the lower right corner of the display.

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637-8584 Rev. D
How do I update the rmware on the Echelon2(G) Console?
• The Echelon2(G) software will need to be transferred to a USB drive formatted for FAT32, as our console uses a
FAT32 compatible USB drive. Any USB drive can be reformatted to use the FAT32 le system from a computer.
• To reformat a USB stick on a Windows computer, do the following:
i. Right click on the USB stick name in Windows Explorer. 2.
ii. Click on the FORMAT menu option.
iii. In the FORMAT menu, click on the FILE SYSTEM pull-down menu.
iv. In the FILE SYSTEM pull-down menu, choose FAT32. All data on the USB stick will be deleted
and the drive will now use the FAT32 system and should work with the console.
v. Transfer the newest software onto the newly formatted USB stick for use in updating the
console.
vi. When the rmware le is loaded on the USB stick, it needs to be renamed “MPowerQ.bin”.
NOTE: If updating from V1.1 rmware, do not include the Echelon2(G)ID.txt le with the rm-
ware, as it will reset console IDs that were previously set with V1.1.
• Updating the Echelon2(G) software:
i. Turn on the console by pressing ON/OFF button, then press and hold AVE/MAX & STAGE but-
tons simultaneously for 5 seconds. This will get you into the Service Mode.
ii. Press STAGE button until SYSTEM appears on the screen. Then press the LIGHT to enter the
SYSTEM menu.
iii. Press STAGE button until LOAD FW command appears, then press the LIGHT button.
iv. INSERT USB command will appear, insert the USB into port at the top of the console.
v. Press the LIGHT button again and this will activate the loading process. This may take up to
a minute to complete. If it does not nish after one minute, there may be an issue with the
les (location on drive) or the USB. Remove the USB stick, power cycle the console, and try
the update again from step 1. If the update still does not work, there may be an issue with the
USB drive and/or les.
vi. When uploading the rmware, an error message (“WR ANTID”and “WRID ERR1”) will pop up
three times while the rmware is loading. This is ok. It just means that the rmware is looking
for the ID le. After the third attempt to nd the le, it bypasses the ID rewriting step and
loads the rmware.
vii. Once loading is complete. The system will notify it has completed with“LOAD FW COMPLETE”
message.
NOTE: After updating the Echelon2(G) rmware, please be sure to perform the Zeropoint
calibration procedure.
How do I get my ANT+ tness watch to pair with the Echelon2(G)?
• Check the ANT+ website product directory at https://www.thisisant.com/directory/mpower-Eche-
lon2(G)-cosole/to make sure your watch or device is compatible with the Echelon2(G). Then check the instruc-
tions for the watch to make sure it is in pairing mode. Then, while trying to pair, hold the watch right above the
ANT+ logo on the console until a connection is established.

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637-8584 Rev. D
Can the Echelon2(G) pair with my smart phone and be used with tness apps?
• The Echelon2(G) is only ANT+ capable and is not Bluetooth capable. The Echelon2(G) can be paired with certain
smart phones and apps via separate hardware plug in devices (e.g. Wahoo ANT+ key for iPhones, and Garmin
ANT+ stick with USB OTG cable for Android phones) that are capable of picking up the signal from the Eche-
lon2(G). In order for apps to be able to read the signal from the Echelon2(G) console, they must be congured
to read the signal. You must contact specic app developers to determine if their apps are compatible or to
request that compatibility be added to the app. Schwinn does not currently develop apps that can connect to
the console.
• If the bike is equipped with the 4iiii Powermeter, the powermeter is able to communicate with smart phones
over Bluetooth via the 4iiii app and other tness tracking apps such as Strava, available on both the iOS and
Android app stores.
How do I get my console(s) to connect to a leaderboard system such as Fitmetrix?
• There is a setting in the service menu that must be turned on in order to connect with an external leaderboard
system. Enter the service menu and scroll to the OPEN ANT CHANNEL menu. Turn the setting to ON. The setting
is set to OFF by default to conserve battery life in consoles that are not connected to an external leaderboard
system. Refer to the Installation Guide on how to enter and navigate the service menu.
Two bikes are displaying the same data on the leaderboard system, why is that?
• When syncing MPower™ Echelon2(G) consoles with external leaderboard systems (e.g. Fitmetrix), there have
been some instances of consoles with duplicate IDs. In order for all consoles to pair with the leaderboard, each
must have an unique ID. When consoles have duplicate IDs, they will show on the leaderboard as the same bike.
For example when Bike A’s console is synced to the leaderboard, it shows as Bike A. When Bike B’s console is
then synced to the leaderboard, it will also show as Bike A on the leaderboard. The chipsets used in this commu-
nication should have a unique ID but an investigation into this issue found some consoles with duplicate IDs.
The solution is to update the console to the latest rmware (later than V1.0) then generate a new console ID in
the service menu (see below).
NOTE: All consoles in a given studio should always have the new version of rmware loaded into the consoles
when this issue arises. However, only one of two given consoles displaying duplicate IDs needs to have a new ID
number generated. When updating the rmware in all consoles, each console will need to be repaired with the
leaderboard system.
How does the Echelon2 or Echelon2(G) measure power when paired with a 4iiii crank?
• Instead of estimating power based on a measurement of the angle of the resistance mechanism on the y-
wheel, 4iiii measure power directly from the force applied at the pedal and the resulting 3-dimensional crank
defection, stretch, and twist. It measures power as it naturally uctuates throughout the cyclical pedal stroke,
which includes both positive (push) and negative (pull) power. It is accurate to 1.5% instead of 5% based on
ywheel resistance. The type of console does not dictate the source of power measurement. Both the ywheel
resistance (called Echelon2(G) in pairing mode) and 4iiii can be used, assuming that the respective power sensor
is installed.
Which console Software versions are compatible with 4iiii?
• Only software versions V1.9 or above are compatible with 4iiii
Why are my RPMs/Power readings erratic?
• When paired with the 4iiii, power readings can display erratically when accelerating from a cold start for the rst
3-6 seconds because the algorithm averages data from the previous 3 seconds. Continue to ride for 30 seconds
and re-check the RPM and Power stats.