This article explains how to upgrade your Concept 2 PM5 Firmware. Concept 2 regularly update the PM5 firmware to fix bugs and add features. However the PM5 firmware does not update automatically and we strongly recommend that you take steps to keep your PM5 on the latest version for the best experience.
Why Should I Update my Concept 2 PM5 firmware?
Concept 2 regularly update the firmware for the PM5 Performance Monitor in order to improve performance, fix bugs and to add new features.
Because the PM5 connects to phones via Bluetooth, changes and updates in your phone's operating system software can sometimes lead to connection problems with the PM5 and you'll sometimes see that Concept 2 release an update to fix this type of compability issue. The release notes for each PM5 firmware update are fairly limited so our advice is to update whenever there is a new version available so that you are taking advantage of the latest bug fixes.
Of particular relevance to rowing apps like asensei is the fact that old versions of the PM5 firmware can mean that the monitor is more prone to disconnect from your phone or tablet and when that happens it may not be unable to reconnect automatically.
How do I check the version of firmware on my Concept 2 PM5?
To check your Concept 2 PM5 firmware version press MENU, then from the menu that appears choose MORE OPTIONS using the buttons on the right, then UTILITIES, then PRODUCT ID. You'll see a screen like the one below. You need to note both the Firmware and the Hardware Versions.
What's the latest version of the Concept 2 PM5 Firmware?
The most recent version of the firmware can be determined from the current version of the firmware:
| Current Firmware Range | Latest Release | Release Date |
| 0–34 | 34 | May 2023 |
| 150–173 | 173 | May 2023 |
| 200–212 | 212 | May 2023 |
| 250–257 | 257 | May 2023 |
If your version is lower than the relevant number in the table above then you should upgrade the firmware in the PM5 to take advantage of the latest bug fixes and improvements. The very latest versions can be found on the Concept 2 website.
Instructions for upgrading the Concept 2 PM5 Firmware
To upgrade the firmware requires that you install the Concept 2 Utility on a Windows PC or a Mac. You also need either a USB memory stick (a size around 2GB or less seems to work best) or a USB A to USB B cable (similar to that used on printers, shown below). For some newer laptops a USB B to USB C cables will be best.
Note, if you don't have access to a suitable cable, a suitable USB stick or a laptop please get in touch with asensei by emailing support@asensei.com and we will help by providing a USB stick with the latest firmware preloaded for you to use (stock permitting).
How Do I Download the Concept 2 Utility?
Download the Concept 2 utility from this page on the Concept 2 Website https://www.concept2.com/service/monitors/pm5/firmware. That page also includes detailed instructions for making the update from either a USB stick or a USB cable.
How do I update Concept 2 PM5 firmware using a USB stick?
The instructions for installing from a USB stick are reproduced below:
Important - please check battery level is not low before attempting to install the firmware.
- If your USB flash drive is currently inserted in your computer, remove it before proceeding.
- On your computer, connect to the internet, and then launch the Concept2 Utility.
- Click Update Firmware.
- Insert the USB flash drive into your computer. If you have not previously used this USB flash drive with a PM5 or with the Concept2 Utility, enter a user name when prompted and click Ok.
- The Concept2 Utility automatically copies the PM5 firmware files to the USB flash drive. When the file copy is complete, take the steps indicated on the Concept2 Utility:
- Insert the USB flash drive into the PM5.
- Power up the PM5 and wait for the prompts.
- When prompted, select Update Now twice to start the update.
More info about the other options.
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.
How do I use a cable to update Concept 2 PM Firmware?
The instructions for installing Concept 2 PM firmware from a USB stick are reproduced below:
Important - please check battery level is not low before attempting to install the firmware.
- On your computer, connect to the internet, and then launch the Concept2 Utility.
- Click Update Firmware.
- Connect your computer to the PM5 using a printer cable - the PM5 connection requires a USB-B port (like many printers use), and a USB2.0 compatible cable and you can plug the other end into your computer via its USB port. The computer end will either be USB-A or sometimes USB-C depending upon the type of port on your computer.
- The Concept2 Utility will check the version of the firmware on your PM5 and advise if there is a newer version available.
- Click to install the new version of the firmware (if available). Think carefully about choosing a beta version of the firmware as these can be more likely to contain bugs (as well as new features).
What should I do after I install a new version of the PM5 firmware?
Normally after a firmware update you should be able to run your PM5 immediately and connect to your phone with no problems.
However, after an update it is recommended that you reboot your phone (turn it off and on again). This is because your phone can sometimes store out of date information about the PM5 in its memory, and restarting the phone is required to clear that copy and have the phone connect cleanly to the PM5 again.
If you experience any problems, please let us know via support@asensei.com and we'll do our best to help.
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