Team BKool CycleChat

[Daddy Pig]

But isn't that how Zwift do "classic" non-smart trainers, and call their made up power figure "Z-Power"?

It looks to me like Bkool pros are lumped in with other smart trainers with power meters, suggesting they are the power source, and are broadcasting this power to Zwift via ant+ FE-C which is what's confusing me. Could it be that the Bkool trainer is doing it's power calculation internally - so deciding what power is required to make the roller turn at a particular speed when a particular amount of resistance is being applied - and broadcasting this?

If that is the case thwn how does the trainer account for rider weight to set the resistance?

 

[bridgy]

If that is the case thwn how does the trainer account for rider weight to set the resistance?

Zwift could tell the trainer the rider weight, as well as current terrain/slope and it would include both these factors in deciding how much resistance to apply. The trainer then calculates how much power it thinks would be needed to turn the roller at its current speed taking into account the current amount of resistance being applied, and broadcasts this power figure to Zwift?

I don't know - I'm just guessing and I'm trying to get my head around it!

 

[CXRAndy]

But isn't that how Zwift do "classic" non-smart trainers, and call their made up power figure "Z-Power"?

It looks to me like Bkool pros are lumped in with other smart trainers with power meters, suggesting they are the power source, and are broadcasting this power to Zwift via ant+ FE-C which is what's confusing me. Could it be that the Bkool trainer is doing it's power calculation internally - so deciding what power is required to make the roller turn at a particular speed when a particular amount of resistance is being applied - and broadcasting this?

I don't think that is the case, because when the trainer is unplugged bsim keeps registering a power figure. I would expect it to say zero. I can't test my kickr before I go so either Bob Geoff or breeden could unplug their trainer whilst on bsim to see what happens.

 

[bridgy]

I don't think that is the case, because when the trainer is unplugged bsim keeps registering a power figure. I would expect it to say zero. I can't test my kickr before I go so either Bob Geoff or breeden could unplug their trainer whilst on bsim to see what happens.

It doesn't show any power if it loses signal via the ant+ though - as I found out to my cost last night!

 

[bobinski]

I don't think that is the case, because when the trainer is unplugged bsim keeps registering a power figure. I would expect it to say zero. I can't test my kickr before I go so either Bob Geoff or breeden could unplug their trainer whilst on bsim to see what happens.

I am pretty sure zwift wrote a power curve for it after getting one in. Its lumped in with other smart trainers because it is controllable for gradient and broadcasts "power"! . I can run the Neo without power in zwift and Bsim. BUT the signal for power within bsim only is intermittent and often disappears making use impossible.

 

[bridgy]

I am pretty sure zwift wrote a power curve for it after getting one in. Its lumped in with other smart trainers because it is controllable for gradient and broadcasts "power"! . I can run the Neo without power in zwift and Bsim. BUT the signal for power within bsim only is intermittent and often disappears making use impossible.

I'm not sure what you mean Bob as you say it uses a power curve like non-smart trainers (what Zwift call Z-Power right?), but also say it broadcasts power? Surely it's one or the other?

 

[bobinski]

I'm not sure what you mean Bob as you say it uses a power curve like non-smart trainers (what Zwift call Z-Power right?), but also say it broadcasts power? Surely it's one or the other?

I don't mean to confuse. I am sure there was a point when zwift relied on a power curve. This is because of the way bkool broadcasts power over ant( proprietary at the time like their bluetooth implementation is now). I have spent the last 20m running through Zwift posts about the pro but cannot find the post i saw about this. TR were having the same problem with bkool. zwift had a pro, they had to wait for bkool to release to them the Ant+ fec code/whatever for proper power readings and ERG mode (for training). I think it was only then that power/ERG broadcasts were properly readable in TR and Zwift. So, it probably is broadcasting power or a message where power is approximated and, interestingly, more accurately for gradient/transition in zwift than in Bsim.

 

[bridgy]

Thanks Bob - trying to get my head around all this is starting to make my brain hurt and probably boring everyone else too!

On a completely unrelated matter, just catching up with Nations Cup stuff and the website Jacob has created for it, and the burning question is - how on earth are you only Active 10 @Daddy Pig ???

 

[Daddy Pig]

I don't mean to confuse. I am sure there was a point when zwift relied on a power curve. This is because of the way bkool broadcasts power over ant( proprietary at the time like their bluetooth implementation is now). I have spent the last 20m running through Zwift posts about the pro but cannot find the post i saw about this. TR were having the same problem with bkool. zwift had a pro, they had to wait for bkool to release to them the Ant+ fec code/whatever for proper power readings and ERG mode (for training). I think it was only then that power/ERG broadcasts were properly readable in TR and Zwift. So, it probably is broadcasting power or a message where power is approximated and, interestingly, more accurately for gradient/transition in zwift than in Bsim.

Talking of erg mode, how would this help some riders on stages. I switched it on by mistake and it felt like riding through mud.

 

[CXRAndy]

Talking of erg mode, how would this help some riders on stages. I switched it on by mistake and it felt like riding through mud.

It helps those who can grind out a set power better than varying resistance. Resistance does get easier the faster your cadence. Power is force x rate of work. So faster the pedals less force required.

 

[CXRAndy]

DP has the power of Saturn 5 rocket, but also the weight of a small moon

 

[Daddy Pig]

Thanks Bob - trying to get my head around all this is starting to make my brain hurt and probably boring everyone else too!

On a completely unrelated matter, just catching up with Nations Cup stuff and the website Jacob has created for it, and the burning question is - how on earth are you only Active 10 @Daddy Pig ???

My cunning plan!
My ftp ran out and I then I did stage 6 of the WC which I found really hard work and eased off on the big downhill so power low. Everything else since was shorter than 30 minutes!

 

[Daddy Pig]

DP has the power of Saturn 5 rocket, but also the weight of a small moon

Thanks!... and my arse is big enough to cause an eclipse...

 

[Daddy Pig]

Thanks!... and my arse is big enough to cause an eclipse...

And just you wait until I get to 80 kg's and 4000 bkool watts (or 400 in the real world)... then you won't be taking the yellow stuff...

 

[CXRAndy]

And just you wait until I get to 80 kg's and 4000 bkool watts (or 400 in the real world)... then you won't be taking the yellow stuff...

I am not much lighter but don't possess your raw power. I think that I'm on the fast slope to mediocrity being passed 50. I think Lars said for us older riders it's more a battle to hold onto what we have, not so much improve significantly

Quite depressing really. Never knew as a youth the potential