Troubleshooting/FAQs - SpeedCoach Gold

Need Help?

For assistance please do not hesitate to contact us here.

Cheat Sheet

Problem Possible Reason Possible Solution
stroke rate is doubled unit is in 1-STROKE mode hold bottom button until "2-STR" appears on display, then release
no stroke rate or speed readings unit is not in contact with mounting bracket push unit onto mounting bracket until loud click is heard. Be sure Lanyard is not interfering with the connection.
no speed/split readings impeller is not installed install impeller
no speed/split readings impeller is not installed close enough to the blue sensor mount impeller within 10" of the blue sensor
inaccurate speed/pace reading incorrect calibration # reset calibration #
no stroke rate readings magnet is not passing close enough to black sensor adjust magnet installation so that the magnet passes within 3/4"'s of one another
no stroke rate readings magnet and black sensor are not correctly aligned adjust installation so that magnet and black sensor are directly aligned with one another
no stroke rate, timer, or distance possible seat sensor failure put SPC in 0-stroke mode to bypass the seat sensor
timer does not start unit in STOP or MEMORY mode clear STOP

If you are having trouble with your SpeedCoach Gold please check the following potential trouble spots:

Impeller

  • Should go 16'3" from the bow. If elsewhere on the boat, the SpeedCoach Gold should be recalibrated.
  • Should be approximately under footstretchers.
  • Need not be on the centerline, but must be submerged (if NOT centered be sure to align the sensor accordingly)
  • Can be adhered with double-sided tape (included) or good electrical tape

Speed Sensor (Blue Sensor)

  • Should be as close to the impeller as possible (maximum or 11")
  • Must be on opposite site of the hull from impeller.
  • Can be perpendicular to impeller directly above impeller, or be parallel to impeller one impeller length in front or behind impeller.
  • Must be fixed securely to shell (NOT loose).
  • Clean surface well before taping to boat

Seat Switch (Black Sensor)

  • Should be mid-way through the slide length
  • Must be oriented perpendicularly to the axis of the boat

Magnet

  • Should be between 3/4" and 1 1/2" from the deck
  • Must be oriented perpendicularly to the axis of the boat

    • Calibration

    The SpeedCoach Gold is factory calibrated to provide reasonably accurate performance in most shells with the impeller installed approximately 16' 3" (5 m.) from the bow. Calibration is an optional step which allows the display unit to compensate for different impeller locations and to perform very accurately. You do not need to calibrate your system if you are concerned only with comparing performance from day to day. To calibrate your system, row or paddle over a measure distance on still water (on moving water row or paddle both up and down stream and average the results shown on your display). Then, use the following formula to obtain your calibration value:

    • Impeller, you may want to recalibrate it.

    • Please note: Calibration is boat and location-specific. If you move your unit to a new boat, or modify the location of your impeller, you may want to recalibrate.

    Troubleshooting the SpeedCoach Gold

    Always try to borrow a fellow rower's SpeedCoach or SpeedCoach Gold so that you can narrow down the variables. By testing your boat's docking station with a functional unit, and having your unit tested in a functional docking station, you can help determine where the problem exists. Make sure that the SpeedCoach Gold you are using has a calibration of 1.000 and is set in 2-Stroke Mode.

    Initial Checklist

    If a functional unit will not work in your boat, then the problem most likely exists with your wiring and/or docking station...

    1. Check to make sure there are no cuts, nicks or pinched areas along the wire. (a flashlight will be helpful here.)
    2. Be sure that both sensors are aligned correctly (see Installation).
    3. Be sure that there is no debris or corrosion on the impeller.
    4. Check that the metal contacts on the mounting dock are flush with the surface of the dock, (contacts may be cleaned with a non abrasive cleanser, like Bon-Ami, to ensure true surface). DO NOT use solvents on the docking station as it may cause damage and voids the warranty

    Problem 1: Speed or Pace Readings are Inaccurate

    • TroubleShoot 1: Is the Calibration Value Set Correctly? The calibration value should be set at 1.000 unless you have completed the necessary steps to re-calibrate your unit.To check and/or reset your calibration value, see "Calibration" on page 12.
    • TroubleShoot 2: Is the Impeller Properly Installed? The impeller is to be placed 5 meters from the bow of the boat (see "Installation"on page 11). If for any reason you cannot place the impeller in the proper location, the unit will provide incorrect information unless recalibrated.
    • TroubleShoot 3: Does the Impeller Spin Freely? If the impeller begins to accumulate any debris or slight corrosion, it may not spin freely which will lead to inaccuracy. If you are unable to clear the debris, a new impeller can be purchased. If impeller is still covered by the 1-year warranty, the customer can return the faulty impeller for a replacement.The impeller may be unscrewed and replaced without removing the hull mount. Note:Any slight hum created by the impeller should fade within a week or so.

    Problem 2: No Stroke Rate or Rate Seems Incorrect

    • TroubleShoot 1: Is Unit Making Contact with Bracket? The unit must have clear contact with contact pins on mounting bracket. Push unit into mounting bracket until "click" is heard. Be sure lanyard is not interfering with the connection.
    • TroubleShoot 2: Is the Magnet and Sensor Aligned? Double check the set-up and orientation of the seat magnet and black sensor (see page 10 ).
    • TroubleShoot 3: If Rate Seems High, Check Stroke Mode. If your stroke rate consistently seems very high, almost double what it should be, the unit may be in single stroke mode (1-Str).Make sure unit is set in 2 stroke mode (2-Str). TroubleShoot 4: Is the Unit in Memory Recall Mode? If there is no rate, time or distance displaying make sure the unit is not in Memory Recall mode. If so, hold down the top button for 2 seconds to exit. If the timer is only displaying rate and split, but no time, distance or stroke count, the unit is in STOP mode. Press the top button once to exit STOP mode.

    Stroke Rate Troubleshooting

    1. Has the memory been cleared and reset?
    2. Is the SpeedCoach Gold in the correct stroke mode?

    Suspected Wiring Problem Troubleshooting

    1. If possible, try a unit that is known to be functioning with the suspect wiring to determine whether the problem is your unit or the wiring. Be sure the calibration number and stroke mode are set the same as your unit.
    2. Check the wiring for cuts or knicks.
    3. Check that both sensors are correctly aligned.
    4. Check that the impeller is free of debris and not damaged.
    5. Check that the metal contacts on the mounting dock are flush with the surface of the dock.
    6. Check that the metal contacts on the unit depress easily and rebound level to the back surface of the unit.
    7. Metal contacts should be lightly sanded with 600 grade emery paper to make sure that they are clean and free of buildup.

    Seat Switch Sensor Problem Troubleshooting

    If there is a problem with the seat switch (black), one or more of the following may occur:

    1. Timer shuts off after 6 seconds.
    2. No stroke rate is displayed
    3. Speed is displayed, but no distance, average, or clock shows

    Rowers can test their seat sensor:

    Place the unit in 0 Stroke Mode to check the unit is functioning correctly. If all readings are correct in 0 Stroke Mode, the problem is either the seat sensor, or the magnet (this test will NOT work for kayakers).

    Check the following:

  • Magnet needs to be 3/4" to 1 1/2" from the deck.
  • Seat sensor needs to be places as close to the midpoint of the seat travel distance as possible.

    • Stroke Rate Input Selection

    To select stroke rate mode desired turn on the unit and hold the button down till either 2,1 or 0-STR is displayed. Release the bottom button when the desired setting appears in the bottom left window.

    • 2-Stroke Mode
    • For the majority of rowers
    • Input is from the seat switch sensor and magnet under the seat.
    • 1-Stroke Mode
    • For kayakers ONLY
    • Input is from the paddle switch sensor.
    • 0-Stroke Mode
    • For those individuals not using the seat sensor (does NOT work for kayakers).
    • Input is from modulations in speed of the boat

    Average expected battery life is 400 hours.