Power Tap SL Display Problem

onebadjd said:

I recently had my new power tap sl laced up and the display on the computer fails to show constant data. On the first row (watts) and on the second row (speed)the display while riding will show dashes i.e. - -. This happens while the bike is in motion and there is torque being applied through the drive train or while coasting. After a bit the display will come back up and show wattage and speed and then switch back to the dashes. I had been using a power tap pro and it did not have the same problem it gave a constant display as to speed, wattage and heart rate. Just a note the computer display does show heart rate when the other two rows of data [censored] out, this leads me to believe that it is a problem with the hub. Today was the first day I used the sl and I experienced this problem throughout the ride. Any input is regards to what might be the cause or what might fix the problem will be appreciated.

If you lose the transmission icon in the upper left of the display, you have lost the link to the hub. The third display row gets separate data feeds (cadence, HR) and should continue to display that data (unless you've set up your computer to get cadence from the hub). Trasmission dropouts would likely be due to an incorrect installation of the receiver, weak batteries or a bad hub, receiver or both. If you can get your hands on another wheel (Pro or SL) compatible with your deraileur you can quickly eliminate the receiver and wiring and computer as part of the problem. If you still get dropouts with a known working hub, then you know the problem lies in the other components. Sorry to hear of your problems.

RapDaddyo said:

If you lose the transmission icon in the upper left of the display, you have lost the link to the hub. The third display row gets separate data feeds (cadence, HR) and should continue to display that data (unless you've set up your computer to get cadence from the hub). Trasmission dropouts would likely be due to an incorrect installation of the receiver, weak batteries or a bad hub, receiver or both. If you can get your hands on another wheel (Pro or SL) compatible with your deraileur you can quickly eliminate the receiver and wiring and computer as part of the problem. If you still get dropouts with a known working hub, then you know the problem lies in the other components. Sorry to hear of your problems.

Thanks for the resposne RapDaddyO. The hard wiring of the receiver is the same as it was for the power tap pro I was using as the Pro hub was loaned to me by the bike shop while the Sl hub was on order. Everything worked fine until the hub on my wheel was changed out. Any thoughts, I keep going back to the hub or its internal components as the problem. I will check the transmission icon tomorrow to see if it lost when the other info is lost.

onebadjd said:

Thanks for the resposne RapDaddyO. The hard wiring of the receiver is the same as it was for the power tap pro I was using as the Pro hub was loaned to me by the bike shop while the Sl hub was on order. Everything worked fine until the hub on my wheel was changed out. Any thoughts, I keep going back to the hub or its internal components as the problem. I will check the transmission icon tomorrow to see if it lost when the other info is lost.

Under that set of facts, I'd say there are only three possible problems: (1) weak batteries in the hub or the receiver (unlikely); (2) receiver is mounted too far from the hub (the Pro was more tolerant of location distance); and (3) bad hub. As to your transmission icon, I can virtually guarantee that you're losing it when the screen goes to dashes.

FWIW, here's a picture of my SL receiver installation. The key attributes are: (1) 1.5" horizontal spacing from hub center to inside edge of receiver; (2) 4.5" vertical spacing from axle center to receiver center; and (3) relatively parallel with the rim. But, I've seen posts from other SL users that have had success with a variety of mounting positions, so it may not matter much.

onebadjd said:

I recently had my new power tap sl laced up and the display on the computer fails to show constant data. On the first row (watts) and on the second row (speed)the display while riding will show dashes i.e. - -. This happens while the bike is in motion and there is torque being applied through the drive train or while coasting. After a bit the display will come back up and show wattage and speed and then switch back to the dashes. I had been using a power tap pro and it did not have the same problem it gave a constant display as to speed, wattage and heart rate. Just a note the computer display does show heart rate when the other two rows of data [censored] out, this leads me to believe that it is a problem with the hub. Today was the first day I used the sl and I experienced this problem throughout the ride. Any input is regards to what might be the cause or what might fix the problem will be appreciated.

It sounds like you either have an incorrect receiver (some only work with the Pro) or you have a faulty SL hub from the original batch.

If there's someone in your locale with another SL (that works!) you can use it to ascertain where the fault may be

ric

RapDaddyo said:

FWIW, here's a picture of my SL receiver installation. The key attributes are: (1) 1.5" horizontal spacing from hub center to inside edge of receiver; (2) 4.5" vertical spacing from axle center to receiver center; and (3) relatively parallel with the rim. But, I've seen posts from other SL users that have had success with a variety of mounting positions, so it may not matter much.

Thanx, for your responses RapDaddyO and Ric. The icon does in fact cut out with the other sections of the display. I picked up the receiver that came with the SL and will install it tomorrow. In addition, I noticed the mechanic at the bike shop installed the receiver on the wrong side of the seat stay. I hope changing out the receiver and its location will cure the problem. Thanx again for the help.

The PT Pro receiver is not compatible with the SL hub.

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