PowerTap connection

bikefuego said:

I just bought an SL in a DT Swiss wheel, but it hasn't arrived yet. My friend told me that the CPU won't hook up to a laptop because it doesn't come with the proper connections. Anybody have any info/ solutions for this issue?

That depends. The download cradle used to only come in a serial port version. Most modern laptops do not have a serial port - there are exceptions - this is the problem with generalities. Some USB to serial port adapters work with the PowerTap download kit - it's not impossible. I recall something about newer cradles being USB but don't remember the details. Don't let your friend rain on your parade.

I just bought the same thing. My notebook doesn't have a serial port either.
I went to the local Radio Shack and bought a USB Serial Port adapter cable.
Works fine. Even with the CyclingPeaks software.

bikefuego said:

I just bought an SL in a DT Swiss wheel, but it hasn't arrived yet. My friend told me that the CPU won't hook up to a laptop because it doesn't come with the proper connections. Anybody have any info/ solutions for this issue?

Sprint2Win said:

I went to the local Radio Shack and bought a USB Serial Port adapter cable.
Works fine. Even with the CyclingPeaks software.

They don't *all* work, though. It may be worth your time to search this forum or the CyclingPeaks forum to make sure you get one that does.

All USB/Serial port adapters don't work with all computers and or software.
Only about two have been mention on CP forums, but then you didn't say that you were going to use CP either.
I just happened to buy one from Radio Shack that did work with mine.
My plan was to buy and try them, locally, (Best Buy, Circuit City and the like)until I found one that worked, instead of ordering online.
It very well could be that my setup wouldn't work with the PowerTap software.

Sprint2Win said:

All USB/Serial port adapters don't work with all computers and or software.
Only about two have been mention on CP forums, but then you didn't say that you were going to use CP either.
I just happened to buy one from Radio Shack that did work with mine.
My plan was to buy and try them, locally, (Best Buy, Circuit City and the like)until I found one that worked, instead of ordering online.
It very well could be that my setup wouldn't work with the PowerTap software.

I was planning on buying CP, but can anyone tell me the avantages of CP versus the software that comes with the PowerTap? I'm pretty familiar with what can be done with CP, but I know nothing about the CycleOps software.