What is the Vasa PM3 Power Meter?
The Vasa PM3 Power Meter is Vasa’s newest version of the Power Meter with built-in ANT+ and BT Wireless Connectivity that allows the wireless transmission of Vasa SwimErg training data to a variety of 3rd party ANT+ receiving devices as well as Mac, iOS and Android applications giving you the ability to create, plan, and execute structured workouts and training programs.
Why Train with the PM3 Power Meter?
Using the Vasa PM3 Power Meter in conjunction with 3rd party applications like TrainerDay®, you can create structured workouts and plans and use them while training on your Vasa SwimErg, giving you the ultimate dryland structured swim training experience. You can perform structured training and see your performance data in real time. When you are done training, upload your workout to 3rd party applications like TrainingPeaks®, to analyze your individual workout performance and track your overall training and fitness over time.
What devices and applications are compatible with the Vasa PM3 Power Meter?
The Vasa PM3 Power Meter is directly compatible with most Garmin® cycling computers, multisport watches, and Mac, iOS, and Android training software platforms TrainerDay® and TrainerRoad®. Many other devices and apps will work directly with the Vasa PM3 Power Meter but may have limited functionality. Leverage other 3rd party applications like TrainingPeaks®, Strava®, and Intervals.icu® for post workout analysis.
What metrics are transmitted from the PM3?
The PM3 Power Meter displays and transmits real-time metrics such as power in watts, stroke rate, left/right power balance (ANT+ Devices Only), pace/100m, time, and distance in meters.
NOTE: Left / Right Power Balance is available by display on the PM3 Power Meter or transmitted wirelessly to compatible ANT+ receiving devices. iOS and Android applications do not currently support this metric.
How do I connect the PM3 Power Meter to ANT+ Devices?
The setup and configuration steps to pair the PM3 Power Meter to 3rd party ANT+ devices will vary depending on the device. As an example, here are the basic steps to follow for pairing to a Garmin Edge Cycling Computer:
- Turn on the ANT+ receiving device and disable any GPS connectivity. This is important to ensure you receive speed and distance data from the Vasa PM3 Power Meter.
- On the ANT+ receiving device, locate the area where you add sensors and Search All. (NOTE: where you find this will vary from device to device.)
- Pull on the drive cords of the Vasa SwimErg while the ANT+ receiving device searches for new sensors.
- Once found, the Vasa PM3 Power Meter will show up as a power sensor with a 2-5 numerical ID.
- Recommended: Rename the newly added sensor on your ANT+ receiving device and call it Vasa or SwimErg, etc.
- Required: Set the wheel circumference on the newly added Vasa Sensor on your ANT+ receiving device to 100mm. To do this, edit the settings on that sensor directly on the ANT+ receiving device (steps vary from device to device). This is crucial to ensure that the correct speed and distance data is captured and recorded.
- Once you have connected the Vasa PM3 Power Meter to your ANT+ receiving device, power on the Vasa PM3 Power Meter, disable the GPS on the ANT+ device, verify a connection established, and start your workout.
- Analyze your workout performance. Use the device manufacturer’s software for post-workout analysis or upload to other 3rd party platforms like TrainingPeaks®, Strava®, or Intervals.icu® for more detailed analysis. See the device manufacturer’s instructions for connecting to these 3rd party programs.
How do I connect the PM3 Power Meter to iOS and Android Applications?
The setup and configuration steps to pair the PM3 Power Meter to 3rd party iOS and Android applications will vary depending on the app. As a general rule, here are the basic steps to follow:
- Turn on your PM3 and pull the drive cords to wake up the power meter.
- Open the 3rd party app and locate their Add Devices and enable search.
- Pull the drive cords on the Vasa SwimErg until the Vasa SwimErg Smart Trainer device appears. NOTE: the PM3 is not a resistance controllable Smart Trainer.
How do I get my free 90 day subscription to TrainerDay?
You will receive an email from Vasa Customer Service after your power meter ships with a unique coupon code and instructions for signing up. Note: only direct purchases on http://vasatrainer.com are eligible for free 90 day subscription.
Are there any printed manuals and quick-start guides?
You can also watch these YouTube Videos:
How does training on the Vasa SwimErg with PM3 Power Meter improve my swimming?
Coach Tim Crowley explains in this video why measuring power on the Vasa Power Meter will improve your swim training, testing and coaching.
How will the Left & Right Power balance data improve my swimming?
All generations of Vasa Power Meters measure left & right arm power balance. Observing the left & right arm power balance while training on the Vasa SwimErg is reliable and repeatable. It will help you see imbalances in your stroke, which is especially valuable to note once fatigue begins to set in during a time trial or hard interval set.
This data can be especially powerful when coupled with a coach’s keen real-time observation or video recording of your workout for analysis later. This can reveal many things to the trained eye, including lack of core control, improper breathing, limited range of motion, old injuries, etc. Then, corrective exercises for improved strength, mobility, and endurance can be used to progressively make improvements that will apply on the SwimErg and in the water.
Why must I use an ANT+ device to capture left & right-arm power data?
Currently left & right power data is not captured on any BT receiving devices or applications. Only the ANT+ bike services profile will receive this data which is only found on ANT+ devices like Garmin Edge Cycling Computers and Garmin Forerunner Multisport watches where bike power meters can be paired.