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Schwinn 20-Function Bike Computer
Equipment DetailsManufacturer: Schwinn Brand: Schwinn Model: SW654 6PK Product features: - 17-function bike computer for improving workout efficiency
- Attaches easily and securely to your handlebar
- Tracks speed, distance, time, calories burned, and more
- Includes backlit screen for clear viewing
Accessories:
Sports reviews of Schwinn 20-Function Bike ComputerCustomer Review: Undocumented Functions Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
First, let me say that I love my new bike computer. For only $[...], it's definitely worth that price.
Second, I hope to shed some light on this computer. First, the same computer seems to be marketed in different forms by other manufacturers.
It seems to be very similar to the Raleigh 16 function ARC005 Cordless Computer (although this one isn't cordless; I can also not find any on-line manual for the Raleigh ARC005, either) and the RavX TaxTix 2 Wireless 14 function bike computer.
This was hitting the jackpot, because it has an on-line manual at [...]
In it it explains the Schwinn's mysterious undocumented 'Maintenance Program' function.
In its manual it says, "Maintenance Program - Maintenance Program notifies you to replace parts or lubricate the chain after the preset distance is reached. Right after KM/Mile selection, the perset total distance of 800 km (or miles) will falsh, press RIGHT button to select between 200, 400, 600 or 800km (or miles) and press LEFT button to confirm. For example, if 600 km is selected, the wrench will flash whenever the total distance (ODO) reach 600, 1200, 1800 km (or miles). Press LEFT button to stop flashing wrench."
When you're initially programming the computer, you put it in as 20, 60, 80 or 80 instead of 200, 400, 600 or 800.
Another inconsistency that I've seen is, if you have microscopic eyes, the pictures in the Schwinn manual actually show the wrong function names for most of the functions. The names are properly defined in the text, but the little pictures show the wrong three-letter code.
The actual picture's display, however, is correct; it's just the three-letter code that's wrong. Thus, if you look at "4th Screen - Maxiumum Speed (MXS)" image, the picture is properly showing the Maximum speed, but the three-letter code really says ODO on the left side. Most people won't be able to actually see those three-code names in the manual photo anyways; but if you can, it might be confusing. Just ignore the three-letter code in each picture and the manual then will be correct.
Another undocumented function is the backlight. In the TaxTix manaul it states, "EL Backlight - The EL Backlight can be turned on in two ways: 1. Hold RIGHT button for 2 seconds. EL light will be turned on for 8 seconds and comptuer will go to fast scan mode with DST, MSX, AVS & TM displayed once. 2. Press once on LEFT button. EL light will be turned on for 4 seconds and comptuer will go to freeze frame memory mode.
For those who think this is a confusing bike computer, all 15 function bike computers are confusing. Since they're all basically based on the same integrated circuit, any 15 - 17 function computer will be the same except for small differences.
Actually, as you can see from the fact that the same bike computer is called everything from a 15 function to a 17 function bike computer depending on who is manufacturing it... just how many 'functions' it has is determined by who is writing the manual.
It actually has ten screens, so you might say it is really a ten function bike computer (the tenth 'screen' is the scan mode). The 'Maintenance Mode' is really just a wrench that shows once it reaches that mileage, for example. It has no selectable screen of its own.
Thus, it really isn't as confusing a computer as you'd think. After setting the computer, you just press the right button to switch through the ten different screens. The screens say what they are by a three-letter code on the left of the display. Just watch the code if you can actually see it.
It cycles through the following ten screens:
(None) - Speed and Time
ODO - Odometer
DST - Distance (Trip Timer)
MXS - Maximum Speed
AVS - Average Speed
TM - Timer
(None) - Temperature (has an F or C at bottom right)
CAL - Calories
CAL in small letters and F as big letter - Calories Fat Burning
SCAN - (Also shows each of the above three-letter codes as it displays each screen)
A '+' or '-' shows when you go above or below your average speed.
So, it's really a ten function with other hidden 'functions' that rely upon some little symbol that displays when you're in one of those ten screens.
Other things which might be helpful: You can set the odometer to zero by taking out the battery. You can reset the odometer to any particular number after you've taken out the battery, so write it down before changing the battery. If you want to reprogram the computer's values (such as the size of the wheel), take out the battery.
I measured my wheel with a piece of string. Turns out... my 700c x 28C is actually 2140 mm in size (between 84.25 and 84.35 inches).
The manual shows it to be 2136 mm. I'm sure it varies quite a bit depending on who's tires you buy; and as it wears, it will get smaller. Thus, their value might be an average as it wears.
In case anybody loses the manual:
20" - 1596 mm
22" - 1759 mm
24" - 1916 mm
26" (650A) - 2073 mm
26.5" (Tubular) - 2117 mm
26.6" (700 x 25C) - 2124 mm (DEFAULT)
26.8" (700 x 28C) - 2136 mm
27" (700 x 32C) - 2155 mm
28" (700B) - 2237 mm
(w/tire)
ATB 24" x 1.75" - 1888 mm
ATB 26" x 1.4" - 1995 mm
ATB 26" x 1.5" - 2030 mm
ATB 26" x 1.75" - 2045 mm
ATB 26" x 2" (650B) - 2099 mm
27" x 1" - 2136 mm
27" x 1 1/4" - 2155 mm
...
The only CON I see about the unit is the magnet that goes on the spoke. At least on my bike, which has few spokes (Schwinn 700c Volare Men's Bike), after you've screwed it as tight as the nut allows, the magnet can pivot around the spoke. Since you have to get the magnet so close to the reed switch sensor, that pivoting might cause it to hit the sensor. Once I've determined the best location for it, I'll be putting a dab of silicon glue on the back side in order to keep it from rotating around the spoke. Silican glue can be removed, if need-be.
There's a second right-angle plastic projection on the magnet that I can't imagine the purpose. Possibly it was designed to go across a second spoke? However, I can't imagine that occurring on any bicycle, not just mine. No spoke is that close to the spoke it's on. If they're figuring that you somehow put another ziptie on it, it would just slip off. I don't understand that second projection's purpose.
You'll have to move the sensor up and down on the fork, and rotate it's relative angle to the magnet so they cross across each other about 1/8" apart. I found that it worked well when you put the magnet so that it crossed across the bottom of the sensor.
At least on my bicycle, I placed the magnet's center about 4 1/4" from the edge of the tire on the spoke. I placed the sensor so that the bottom of the sensor is about even with the bottom of the magnet and the sensor is about at a 45 degree angle relative to the fork, aiming forward.
As far as the mount goes, up at the handlebars, I put a piece of rubber under the opposite side of the mount, under the two zipties, that came from a dollar-store bicycle light. It keeps the computer from rotating around the handlebars. Since it only attaches with two zipties, it could easily slip down or up if you bump it.
I also used other longer zipties to keep the wire steady as it runs down the frame of my bike, and then wrapped the wire about three times around the fork before attaching the sensor so there were no looped wires that might catch on things.
All-in-all, I love the little computer.
However, the thermometer seems to register about eight to ten degrees hotter than the actual room temperature.
One interesting aside... it implies that, somehow, you can use the bike computer as a pedometer. I haven't figured out that one, yet. It says 'Step Counter (in pedometer mode)'.
Description of Schwinn 20-Function Bike ComputerImprove your workout efficiency when cycling with this Schwinn 17-function bike computer. Designed to attach securely to your handlebar, the computer tracks such info as speed, distance, time, and calories burned, helping you develop an effective workout routine with each ride. The computer is easy to install and includes a backlit screen for crisp viewing. About Schwinn Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that has been synonymous with quality and innovation. They have built some of the best-known and best loved bikes of numerous generations--Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate and Homegrown. Today, Schwinn continues to be a leader in the industry with innovative bikes such as the new Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America's most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages. Improve your workout efficiency when cycling with this Schwinn 20-function bike computer. Designed to attach securely to your handlebar, the computer tracks such info as speed, distance, time, and calories burned, helping you develop an effective workout routine with each ride. The computer is easy to install and includes a backlit screen for crisp viewing. About Schwinn Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon that has been synonymous with quality and innovation. They have built some of the best-known and best loved bikes of numerous generations--Aerocycle, Paramount, Phantom, Varsity, Sting-Ray, Krate and Homegrown. Today, Schwinn continues to be a leader in the industry with innovative bikes such as the new Sting-Ray, Rocket mountain bikes, and Fastback road bikes. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America's most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation, freedom and performance to people of all ages.
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