| Ergomo measures power by two optical sensor “combs” which
generate square wave streams. These are compared for shifting,
measured in time, and knowing the characteristics of the axle,
the amount of torque can be calculated, and thus power.
An optical sensor requires slightly more sophisticated
processing electronics than a strain gauge, and also care in
building the sensor. The Ergomo Computer and Sensor go through
a 73- step quality control process and are each hand built in
Germany, by a small team of technicians and engineers. There
will always be a limited supply of these high quality products
for some time to come, but as economies of scale develop, more
sensors will be able to be produced.
An optical sensor requires an air gap with a clear optical
path, and is therefore is more sensitive to intrusion of dirt,
water, grease, etc., so utmost care is given to cleanliness in
the production of the sensor. The optical torque sensor is a
non-contact sensor, so unlike a strain gauge, the active
components do not need to be mounted on moving parts (the
strain gauges on other power meters rotate with the crank or
hub, whereas the Ergomo optical sensors can be mounted fixed
and stationary in the BB shell).
Since the Ergomo Sensor is ‘hard-wired’ to the computer,
you will not lose any data because of electrical or radio
interference. It is important though that Ergomo Sensor be
‘seated’ in the bike frame and remains secure in the frame in
order to measure power accurately.
What units are output by the Ergomo Sensor?
- Power in watts - every 8 pedal revolutions the computer display screen
is updated. The computer records the data every 5
seconds.
- Speed in kph
- Cadence, every 8 rpm
- Torque, although at this time, it’s not able to be
viewed in the ErgoRacer Software.
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