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Card Reader Overview and Requirements
Note: this page archived from https://www.concept2.com/service/software/concept2-utility/card-reader-overview-and-requirements for posterity, however most LogCard readers are now broken by either Windows/Mac OS updates or the manufacturers have changed the chips used. So they're pretty much useless. The articles below will apply to OLDER versions of readers and/or operating systems. Concept2 has dropped support for the readers in 2019.
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The card reader is an optional device for PM3 or PM4 users who store their workout data to a LogCard; it is not necessary for PM5 users. The card reader works in conjunction with the Concept2 Utility to transfer LogCard data and maintain your LogCard. The card reader reads the LogCard, and the utility provides the interface and functions so you can see the data on your LogCard and work with it.
Options for Reading Your LogCard
To manage your LogCard using the Concept2 Utility, you need a device that can read the LogCard. This device can be the PM3 or PM4 from your machine, or a third party card reader.
Every PM3 and PM4 works with a generic USB cable so that you can connect your Performance Monitor to your computer and use it with the Concept2 Utility or other third-party software. If your computer is not in close proximity to your Performance Monitor, it is possible to quickly disconnect your Performance Monitor from your indoor rower or SkiErg and take it to your computer.
Another option for reading your LogCard is to use a card reader instead of a Performance Monitor. Depending on your computer operating system, you have two card reader options:
- The Athena ASE IIIe
- The OmniKey CardMan 3121
Please review the system requirements prior to purchase to ensure your card reader will be compatible with your operating system. Manufacturers may change their hardware and software designs which can result in incompatibilities. Please let us know if you are aware of any updates or changes to the system requirements below.
System Requirements
| Device | Windows | Macintosh |
|---|---|---|
| Athena ASE IIIe | Yes* *If card reader does not work initially, restart computer and try again. For help, contact info@concept2.com or support@athena-scs.com. |
10.11 and above: No. Athena has discontinued Mac compatibility. 10.10: Yes, download driver ASEDrive-2.1-osx-installer.zip 10.9: Yes, download driver ASEDrive-1.4-osx-installer.app.zip 10.8.3: Yes 10.8: Yes 10.7: Yes 10.6: Yes 10.5: Yes 10.4.2–10.4.11: Yes 10.4.1: No 10.4.0: No 10.3: Yes Intel Macs: Yes |
| OmniKey CardMan 3121 v1 and v2 These readers have the following labels:  |
Yes. If Windows does not automatically install the correct driver, you can download it from OmniKey. Also, please see information for Windows 7 users. | 10.11: Yes, download driver 10.10: Yes, download driver 10.6–10.9: Yes, download driver 10.5: Yes, download driver 10.4.2–10.4.11: Yes 10.3.9: Yes Intel Macs: Yes All Others: Untested |
| OmniKey CardMan 3121 v3 Omnikey is now shipping v3 hardware, which differs significantly from previous versions. These readers have the following labels:  |
No. Current customer reports are this does not work with the Concept2 Utility. | Unknown. |
| OmniKey CardMan 3021 v3 Omnikey is now shipping v3 hardware, which differs significantly from previous versions. |
No. Current customer reports are this does not work with the Concept2 Utility | Unknown. |
Notes:
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Instructions
Getting started guides are available below for both the Athena and OmniKey card readers. For additional How To information, including troubleshooting tips, refer to the How to Use section.
Connecting a Card Reader to Your Computer
To use the Concept2 Utility to manage your LogCard, you need to connect a device to your computer that can read your LogCard. This device can be a card reader or your PM3 or PM4.
Follow this procedure if you want to use a card reader to read your LogCard.
Note: To use the Concept2 Utility to update the firmware in your Performance Monitor, you need to connect your PM3 or PM4 to your computer.
Connecting a Card Reader
Concept2 supports use of the following card readers with the Concept2 Utility:
- The Athena ASE IIIe
- The OmniKey CardMan 3121
These card readers have built-in USB cables, so to connect one of these devices to your computer, just plug it into one of your computer’s USB ports.
Important: Before purchasing a card reader, make sure the card reader you plan to buy is compatible with your operating system. See Card Reader Overview and Requirements for more information.
Installing Card Reader Drivers
Depending on your computer and operating system, you may need to install a driver (a program that allows your computer to interact with the card reader). Several drivers are available for download from concept2.com. See Card Reader Overview and Requirements for more information.