Power Meter Link (PML) function

⚠️ Important: the Rivo model only supports Bluetooth Smart sensors. All references to ANT+ connection in this text do not apply to Rivo.

EXPLANATION AND FUNCTIONING OF POWER METER LINK
ACTIVATION, CONFIGURATION AND DEACTIVATION OF THE PML FUNCTION
TROUBLESHOOTING common issues 

EXPLANATION AND FUNCTIONING OF POWER METER LINK

Power Meter Link (PML) is a feature that allows you to pair your Elite trainer with an external power meter mounted on your bicycle.

If your bike is equipped with a power meter that transmits via ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart (for example Garmin Vector, Favero Assioma, etc.), it can be used as the primary source of power data, replacing the power calculated by the trainer.

The PML feature is available only on interactive trainers that do not have a built-in power meter, specifically:

• Rivo (only for Bluetooth Smart power meters)

• Suito

• Tuo

• Nero

• Zumo

The trainers listed above do not measure power directly, but estimate it using internal algorithms. In certain conditions, this estimate may be less accurate than a dedicated power meter. The PML feature allows you to take advantage of the greater accuracy and reliability of the power measured by your external power meter, using it as a reference during training with the trainer.

Important note: The PML feature is not available on trainers with an integrated OTS power sensor, namely:
Avanti, Direto, Direto XR, Direto XR-T, Direto XR Team, Drivo, Justo, and Justo 2

HOW IT WORKS

When the PML function is active and the trainer is powered on, the trainer will automatically search for a nearby power meter:

• If an ANT+ sensor is found, the green LED will flash rapidly.
• If no ANT+ sensor is detected, the trainer will switch to Bluetooth Smart search, indicated by a rapid flashing blue LED.
  ⚠️ Rivo searches exclusively via Bluetooth Smart, therefore the green LED for ANT+ search will never be visible.

If pairing is successful, the trainer will emit slight vibrations (which can be felt by placing your hand on the trainer) to confirm the connection.
For sensors with dual ANT+ / Bluetooth Smart transmission, pairing will preferably take place via ANT+ (note: not valid for Rivo).
If no sensor is found, the PML function is automatically deactivated and the trainer reverts to calculating power using its own internal algorithms.

The trainer stores the serial number of the paired sensor: each time it is switched on, it will attempt to reconnect to that sensor.
If the sensor is not available (switched off, absent, or with a flat battery), the trainer will return to standard mode, using its internal power calculation algorithm.

ACTIVATION, CONFIGURATION AND DEACTIVATION OF THE PML FUNCTION

How to activate/deactivate PML:

1. Switch on the trainer
2. Launch the myETraining app or software
3. If not already done, configure the trainer through the Settings menu
4. Go to:
   Settings → Trainer → Power Meter Link         

Some older Elite trainers may not be compatible.
If the trainer is compatible, a window will appear as follows:     

The window indicates:

• Current status of the function (enable/disable via switch)
• Enable/disable the “Half Power” option
  • Useful for single-pedal sensors or sensors with unilateral Bluetooth transmission (see following section)
• “Unpair” button to disconnect a previously paired sensor
• Display of the sensor’s serial number (ANT+ or Bluetooth)
• Option to manually enter the ANT+ serial number (only for expert users who know their sensor’s serial number)

⚠️ Entering an incorrect serial number will effectively deactivate the PML function, since the trainer will be unable to connect to the sensor.

At the end of the configuration, press OK.
To apply changes, the trainer must be switched off and on again.

To pair a new sensor:

• Power the trainer while pedalling
• The trainer will delete the old serial number and start a new automatic search
• A slight vibration confirms the new pairing

TROUBLESHOOTING common issues

In some cases, the PML function may cause the trainer to behave unexpectedly.
Below are the most common issues, with a summary table of their solutions.

Presence of multiple power meters in the room *
The trainer pairs with the sensor transmitting the strongest signal, not necessarily the closest one.

When the Power Meter Link (PML) function is activated, the trainer automatically pairs with the first power meter detected. This is usually the sensor physically closest to the trainer – typically the one mounted on the bike on the trainer – but not always.
If another sensor in the room transmits with stronger signal power, the trainer may connect to that one instead, regardless of distance, causing incorrect pairing.

In this case, the trainer will read power data that does not correspond to the bike in use, resulting in transmission of incorrect or null values and unpredictable resistance adjustments, especially during course simulation or ERG/Power Mode training.

If the ANT+ serial number of the desired sensor is not known with certainty, the following solutions are recommended:

• Deactivate the PML function, to ensure correct trainer operation
• Or move away or switch off all sensors that you do not wish to connect, leaving active only the one mounted on the bike

Presence of third-party trainers transmitting power in the same room **
A third-party trainer (non-Elite) switched on in the same room may be mistaken for a power meter.

Interactive trainers, including those from other brands, usually transmit power data via both ANT+ Power profile and Bluetooth Smart Power.
If a non-Elite trainer is switched on and powered in the same room, it could be wrongly identified by the PML of the Elite trainer as a standard power sensor.

As a result, the Elite trainer will connect to the third-party trainer and receive its power data, causing serious malfunctions: the detected power will be completely unrelated to the activity being performed on your bike, and resistance control will be random or inconsistent.

To avoid these problems:

• Temporarily deactivate the PML function
• Or switch off all other trainers present in the room during Power Meter Link configuration

Use of single-pedal or crank sensors ***
Some sensors transmit only one side’s power (e.g. left pedal).
PML will therefore receive a halved value.

If using a single-pedal or crank power meter, the PML will automatically pair with only one side. In such cases, the trainer receives only half of the actual power, since the reading is taken from one pedal only.

Solution:

• Enable the “Half Power” function in myETraining to double the value and obtain the correct reading

Issue / Problem	Solution / Action
Multiple Power Meters in the Room * The trainer pairs with the sensor transmitting the strongest signal, not necessarily the closest one.	- Deactivate PML to ensure correct trainer operation. - Move away or switch off all sensors you do not wish to connect, leaving active only the one mounted on the bike.
Presence of Third-Party Trainers Transmitting Power ** Non-Elite trainers may be detected as power meters.	- Temporarily deactivate PML.- Switch off all other trainers in the room during Power Meter Link configuration.
Using Single-Pedal or Single-Crank sensors *** Some sensors transmit only one side’s power (e.g., left pedal), halving the reading.	- Enable the “Half Power” function in myETraining to double the value and obtain the correct reading.
Sensor Not Found / No Connection The sensor may be off, absent, or have a flat battery.	- Check the sensor battery and ensure it is active. - Restart the trainer if necessary.
Incorrect Serial Number Entered Entering the wrong serial number deactivates the PML function.	- Enter the correct serial number. - Re-pair the sensor following the PML activation procedure.
Automatic Reconnection Issues The trainer attempts to reconnect to the previously paired sensor at every start.	- Ensure the sensor is powered on and functional before starting the trainer.