Most Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does WattsUp cost?
2. What other software and hardware do I need in order to use WattsUp?
3. How long do I get technical support after my purchase?
4. What kind of 'exported' file does WattsUp need to work?
5. Where can I download the WattsUp program?
6. WattsUp locks-up or is unable to read the exported race file that I'm feeding it, how come?
7. Does WattsUp have 'historical' capabilities like a training diary?
8. How many different types of Reports can be printed using WattsUp?
9. Which version of WattsUp should I buy and what is the difference?
10. How often and how fast will up-dates, patches, newer versions, and fixes happen?
11. Is there a manual for the WattsUp program?
12. Do you send me a CD after I purchase the program?
13. What is the best graphics mode to run WattsUp in?
14. How does the Gear Recorder associate with the WattsUp program?
15. WattsUp does not incorporate TSS/IF calculations, how come?
16. Can WattsUp train me to be a better athlete, is it a type of 'coaching software' that can design workouts for me using my CompuTrainer?
17. My zone values are not showing even though I have input my profile in the WattsUp database. I loaded the sample1.txt sample race export file for Cadence Wattington and it loads and shows his CP values. How come my custom settings don't show?

Q. How much does WattsUp cost?
A. WattsUp Version 1.00 has a price tag of $49.95 for the Standard Version and $59.95 for the Coaching Version, this includes full technical support. For multiple ordering information see the main order form.

Q. What other software and hardware do I need to use WattsUp?
A. WattsUp is mainly tailored around the use of a CompuTrainer and its accompanying software but specifically around CompuTrainers Coaching Software. You also need to be sure that you are using Racermates most recent version of their Coaching Software. Go to RacerMates website and look for the Coaching Software link. The coaching software has the capability to export race and work-out files to ASCI comma-delimited text files which contain readable information. It is these types of files that WattsUp reads in order to analyze a race or work-out.

The 'Athlete Database' portion of WattsUp does not need any race files to keep its records and do its calculations. WattsUp uses the information in this database to further analyze a race if the race is conducted by a person in the database.

Q. How long do I get technical support after my purchase?
A. Technical support has no termination.

Q. What kind of 'exported' file does WattsUp need to function properly?
A. First of all, any user of WattsUp should have RacerMate's Coaching Software in order to generate the proper exported files that WattsUp reads.

At this time, WattsUp can read in exports from PC1 and 3D races only. It can not read in an .erg file. The use of .erg files are very important and their acceptance into WattsUp is in progress! This will be one of the first up-dates to look for.

There are ways to take other power and heart rate device files and convert them to CompuTrainer type files but these methods have not been implemented in WattsUp Version 1.00.

The Coaching Software for a CompuTrainer has the capability to generate comma-delimited files from the proprietary race files created by a CompuTrainer race or work-out. Be sure to set the Coaching software to create 'Short/Comma-Delimited' files and check every check-box in the options menu in order to include all catagories. Also, be sure that there is only one blank line generated at the end of the exported text file.

Q. Where can I download the WattsUp program?
A. There is no 'demo' version of WattsUp and the program is not available before purchase. You can view all screen shots of the software here on this website. There is a 30 day money back guarantee if you are not fully satisfied with your purchase.

Q. WattsUp locks-up or is unable to read the exported race file that I'm feeding it, how come?
A. To begin with, WattsUp should never lock-up, please report any problems to technical support. If a problem does occur while reading in an exported file, a column (like wind) may be missing from it, the file may be 'cut-off' at the end, or there may be more than one blank line at the end of the export. The best way to disect the file is to look at it in 'Explore' or some other text editor and be sure that the file looks consistent. You may want to re-export your original race file by using the Coaching Software - be sure all options are correctly set.

Also, be sure that you are exporting your races using the latest version of Racermates Coaching Software. The latest version of the Coaching Software can be found at RacerMate's website.

Q. Does WattsUp have 'historical' capabilities like a training diary?
A. The WattsUp program does not have a diary function in version 1.00. You can save your printable reports to a special file that can be viewed and printed at a later date. You can also save your report data to csv files and then manipulate them later within Excel.

Q. How many different types of Reports can be printed using WattsUp?
A. WattsUp can print four (4) different types of Reports. Race statistics, race comparisons, a gearing report, and an athlete database report. All of these reports have the capability to be saved and/or exported to .txt, .csv, and .html files!

Q. Which version of WattsUp should I buy and what is the difference?
A. WattsUp has two (2) different types of licenses: The single user, and the unlimited user. There is a slight difference in the actual software itself. The single user license is limited to a maximum of three (3) database entries whereas the coaching version has an unlimited number of database entries.

Q. How often and how fast will up-dates, patches, newer versions, and fixes happen?
A. Fixes and patches take top priority and occur as soon as possible. New versions are released when up-dates accumulate to a substantial level.

Q. Is there a manual for the WattsUp program?
A. At this time there is no manual, only the help file and other text files that come with the program after purchase. The website is a great place to find useful information and it is continually being up-dated to offer you the best service available.

Q. Do you send me a CD after I purchase the program?
A. At this time CD's are only sent out upon request. If you have any questions concerning this then please contact sales. You are sent a download link when you register WattsUp.

Q. What is the best graphics mode to run WattsUp in?
A. The best graphics mode is 800 x 600 or greater. The program was developed in 800 x 600 mode.

Q. How does the Gear Recorder associate with the main race statistics?
A. At this time, the .csv file generated by the Gear Recorder does not associate directely with WattsUp's main race statistics.

Other than printing out a customized gearing chart and showing you a graphic of all of your gear inches and development, the WattsUp program also has the capability to record all of your shifts while you race to a .csv (comma separated value) file. The shifting is recorded manually by the racer or by using a helper. Once you have this file you have the possibility to use it along with other data that was generated in your original race export. Data analysis of this caliber is intended for advanced users of Excel, such as coaches, and exercise physiologist.

Q. WattsUp does not incorporate TSS/IF calculations, how come?
A. The author of the Training Stress Score and Intensity Factor calculations (TSS/IF) are proprietary and not used within WattsUp.

Q. Can WattsUp train me to be a better athlete, is it a type of 'coaching software' that can design workouts for me using my CompuTrainer?
A. WattsUp was not designed to take people through workouts and 'coach' them along as they use their CompuTrainer. It does not let you know if your doing better, increasing in speed or power, or becoming a better athlete. It does have comparison functions that can tell you the difference from one race or workout to the next but it is the job of a coach to design an individuals training plan. Whether your coached, or a self-trained cyclist, WattsUp is a tool that breaks down your CompuTrainer data and allows you to get your workout or race results easily.

If you are a Coach, then WattsUp is another tool that gives you the numbers you need to complete your 'custom' calculations and helps you understand your athletes results. The reports that are printed from WattsUp gives you something to go by, something to look at and keep track of your races. The Joe Friel workout manual was included with your purchase of the CompuTrainer and it has a wealth of information to glean from. This training manual is also included within the WattsUp software.

The introduction to Joe Friel's 'Cylist Training Bible' starts out with this: "How should I schedule hard workouts? How is it best to train during the weeks of my most important races? How many miles do I need before starting speed work? Is it OK to ride the same day I lift? How long should my recovery rides be? What can I do to climb better?" WattsUp can not answer any of these questions but it is part of the formula! Training is an art that takes time, hard work, and patience. WattsUp is here to help you along the way!

Q. My zone values are not showing even though I have input my profile in the WattsUp database. I loaded the sample1.txt sample race export file for Cadence Wattington and it loads and shows his CP values. How come my custom settings don't show?
A. Your profile may not be loading because the user name of your race probably doesn't match the last name of your profile. Here's the deal: The exported race file that is being loaded in has a user name on the 2nd line. In the sample exported file that is included with WattsUp (sample1.txt) the name is ' Wattington ', Cadence's last name. The last name of 'Cadence Wattington's' profile is ' Wattington ', these last names match exactly and therefore the zone information is loaded into WattsUp's main screen along with the CP zones.

There are a few different ways you can fix what's happening. You can manually edit the user name line within the exported race file by using 'notepad' or some other editor and make sure the line matches the last name of the profile you would like to load or you could fill in the profiles last name field with whatever name is in the exported race file.

For future compatibility you might want to go into the options menu of CompuTrainer's 3D software and change your rider information to a last name value. That way all exports from CompuTrainer's Coaching software will contain the proper name and match your profile.

I realize that this is a confusing situation even though it is mentioned within WattsUp's help file. The confusion arises with the profile matching the race by way of exact match of the last name only. It really should look at full name values. If the user name in the export file is ' Hank P. Pedalman' and the profile first name value is Hank P. and the last name value is Pedalman then there should be a match but it only works using the last name field of the profile at this time.

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