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Pairing Tacx Vortex

by kearos
Thu, Mar 02, 2017 11:02
7

Anyone have any experience of the Tacx Vortex and how to get it paired with, well anything? 

Bluetooth and Tacx Training app is a nightmare. Just doesn't work at all. Tried all the tips about switching off bluetooth etc. But cannot get a reliable connection. Have manged to calibrate and get data once, but only after lots of faff, then nothing since. 

Also won't transmit data to my garmin via ANT+. I can find the trainer and pair it then it just either unpairs or doesn't transmit any data. I want to try and get Power data to the Garmin. 

Any help/advice most appreciated.

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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7 comments

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kearos | 7 years ago
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Thanks all. 

Got it hooked up to my work iPhone with no issues so looks like it might be somthing to do with Android app or the fact my phone has ANT+ and bluetooth confusing things. If I get the chance I will have a play about to try and isolate what was causing the problem.

Whatever the case, there are lots of unhappy users out there so Tacx seem to have some work to do.

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pablo | 7 years ago
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Wouldn't worry to much about the app plenty of others about which are much better. If you have a Garmin edge maybe use that while I figure it all out?
The vortex smart is a good entry trainer smart but having ridden some of the more expensive ones it does have limitations but then for those trainers your paying £500-£600 more. The power readings can be a fair bit off but they are consistent across rides and that's all that really matters. Mine consistently reads 20 watts under compared to my power meter

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kearos | 7 years ago
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I am beginning to regret gambling on the Tacx. I had seen a lot of negative comments re the app but there did seem to be a clear split between those who had no problems and those who had lots. I was hoping I would fall into the former group. Trainer itself seems OK it is just the app that is rubbish.  Going to try a few different things over the weekend to resolve. 

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jollygoodvelo | 7 years ago
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The Tacx app is utter rubbish.  I once tried to calibrate over ten times without it working properly.   "There has been an error, try again."

Luckily my Flow pairs to my laptop perfectly every time using the Zwift helper app.

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Rapha Nadal | 7 years ago
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I borrowed a Tacx Bushido smart trainer from somebody and had identical issues.  Just couldn't get it to connect to anything. Tacx support were nigh on useless and couldn't give me, or the owner, a reason as to why.  Typically, it's outside of the warranty so it's useless.  Wouldn't give them any of my money!

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Yorkshire wallet | 7 years ago
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My bluetooth range on my Tacx trainer was utter garbage. You literally had to have the device next to the unit. The only thing I needed it to do was that stupid, pedal up to 40kph calibration check. Once I'd done that I never used bluetooth again.

If you visit the Tacx forums you'd probably come away with the impression they don't actually make working hardware. Odd really considering they seem to be at the forefront of it all.

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pablo | 7 years ago
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Contact tacx that doesn't sound right.  Had mine a few years now did have issues with Bluetooth pairing with an iPad when I first got it but you could generally get it working with some faffing.  I don't use the tacx app anymore and only use ant+ and fe-c never had an issue.  Maybe try some different apps/devices before contacting them.  

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