TACX Fotius and Train view... GC conncetion seems to drop out

[Mick Drake]

HI

I hope there is someone out there who is still using the old Fortius.

I am trying to move away from the TTS software and use GC in train mode.  I have installed the drivers and GC connects to my trainer.  Almost every time I try to use it the connection seems to be lost within about 15 mins. 

I start the ride using the TTS video synch files or the older pgmf format with video, I have installed the latest dev build and the new XML vdeo layout which includes the profile widget.

When I open train mode I get the "connected" message in the dialogue box, I start to ride all the data displays work HR, power, speed, distance etc all spin up as expected.  Within 10-15 mins all the data displays freeze and the video continues to play at constant speed, there is no error displayed telling me the connection has been lost.

I see that on GitHub there was an issue fixed in 2016 and I have downloaded the drivers from that link although when I install the drivers the date time stamp is 2012, is there a newer driver?

I am running windows 10

I know its old hardware but if anyone can help then I would appreciate it

TIA

Mick

[Brian Rowbotham]

Hello,

I have the same problem, except mine just dies at about 6mins. Changed to clean, reloaded machine, but no success.

WIN10

GC 3.5

Also tried FortiusANT, but I just wanna ride and train - not have to fiddle about for 10mins to get everything running, albeit precariously.

Respectfully,

Brian Rowbotham

Regional Technical Executive

T:   + 27 87 820 0164  M: +27 82 652 9181

E:   br...@connection-telecom.com

W:  www.connection-telecom.com    www.telviva.co.za

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[Mick Drake]

Just tried again dropped out after less than 2 mins.  I am running on a different PC to my TACX TTS4 as I know it has been documented somewhere that the USB driver software clashes.

[Mick Drake]

Sorry 2 k......

[Ale Martinez (Please don't email or cc me)]

I don't know the Fortius code, nor have/had access to the devie, but I would suggest some general debugging strategies:

1) Starting GC v3.6 from command line logs errors and warnings to the launching command prompt console: open a command prompt, change directory to where GoldenCheeta.exe is located, run  it, look at the console when it fails.

2) Start simple: disable video removing the video chart to discard interferences

3) Don't email nor CC me :-)

[Mick Drake]

Hi Ale

just reverted to default Train view and have completed without issue a 21 mins manual power workout so will add the video chart tomorrow run from CMD and see what happens.. thanks for the guidance.....

Mick

[Ale Martinez (Please don't email or cc me)]

In order of increasing complexity:
first video without overlay widgets: empty config/video-layout.xml
then with basic widgets without elevation: https://github.com/GoldenCheetah/GoldenCheetah/blob/4b53b24669ab2deb05e87a5644bc292a550d23bf/src/Resources/xml/video-layout.xml
last complete, with elevation widget: remove config/video-layout.xml

[Mick Drake]

Thanks I have downloaded some older versions of VLC as well to see if that helps

[Mick Drake]

Hi

I have spent most of this morning testing the Fortius GC "train"

As advised ran GC from the cmd prompt then tried various scenario

1.Cycled as is with VLC version 3.0.11 the video layout file was blank as in no widgets,  loaded a video and relevant synch files stopped recording data after 9:35, elapsed time and distance continue to increase and video still playing all other metrics locked eg power cadence HR etc.

Error displayed in consul is USB read error - 116.

Restarting GC had the same error, could only be reset by unplugging the USB cable and reinserting it

2. In manual ERG with no video chart loaded it seems to work did 21 mins without issue all dials spinning and main workout window recording data as expected.  I left the power at the default 100 and however hard I pushed the trainer seemed to be adjusting to maintain the level at that.  Happy boy !

3. Add video chart to train view still in manual erg mode no video selected and cycle ran for 9:30

4. Downgrade VLC to version 2.29 as above cycled for 6:40 before the error

5. Downgraded VLC to 1.1.5 as above thought this was ok BUT then stopped at 13:05 mins.

So it seems that I have (maybe others) a problem that whenever I add a video chart even if I do not play any video it will disconnect sooner rather than later.  Maybe Im wrong and in manual erg mode it may disconnect if I ride long enough.  The video layout was blank in all cases never got to the stage of testing with Widgets

The error is always "USB read error - 116"... something continues to try and connect as this message is repeated constantly in the consul window.

Adding the video chart while in train view even if "Stopped" RED button the display is corrupted but restarting GC seems to sort this out.

So gentlemen that's about all I can do would be most grateful if anyone who has some idea what they are doing could try and fix this for me I understand that the trainer is old but I don't really want to buy a newer one... plus I would have to get two as my lady would then complain that hers did not work..... I also fully understand and appreciate that you are all doing this for the love of it, I am always amazed how how quickly you respond to all the messages posted.. Ale and Mark surely must just sit at home waiting for these issues to come in LOL

TIA

[Ale Martinez (Please don't email or cc me)]

It is weird just adding a video window, without playing a video may cause interference, no idea why, except a too marginal PC config.
WRT vlc versión the one used is informed in Help > About > Version, it should not be affected by the one you installed IIRC.
USB read error indicates GC fails to read responses from the trainer.

[Mick Drake]

Hi the VLC version info would have saved me a few k but no problem ... I need the time in the saddle LOL

The one in use is not installed independently on my pc is it incluuded in the GC install?

Only 4 Gb RAM.. do you think that maybe all the issue is?

[Ale Martinez (Please don't email or cc me)]

El viernes, 19 de junio de 2020 a la(s) 11:02:06 UTC-3, micky...@gmail.com escribió:

Hi the VLC version info would have saved me a few k but no problem ... I need the time in the saddle LOL

The one in use is not installed independently on my pc is it incluuded in the GC install?

That's what I said, you can verify by yourself. 

Only 4 Gb RAM.. do you think that maybe all the issue is?

See https://github.com/GoldenCheetah/GoldenCheetah/wiki/GoldenCheetah-memory-consumption-and-recommendations

You could minimize memory use creating a new athlete dedicated for Train without activities and move them to the main one after training is complete.

[Mick Drake]

Thanks again.. will try the new athlete and order some RAM...

[Mick Drake]

New athlete exactly the same issue..with video chart even when not playing video manual ERG mode drops out in 4:23

Remove chart restart GC manual ERG mode gave up after 16 mins still working as expected but Im bored for today... LOL

Had task manager running........

CPU 2-4%, GPU 2% memory usage 57-59 % so it does not look like the PC is being overloaded

[Eric Christoffersen]

Could you try to use a very simple video? Mpeg2 standard def, ideally a stream ripped (not transcoded) from a dvd? That should put minimal load on your machine and minimal decode latency. Low bitrate means storage isnt too stressed. If simple video works you need a better machine. Dont bother ordering Vintage collector ram. Any used $100 pc from the last 5 years should have no issue.

[Eric Christoffersen]

Shoot, you posted spec above. Nice cpu. What is the device? What is the gpu?

[Mick Drake]

HI Eric I am not playing any video Im only adding the video chart to the layout.  If what you say about PC is correct this should be fine ?

[Mick Drake]

Its an i5.... 2.2 gHz with 4 meg RAM

On Friday, 19 June 2020 17:41:06 UTC+1, Eric Christoffersen wrote:

[Mick Drake]

Intel HD 5500

[Mick Drake]

Dell Latitude 3450

[Eric Christoffersen]

Ok, I think I was off target. I thought you might have a worse laptop, an old atom with with partial software video decode. The intel 5500 has some slightly weird stuff with its gpu decode, I've no idea how vlc handles it. But sounds like thats moot because you aren't even decoding video when this happens?

The other thing that occurs to me that might really mess stuff up are power modes, check both in the os and in the bios. Some of the low power modes won't intuit what an old usb driver requires and can shut usb off without warning. Look for something about legacy usb because thats what your fortius is. It could be vlc is setting something about power mode that interferes with the usb connection?

Sorry if none of this works, random thoughts...

Eric

[Mick Drake]

Ok Eric disabled the ability of the USB power to be shut off by the OS.. no more testing today will give it a go in the morning but fail to see how adding the video chart would cause it to crash when it does not seem to do so without that chart ... I really do hope your random thoughts are correct.. Thanks for the suggestion

[Eric Christoffersen]

Crash? Is anything crashing? Or is it just disconnecting from your trainer?

[Mick Drake]

Hi tried this again today after turning off power save (USB) in Device manager Windows 10 to no avail.  Add video chart to train view and leave set to Manual ERG mode lost the connection at just over 3 mins then again at just under 13 mins so its a little random.  Removed the video chart set manual ERG mode and cycled for 20 mins no issues using the TACX head unit to increment the target power Will try a longer ERG only ride tomorrow to see if I have just been lucky so far in manual ERG mode.  I have also today turned on allow USB to wake device in the BIOS so something else to test.

On Thursday, 18 June 2020 12:16:15 UTC+1, Mick Drake wrote:

[Carsten Mann]

Hi got. the Same Problem, did. you find Any  Solution so far? Wanna start by switching usb cable, using different usb Controller.

[Carsten Mann]

Tried some different cables and ports at the same laptop now, same issue.

I also deactivated any energy- saving mechanisms with no result

Independent of what is startet in training, it takes longer if no workout is loaded.

Seems to happen faster if data is received AND sent to T1932 at the same time and happen slower if only the data is pulled from the T1932.

Might be an issue with DELL USB Ports as I am using an old Dell, too.

Also couldt have some to do with libusb, but is there any up to date alternative?

[Mick Drake]

Hi Just moved GC to another PC now cannot get the driver installed.... will try again later.. disabled driver signing but still not installed

[xavier guimond]

hi all,
I know its an old tread but it seem to be a common issue.
i was wordering if some of you may have found a solution because i have the same problem.

thanks all, have a nice day

[Ale Martinez]

El martes, 8 de abril de 2025 a la(s) 7:39:51 a.m. UTC-3, xavier guimond escribió:

hi all,
I know its an old tread but it seem to be a common issue.
i was wordering if some of you may have found a solution because i have the same problem.

thanks all, have a nice day

Le mercredi 8 juillet 2020 à 11:50:33 UTC-4, Mick Drake a écrit :

Hi Just moved GC to another PC now cannot get the driver installed.... will try again later.. disabled driver signing but still not installed

See the note in FAQs  https://github.com/GoldenCheetah/GoldenCheetah/wiki/FAQ-TRAIN#how-can-i-use-my-fortius-trainer-on-windows-10

[xavier guimond]

yeah i tried the new driver that note is pointing to.

i still have the problem.
i tried a lot of version of gc, do i need to add some certifica in the cmd like the old method ?
I even tried reinstalling windows. installed the driver, it work, but disconnect from time to time.
Also, if i open something (specially firefox or youtube) on the second screen, it crash almost instant.

My pc is i9 9900fk with a rtx 3060, 32 gb ram. i think i have enought ressource.

thanks for any help

[Ale Martinez]

El martes, 29 de abril de 2025 a la(s) 3:22:20 p.m. UTC-3, guim...@gmail.com escribió:

yeah i tried the new driver that note is pointing to.

i still have the problem.
i tried a lot of version of gc, do i need to add some certifica in the cmd like the old method ?

No, if it works but eventually disconnects it is not a certificate problem.

There is a new build using Qt6 with Qt6 video, instead of Qt5 with VLC, in https://github.com/GoldenCheetah/GoldenCheetah/releases/tag/v3.7 you could try.

I even tried reinstalling windows. installed the driver, it work, but disconnect from time to time.

See Eric's comments before in this same thread for USB related disconnect issues. 

[xavier guimond]

ok, so no certificate problem! good thing
Eric's comment seem to be about video, however i dont use any video. i'm using gc in watt temp (erg mode) or manual slope. hope those are correct names as i'm french.
I'm gonna play with usb wake device and usb option in bios but i doubt its gonna make a difference as i tried with 3 very different computer and they all have the same issue.

[xavier guimond]

i have some news about that disconnecting issue. i have the logs from a workout out that i ended after a deconnection. 
  [11:51:05.410] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.410] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.410] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.410] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.410] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.411] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.411] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.411] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.411] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.411] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.412] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.412] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.412] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.413] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.413] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:05.413] warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called [11:51:14.488] debug: connecting.. [11:51:14.545] debug: "Firmware de l'unité de frein moteur=4103 Serial=725\n année=2008 type=T1949\n Version2=2580 MotorBrake=0" [11:51:19.478] debug: start... [11:51:59.396] debug: usb read error -116 [11:51:59.898] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:00.400] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:00.903] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:01.406] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:01.964] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:02.470] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:02.970] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:03.472] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:03.973] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:04.529] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:05.033] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:05.537] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:06.041] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:06.543] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:07.104] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:07.607] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:08.108] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:08.613] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:09.113] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:09.669] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:10.169] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:10.673] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:11.177] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:11.679] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:12.234] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:12.735] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:13.237] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:13.737] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:14.240] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:14.798] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:15.302] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:15.805] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:16.309] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:16.814] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:17.366] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:17.871] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:18.373] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:18.877] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:19.379] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:19.937] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:20.042] debug: disconnecting.. [11:52:20.440] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:20.945] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:21.447] debug: usb read error -116 [11:52:21.951] debug: usb read error -116

I think that GC is pulling too much request to the tacx fortius. When in use with TTS4, the green light flashes way less than with golden cheetah and it works perfectly. I will try to slow down the communication with the fortius in the golden cheetah code and compile or assemble it but im very not good with those thing. 
Do you want any feedback ?

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[Mick Drake]

Good morning, I am just starting to use my fortius again after a long lay off, although I only infrequently used to get the disconnect. I would be interested if you are able to fix it.  I have no coding experience myself so sadly will not be able to assist.

Kind Regards

Mick

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[xavier guimond]

Good morning, i think i am able to change the communication frequency between the fortius and gc but i struggle real hard to assemble the source code. Also, i am unable to do the modification once golden cheetah is installed. Maybe some dev could help ? i would be very happy.
If i can find a way to make this work i need to buy the devs a couple coffees. 

Reminder: GC and the fortius are always disconnecting from time to time. My logs are saying:    (warning: QWidget::paintEngine: Should no longer be called) and (debug: usb read error -116) 
The tacx fortius used with TTS4 is doing good. The green light is flashing maybe 2 or 3 time less with TTS4 compare to Golden Cheetah and i think it may be the issue. 

Thanks for any help, meanwhile i will continue to try but i have zero coding skill and it is hard to learn. 
I want to contribute to this very nice program. 

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