You need the Wahoo Key (formerly called the Fisica Fitness Sensor Key) to operate Qalvin. This is an ANT+ transceiver that plugs into the iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad and is sold by Quarq for $60.
User Manual
The Qalvin manual goes through each of Qalvin's functions one-by-one and contains troubleshooting information. The manual is in high resolution - zoom in to see the screen shots.
Qalvin enables you to calibrate your powermeter’s slope by hanging weights from the bike’s cranks. This video explains what weights to use and how to set up the bike, and goes through the calibration process end-to-end.
The weight used in the video is McMaster-Carr's 20kg Grip-Handle Test Weight. Part # 1788T26. These come with a certificate of accuracy to +/- 2g.
FAQ
Basics
Can I run Qalvin without the Wahoo Key?
No. You cannot get beyond the home screen without the Key.
Can I use a Digifit Connect ANT+ sensor with Qalvin?
The Digifit Connect ANT+ sensors will not work with Qalvin. The second version of the Digifit Connect sensor, called the Digifit Connect 2, appears to be identical to the Wahoo key but it is locked to the Digifit application.
Can I use a Garmin ANT+ sensor with Qalvin?
Unfortunately at this time Qalvin will not work with the Garmin ANT+ key. We are working toward a solution.
Will Qalvin work with 1st Generation CinQo powermeters (not the CinQo Saturn)?
1st Generation CinQo powermeters will work with Qalvin if their firmware has been upgraded. Your powermeter would have received a firmware upgrade if it was returned to the factory for service or recalibration. A quick and dirty way to tell is by checking the sticker under the battery. If the 'horseshoe-shaped' sticker is black, then it is highly likely that your firmware is current enough. However, if it is white it definitely has not been upgraded.
Why does the Adjust Slope function make inconsistent changes, particularly when reducing the slope?
The Adjust Slope function is making a change of exactly 1% for each button press. CinQo Saturn powermeters have a slope accurate to 10 decimal places but Qalvin only displays 2 decimal places. This is why changes sometimes appear inconsistent.
Advanced
When using Advanced Diagnostics, I stopped rotating the crank and a reed switch in the Reed States box stayed as 1. Does that mean a reed switch is stuck on?
No. The CinQo powermeters’ battery saving function will cycle the reed switches off and on. Use the Stuck Switches box to diagnose stuck or broken reed switches.
What is raw torque?
Raw torque is the torque being applied without the zero offset in place.
I want to swap between two sets of rings, road and TT. How can I use Qalvin to do that?
There are three ways to adjust the calibration of the CinQo in Qalvin.
Adjust the slope.
Enter a known Slope value.
Carry out a complete calibration, with a standardized weight.
How can one determine what the difference in slope is between two different sets of rings?
An extensive list of chainrings can be found on the Ring Calibration Tables page. By selecting the rings a specific CinQo was calibrated, and the rings being changed to, a CinQo's slope can be adjusted accordingly.
The weight
Where can I purchase the weight and hook seen on the video?
The weight used in the video is a 20kg Grip-Handle Test Weight, Part Number 1788T26 from MCMaster-Carr.
The hook specifically designed for the weight, stays upright when not engaged on the pedal, with a polished powder coat finish, can be purchased from Quarq for $5.
Can you please step through what Jim says in the video about weights?
The reference weight should have 10 times the precision of what you're measuring. If you want +/- 2% accuracy in your CinQo, you want +/- 0.2% accuracy in your reference weight.
We did the following tests prior to creating the video:
Took a 20lb reference weight to UPS. It weighed 19.95lb, which is 0.2% accuracy. You could therefore use UPS (the one in Spearfish, SD, anyway) to check your weight.
Took a 20lb reference weight to USPS. It weighed 19lb 15.8oz, which is 0.06% accuracy. In this case USPS is an ever better choice.
Took a department store 50lb dumbbell to both places and found it weighed 51.05lb at UPS and 51lb 1.2oz at USPS.
You must check your weight. If it is not a calibrated test weight, the USPS scales will give you better than the desired level of accuracy.
(formerly called the Fisica Fitness Sensor Key) to operate Qalvin. This is an ANT+ transceiver that plugs into the iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad and is sold by Quarq for $60.