Installation on different Operating Systems:

ErgVideo Software

ErgVideo will by default install to the suitable "Program Files" or "Program Files(x86) folder on your PC, whether you have Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7. Simply use the default installer settings, nothing could be easier!

RacerMate Software

CompCs and Multirider III have special instructions for installing on different operating systems

  • Windows XP: Install with default "Program Files" folder settings as selected by their installer. That is, their installer will install naturally to the correct folder.
  • Windows 7: We recommend you use MultiRider 2009 on Windows 7. It will install to a suitable folder by default. If you use Multirider 3 or CompCs, follow the same instructions below as for Vista. Follow other instructions as described below.
  • Windows Vista: YOU MUST FOLLOW THE SPECIAL RACERMATE INSTRUCTIONS for installing their software on Vista, before that software can operate. We've repeated them below. ErgVideo REQUIRES your CompCS or Multirider III to operate.

Vista & Windows 7 Installation requirements for RacerMate Software:

  1. Install CompCS to a folder in the root directory of your primary system disk, for example: C:\CompCS instead of the default C:\Program Files\CompCS, or C:\Multirider III instead of the default C:\Program Files\Multirider III folders. Note that MR2009 will do this automatically.
  2. You must turn off Windows Aero display and use Windows Vista Basic. Right click you desktop and select "Personalize" then "Window Color and appearance" then click the text "Open classic appearance properties". Now select "Windows Vista Basic", apply, Ok, and close the windows.
  3. Now verify that either CompCS or Multirider operate correctly. Connect your bike. Any further problems must be referred to Racermate Inc.

Now for ErgVideo, mostly optional:

  1. You require an MPEG-4 v2 codec on your system. A new install of Vista may not include such a codec.   We recommend you install the FFDshow codec. It is very efficient and flexible. Your Windows Media Player will likely be set to find codecs automatically on the internet. Try playing an ErgVideo .avi file and the codec should be downloaded. Chances are, the one it loads ISN'T nearly as good as FFDshow. This is of no concern in rocking-great dual-core systems with good video subsystems. However, many laptops have low-power consumption devices meant for mobility and long battery life (and good grief don't even try netbooks!). Often performance is sacrificed for these mobility features, especially on the secondary video port. If it appears you are getting stuttered video, try using the amazingly efficient FFDshow codec: Download and install it. Our instructional video shows you how to configure it. I'll reiterate that the newer wave of Vista-equipped, high performance PC's have none of these performance-related problems. It is the older PC's upgraded to Vista inappropriately, or very early "barely-vista-compatible" systems that were "on the bandwagon", early-on in Vista's history. You will still get burned with cheap laptops and netbooks.
  2. When Vista CD/DVD Autoplay asks if you would like to run a program on the DVD, select the file ending in .bat (NEW:v2.1.8 will show "ErgVideoEasyInstaller.exe" choose it!)
  3. Always install ErgVideoPlayer program in the default location shown by the installer.

USB-Serial Drivers and Vista/XP/Win 7

The Sewell USB-Serial adapters are based on Prolific chipsets and require drivers by Prolific. Several versions provided by Windows Update, Sewell and prolific themselves have proven to be flawed on Vista and even XP systems. We strongly recommend direct 9-pin serial port connection or FTDI-based USB-serial adapters (such as available here or direct from RacerMate here as a custom-for-CT part!) for use with Vista. Unlike Prolific, FTDIchip is even providing excellent drivers even for 64-bit systems (Vista and XP) and they seem better positioned to support cable manufacturers in the future.

If you stick with the Sewell cables, for Windows XP, we recommend the Prolific driver for use with Prolific chip based USB-Serial Adapters. See "Install USB-Serial Drivers" on the Support page.

Likewise for Windows Vista, RacerMate provides older but working Prolific/Sewell drivers which can be installed on Vista to work with your Sewell cable. For video instructions on how to get this done, see "Install USB-Serial Drivers" on the Support page.  Version 2.1.8 is proven by ErgVideo Inc. to operate with Multirider III, MR2009 beta, and CompCS 1.6, Velotron CS Beta (1.6) most recent versions, installed as above.

Update from RacerMate: RacerMate now has a custom FTDI-based USB adapter. It ships standard with all RacerMate trainers as of Jan. 2009. Though it also appears Prolific has expanded their driver library to Vista 64 and Windows 7, after many years of disappointing performance from Prolific/Sewell, we cannot vouch for the quality or efficacy of these new drivers. Please consult with RacerMate about this and their new FTDI USB adapter if in doubt what direction to take.

ErgVideo 2.0+ REQUIRES MultiRider 3, MR2009, or Coaching Software 1.6, or Velotron CS Beta (1.6).