Ever wonder what it took to get to where CompuTrainer is today?  Here's sort of a front to back view of it all.  Start at the bottom of the page and read up for a more chronological view of the Life of CompuTrainer.

LAB CompuTrainer: (Pre-2007 version used Pro label, post 2007 version have a yellow Lab front label)

Note: A Lab CompuTrainer is identical to Pro CompuTrainer with the exception of the Load Generator.

LAB 1500 Watt Load Generator - (Label indicates Model 8002). When first introduced the LAB model was also labeled a Pro Model, but contained the 6-point Calibration sticker on the reverse side of the Generator housing.  Current models actually have a yellow colored label and say they are a LAB model.  The LAB and Pro models exactly the same and are capable of up to 1500-watt loads (2000 watts Peak).

The LAB Load Generator is perhaps more accurate than the PRO Load Generator due to increased scrutiny of the final testing.  The LAB Load Generator has been verified over more data points than the PRO Load Generator.  Used specifically for any multiple unit purchase (2-8 CompuTrainers racing each other) and testing facilities due to this closer scrutiny, it is still mechanically and electrically identical to a Pro Load Generator.

PRO CompuTrainer: (*All CompuTrainers manufactured after November 1995 are Pro versions)

PRO 1500 Watt Load Generator - (Label indicates Model 8001 or 8002). Label also indicates it is a Pro Model.  The Pro unit is capable of up to 1500-watt loads (2000 watts Peak). In addition to a higher watt output, the Pro Load Generator is more accurate than the Standard Load Generator due to improved design and dynamometer calibration.

PRO Handlebar Controller - (Label may read Model 8001, 8002,  EBRA, or PLUS) (Current Version number: 45.43). The Pro Handlebar Controller displays a version number within the first few seconds of power up. These units display the word PRO in the Handlebar LCD when communication is established to the NES or PC.  Also another major difference between a  Standard and Pro Handlebar Controller is that the Pro allows Heart Rate and Cadence input simultaneously where as the Standard could only do one or the other.

Pro CompuTrainers have been available basically in 4 different configurations.  Pro Basic (Stand Alone), Pro NES (Nintendo), Pro PC1 and Pro 3D Models.

Note: Production of the NES (Nintendo) model CompuTrainer was discontinued in Nov. 2000.

Plus Upgraded CompuTrainer: (A hybrid combination of Pro and Standard CompuTrainers)

Standard 750 Watt Load Generator - (Label indicates Model Cat 6000 or 8000) (see notes below for Standard Load Generator).

Pro Handlebar Controller - (Label indicates Models 8001 or 8002) (Current Version #’s 5.19 for NES, and 27.41 for PC1/3D). This system is/was only available as an upgrade. The customer chooses to retain their original Standard (750 watts) Load Generator  and is shipped a new Pro Handlebar Controller with a special program chip that allows it to function correctly with a Standard 750w Load Generator. These units display the word PLUS in the Handlebar display when communication is established with the Nintendo System or a PC.

The customer gains the additional benefits of the Pro Handlebar Controller, i.e., simultaneous heart rate and cadence and compatibility with current software, but still is limited to the 750-watt load restrictions and specs of the Standard Load Generator.

Please Note: If the customer is upgrading to the Plus System, but has a CAT 6000 Handlebar Controller and not a CAT 8000 Handlebar Controller, the Load Generator (CAT 6000) should be returned for a minor modification to ensure enough power is supplied to the Handlebar Controller for Heart Rate function.

Available for NES, PC1 and 3D.

Standard CompuTrainer:

Standard 750 Watt Load Generator (Label indicates Model Cat 6000 or 8000). These units were manufactured from 1987-1996 and came with black or silver looking eddy discs vs. the bronze colored eddy disks found in the Pro Load Generator. Standard Load Generators are capable of 750 watts of load.

Standard Handlebar Controller (Label indicates Model Cat 8000) (Last Version # 10.03). Version numbers were obtained by holding down the RESET Key while turning on the Load Generator power switch, and then once the unit powered up (and started squealing at you) you press RESET a second time to display the version number. Cat 8000 units were manufactured from 1991-1996 and first released with the debut of the Nintendo system.  About the first 250 units did not include heart rate or cadence.  After modified to include heart arte and cadence, there was still only one jack to share these two functions. 

An alternative version of this model was built and applied to a product called the ProTec PTS-2000.  This was a recumbent trainer originally built by ProTec Sports, which was then sold to California Gym Equipment and saw its final home as part of Bollinger Health Care's product line until it was phased out in late 1996.

See note in Plus Load Generator description if upgrading your CompuTrainer.

First Generation Handlebar Controller (Label indicates Model Cat 6000).  Manufactured from 1987-1991. Distinguished by the Red, Green, and Yellow flashing LED display. No visible version numbers displayed. These units were released first and shipped with software compatible with either IBM XT, PC based computers or Commodore 64 computers.