It is not uncommon for users of CompuTrainer to try and dedicate an older computer to their trainer, say for use in the basement or garage.  When doing so it is important to check whether this computer will meet minimum system requirements for the software you are trying to run.  This page is devoted to dealing with issues that come up regarding the compatibility of RacerMate software and the computers you may be trying to use.  To help sort out various issues, you may find links to other pages devoted more specifically to that particular subject.  Be sure to check them out too.

CompuTrainer 3D Version 3.0

(Split screen with SpinScan View)

Version 3.0 Demo Version

You can try Version 3.0 before you buy it.  This will help determine whether the software can run on your PC.  Before doing so - first check the minimum system requirements page to verify whether your computer meets the requirements for the 3D software.  Only after doing so should you download and try the Demo Version.

Please note: You can determine your PC specifications by running the DirectX Diagnostics program, which is supplied with all Windows™ based computers.  For instructions on how to run this diagnostic program, click here.  You should also check out our Q&A section for answers to common questions by clicking here.

The Demo Version does not have the serial communication portion activated and as such can NOT be used with a CompuTrainer!  Therefore it can only verify whether the software runs "graphically" on your computer and can not be used to check the communications portion of the software.  Because Windows™ will always "give priority" to graphic portion of an application, you may find that your purchased CompuTrainer 3D will run graphically, but is using so much processor resources as to make it impossible for Windows™ to communicate to the trainer as well.  This has been found to occur on some computers that just meet our 16 MB video memory requirement, but is very common on all that don't meet this requirement.  This is one thing the Demo Version can't check for. 

Click here to download the Demo Version of CompuTrainer 3D Version 3.0
(3Dv3Demo.exe - 12MB in size)

Already own Version 3.0?  Click here for 3D version 3.0 software update patches.

Running the Demo Version

1. After installation, go to the Programs menu, or shortcut, and launch the software.

2. Click on the Build or Load a Course button. 

3. Click on the Load button.

4. Select a course from the list and click OK.  

5. Click on the Race Now! button.  

6. While on the Race Screen and the riders are at the start line: type " G" on your PC keyboard to start the race.  

7. Click the "right" mouse button several times to speed up your rider.  

8. Click the " left" mouse button will slow the rider down.

If everything appears runs fine, then your PC should be OK to run the software.  There may yet be other areas of potential concern -- like whether you have an available serial port for example -- but these are often easily dealt with.

Known Issues

• If you receive an error message, or the program shuts down when you click on "Build or Load a Course", try setting your Windows™ display properties to "(High Color) 16-bit".

• If you experience graphic anomalies such as flickering or shaking, try running the program in a "Window" rather than "full-screen mode".  F12 on your computer keyboard will toggle between these two modes while on the Race Screen.

• If you require a USB-to-Serial adapter to gain access to a serial port (i.e., your computer did not come with a serial port, or not enough serial ports), there are many of these on the market today (i.e., Belkin Model F5U409, I/O Gear, Radio Shack, Keyspan) and others that may not communicate properly with CompuTrainer Software.  If your PC does not have a standard serial port and a USB-to-Serial adapter is needed, we recommend using one that is offered from RacerMate, which has been tested and is known to work.  You can order it here.  If you can't wait and have a BestBuy nearby, they sell a model made by Dynex (model DX-UBDB9) that has worked well.

• The Intel 82845G video card chipset has been known to cause oddities in the 3D software.  Graphics drivers released after 5/1/2003 have repaired most issues and can be downloaded at: http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df/Support_Intel.asp

• CompuTrainer 3D version 3.0 requires a fairly current video card running drivers compatible with Microsoft DirectX 7.0 or higher.  There haveFor older 3Dfx Voodoo video card users, last known driver information can be found here, but it is advised to replace these cards prior to using CompuTrainer 3D.

Click here for ask questions or offer comments.

CompuTrainer 3D Version 3.0 (continued)

Why not make an update patch for version 1.0 and 2.0?

When the decision was made to update the original 3D software to run on Windows 2000 and XP, it became apparent the need to wipe the slate clean and start from scratch.  This was the only way to eliminate the ties to the 3DFX video card requirements.  It also allowed for 3D to run on any current video card, which was a welcomed approach.  It was quickly becoming evident the cost to do this was far exceeding the work typically done for an update patch.  In fact, it exceeded the original cost of development for the first version of the 3D software.  To help warrant the cost of the upgrade to existing customers, it was decided at that time to add some long awaited features to the software. 

The Result

CompuTrainer 3D v3.0 is now designed to run exclusively on Microsoft DirectX (version 7.0 or higher)*.  Unlike previous versions of CompuTrainer 3D software (version 1 and 2, builds 116 or earlier), this design has enabled compatibility with all Windows operating systems that support DirectX (i.e. 95/98/ME/2000/XP).  The only possible exception will be where a video card manufacturer has not provided video driver updates to support DirectX 7.0 on their older cards.  What this may cause is the software to behave badly.  In these cases, there is little RacerMate can do to solve the problem apart from recommending an upgrade for the computer.

*Microsoft DirectX is an advanced suite of multimedia APIs built into most Microsoft Windows operating systems. DirectX provides a standard development platform for Windows-based PCs by enabling software developers to access specialized hardware features without having to write hardware-specific code. DirectX was first introduced in 1995 and has become the recognized standard for multimedia application development on the Windows platform.  For more info about "Microsoft DirectX" click here.

Why not make a USB version of CompuTrainer?

It is an increasing trend for new computers to abandon the inclusion of a serial port, which is the communication method currently in use by RacerMate.  We have investigated both the use of USB-to-Serial adapters and redesigning the CompuTrainer hardware to support USB.  Though it is true many products now only support USB, it is not a simple adaptation to our existing hardware to make this possible.  It would in fact require adding what is currently inside a USB-to-Serial adapter to make this work.  As such, it seemed far easier to use a USB-to-Serial adapter instead of incurring the great cost in retooling the CompuTrainer.  RacerMate has spec'ed, and sells a USB to Serial Adapter "at cost" to the end user.  RacerMate will continue to watch this issue and readdress the possibility of porting over to USB should the current solution is found unsuitable.

Unfortunately, there is a wide variety of USB to Serial adapters on the market designed for simple camera or PDA use and do no behave as a serial port.  An example of this is found in the Potential Issues section above.  If you would like to purchase a USB-to-Serial adapter directly from RacerMate, click here.

Click here for ask questions or offer comments.

Click here for a PC1 update.

Click here for a Coaching Software update.

Windows NT

Apple/Mac Computers

April 16, 2008