I have a new Wahoo KICKR CORE and after the first two rides the app hasn’t been able to adjust the resistance, despite me using the same set up. Flat, up or downhill it all feels the same.
I run the Win10 app. KICKR is connected via bluetooth to my PC and to Garmin Edge 530 (only as power meter to avoid interference).
I tried to run the app even with the Garmin and the companion app turned off and it still doesn’t work despite the app saying that sensors’ connection is all right.
It’s not a hardware problem because I tried other competitors’ software and it works smoothly there.
I really like the idea of training with this app, but I cannot afford to waste as much time as I did in these two days to make it work (without succeeding).
@Alessandro_Carrettin there are many forum threads on this problem lately. You have the first correct clue in realizing to turn off the Garmin 530 until after you are connected to Zwift. For many, Bluetooth has been the culprit. It could be the BT on your computer not being up to snuff, could be Wifi interference.
A couple things to try:
Install the Zwift Companion App on your phone, then in the pairing screen upper right corner, tap on the gear icon, then select Bluetooth via the Companion App. See if that helps. It works better for some people, flaky for others
Purchase a cheap ANT+ USB dongle for your computer. Folks have had good success with the ANSELF device. I first tried the CYCPLUS and it failed miserably as others have seen, then learned of the ANSELF recommendation. It works great. Rock solid connections.
If using and ANT+ USB dongle, also put it on a short USB extension cable.
Search in the forum and you’ll see a lot of discussion on connection issues and suggestions. Far better than trying to retype the info here.
I went through the same challenges and eventually got it working using the ANSELF ANT+ USB dongle and extension cable approach. I started with a Kickr Snap and have transitioned to a Kickr Core and it works great with both.
This solution works for both Zwift and Rouvy:
A couple of weeks ago I seemed to be able to climb hills with much more effectiveness than I ever could before. Then I noticed that I was climbing an 18 degree hill in Rouvy and I was still in the big ring… That ain’t right.
It turns out that the resistance changes that should go with changes in grade in both softwares was not happening. I could increase cadence or shift to higher gears and the watts/kg would go up but it was nowhere near comensurate with the increase in grade indicated by both games. Each game had current updates. Aaaaaand NO. I was NOT in Ergo mode.
I did an online search for the problem and found a couple of solutions that involve uninstalling all the software, deleting/forgetting the Bluetooth connections to all devices and then installing the latest version of the software and reconnecting the devices… which I did.
When reconnecting the Wahoo Kickr to each, there is the option of using Bluetooth or ANT+ connections. The software reconnected with the same wireless mode that it had before I cleared the decks. I found that the Kickr connected the Power by Bluetooth and the Resistance by ANT+ and the problem was still there - no resistance changes. But! When I connected the Resistance via Bluetooth and the Power via ANT+… well, everything was back to normal like it was for the last year since I purchased the Kickr. This same fix worked for Rouvy when I tried it.
So, if anyone is having problems with your smart trainer not changing the resistance comensurate with a change in grade in the game, try changing your Bluetooth connection to the Resistance sensor from either Speed or Power sensors where it might have automatically gone on programs sign-on. It’s a whole lot quicker than uninstalling/reinstalling everything.
Yeah, it makes sense now that I’ve figured it out but it’s all hindsight now. Nobody else seemed to know either.