Control the resistance of a trainner like Tacx Vortex from watch

No. The watch does not include the relevant FE-C protocol that will control the resistance. Edge devices do include this protocol.

Thanks for reply. I see some videos showing how it works in Edge and it will be nice if in Fenix works in same way.

On Sensor settings of watch detect trainner as a trainner, not a energy sensor plus cadence speed, and implements the protocol to control resistance.

Many options are already presents in menu of indoor bike app, like do a route or training menu, is just to implement this full duplex communication between the trainer (FE-C).

I didn't have a Edge in my setup. I follow the line Fenix plus Varia Vision.

 Now that Tacx is Garmin too I see as a must have feature.

There are a good article from DC Rain Maker about ANT FE-C and trainer control (fitness equipment control).

These features presents in Edge series must be implemented in Fenix too:

"

Follow a course: This means that if you create a course (typically on Garmin Connect) and send it to the Edge that it’ll use the elevation data from the course to control the incline of your trainer.  You can also ‘create a course’ from an existing workout too, on the unit itself.

 

Follow an activity: This allows you to re-ride one of your completed activities, such as a past ride.  So if you went out last year and rode Ironman Canada, you could then select that activity and re-ride the course.  Sometimes though this can be a bit iffy depending on the elevation data (resulting in unexpected surges of resistance).

 

Follow a workout: This allows you to create a structured workout, either on Garmin Connect or on the device itself. For example you can specify a warm-up, and then specify intervals a given intensity (i.e. 315w).  The trainer will automatically change resistance to meet those workout portions.  This is most akin to a typical ERG workout.

 

Set Resistance: This allows you to set resistance at predefined levels.  These levels are somewhat arbitrary though, kinda like a gym stationary bike.  So it’s just up/down type options.  You can change the resistance level on the fly using a bit of a menu system.  I rarely (never) use this.

 

Set Target Power: This allows you to set a specific wattage level, i.e. 305w.  You can change the level as you see fit manually, using a menu system.  I use this very often.

" dcrainmaker

This data are very interesting:

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/general/the-effect-of-the-global-pandemic-on-active-lifestyles/

I'm impressed with the increase of virtual cycle, Garmin dev for fenix series could give us a gift improving the bike indoor app with these features.

has there anything changed meanwhile? I’m about to get my first smart trainer (Elite Nero)... could use such a feature

FE-C protocol has been introduced since then, however, for me is not completely problem free, as well as for other users:

https://forums.garmin.com/outdoor-recreation/outdoor-recreation/f/fenix-6-series/238395/fe-c-connectivity-issues---drops-in-the-signal/1136469#1136469

The general note is that it works, however, in my particular case, there are drops in the signal making data analysis nearly useless. When the signal drops, the resistance of the trainer does not change, so you are effectively getting your planned workout. However, sometimes happens that the signal drops and the trainer is not changing to the next training block, leaving you with a higher resistance than planned for whatever your next block is and you will need to suffer from it.

I have contacted Garmin and they are offering me a replacement, but my watch is so far flawless and didn´t present any other connectivity issue with any other type of sensor. From what I read from the other user having similar problems seems to be software related or eventually due to the signal coming from the indoor trainer / powermeter.

It would be very interesting to know the opinion of more people since it seems almost nobody in this forum is using this functionality.

If you could report on your experience with your trainer it would be great (that by the way, it watched my attention, rollers with FE-C functionality...)

Works on my Wahoo Kickr V5 using my Tactix Delta. I tend to use Zwift on my Apple TV though so haven’t went in depth.