Tacx Vortex Smart Trainer - zero output of speed, power or cadence. Can connect to tacx app using Bluetooth but zero output. So can’t do anything

I bought a new Tacx Vortex Smart Trainer and receive it last night. I have spent the whole day tryin to set it up.

Can connect to tacx app using Bluetooth but zero output of speed, power or cadence. So can’t do anything.

Had updated to the latest firmware before trying to calibrate but it does not do anything when i click on calibrate and does not detect any output. Is this a fimrware related issue, is ti possible to get back to a previous version of the firmware where this does not happen?

0 mariomseron over 4 years ago

any chance someone from Tacx/Garmin support who could advise on next steps before I return the trainer?

0 philipshambrook over 4 years ago

I'm a new user of the Vortex Smart having just bought one new one and a 2nd hand one. I've had no problems setting them up connected to in iPad. Perhaps step us through what you have done and we might be able to see where things might have gone awry.

For instance, have you connected to the Tacx Utility and checked the firmware is up to date?

Which of the Tacx apps are you trying to use Tacx Training or Tacx Cycling App?

I've not been using the Tacx apps but I've just done a bit of testing. It looks like you need to ensure the trainer is not connected to any other app, including the Tacx Utility. If you have downloaded all three apps you need to make sure the other two you are not using are properly closed, not just running in the background. Once I'd done that, I got the connection to the Tacx Training App. I could not get that connection while the cycling App and/or the Utility were open.

0 Juan over 3 years ago in reply to philipshambrook

Hi there, had the same issue with my brand new vortex it worked for a week and then just died. It connects well but all the readings(cadence/power/etc) are 0. And this was working perfectly.
been in contact with Garmin about this since the trainer is under warranty and they told me they are going to be sending me an electro unit replacement.
still waiting.... but you are not alone on this since there are a couple of users complaint about faulty units.

0 fjac82 over 3 years ago

Hello I have the same problem(after an update). Have you found asolution?

0 Alex Masalovich over 3 years ago in reply to fjac82

fjac82 said:
Hello I have the same problem(after an update). Have you found asolution?

In case of problems with Vortex, users can try the following two methods:
https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/indoor-training/f/tacx-vortex/240188/tacx-vortex-imposible-to-overcome-100w-in-slopes-please-help/1141989#1141989

0 bluejase over 3 years ago in reply to Juan

Did the electro unit fix the issue?

0 7055476 over 3 years ago

So what is the solution ? what firmware works ? where can we have it. I did rollback to 3.1.22/0.4.3 with no luck

0 fjac82 over 3 years ago in reply to 7055476

For me, software downgrade/upgrade did not work soI gess I hab an harware probIem. Finally buy a new electro unit and it works. I purchase the unit for 156€ by Garmin Belux (Belgium-Luxembourg) witch is a very poor after sale service (at least 5 weeks to send me the unit from the moment they receive it in their department)

0 7055476 over 3 years ago in reply to fjac82

I have a hard time to believe that the firmware broke the unit. There most be a way to make it working again.