Concept2 .csv log file overlay maker

Quick and dirty application that creates a movie showing pace, stroke rate and other variables as recorded by ErgData from the monitor of your Concept2 erg. Suitable for overlaying on a video. (almost) All done in-browser.

Use cases

• Coach wants to provide technique video and show pace / stroke / distance / time information.
• Athlete wants to compare old and recent technique sessions simultaneously with pace / stroke / distance / time information.

Requires

• Chrome web browser (or other Canvas- and WebKit-enabled browser).
• A logfile from your Concept2 Online logbook account. Must be uploaded via ErgData.
• Optional: A tool to convert .webm files to .mp4 or other video format. Have a Google, or install and learn ffmpeg.
• Optional: video editing tool of your choice.
• Optional: video of yourself / athlete rowing or skiing.

Usage

• Upload a rowing / skiing session using ErgData.
• Download that session from the logbook as a CSV file (button at the bottom of the page).
• Drag and drop that .csv file on the grey rectangle above.
• Be patient. Wait until the status says Movie generation complete.
• Two faux-monitors will appear. Click the three dots from the one on the right and choose Download.
• Import that file into your video editing software, or if the format isn't supported, use your chosen file conversion software to turn the .webm file into a .mp4 or similar for your movie software.
• Import the resulting video into your video editing software and go for gold.

FAQ

How can I see other variables, like average pace?

The Concept2 format for .csv is limited to elapsed time, stroke rate, instantaneous pace, distance, heart rate, watts and calories per hour.

But you can calculate average pace (and others) from those variables!

Yup, this is on the list of things to fix.

The output video format sucks. Can you change it?

Yup, this is on the list of things to fix. If you have suggestions please pass them along.

Why would I use this over <other software>?

This handles (almost) everything in-browser. Feel free to use something else if this doesn't fit your needs.

Does this handle intervals?

Yup.

It generates multiple movies for interval workouts!

Yup. The Concept2 .csv format doesn't include rest periods, so the output movie is split into parts for easier overlaying.

Why are there pauses in the movie at the start of each interval?

Purely for allowing you to better sync the overlay in your editing software.

Why does this miss the first few and last few seconds of an interval?

The data provided on the Concept2 Online logbook for a session appears to only include data on the stroke. This means the first stroke and the end of the workout are typically missed.

The time and distance don't increase smoothly! WTF?!?

Yup; as stated above the Online logbook data appears to only include data on the stroke, not between strokes.

So any pointers on how to sync this properly over video of me rowing?

Yup:

• The frame where the numbers change from zero should be synced to match the end of your first (possibly second) actual stroke. This is because the rower / SkiErg won't necessarily register your first stroke, espectially if you start rowing from the main menu screen.
• The last frame of numbers should be synced to match the end of your last actual stroke.

Try syncing at the end of the overlay movie first, then lock in the start stroke. Note that you may need to stretch either your video or the overlay video to get 100% accurate overlay goodness. But as a savvy video editing connoisseur, you already know that.

This doesn't work on my phone!

Not indended for phone use; try a computer instead.

This doesn't work on my computer!

This application has been tested and works using the latest version of the Chrome web browser on Mac OS X. YMMV on other platforms.

The filenames of the movies are gibberish!

Yup, this is on the list of things to fix.

This page looks like balls!

Yup, this is on the list of things to fix.

I want to yell at you! Where do I find you?

You can yell at me here.