Updating your PowerTap to ANT+Sport

Here is information and pics on upgrading your 2.4 powertap hub to ANT+Sport.    This allows you to use the powertap with ANT+ devices like the Garmin 705.

First, you have to order the hardware for the firmware update.   This is done through the parent company, Saris, and will set you back $100.    We can debate forever having customers pay $100 for a firmware upgrade.

Here is the hardware from Saris doing the firmware upgrade

Second, do the firmware install.    This is done by taking the hub wrench that came with your powertap and then following the instructions supplied in the package supplied by Saris.  Essentially you take off the cover, unplug some wiring and then place the plastic device onto the hub and ensure the light blinks to properly as per the instructions.    It’s not too difficult, but even though you might think you’re done, you’re not.

Third, update the firmware on your cycleops computer.   Ironically, this is free and I’m not sure why you would upgrade to ANT+ if you’re only using the cycleops computer, but I did it to ensure the cycleops and Garmin were reading power with an acceptable limit.

Forth, set your cycleops computer to find the hub.   For whatever reason once you update the firmware you need to re-link the computer to the hub.

Finally, linking the Garmin to the powertap hub is easy enough as you either go into the ANT+ menu or if you’ve already set the Garmin to ANT+ do to a heart rate strap it will link to the hub once you turn it on.   Make sure to set your wheel size manually with the garmin as the auto feature will be a little off and if you ride rollers it will be a lot off – for me it said I was going 45mph while I was really going 20.

We’ll be posting reviews on the Garmin 705 and various software shortly.