Encoder hardware troubleshooting
Fix an older Vitruve Encoder that is missing from Bluetooth, records eccentric reps instead of concentric, or restarts its rep count.
These fixes are for problems caused by the older Vitruve Encoder's own settings. For app-side problems with any device, such as Bluetooth permission, handshake errors, or a connected device that does not record, start with My device will not connect. For unexpected reps or values, see My reps, velocity, or 1RM look wrong.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| The encoder is not in the app's device list | It is in Wi-Fi mode | Switch to Bluetooth |
| The app records the lowering phase as the rep | It is in DOWN mode | Switch to UP |
| The rep count goes back to zero mid-set | The set passed 100 reps | Start a new set |
| The encoder is damaged or not working | Hardware fault | Report it |
The mode changes below use the same sequence: power on, do exactly three reps by pulling the string by hand, then hold one button for eight seconds. On an encoder with flat touch-sensitive buttons, touch and hold the button area lightly instead of pressing.
The encoder does not appear in Bluetooth
The encoder may be in Wi-Fi mode. The current app connects only over Bluetooth, and Bluetooth also works much better, so Wi-Fi mode is not recommended. An original Speed4lifts encoder that works only over Wi-Fi cannot connect to the current app.
- Turn the encoder off and on again.
- Watch the screen. After the VITRUVE logo, it shows either BTXXX (Bluetooth) or WIFIXXX (Wi-Fi).
- If it shows WIFIXXX, perform exactly three reps by pulling the string with your hand.
- Press and hold the left button below the screen for eight seconds.
- Turn the encoder off and on again and check that it now shows BTXXX.
Then scan again in Training → Bluetooth. If it still does not appear, continue with My device will not connect.
The encoder records eccentric reps instead of concentric
The encoder is in DOWN (face-down) mode. Switch it back to UP, the default:
- Power on the encoder.
- Perform exactly three reps by pulling the string with your hand.
- Press and hold the right button below the screen for eight seconds.
You can confirm the mode on the Menu screen under Detect Mode. When it is set up correctly, turning it on shows the Vitruve logo, then BTXXX, then GO.
If you want to see both the eccentric and concentric phases, keep the encoder in UP mode and turn on Eccentric phase in the app's VBT training settings instead. You do not need to change anything on the encoder. See Training settings.
The rep count restarts during a set
The encoder counts at most 100 reps per set. If you go past 100, it resets automatically and starts counting from zero.
The limit applies to each set, not to the session. You can record as many sets as you need. For long continuous efforts, finish the set before 100 reps and start a new one.
If the count restarts in sets of fewer than 100 reps, contact support.
Report a broken or malfunctioning device
If your encoder is broken or not working, open a ticket with Vitruve support through the support chat. The support site says the team replies within 24 hours.
Include:
- The model (Vitruve Force or the older Vitruve Encoder).
- The BT ID and Encoder ID from the Menu screen of the older encoder.
- What happens, and which of the steps above you have already tried.
- Your phone, tablet, or computer model and app version.
See Contact support. For warranty terms, see Orders and shipping.
Reliability and metrics
Why Vitruve uses a linear position transducer, what the validation research found, and how each velocity, force, power, and fatigue metric is defined.
My device will not connect
Fix Bluetooth permission, discovery, handshake, active-device, and reconnect problems in a sensible order.