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Ochsner is an Authorized Tacx distributor in the United States. This questionnaire provides informational
assistance for Fortius software running on your personal computer. Read the document thoroughly to
ensure an accurate understanding of your system and possible routes to a solution. If you are unable to
resolve your problem by using the information supplied here, please completely in all the fields on the
questionnaire below and email it to either:

Rudy rriemer@ochsnerusa.com or Mitch mjmurphy@ochsnerusa.com

(Please email only one person to allow us to assist you effectively and efficiently.)
Important
To make a good analysis it is very important that you send this questionnaire as well as the following
3 files attached to the email. It is impossible to diagnose the problem accurately if you do not provide
us this information. When an error causes the Fortius software to shutdown unexpectedly, it creates an
error log file. This file provides detailed information as to what may have caused the software to stop
functioning.

Tacx needs 3 files from you

1. log.txt file
2. output_log.txt file
3. dxdiag.txt file

For Windows XP and Windows 2000 users

Filename: log.txt Location c:\program files\TacxFortius\ log.txt

Filename: output_log.txt Location c:\program files\TacxFortius\Imagic\ output_log.txt

For Windows Vista Users

First, open windows explorer (or file opener)
Go to the top of the page
Go to the extra menu and select your map options
There select the tab display and scroll down.
Now just select the box with display hidden maps

Now go to
C:\Users\ Select your login Name \ AppData \ Local \ Virtual Store \ Program Files \
Tacx Fortius \ log.txt

C:\Users\ Select your login Name \ AppData \ Local \ Virtual Store \ Program Files \
Tacx Fortius \ Imagic \ output_log.txt

If these files are not on this location, check the description for Windox XP

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DxDiag File
This file is a registration of your drivers on your PC. This is how you can get them
Go to
Start (or Vista logo) -> run -> type in: DXDIAG
Now a file is generated. Just wait for one minute
Now save this file as a dxdiag.txt file (save all records)

System Requirements
(Please note these are the minimum requirements for the Tacx Fortius software to function properly. Please look at your PC’s
specs and recognize that if your PC is lacking here, it likely contributing to the technical issue)

Processor: Intel Pentium 4 or AMD equivilent (this excludes Intel Celeron and AMD Sempron)
System memory (RAM): 1024MB
Hard disc space: 850MB
Graphics card: GeForce or Radeon DirectX9 compatible 3D card with 256 MB of dedicated video memory
(Please note that cards with Hypermemory or Turbocache will not function properly)
Sound card: DirectSound compatible
Various: 1 free USB port; DVD-ROM drive (for use of Real Life Video only)
Operating System: Windows 2000, XP or Vista

General info
Windows Vista users- follow this link to download the current Windows Vista USB driver if your software disc is
lower than version 2.00. This driver is included in Fortius software version 2.00 and higher. Do not plug in the
USB to the PC even when prompted on a Vista installation unless you have Fortius version 2.00 or higher loaded.
Check the info screen on the Fortius software main menu if you are unsure. If you have a version lower than 2.00,
go to online update and let the process run until completion (you may have to run online update more than once) or
download the driver here.
http://www.tacx.com/service.php?language=EN&ttop=Software%20updates&lvlMain=16&lvlSub=50&lvlSubSub=52

The Tacx website contains all current software updates & valuable information.

Online Update
If your computer is connected to the Internet, it is recommended to download the latest version of the
Fortius Software, the firmware for the Cosmos computer and Fortius motor/brake unit adapter. Access
the Online Update by clicking: Start > Programs > Tacx Fortius > Online update. New versions are
made available from time to time, so to ensure that you are running the most improved version, please
check for the updates occasionally.

Manual Update
You can download the updates files for installation on another computer by following this link.
http://www.tacx.com/service.php?language=EN&ttop=Windows%20Vista%20drivers&lvlMain=16&lvlSub=50&lvlSubSub=48

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

http://www.tacx.com/service.php?language=EN&lvlMain=16&lvlSub=49&ttop=Question%20&%20Answer

System Test

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The Tacx System Test program is specifically developed to allow the user to trace and solve problems
concerning the USB interface, braking, pedalling frequency, speed, heart rate and steering action with
the Tacx Fortius and i-Magic Virtual Reality trainers. Follow this link to the download:
http://www.tacx.com/service.php?language=EN&lvlMain=16&lvlSub=85&ttop=System%20Test

Software Uninstall
Plugging in the USB interface into the computer before prompting, may necessitate a complete
uninstall & reinstall of the Fortius software. Please find detailed instructions at the end of this
document.

Real Life Video install or run issues

When installing a RLV and you get a message notifying you that an earlier version is detected and that
you must uninstall and revert to the older version, please ignore it and proceed with the install.
Computer install time varies greatly, so please allow the program to run to completion. If it does not
initiate and the install shield does not launch, you may “run” the disc manually and click to install. If
you have enough hard disk space, it is always recommended to save to hard disk as opposed to the
default partial install, which requires one to run the RLV from DVD player.

If the video is not appearing in the preview pane before starting a ride, download the most recent
stable version of FFD show at the following link.
http://www.afterdawn.com/software/video_software/codecs_and_filters/ffdshow.cfm/rev__610__2006
1201

Vista error message

If when trying to double click on the Fortius icon to launch the software, an error message pops up,
close the message and retry the launch as follows: Right click on the Fortius icon and the click on
“run as administrator”.
Questionnaire

Address information
Name
E-mail address
Telephone number
Purchased From / Date of Purchase
Specify Tacx product: Fortius (blue
interface)Imagic (green interface)
Fortius Multiplayer (white interface)
Version of Fortius software (shown on CD)
Serial number USB Interface / Cosmos
Description of the problem

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PC information
Laptop or Desktop?
Make, Model, manufacture date &
Processor
System Memory (RAM)
Available Hard Drive space
Brand and type/model graphical card
(IMPORTANT)
Memory on this graphical card
(IMPORTANT)
Operating system (Windows 2000, XP
Home or Professional, Vista Home,
Premium, Ultimate)

Video Card
The most frequent problems with the Fortius software involve an inadequate video card. Most entry-
level computers have what is referred to as “integrated video”. The specifications of this type of
machine will indicate an Intel Extreme Graphics system with shared memory. This type of video
subsystem is not sufficient to run the Fortius software. Many laptop computers also have this type of
video subsystem, however laptops are not upgradeable while desktop computers usually are. It is
best to contact the seller or manufacturer for the best card for your specific machine. Tacx also hosts
a forum where Tacx users ask questions, share their experiences and make recommendations to
fellow users and to Tacx. It can be found at the following link: http://www.tacxvr.com/phpbb2/index.php

You can determine your type of video card using the photo below. An integrated or shared video
computer will have the monitor connector in-line with the other ports such as the keyboard, mouse,
printer and USB ports. A dedicated video card will most likely be an add-on card as shown below.

It is possible that your computer will have both shared and dedicated video as is shown in the
picture. In this case the dedicated video card will take priority over the shared video, using the
on-card video memory that the Fortius software requires to run effectively. Be sure to connect your
monitor to the correct monitor port. Again, if you are unsure what type of card your computer
requires, consult the manufacturer or the store where you purchased your computer.

Running Fortius on a laptop is possible, however, certain conditions apply. For the most part a
laptop that meets the specifications above (minus the video card requirements) can run the Real Live
Video (RLV) component of the software. This is because the RLV function is similar to playing a
DVD movie on your laptop. For the Virtual Reality (VR) component, an enhanced video subsystem,
one with dedicated memory is required. Laptops of this type are marketed as “gaming” laptops, and
are used to play the myriad of enhanced computer games on the market today. Fortius VR is that
type of software. If you are determined to run VR on your laptop, you will need to purchase one of
these types of laptops. Again you can check the Tacx user forums to see what others are using.

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Determining Software/Firmware Versions

When you launch the Fortius software, select the menu item called “Info”. The information on that
screen can be entered below. Please fill out the form as completely as possible.

Version Fortius Software installed (info screen)

Version i-Magic Fortius Software (info screen)
Version Catalyst Fortius Software (info screen)
Serial number brake unit (back of adapter)
Software version brake unit (info screen)
Software Cosmos

Motor adapter issues, (Fortius trainer only)

If the unit is powered on, the USB plugged in and there is not any Serial number displayed on the info
screen, it usually means one or more of the following is happening:
No power from the outlet, plugs are not plugged in properly, USB cable to the interface is plugged in
backwards, or the fuse is blown. Pop open the tiny plastic fuses panel on the Powerback motor adapter near
the insert port for the power cable from the wall to check the fuse. If it is blown, the adapter will need to be
replaced. Contact us for return & replacement procedures.

Other Programs and Settings

Other software may interfere with the installation and/or running of the Fortius software. If you are
experiencing problems, disable any programs that run on the computer when the Fortius software is
running. The programs include PDA sync software, virus software, spyware programs, or screen
savers.

Make sure that your power settings, Listed under “Power Options” in the Windows Control Panel are
set for “Always On”, and set the “Turn off monitor” setting to “Never”. This will keep the Windows
screen saver from blanking the screen while you using the trainer.

See the link below for how to optimise the software for VR.

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http://www.tacx.com/mediatheek/files/pdf/qena/software/133__software_fortiusvr_optimaliseren_fortiu
s_software_uk.pdf

Advanced Troubleshooting

Frame rate and position in the VR world

Problems with steering frame and shaking of the screen in the Fortius Virtual Worlds have
possibly something to do with the frame rate. The ideal frame rate is at least higher than 30 fps.
When the frame rate drops below 20, then the software will not run properly. In that case please
send the frame rate and location in the Virtual World (X, Y, Z coordinates).

When you press the F8 button while cycling in the Virtual World, the value for framerate appears
in the left top of the screen (fps = frames per second), also the X, Y & Z coordinates will be visible
(this indicates your position in the Virtual World).

Frame rate
X
Y
Z

Warranty
In the event of a warranty situation, please review the following link for the Tacx warranty.
http://www.tacx.com/service.php?language=EN&lvlMain=16&lvlSub=78&ttop=Important Any product returned
for warranty replacement must have a Return Authorization number provided by Ochsner for reference.

Saved ride saves before uninstall & reinstall

If you need to reinstall Fortius and wish to save previous rides, please follow the instructions below for
your PC’s Operating System.
Version 1.3
1.2.4 Reinstall and saved data
If you need to reinstall the software and you do not want to lose your saved data, please
follow the instructions below. This is the standard directory instruction. If you have installed your
Software on a different Driver, you must change too this directory.

Save your records / Save your files (Windows XP and Windows 2000)
Real Life Video’s
Cut C:\Program files\TacxFortius\Catalyst\ the folder Video
Cut C:\Program files\TacxFortius\Catalyst\ the folder Program
These directories have been chosen by you during installation (could be a different location)
Cutting you video makes the savingtime much shorter then copying the files.
(so including the Video map name!) to and paste them to an other location.
Save Files (Same action as above)
Copy C:\Program files\TacxFortius\Catalyst\ the folder Runs

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Copy C:\Program files\TacxFortius\i-Magic\Data\ the folder Route

Copy C:\Program files\TacxFortius\i-Magic\Data\ the folder Pilot Route
These directories have been chosen by you during installation (could be a different location)
Make sure that you do not copy these files in the Tacx Fortius Directory because this
directory will be erased.
After installation of the Fortius Software you can replace these files at the same
location. Now you have restored your save files (and video’s)

For Windows Vista

First, open windows explorer (or file opener)
Go to the top of the page
Go to the extra menu and select your map options
There select the tab display and scroll down.
Now just select the box with display hidden maps
Real Life Video
C:\Program files\TacxFortius\Catalyst\ the folder Video
C:\Program files\TacxFortius\Catalyst\ the folder Program
These directories have been chosen by you during installation (could be a different location)
Save Files
These could be stored as the XP files., or
C:\Users\ Select your login Name \ AppData \ Local \ Virtual Store \ Program Files \ Tacx
Fortius \ Catalyst \ the folder Runs
Restore the files by putting them back in the same directory

If you need to reinstall Fortius, you must follow this procedure to uninstall properly. Otherwise the reinstall
will not function properly.
Version 1.3
This is the procedure to reinstall the Fortius software.
Make sure you have followed the instruction to save your saved files.
It is no longer possible to uninstall by a button -> Tacx Fortius > uninstall. Follow the
procedure to uninstall the Software.
Go to Start - Settings – Configuration screen - Software
Select Fortius i-Magic and then the button remove
Select Fortius and then the button remove
Select Velodrome (if you have it) button remove
The following is just to be 100% sure that everything is uninstalled.
Clean Directory
We have to be sure that the Directory of Tacx Fortius is cleared
Example: C:\program files\TacxFortius\
Remove the complete directory (the Tacx Fortius Directory)
Registry Cleanup Part 1.
A. Click on START > RUN and type "regedit".
B. The Register Editor opens.
C. Navigate to "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > MICROSOFT > WINDOWS
> CURRENT VERSION > UNINSTALL
D. Remove the following items (if existing by pressing Del)
Fortius Menu
{D2BAFC44-D10B-401E-B744-808CAA85E886}
Fortius VR
{2555AF7D-1766-42E9-934C-E408933AEBF9}:

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For Vista Users

Go to the windows logo and start a search. Type in “regedit”
Follow above procedure from B.

Registry Cleanup Part 2.

Navigate in the Registry to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > TACX
Just delete the Tacx Directory (by pressing the delete button)
The most relative Tacx Fortius Files have been erased
Now we are ready to do a new installation of the Fortius
Make sure that after the disc installation you should ALWAYS do an online update
Start > Programs > Tacx Fortius > Online Update

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