If you row (or have thought about rowing), OnyakTech is currently designing a new DotNetNuke Module that integrates with the Concept2 Model D and Model E indoor rowers.  Just plug your Concept2 into your PC to compete against other rowers from all over the world in real-time races.  This module will store user statistics and let users join/create new races.

This module includes a Windows Vista application developed with XNA and a PDA mobile application for those who don’t have a PC near their rower.

If you’re interested in joining the development team, beta testing or just using it… post here or email me at ChrisOnyak@OnyakTech.com.

The DNN Module will be used to display stats, show current games and who's winning.

The first stage is to build a C# wrapper around the USB port communications, then Windows application that uses the wrapper and finally the DNN Module.  After that...it's all XNA.

Scott Hamilton from Concept2 has joined the project (http://www.concept2.com). He has already been a great help and he seems extremely interested in this project.  I'm sure he will prove to be a valuable asset.

They last a LONG time don't they?!  I have a Model D and almost upgraded to an E, but there really isn't much on the new model I can use.  It's a better frame, nickel chain, etc...  all just small minor upgrades that do nothing for performance.  The only benefit is that you can link two of the E's up and race against each other via USB cables.  I'd rather build a system where you can race against 20 or more people anywhere in the world anytime of the day.  Know what I mean?  

I'll have a project site up in the next few days.  It's an open source project so you will be able to download for free once it's available.  Right now, I've talked to some people at Concept2 and they are going to back the project and help out anyway they can.  We also have a guy who developed a communications library for the Concept2, but it has not been fully tested and still needs more functionality. 

If it keeps moving like this, we could very well have a beta release available in the next month or two.  It won't use the XNA Framework... but you'll have a Windows application to join in on the games and a DNN Module to watch races and view current stats.