If you own a ProForm 505 CST, QZ provides a practical way to place the treadmill between its console and the training services you prefer.
Table of Contents
The connection in practice
The QZ profile key(s) covered by this article: <code>proform_treadmill_505_cst, proform_505_cst_80_44, proform_treadmill_cst_505_pftl59420_0</code>. QZ groups the 505 CST firmware/model-number variants under one commercial model.
QZ is the bridge between the physical machine and compatible training software. It keeps the equipment connection in QZ, then exposes live data or a virtual device to the application selected by the rider.
Live treadmill data through QZ
| Area | What the QZ workflow provides |
|---|---|
| Physical connection | The exact QZ ProForm treadmill profile is selected for the model; the communication path may vary by console generation. |
| Live workout data | Speed, incline, distance, calories and other available treadmill metrics can be shown in QZ according to the profile and console data. |
| Incline workflow | The ProForm treadmill driver contains an incline command path, enabling incline-aware workflows and Zwift auto-inclination when the selected setup provides the required data and control path. |
| Virtual output | QZ can expose a virtual treadmill through FTMS for a compatible application running on the same or a second device. |
Following route grade with QZ
Zwift can use QZ incline requests for auto-inclination when the compatible virtual-treadmill workflow is enabled. QZ maps the requested grade into the selected ProForm treadmill path rather than asking Zwift to connect directly to the physical console.
Start with QZ alone: select the model, confirm that live speed and incline are updating, and only then connect Zwift or another compatible application to the QZ virtual treadmill.
Apps that can use the QZ output
QZ documents application workflows for Zwift, Kinomap, BKOOL, Fulgaz and other FTMS-compatible apps. These services connect to the QZ virtual treadmill or compatible output; they should not be confused with native ProForm features.
QZ also supports health and workout-recording workflows around the device: Garmin Connect through FIT activity upload or, on compatible Android setups, ANT+ live broadcasting; Apple Health/HealthKit; Google Health Connect; and Strava workout upload. These are QZ integrations, not claims that the ProForm console natively implements each service.
More QZ tools around the workout
- Heart-rate sensors and Apple Watch data where configured.
- Workout recording, FIT exports, GPX/XML/ZWO and structured workout workflows where applicable.
- Profiles, configurable tiles, dashboard customization and text-to-speech feedback.
- MQTT, Open Sound Control and email workout reports for automation and monitoring.
Subscription boundary
QZ is a separate bridge and recording layer. Manufacturer memberships such as iFIT, and paid plans or content offered by Zwift, ROUVY, Kinomap, Garmin, Strava or other services, remain governed by those providers.
Setup checklist
- Install a current QZ build.
- Select ProForm 505 CST and verify that the matching profile is enabled.
- Connect the physical machine to QZ and confirm that the main workout tiles update.
- Enable the virtual output or required integration.
- Connect the training app or health service to QZ and test a short session.
This gives the ProForm 505 CST a useful role in a wider connected-training setup without confusing QZ with the manufacturer membership or with a third-party app subscription.
If something does not work as expected, send an email to Roberto.viola83@gmail.com and Roberto will help you check the setup.