First Degree Fitness Apollo AR User manual

1
Owners Manual
Featuring Patented Adjustable
Fluid Resistance Technology

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Congratulations on your purchase of the Apollo Hybrid AR Rower.
First Degree Fitness is proud to present the Apollo Hybrid AR
Rower as part of our exclusive range of commercial and home use
products featuring patented Adjustable Fluid Resistance.
Our unique combination of precision steel and solid wood frames
incorporate only the highest quality American Ash which is collected
using the latest technology in sustainable harvesting from
renewable plantations.
Note that slight variations of colour in the wooden side rails, seat
and cross-member are normal and part of Mother nature’s artistry.
The wood grain patterns and subtle hues of each Apollo Hybrid AR
Rower makes every unit highly individual and designed to
compliment any environment.
Follow all instructions carefully for correct assembly, tank filling,
water treatment, service and safety.
Access to our world-wide distributor and service network is
available at www.firstdegreefitness.com
Check contents of Box 1 and Box 2 to assure all parts are present
and correct prior to assembly.
Apollo Hybrid

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Training with the Apollo Hybrid AR Rower
1. As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before
beginning your Apollo Hybrid AR Rower exercise program.
2. Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position
and basic rowing techniques.
Contents
1. Contents of Apollo Hybrid AR Rower Pack.
2. Assembly.
3. Tank Filling and Water Treatment.
4. Operational Instructions.
5. The Apollo Hybrid AR Rower Computer with USB
6. Replacing Rower Belt/Bungee shock cord.
7. Maintenance and Troubleshooting.
8. Parts List/Exploded Diagram
9. Warranty.
1. The Apollo Hybrid AR Rower can stand vertically for storage. Make
sure a secure location is chosen, such as the corner of a room or
against a wall on an even, secure surface.
2. Keep hands and fingers away from moving parts, as indicated in this
manual.
CAUTION

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Transport Wheel Assembly
1x Left Side Rail
1x Right Side Rail
Apollo Hybrid AR Rower Box 1&2 Contents
Mainframe
Rower Seat
Rear Brace
Bungee hook mount
4x Water Treatment Tablet
8x M8
Nylock Nut
M8 Standard
Nut
Siphon
Owners Manual
(1x)
2x AA
Duracell Battery
16x M8
Washer 4x M6x15mm
bolt 8x M8x45mmbolt
1x 13mm
Spanner
1x 6mm
Allen Key
1x 5mm
Allen Key
Box 2 Contents
Box 1 Contents

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Side Rail/Rear Brace/Transport Wheel assembly:
Start with the Rear Brace and on the underside you will find a pre-installed bolt. From the hardware kit,
take the Bungee hook mount and install it onto the Rear Brace as shown. Note the orientation of the
Brace and hook must be correct in order to hold the end of the bungee shock cord as depicted by the
arrow in the illustration, which points toward the front of rower.
Transport wheel axle
Transport wheel
Nylock Nut
Washer
Once the Rear Brace and Side Rails
are assembled, mount the Transport
wheel assembly onto the Left/Right
Side Rails.
Note: One washer on outside and one
washer on the inside of the side rail.
Do not over tighten the Transport
wheel axle as it may inhibit Transport
wheel rotation.
Tip: Bumpstops facing inside of rail
for correct assembly orientation.
Side Rail
Right
Transport wheel assembly
Bungee
Hook mount
M6 x 15mm bolts
Rear Brace
(Underside)
Rear Brace
M6 x 15mm bolts
Next, connect the Side Rail Left and Side Rail Right using 4x
M6x15mm bolts and Rear Brace. Do not tighten.
Pre-installed bolt
Side Rail Left
Side Rail Right
Side Rail Assembly
Transport wheel
assembly
Towards Front
of Rower
Rotate Rear Brace to correct orientation
before assembly onto Side Rails
Note transport wheels
must be mounted on
the outside of Side
Rails as pictured
above.
Bumpstop

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Mounting Rower Seat and Upper mainframe:
Seat Indentation
To install the rower seat, spread the
Left/Right side rails slightly and drop
the seat into the track.
Note Seat indentation must face
rearward.
Rower Seat
M8x45mm bolt
M8 Washer
M8 Washer
M8 Standard nut
M8 Nylock
nut
Next, install the Main upper frame onto the Side
rail assembly as shown. You will need 8x
M8x45mm bolts, 16x M8 washers, 8x M8 standard
nuts and 8x M8 Nylock nuts.
Secure but do not tighten. You may find that the
lower bracket bolts can be difficult to access. You
can tighten these bolts completely once the rower
is standing in the vertical position so for the
moment, simply align and loosely thread lower
bolts/nuts.
Bolt Assembly Close up
Nylock nuts must
be outside the
standard nut and
washer to proper-
ly secure assem-
bly
Nylock
Nylock
Note: Clean wheels and tracks weekly with a soft dry cloth in order to decrease the rate of wear
on both wheels and track.

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Completing The Apollo Hybrid AR Assembly:
Do not cut
Bungee tie wrap
before Bungee
cord is attached
to rear of rower
as shown here.
Pull Bungee Cord and hook Bungee end
onto the Bungee hook mount as shown.
Once the Bungee cord is attached to the Rear
Brace, tighten the bolts holding the Footboard, the
Mainframe to Side rail bolts as they are easier to
access from the vertical position.
Lower the Apollo Hybrid AR back to the Horizontal
position and test for proper bungee recoil.
Check Seat rollers/running boards for dirt or debris
before sitting on the rower seat. Small objects cap-
tured between the seat rollers and runners can
damage the wheels or running surface. Check run-
ners for debris prior to each use and clean
regularly.
Note: The Apollo Hybrid AR frame bolts require
periodic checking for tightness. Do this at the end
of the first month of use and again after every 12
months
Choose a suitable location when standing the
product for storage.
The Apollo Hybrid AR frame can be polished with
any high grade furniture polish to further highlight
the rich luster of the wood finish.
Install supplied 2x AA Duracell batteries and check
computer function. Details regarding can be found
in the Computer section of this manual.
Choose a flat, level surface on which to use your
Viking Rower, to avoid rocking and potential prem-
ature wear.
Cut Bungee tie wrap ONLY
after Bungee hook is
properly connected to Rear
Brace.
Tighten frame
bolts securely
once rower is
standing.

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MAX: This setting allows
the maximum amount of
water to reach the Impeller
for heaviest resistance
———
———
MIN: Keeps a portion of
the water in reserve creat-
ing light resistance.
Adjustable Resistance (AR) Tank:
The Adjustable Resistance (AR) Tank, developed and patented by First Degree Fitness, offers a
true multi-level experience. Water is moved between the "storage" and "active" chambers of the
AR Tank. Your new Rowing Ergometer can adapt - at the turn of a dial - to
the resistance preferred by each user in the home environment.
To achieve minimum resistance, select "MIN" on the tank adjuster. It takes 10 strokes to fill
the central (storage) tank, leaving a minimal amount of water in the outer (active)
tank. This process is always required if minimum resistance is desired. Row hard at a
steady pace (20 to 25 strokes per minute [SPM] and put some effort into the stroke, ensuring
that good form is maintained. You can make adjustments to the resistance level while you
row. Your Rowing Ergometer will adapt almost instantly to increases in resistance but
will take up to 10 strokes to reduce the effort required, as the central (storage) tank fills up.
GETTING STARTED
Once you have found a level that gives you the exercise required, changes can be made to
SPM and to stroke intensity to further vary your energy input. Interval training is used by
most Rowers, where a period of low intensity is combined with short intervals of high intensi-
ty. Your FDF Rowing Ergometer allows for changes 'on the fly', to achieve multi-level re-
sistance profiles during a single workout. For more information on exercise routines, please
visit our website at www.firstdegreefitness.com
DEVELOPING YOUR ROUTINE

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Note on Filling the A/R Tank:
Important: Please Read Before Filling Tank:
Set adjuster knob to “MAX”
prior to filling
Caution:
When filling the A/R tank, the adjuster handle must be set to the “MAX” position as shown
to allow accurate fill levels.
Using any other setting other than “MAX” will result in inaccurate fill levels and in extreme cas-
es could cause leakage to occur during use or when stored in the standing position.
DO NOT overfill the tank beyond the maximum indicated level. Refer to the Tank Level Decal
on the lower side of the tank

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1. Remove Rubber Fill Plug from the top of the tank.
2. Place a large bucket of water next to the rower and position siphon with the rigid hose in the
bucket and the flexible hose into the tank as shown. Note: Make sure small breather valve
on the top of the siphon is closed before filling.
Note: Where water quality is known to be poor, FDF recommends the use of distilled
water.
3. Begin filling tank by squeezing siphon. Use Level Gauge Decal on side of tank to measure
volume of water in tank. Important: Do not overfill tank!
4. After filling tank to the desired water level, open the valve on the top of the siphon to allow
excess water to escape.
5. Ensure that tank plug is replaced once filling and water treatment procedures are complete.
Tips on Siphon use: Putting the fill bucket higher than the tank will allow the siphon to "self-
pump" when adding water to the tank.
Tank Filling and Water Treatment:
Water Treatment Procedures:
Add Chlorine tablet.
 Note: The amount of water treatment can vary widely depending on the Rower’s lo-
cation and exposure to sunlight. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES USE
OTHER TREATMENT TABLETS OTHER THAN THOSE SUPPLIED WITH YOUR
ROWER. Your rower box contents include 4x water treatment tablets, which is suffi-
cient for several years of water treatment. Treat when water becomes discolored or
shows signs of Algae/Bacterial growth. To purchase additional chlorine tabs,
please consult your nearest regional dealer/distributor or check our website at
www.firstdegreefitness.com
Tank plug
Siphon
Note: 17 liters of water are required for filling.
DO NOT USEANYTHING OTHER THAN
PURE WATER TO FILL YOUR FLUID TANK.
Fill tank
with
adjuster
handle set
to “MAX”
only.
Use a drop cloth under the tank when filling or emptying the
tank to avoid staining floor or carpet
Caution:

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Removing/Changing Tank Water:
1. Set Adjuster handle to “MIN”
2. Row at least ten strokes to fill the storage reservoir as completely as possible.
3. Remove Tank Plug.
4. Insert rigid end of siphon into the tank, and flexible hose into a large bucket.
5. Drain tank (approx. 40% of water will remain) and then refill following directions for Tank filling
as described in the Tank Filling section of this manual.
Note: The valve on top of the siphon must be closed to allow proper drainage.
Note: Water treatment will preclude the need to change tank water if the treatment schedule is
maintained. Additional chlorine is required only when discoloration appears in the water.
Note: Exposure to sunlight accelerates the breakdown of the Water treatment chemical.
Moving the rower away from direct sunlight will extend the period between water treatments.
Rigid end of Siphon in tank
To Change Tank Water
Set Adjuster handle
to “MIN”
Row a minimum of ten complete strokes before com-
mencing tank draining. Remove tank plug, insert rigid
end of siphon into tank and begin draining.
NOTE: Approximately 40% of tank water will remain.
It is not possible to completely drain the A/R tank
without disassembly.

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WARNING: Never operate this rower without feet properly secured in Footstraps,
or without the sliding portion of the Slider Footplate locked into position!
Slider Footplate
The Slider Footplate is designed to fit a wide range of foot sizes, and is very simple to
use.
To adjust, lift the top of the sliding portion of the footplate and slide up or down. The
numbers 1-6 represent a guideline from which the proper length can be determined.
Secure the plate onto the mounting pegs and push down firmly to lock into position.
Tighten the Footstraps securely and begin your workout.
To adjust, lift and slide
Mounting
pegs
Footstrap

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How Often?
Begin with 5 minute training sessions once a day and aim for around 2:30 to 2:45 for 500m time.
Row at a pace that keeps the water circulating continuously between strokes.
Progress a few minutes more each day until you are comfortable with 30-45 minutes training time
3 or 4 times a week.
This will provide aerobic endurance benefits, muscle toning and sufficient calorie burning to form
part of a weight loss program.
CAUTION
Always consult a doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Stop immediately if you feel faint or dizzy.
How to Row?
1. Begin the stroke comfortably forward and push strongly back with your legs while keeping your
arms and back straight.
2. Begin to pull your arms back as they pass over your knees and continue the stroke through to
completion rocking slightly back over your pelvis.
3. Return to the starting position and repeat.
Catch
Comfortably for-
ward with
straight back and
arms.
Drive
Push with the
legs while arms
remain straight.
Finish
Pull through with
arms and legs rock-
ing slightly back on
your pelvis.
Recovery
Upper body tips
forward over
your pelvis and
move forward.
Catch
Catch and begin
again.

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Computer Instructions:
The Apollo Hybrid AR Rower Computer:
TIME: Auto start elapsed time.
500M TIME: Time to row 500 meters, updated at the completion of each stroke.
PULSE: Requires optional receiver and chest strap (sold separately).
SPM: Strokes per minute updated each stroke.
CAL HOUR: Updated each stroke.
WATT: Unit of power updated per rowing stroke.
LEVEL UP/DOWN:
Options:
Auto Start: Commence rowing to activate.
Hold button down for 3 second first to RESET.
Add 1000m distance each button push to ac-
cumulate required distance then begin rowing
to initiate count-back.
Auto-Pause: A temporary halt in exercise will
result in the following:
For over 5 seconds and under 5 minutes:
SPM/500METER/WATT to zero. Distance/
TIME values are saved. CAL per hour defaults
to Total CAL.
A Resumption in exercise in less than 5
minutes will resume Distance/TIME/ from
saved values automatically.
Auto Power Down: Over 5 minutes.
All values revert to zero after restart.
Use the LEVEL UP/ DOWN buttons
in conjunction with the Fluid Tank
Resistance Adjuster handle for accu-
rate 500M/Distance/CAL/WATTS.
MAX:
——
——
MIN:

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The USB connectivity now built in to all new models of FDF Console and IPM allow you
to enhance your exercise experience by connecting to your home PC or Laptop. Using
FDF's own sample applications you can exercise while enjoying your favorite movies.
NetAthlon 2 XF for Rowers lets you race with other Internet connected rowers in a Virtual
Reality 3D environment or train solo.
1. Download and Install the USB Device Driver (CDM2xxxx_Setup.exe for 32 and 64 bit
Windows 7/Vista/XP) from the FDF Website.
2. Download and Install the Sample USB Applications from the FDF Website
(www.firstdegreefitness.com).
Download and Install NetAthlon 2 XF for Rowers from
http://www.webracing.org/downloads.htm
- The USB Connector is located on a flying lead at the rear of the IPM, along with the
Sensor and Heart Rate Monitor Connectors.
- Connect to a Laptop or PC using a standard USB cable, you may need to wait while
Windows starts the USB Device Driver.
Using the First Degree Fitness USB Interface
Description:
Setting up USB connectivity
Connecting your console
Note: Please refer to computer manual where applicable or for further information
refer to our website at www.firstdegreefitness.com

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Detaching the Rower Belt:
1. To detach belt, simply pull beyond the range of the normal rowing stroke until the belt
detaches from the belt bungee pulley.
Tip: You’ll hear the Velcro separating just before the belt detaches.
Reattaching the Rower Belt:
2. Next, thread the Belt around the Idle Wheel as shown. Once around the Idle Wheel, attach the Rower
Belt to the Belt/Bungee Pulley. There is an obvious “lip” at the attachment point.
Velcrofacingupward
Idle Wheel
1. Begin reattaching the Rower Belt by threading around the Rower Belt Pulley with the Velcro side
facing upward as illustrated.
Bungee Hook End Frame
Inner Clip
2. Unhook the Bungee Shock Cord from the Rear Leg.
Then, push out the Inner Clip from the Bungee Hook End
Frame. Pull the Bungee through the Inner Clip until free.
This will allow for the Bungee Shock Cord to be threaded
completely out of the Main Frame and up to the Belt
Bungee Pulley where it will be re-attached once the Row-
er Belt is in the proper position.
1.
2.

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3. Wind the Rower Belt onto the Belt/Bungee
Pulley until the Rower Handle is at it’s
furthest forward position.
Rower Handle
Belt/Bungee
Pulley
4. Rethread the Bungee Shock Cord (on op-
posite side of the Idle Wheel) back through
the Bungee Pulleys, the Mid Leg, reattach
Bungee Hook End Frame and Clip onto
Rear Leg.
Bungee Shock Cord
Bungee Pulley
Recoil tension can be simply adjusted to suit each user. To adjust, simply push the Inner Clip
out of the Bungee Hook End Frame from behind, pull the required amount of bungee through
the Inner Clip and replace the Inner Clip into the Bungee Hook End Frame as shown below.
Inner Clip
Bungee Hook End Frame
Hint: Before reattaching the Inner Clip/
Bungee Hook End Frame, tie a slip knot un-
der slight tension at the lower bungee pulley.
This will keep the bungee under tension
while reassembling the Bungee Hook End
Frame.

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Fault Probable
Cause Solution
Water changes colour or
becomes cloudy. Rower is in direct sunlight or has not
had water treatment.
Local tap water is of
poor quality.
Change rower location to reduce
direct exposure to sunlight. Add wa-
ter treatment or change tank water
as directed in the water treatment
section of this manual.
Rower belt slipping off
belt/ bungee pulley. Bungee not under enough tension.
Recoil not strong
enough
Tighten bungee cord following the
instructions in "reattaching the row-
er belt" section of this manual.
Inconsistent readings on
the Apollo Hybrid AR
Computer for 500meter
split time and SPM
(strokes per minute).
Sensor gap
Faulty Sensor
Sensor has moved
out of position
Wiring harness
Use the back cover of the computer
as a “Gap tool” to check the gap be-
tween sensor head and Magnetic
ring, or see if the Sensor head has
moved out of position.
Please contact your nearest FDF
customer service center for details
The Apollo Hybrid AR
Rower computer does not
illuminate after battery in-
stallation.
Batteries installed
incorrectly or need
replacing.
Replace/reinstall batteries in correct
position and try again. If the LCD
screen fails to illuminate, try rotating
the batteries slightly in the comput-
er. If this fails, contact your local
service center.
The Apollo Hybrid AR
Rower Computer screen
illuminates, but does not
register when rowing.
Loose or failed con-
nection.
Sensor gap too wide
Check that the computer lead is
connected properly. If it is connect-
ed then contact your local service
center. Check Sensor gap
Troubleshooting:

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Apollo Hybrid AR Rower
INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY – HOME USE
First Degree Fitness Limited warrants that the Apollo Hybrid AR (model HYBAR), purchased from an
authorised agent and in its undamaged original packaging, is free from defects in materials and work-
manship. First Degree Fitness Limited or its agent will, at their discretion, repair or replace parts that
become defective within the warranty period, subject to the specific inclusions and exclusions below.
Metal/Wood Frame – 5 Year Limited Warranty
First Degree Fitness will repair or replace the metal Main Frame of the Rower should it fail due to any
defect in materials or workmanship within 5 years of the original purchase. Warranty does not apply to
frame coating.
Polycarbonate Tank & Seals – 3 Year Limited Warranty
First Degree Fitness will repair or replace the polycarbonate tank or seals should they fail due to any
defect in materials or workmanship within 3 years of the original purchase.
Mechanical Components (of a non-wearing nature) – 2 Year Limited Warranty
First Degree Fitness will repair or replace any mechanical component should it fail due to any defect in
materials or workmanship within 2 years of the original purchase.
Specific Inclusions
Seat Runners
Stainless Steel Impeller Assembly
All Other Components (of a wearing nature) – 1 Year Limited Warranty
First Degree Fitness will repair or replace any component should it fail due to any defect in materials or
workmanship within 1 year of the original purchase.
Specific Inclusions
Bungee recoil cord
Hand grips & foot straps
Polyester rowing belt
Seat
All pulleys, rollers & bearings
All rubber components
Computer & speed sensor (excluding replaceable batteries)
Footplates (pivoting & sliding)
General Exclusions
Damage to the finish of any part of the machine
Damage due to neglect, abuse, incorrect assembly or use of the machine
Any charges for freight or customs clearance associated with the return or dispatch of parts
Any damage to or loss of goods during transport of any kind
Any labour cost associated with a warranty claim
General Conditions
 The serial number of the machine must be correctly registered with First Degree Fitness Limited or
one of its appointed distributors
 First Degree Fitness Limited reserve the right to examine any part where replacement is claimed
under warranty
 Warranty period applies only to the original purchaser from the date of purchase and is not trans-
ferable
 The product must be returned to your place of purchase in original packaging with transportation,
insurance and associated charges paid for by you and risk of loss or damage assumed by you
 First Degree Fitness makes no other warranties except as stated here and expressly disclaims all
warranties not stated in this warranty. Neither First Degree Fitness nor its associates shall be re-
sponsible for incidental or consequential damages
 Manufacturer's warranty automatically commences upon sale of the product to end user or upon
the expiration of one (1) year from month of manufacture, whichever occurs first