First Degree Fitness E-216 Fluid Rower User manual

Owners Manual

2
Contents
1. Contents of E-216 Pack.
2. E-216 Assembly Instructions.
3. Tank Filling and Water Treatment.
4. How to Row/Operational Instructions.
5. The E-216 Computer with USB Function.
6. Long Term Water Treatment/Basic Operation.
7. Maintenance and Maintenance Chart.
8. Troubleshooting Guide.
9. Changing the Bungee Cord.
10. Parts List.
11. Warranty.
Training with the E-216
1. As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before
beginning your E-216 Rower exercise program.
2. Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position
and basic rowing techniques.
CAUTION
1. The E-216 can stand vertically for storage. When doing so,
please follow the instructions given in the basic operation section
of this manual.
CAUTION
2. Keep hands away from moving parts, as indicated by the warning
sticker on the mainframe of your machine and inside the PVC rear
cover.

3
Box Content
2
1.
33.
3
20
5
8
7
6
14
34.
35.
22
4
36.
Item Description Qty Item Description Qty
1 Upper mainframe and tank 1 19 Vertical seat rail bolt support bracket 1
2 Lower mainframe 1 20 Rear end cap 1
3 Seat Rail 1 21 Vertical seat rail bolt dome cap 1
4 Footplate 1 22 Rear leg bracket (internal) 1
5 S-bend bar handle catch 1 23 10mm Nylock nut 2
6 Rower seat 1 24 10mm standard washer 5
7 Rear leg 1 25 10mm Spring washer 3
8 Siphon 1 26 8mm standard washer 2
9 Owners Manual 1 27 180mm M10 footplate bolt 1
10 AA batteries 2 28 M10X90mm bolt (lower to upper frame) 4
11 Chlorine tablets 4 29 M10X80mm S-bend bolt 1
12 Touch up paint 1 30 M10X70mm Upper/lower frame bolt 1
14 M10X90mm Rear leg bolt. 2 31 M8X35mm transport wheel assembly
bolt 2
15 Multi-tool 1 32 M6X10mm rear bumper bolts 2
16 8mm Hex key 1 33 Transport wheel and bracket assembly 1
17 6mm Hex Key 1 34 M10x15mm S-bend bolt 1
18 Rear rubber bumper 1 35 M10 S-bend Washer 1
36 M10x100mm Vertical seat reail bolt 1

4
E-216 Assembly Instructions
Step 1. Remove contents from box, and lay Upper
Frame (tank assembly) on its back. Tilt slightly to one
side and allow transport wheels to drop into position.
Secure with M8x35mmbolt. Repeat on opposite side.
1
Step 2. Attach Lower Frame to Upper Frame
with center bolt (M10x70mm bolt, standard
washer and spring washer) but do not tighten.
2
M10x70mm bolt, standard
washer and spring washer
Lower Frame
Lower Frame
See steps 2 and 3 to attach Lower and
Upper Frame
Upper Frame
Step 3. Install left and right side bolts
(M10x90mm bolt, standard washer and
spring washer). Tighten all three.
3
Do not attempt to stand rower until
footplate is attached. See
following page for details
WARNING

5
WARNING
Keep fingers clear of pivoting
parts during assembly.
Step 5. Install completed
Footplate/Seat Rail assem-
bly onto the Main Frame as
shown, using M10x180mm
bolt, M10 Nylock Nut and
2xM10 washers.
Insert the 180mm Footplate
Bolt with a standard M10
washer through the Mainframe, Footplate and Seat
Rail as shown left.
Secure with M10 Nylock Nut, and standard M10
Washer.
Note: For ease of assembly, keep the rower in this
position (with seat rail over the tank) for Steps 6-8.
5
M10x180mm
Seat rail bolt
and M10 washer
M10 Nylock
nut and M10
Washer
Seat Rail Hold Seat Rail/
Footplate
assembly here
Once the Lower Frame is securely attached, con-
tinue steps 4-9 of the assembly from this position.
Seat Rail
Footplate
4 M10x100mm bolt,
Plastic Dome Cap,
and Vertical Seat Rail
Support bracket
4a
Footplate
Check alignment here
Step 4: Insert the Seat Rail
into the Footplate until the
front of the Seat Rail just
protrudes slightly as shown.
Check alignment before in-
stalling Vertical Seat Rail
Bolt assembly.
Seat Rail
Top View
M10x 100mm Bolt
Plastic Dome
Cap
Vertical Seat
Rail Support
Bracket
Next, attach the Seat Rail onto the Footplate using
the M10x100mm bolt, Plastic Dome Cap, and Verti-
cal Seat Rail Support Bracket as shown.
4b
Position Vertical Seat
Rail Support Bracket
with bolt hole to rear

6
Step 7. Install Rear Rubber Bumpstop us-
ing the two M6X10mm screws.
7
Step 6. Install the Rower Seat. (Make sure seat inden-
tation is facing rearward as pictured)
6
Step 9. Attach the Rear Seat
Rail Leg using 2x M10X90mm
bolts and Internal Support
Bracket. Insert Rubber Seat
Rail End Cap (not shown).
8 Rear Leg
Internal Support
Bracket
M10x90mm
Bolts

7
Step 11. Install the Frame
tensioning bolt and tighten
as far as it can go. This will
pretension the frame to the
proper position and com-
plete the assembly.
11
Carefully lower the rower to its normal operating position to
complete assembly with S-bend installation and frame ten-
sioning bolt.
Step 9. Install rear of S-bend onto the upper frame using
M10x80mmbolt, M10Nylock and 2xM10washers.
9
S-Bend 10
Step 10. Attach the S-bend to
the footplate as shown. Tilt the
upper frame slightly forward to
align in the proper position.
Note the M10x15mm S-bend
bolt w/washer is pre-installed
on the S-bend.
Keep fingers clear of pivoting parts and
rower seat when lowering to operating
position.
Caution

8
Fill tank as shown left. Use the yellow plug only for filling.
Fill with adjuster handle at level 16 only.
Once filling is complete, use a coin or large blade screw-
driver to tighten tank plug into place.
Siphon valve
Tank Filling and Water Treatment
1. Filling requires a large bucket (not supplied) and the Fluid Rower siphon (included). Filling will
take approximately 7.6 liters of water.
2. Unscrew the yellow tank plug on the rear of the fluid tank and insert the flexible tube into the
rear of the tank while keeping the rigid hose in the bucket. Note: The siphon tube may be im-
peded by one of the impeller blades. Use the siphon only to push the impeller down slightly.
Note: Where water quality is known to be poor, FDF recommends the use of distilled water.
3. Move the adjuster handle to level 16, and begin filling. Note: The siphon valve must be closed
to allow siphoning action to occur. Tip: Placing the bucket in an elevated position will allow the
siphon to continually pump water into the tank. Do not fill past the calibration mark indicated
on the tank!
Note: Opening the siphon valve will stop the pumping action. Use this feature to avoid wa-
ter spillage when nearing filling completion.
4, Once filling is complete (to the proper calibration level as indicated on the tank), follow water
treatment schedule as shown.
Note: the lower tank plug is permanently sealed.
Warning:
Do not for any reason insert fingers into the tank!
Water Treatment Procedures:
1. Add Chlorine Tablet.
2. Enough Chlorine Tablets are supplied for many years of Water treatment. Add a chlorine
Tablet whenever the Water appears dirty or cloudy.
WARNING: Only use First Degree Fitness Supplied Water treatment tablets.
Use a drop cloth under the tank when filling the tank to avoid
damage floor or carpet
Caution:
Note: Additional Chlorine tablets can be ordered through your nearest FDF distributor. Distributor
contact information is available on our international website at firstdegreefitness.com

9
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.
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 for-
ward over your pelvis
and move forward.
Catch
Catch and begin
again.
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.

10
Slider Footplate To adjust, lift and slide Mounting pegs
Footstrap
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.
WARNING: Never operate this rower without feet properly secured in Footstraps,
or without the sliding portion of the Slider Footplate locked into position!

11
Computer Instructions
The E-216 Fluid 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.
SPM: Strokes per minute updated each stroke.
CAL HOUR: Updated each stroke.
PROGRAMMING: Computer will auto start.
LEVEL UP/DOWN: Use LEVEL UP/DOWN buttons to match resistance level (as shown
on tank) for accurate 500m/SPM/Calories/WATTS/distance values.
Note: Computer will reset and begin to
count up after 10 seconds of inactivity
Options (Hold button down for one sec-
ond first to reset computer)
1. Add 1000m distance each button push
to accumulate required distance then
begin rowing.
2. Interval training.
Row distance as above.
Stop rowing. Computer will wait 10 sec-
onds then begin a count up to a maxi-
mum of 6 minutes to allow you to time
your rest interval.

12
The USB connectivity now built in to all new models of FDF Console and IPM allow you to en-
hance 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

13
Long Term Water Treatment:
Do not use any water treatment other than the tablets supplied with this machine. For
replacement tablets, contact your local First Degree Fitness distributor.
Water treatment schedules for the E-216 will vary according to the fluid tanks exposure to
sunlight, but expect 8-12 months near a bright, sunlit window and 2 years or more for a darker
location. At the point of finding the water slightly cloudy, add a Chlorine tablet. Remember to
wait 72 hours following the chlorine tablet before adding the blue dye as the Chlorine tablet is
extremely concentrated.
Long Term Water Treatment and Basic Operation
Dyneema Cable Drive:
The Dyneema Cable Drive system allows for simplicity, smoothness and unparalleled perform-
ance. The unique properties of Dyneema make it extremely useful in harsh environments, such
as sailing, climbing, fishing lines, body armor, etc. It is quite literally stronger than steel. The
6mm Dyneema cable used on the E-216 is rated in excess of 1,000kg.
Note: If the Dyneema cable is twisted excessively, the rowing stroke will feel lumpy. Use the
rower handle to untwist the cable to its normal operating position.
Light fraying is normal. The Dyneema may have a slight “fuzzy” appearance after a period of
use. Dyneema is extremely abrasion resistant and to some degree self-lubricating. Expect
many years of trouble free performance.
Heel Support Adjuster:
The E-216 has a unique and easy to use Heel Support Adjuster. Simply slide the Adjuster up or
down to the required position. This should place the ball of your foot directly under the horizon-
tal Foot Straps. Secure Foot Straps. The Heel Support allows the user to row without shoes if
desired.
Resistance:
The level of resistance is determined by the level indicator located on
the front of the tank. Level one indicates lightest resistance, level
sixteen represents heaviest resistance. Allow three to four strokes
after adjusting resistance handle to allow the water to move to the
correct location.
Vertical Storage: The E-216 can easily be stored in a vertical, upright position. For safety,
choose a suitable location, such as a corner of a room. It is recommended that something soft
(such as carpet or a small towel) be placed under the upper rear of the unit to avoid marring
either the paint or Perspex cover.
It is recommended that a drop cloth be used under the fluid
tank whenever the tank is open for water treatment
CAUTION:
Important: Do not fill past the calibration mark as indicated
on the tank level sticker or water spillage can occur. See
tank filling/water treatment page for details.
CAUTION:

14
Item Timeframe Instructions Notes
Seat and Seat
Rails. Weekly. Wipe Seat Rails with lint free cloth. Spray Seat Rails with a
light coat of silicone spray.
Frame. Weekly. Wipe down with lint free cloth.
Tank and Water
Treatment. 12 months to 2 years. Follow instructions as specified in the “Water Treatment” section
of this manual.
Bungee Cord. Check every hundred
hours for correct tension
and for signs of wear.
The Bungee Cord should last for
many years. If a Bungee Cord
change is required, please fol-
low the instructions provided in
the “Changing the Bungee
Cord” section of this manual.
Dyneema Cable. Check monthly for signs of
twisting, excess fraying or
other signs of premature
wear. Note that a light
“fuzz” is perfectly normal
for Dyneema Cable and
will not affect performance
or longevity in any way.
The Dyneema Cable should
rarely require changing, but
should the need arise, please
follow the instructions provided
in the “Changing the Dyneema
Cable” section of in the service
section of the First Degree Fit-
ness website at
www.firstdegreefitness.com
Maintenance chart.

15
Fault Probable Cause Solution
Water changes color or
becomes cloudy. Rower is in direct sunlight or has not had water
treatment.
Change rower location to reduce direct
exposure to sunlight. Add water treat-
ment or change tank water as directed
in the water treatment section of this
manual.
Rowing stroke return too
light. Bungee not under enough tension.
Open rear Perspex cover, cut bungee
tie wrap . Tighten by small increments
using the bungee tie off tab point and
test tension by allowing the rowing han-
dle to return to its furthest point forward
while still having some slight tension.
Note light fraying of the bungee cord is
normal.
Rower rocks from side to
side when sitting on floor Front/Rear frame levelers need adjusting Adjust the front two frame levelers or rear leg levelers until stability is
reached. Note: It is normal for the
lower rear leveler to rest slightly off the
floor.
Front of rower lifts slightly
during vigorous rowing. Lower rear frame leveler too high.
Check to see that frame tensioning bolt
is tightened properly. Lower rear frame
leveler should be approx 5mm off the
ground.
Computer screen illumi-
nates, but does not regis-
ter when rowing.
Loose or failed connec-
tion/Sensor gap too wide
(see erratic computer dis-
play).
Check that the computer lead is con-
nected properly. If connected properly
check sensor gap. Contact your local
service center if this fails to address the
problem.
Rowing stroke feels
lumpy, not smooth..
Dyneema Cable is
twisted . You can untwist the Dyneema Cable by simply pulling the rowing handle to the
end and turning the rowing handle to
untwist the cable.
Note: Light fraying is normal.
The E-216 computer does
not illuminate after battery
installation.
Batteries installed incor-
rectly or need replacing. Reinstall batteries in correct position and try again. If the LCD screen fails to
illuminate, try rotating the batteries
slightly in the computer. If this fails,
contact your local service center.
The E-216 computer dis-
play is erratic while dis-
playing SPM and
500meter times.
Gap between sensor and
magnetic ring is too wide. Adjust sensor location using rear sliding adjustment located inside rear Perspex
cover.
Troubleshooting Guide

16
Replacing the E-216 Bungee Shock Cord
Step 2. Move the rowing handle
from the S-Bend handle catch to a
point where it is resting on top of the
tank . This helps line up the Bungee
Cord hole for easier removal/
replacement. Detach Bungee Cord
from lower rear attachment point.
Step 3. Unwrap the
Bungee Cord from all
of the Bungee Pulleys.
Step 1. Remove the Perspex
cover from rear of upper frame.
Disconnect sensor lead
before removing cover
completely.
Step 4. Next, remove the magnetic ring. To
loosen the Rear Mainshaft Bolt holding the
magnetic ring in place, it is necessary to keep
the mainshaft and impeller assembly from turn-
ing with the bolt. Open the right rear tank plug,
and insert a wrench wrapped in a lint free cloth
(to protect the electroplating finish on the
blades) to catch the impeller blade and allow
the Rear Mainshaft Bolt to be loosened as
shown below right with a 6mm Allen key.
Caution: Do not allow a dissimilar metal to
directly contact the impeller blade. Premature
rusting could occur . Cover any tool inserted
the tanks with a lint free cloth and keep fingers
clear.
Capture impeller blade using tool covered with a
lint free cloth and a 6mm Allen key to remove
Rear Mainshaft Bolt as show right
Rear Mainshaft Bolt and
Magnetic Ring
WARNING
Do not insert fingers into tank!

17
Replacing the E-216 Bungee Shock Cord
Step 6. Once the Bungee Cord is in
position, make two wraps on the
Rope/Bungee Pulley in a clockwise
direction, making sure the Bungee
Cord tracks in the proper grooves.
Make sure the Bungee is wrapped
behind the Dyneema Cable. Once
the Bungee has reached the position
shown below, you may begin to re-
wrap the Bungee around the Bungee
Pulleys, starting with the upper-right
rear Pulley.
Re-Wrapping
Remove
Replace
Step 5. After removing the magnetic ring, the Bungee Cord will be accessible. Pull through
the Rope/Bungee Pulley and remove. Note that the rower handle should be resting on top of
the tank (as shown in step 2) for the bungee hole to line up. Thread new Bungee Cord
through and pull until knotted end is held securely in the slot.

18
Replacing the E-216 Bungee Shock Cord
Bungee wrapping in order:
1. Rope/Bungee Pulley to upper rear right Bungee Pulley.
2. Upper rear right to lower rear right and rear left Pulleys.
3. Lower rear left to upper rear left Pulley.
4. Upper rear left to lower middle left and right Pulleys.
5. Middle right Pulley to upper right front Pulley.
6. Upper front right Pulley to lower front right and left Pulleys.
7. Lower left front Pulley to upper left front pulley.
8. Upper left front Pulley to tie off point.
Hint: Keep a slight
tension on the Bungee
Cord when threading
through the Bungee
Pulleys.
2
1
3
4
6
5
Finish the Bungee re-
wrap by tying off the
Bungee. You may
elect to not use a tie
wrap as the metal tab is
designed as a stand
alone attachment point.
Thread the Bungee
through to desired ten-
sion and thread the
Bungee end through
the upper hole as
shown.
8
7
Reattach the Mag-
netic Ring and
Rear Mainshaft
Bolt. Tighten se-
curely.
Finally, reattach
the Sensor Lead
and replace the
Perspex rear
cover.

19
60121
10080
60146
61287
73019
73900
73005
73008
70315
73705
73201
70600
73210
10063
10096 60149
10082 65129
10082
60506
73500
73003
74109
73029
83502
73800
10016
83501
83504
P/N Qty Description
10041 2 Nut M10 Nylock
10016 1
C Clip STW-25
10043 8
Washer M12
10063 4 Bolt M12x30
10069 4 End Cap 75x50mm
10070 8 Screw M4x10
10079 1 Seat LS-E28
10080 4 Bolt M6x20
10081 4 Washer M6
10082 13
Washer M10
10096 4
Bolt M10x70 for Aluminum Rail
10097 2
Nut Dome Head M10
10099 1
Caution Decal
10114 3 Plastic Bushing 20x16x13x10
10115 1
Bolt M10x80
10120 4
Bolt M6x15
10170 8 Washer M4
10176 2
Foot Strap & Buckle #10177
20007 5
Foot Levelers M8x30 Hardened Rubber
60105 1
Computer Mounting Bracket
74109 10 Bungee Pulley 50mm with Bearing
60112 2 Belt pulley bearing 6000ZZ
60121 2 Bolt M10x90
60146 4 Washer M6x16
60149 3 Spring Washer M10 5x7x2
60506 2 Rowing Handle Rubber Grip
60606 4 Plastic Spacer 15*6*2.5t
60709 4 Nut Nylock M8
60809 1 Plastic Dome Cap For Vertical Seat Rail Bolt 10mm
61063 2 Footplate Slider
61064 2 Footplate Slider Base
61067 4 Screw M5x15
61287 1 Rail with Seat Rail Decal E216
65114 1 End Cap - Seat Rail
65121 2 Seat Frame Bracket
65122 1
Wheel Spacer
65129 2 Bolt M10x180 for Rail End - B
65137 3
Bolt M8X140
60702 4
Seat Wheel
P/N Qty Description
65931 18 Nut Nylock M8 -B
65947 4 Seat Wheel Short Spacer - B
65948 2 Seat Wheel Long Spacer
70200 1 Lower Frame
70315 1 Magnetic Ring & Rare Earth Magnet #70319
70320 1 Tank Level decal 16R
70600 1 S-Bend Complete E216
70700 1 Foot Plate
70801 1 Rear Leg E216
70804 1 Rail Insert Bracket
71017 2 Bolt M4 x 15
71018 1 Tank Bolt Adjuster Washer M8x110
71028 1 Decal - How to Row
73029 1 Computer USB - E216
71036 2 Nut M8 (Note: For tank tensioning bolt)
73003 1 Bolt M12x50
73005 4 Screw M3x8
73008 1 Screw M12x70
73019 1 PVC Cover & Decal
73201 2 Transport Wheel Frame
73210 2 Transport Wheel
73500 1 Computer Stalk Complete
73705 1 Rope/Bungee Pulley & One Way & Needle Bearings
73900 1 Sensor Kit (incl. 73117, 10070 and 10170)
83501 2 Handle Rubber Cover
83502 1 Dyneema with Crimped End P/N 60617
83504 1 Bungee with Crimped End
65810 1 Seat Rail Internal Support Bracket
20007
60702