First Degree Fitness E-520 Fluid Rower User manual

Owners Manual

2
Training with the FLUID ROWER
1. As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before
beginning your FLUID ROWER exercise program.
2. Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position
and basic rowing techniques.
3. For further details regarding rowing technique, please visit our inter-
national website at www.firstdegreefitness.com
CAUTION
1. The FLUID ROWER can stand for storage. When doing so,
please follow the instructions given on 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 on the rear of the
fluid tank.

3
Contents
FLUID ROWER Box Contents
Front Leg Assembly for E-520
Attaching Seat Rails to Frame
Rower Seat Assrmbly for VX-3
Installing the Rear Leg for VX-3
Attaching Bungee Shock Cord
Installing the Rear Leg for E-520
Completing the Installation
Tank Filling and Water Treatment
Long Term Water Treatment and Basic Operation
How to Row?
How Often?
FLUID ROWER Rower Ergometer
Using the First Degree Fitness USB Interface
Maintenance Chart
Troubleshooting
Tank Belt Adjustment
Bungee Cord Replacement. Dealer Assistance Required
Warranty
4
6
7
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
17
17
19
20
21
22
23
24

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1
Box 2 Contents
FLUID ROWER Box Contents
5 4
3
2
10
9
8 7 6
11
12
13 14
15
16
E-520
VX-3
E-520
VX-3
E-520
VX-3
E-520
VX-3
17
18
19
20
21

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Item Qty Description Item Qty Description
1 1 Mainframe 12
*4 M10x70mm bolt for E-520
2 2 Left/Right Seat Rail 13 *4 M10x80mm bolt for VX-3
3 1 Rower Seat 4 M6 Washer for E-520
9 M6 Washer for VX-3
4 1 Rear Leg 15 18 M10 Washer for E-520
11 M10 Washer for VX-3
5 2
Front Leg for E-520 16 4 M10 Nylock Nut
6 1 4mm Allen Key 17 2 AA Batteries
7 1 6mm Allen Key 18 1 Touch up paint
8 1 Multi-tool 19 1 Water Treatment Tablet
9 4 M6x20mm bolt for E-520 20 1 Funnel and Hose
9 M6x20mm bolt for VX-3
10 8
M10x20mm bolt for E-520 21 1 Owners Manual
11 4 M10x47.5mm bolt for E-520
5 M10x47.5mm bolt for VX-3
14
* Note Hardware pack contains 2 bolts only. The remaining bolts are pre-installed
on the Rower seat rails for assembly convenience.

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8x M10x20mm bolt & washer
2x Front Leg
Mainframe
Caution:
Do not free the Rowing Handle, Heel Adjuster or Computer
Stalk before assembly is complete.
Front Leg the Assembly for E-520
Tilt Mainframe upward slightly to install the lower leg
Requires the Mainframe[1], 2x Front Leg[5], 8x M10x20mm bolt[10] and wash-
er[15]. Remove Mainframe from box and lay on soft surface such as carpet as
shown. Tilt frame upward slightly and install rower Front Leg with 4x M10x20mm
bolt[10] & washer[15]. Repeat for other leg.
Install Legs with Transport
Wheels facing forward

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Once the rower is safely standing upright
on a stable surface, locate and unbox
the left/right Seat Rails and hardware kit
for the next step of assembly.
Note: The seat assembly bolts (4x
M6x20) are pre-installed on the rower
seat.
CAUTION: The FLUID ROWER com-
ponents such as mainframe and seat
rails are heavy. Use care during assem-
bly.
WARNING: The FLUID ROWER seat
rails can have sharp edges on the front
portion facing the mainframe.
Use caution during assembly.
Hint: Use mouse pad or soft cloth
under rower belt pulley to protect
from scratches/scuffing
Rower Belt Pulley
Bungee Shock Cord
Locate and unwrap the Bungee Shock Cord from
the frame before moving on to the installation of
the Seat Rails.
Caution:
Do not free the Rowing Handle, Heel Adjuster or Computer
Stalk before assembly is complete.
Remove mainframe and all components from mainbox. Check that all parts are pre-
sent. Slowly stand Rower mainframe upright.

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Attaching Seat Rails to Frame
Seat Rail Attachment
Points
Right Seat
Left Seat
Left Seat Rail
This portion of the assembly requires the
Mainframe, 1xLeft/1xRight Seat Rail[2],
2xM10x70mm Bolt for E-520
(2xM10x70mm Bolt for VX-3) [12],
4xM10 Nylock nut[16].
*Note: 2x M10x70mm bolt for E-520(2x
M10x80mm bolt for VX-3)/spacer are pre
-installed on the Seat Rails for your con-
venience.
Align and secure lower attachment
points using M10x70mm bolt for E-520
(M10x70mm Bolt for VX-3) [12], M10
Nylock nut[16] and M10 washers[15].
Begin with Left Seat Rail[2]. Align using
the pre-installed M10x70mm bolt for E-
520 (M10x70mm Bolt for VX-3) [12] as
shown.
Secure from behind with M10 Nylock
nut[16].

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Left Seat Rail
Right Seat Rail
Bungee Pulley
Bungee Shock Cord
Next, install lower Left Seat Rail[2].
M10x70mm bolt for E-520 (M10x80mm
bolt for VX-3)[12], Nylock nut[16] and
M10 washers[15].
Before installation of the Right Seat Rail,
thread the Bungee Shock Cord through
the top of the Seat Rail, around the
Bungee Pulley and out the bottom as
shown.
Once this is complete, repeat the same
assembly procedure as used on the Left
Seat Rail.

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4x M6x20mm bolts and 4x
M6 washers
Rower Seat Frame
Rower Seat
Install the Rower Seat onto the Rower
Frame using 4x M6x20mm bolts[9] and
4x M6 washers[14].
Completed Rower Seat.
The Seat must be mounted exactly as
shown.
The Seat Assembly is placed into the
Seat Rails facing in the direction of the
arrow.
The Seat Indentation must be towards
the rear of the machine.
CAUTION:
The Rower Seat[3] is heavy.
Use both hands and keep fingers clear of
rower channels when guiding seat down
the seat rails.
Rower Seat Assembly for VX-3
Tip: Your seat when correctly
assembled should resemble a “Z”
Indentation
Seat Frame Neck
Indentation

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Installing the Rear Leg for VX-3
Rear Leg
Note: Third bolt hole on right of
Rear leg and Seat Rail is for
bungee hook attachment.
Rear Leg[4], 5x10x47.5 bolts[11],
5xM10 washers[15], M6x20mm bolts
[9] and M6 washers[14]. Mount the
Rear Leg onto Seat Rails and Secure as
shown .
Install all M10x47.5 bolts first from the
outside to hold the Rear Leg in position
before securing from the inside with the
M6x20mm bolts and M6 washers.
M6x20mm bolt[9] and M6 washer[14]
M10x47.5mm bolt[11] and M10 washer
[15]

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Bungee Shock Cord w/ Hook End
Connect the Bungee
Shock Cord to the Seat
Rail as shown. Next,
install the Rower Seat
as shown below.
CAUTION: The bungee shock cord
will be under tension when stretching
to install. DO NOT LET GO OF THE
BUNGEE WHILE UNDER TENSION AS
THIS COULD CAUSE INJURYAND/OR
DAMAGE TO THE ROWER.
OK
X
When attaching the Bungee Hook, check
that the Shock Cord is running correctly
over the Bungee Pulley as shown upper
right.
Attaching Bungee Shock Cord

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4x M10x47.5mm
Bolt and M10
Washer
Rear Leg
4x M6x20mm Bolt
and M10 Washer
CAUTION
Installation Rear Leg for E-520
Seat Indentation
faces rearward Rower Seat is heavy. Grasp firmly and
use both hands to guide the Rower Seat
down the Seat Rail.
Requires 4x M10x47.5mm bolt[11], 4x
M10 washer[15], 4x M6x20mm bolt[9]
and 4x M6 washer[14].
Note: the M10x47.5 bolts[11]/washers
[15] are to be installed on the outside of
the Seat Rail, while the smaller,
M6x20mm bolts[9] and washers[14]
are fitted on the inside.
M10x47.5mm
Bolt and M10
Washer
M6x20mm
Bolt and M6
Washer

14
Free Com-
puter Stalk
Mount
Free Heel Support Plate
Release Rowing
Handle
Lower your FLUID ROWER to the operational position and free
the Heel Support Plate, Rowing Handle and Computer Stalk
Mount to complete the assembly.
Install 2x AA Batteries
Completing the Installation
WARNING: Do not free the rower
handle before Attaching Bungee
Shock Cord has been
completed.

15
Tank Filling and Water Treatment
Open the rear upper Yellow Tank Plug and insert hose into tank (rotating the impel-
ler slightly may be necessary to allow the hose to pass), move the Tank Adjuster
Handle to level 20 and begin filling. Do not fill the tank higher than the level indica-
tor on the front of the clear shell. A properly filled tank holds approximately 8liters
of water.
Do not under any circumstances put fingers into the tank. Use
the end of the hose to move the impeller should the need arise.
Warning:
Use a drop cloth for splash and stain protection.
Caution: The rower is
heavy. Use two people
when draining the tank.
Note: the lower Black Tank
Plug is permanently sealed.
Yellow
Tank
Plug
Filling Hose and Funnel
Note: A large bucket is required for filling (Not included)
In areas where tap water quality is known to be poor, FDF recommends the
use of distilled water.
Draining the Fluid Tank: When draining indoors, a suitable container capable of
holding 8 liters of water is required.
Open the Yellow Tank Plug, and on a protective surface, turn the FLUID ROWER
on its side as shown above. Once the rower is in this position, the tank can be easi-
Use a drop cloth under the tank when filling the tank to avoid
damage floor or carpet
Caution:
Water Treatment Procedures:
Add Chlorine tablet.
Note: The amount of water treatment can vary widely depending on the Rower’s
location and exposure to sunlight. DO NOT, UNDER AN CIRCUMSTANCES USE
ANY TREATMENT TABLETS OTHER THAN THOSE SUPPLIED WITH YOUR
ROWER. Your rower box contents include 4x water treatment tablets, which is suf-
ficient 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

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Heel Support Adjuster:
The FLUID ROWER has a unique and easy to use Heel Plate Support system.
Simply slide the Heel Plate up or down and allow the teeth to lock it into place. This
should be adjusted to place the ball of your foot directly under each horizontal foot
strap. Then to secure before rowing.
CAUTION: It is strongly recommended that a drop cloth be used under
the fluid tank whenever the tank plug is opened for water treatment.
Long Term Water Treatment:
Do not use any water treatment other than the tablets supplied with this ma-
chine. For replacement tablets, contact your local First Degree Fitness distributor.
Water treatment schedules for the FLUID ROWER 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.
CAUTION: Do not fill past the calibration mark as indicated on the tank
level sticker or water spillage may occur. See Tank Filling and Water
Treatment page for details.
Long Term Water Treatment and Basic Operation
Vertical Storage:
The FLUID ROWER can easily be stored in a vertical 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 rowing pulley of the unit
to avoid chipping or floor damage. Note: Move with caution as the machine is
heavy. Pick up from back and pull at 45 degree angle.
Level Indicator
Resistance:
Resistance is determined by the Level
Indicator on the front of the tank. Level 1
indicates lightest resistance and level
twenty the heaviest. Allow three to four
strokes, after moving the level indicator,
for the new level to be achieved. Note
computer level must be changed to pro-
vide accurate input at each individual
tank level. Consult your IPM computer
manual (included) for details.

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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.
4. For further details regarding rowing technique please refer to our international
website at www.firstdegreefitness.com
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 rocking
slightly back on your
pelvis.
Recovery
Upper body tips
forward over your
pelvis and move
forward.
Catch
Catch and begin
again.
How to Row?
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 be-
tween 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.

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FLUID ROWER Rower Ergometer
Quick start: Provides instant workout information. Just start training to activate.
You can choose to change UNITS displayed
UNITS: Displays WATTS, SPM, HR, 500/m
LEVEL: Adjustable from 1-20. Match LEVEL number with resistance level on
the Fluid tank.
SET: Changes Time, Distance parameters
PROGRAM: Clears current exercise program
RESET: Clears data
Note: For complete operational instructions, please refer to the computer
manual, which is included with your FLUID ROWER Series rower.

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Description:
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 row-
ers in a Virtual Reality 3D environment or train solo.
Setting up USB connectivity
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
Connecting your console
- 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
Note: Please refer to computer manual where applicable or for further
information refer to our website at www.firstdegreefitness.com

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Item Timeframe Instructions Notes
Seat and Seat
Rails. Weekly. Wipe seat rails with a clean, dry cloth. Lightly spray the in-
side of rails with 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” sec-
tion of this manual.
Bungee Cord. Check every hundred
hours for correct ten-
sion and for signs of
wear.
The Bungee Cord should last
for many years. If a bungee
cord change is required,
please follow the instructions
provided in the “Changing the
Bungee Cord” section of this
manual.
Rowing Belt. Check every hundred
hours for correct ten-
sion and for signs of
wear.
The Rowing Belt should pro-
vide many years of trouble free
use. If a rowing belt change is
required, please contact your
local service representative or
go online at
www.firstdegreefitness.com for
further details.
Maintenance Chart