First Degree Fitness NEPTUNE AR User manual

NEPTUNE AR
TITAN AR
USER GUIDE

2
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of Rower.
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS is proud to present the Rower as a home use product
featuring patented Adjustable Fluid Resistance.
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.
CAUTION
Training with the Rower
1. As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before beginning your
Rower exercise program.
2. Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position and basic
rowing techniques.
3. For more detailed rowing techniques, please refer to our international
website at www.firstdegreefitness.com
1. Keep hands and fingers away from moving parts, as indicated in this manual.
2. The 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.
Note: If the storage area is not level, an additional fixture is required (sold separately)
to keep the Rower stable with vertical storage position.

3
Contents
Safety ....................................................................................4
Assembly ...............................................................................6
Fluid Rower Box 1 & 2 Contents ................................................7
Assembly Instructions..............................................................8
Operation Instructions ................................................................ 12
Computer Operation ................................................................... 15
Detaching the Rower Belt ........................................................... 16
Reattaching the Rower Belt ........................................................ 17
Removing the Bungee Shock Cord ............................................... 18
Maintenance ............................................................................... 19
Troubleshooting ........................................................................... 20
Optional Fixture Installation ........................................................ 21
International Warranty .......................................................... 22

4
Safety
Safety Information
• Before using this product, it is essential to read this ENTIRE operation manual and ALL
instructions. The Rower is intended for use solely in the manner described in this
manual.
• UNDERSTANDING EACH AND EVERY WARNING TO THE FULLEST IS IMPORTANT
• As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before beginning your Rower
exercise program.
• Please be aware that any fitness regiment, before being undertaken, is best preceded
by a physical checkup from a certified physician.
• Injuries to health may result from incorrect or excessive training.
• WARNING Heart rate monitoring systems may be inaccurate. Over exercise may
result in serious injury or death. If you feel faint, stop exercising immediately.
• Stop the machine immediately if any signs of excessive wearing is present on the belts,
pulleys and bungee cords. Do not use unit until said parts are repaired or replaced.
• Do not allow children unattended access to the machine.
• The Rower can stand vertically for storage. When doing so, please follow the
instructions given in the manual.
• Please keep hands away from moving parts, as indicated by the warning label on the
mainframe of your machine.
• If any of the adjustment devices are left projecting, they could interfere with the
user’s movement.
• Do not store in freezing conditions with water in the tank as it can expand and crack the
components.
Installation
• Place on a stable, flat surface in a horizontal position during use for maximum
stability.
• Check all belts, pulleys and bungee cords regularly for signs of wear, and replace if
needed.
• Check regularly and follow all instructions for maintenance as specified in this manual.
• Replace immediately any defective parts and do not operate unit until all repairs are
complete.

5
Safety
Proper Usage
• Do not use any equipment in any way other than designed or intended by the
manufacturer. It is imperative that FIRST DEGREE FITNESS equipment is used
properly to avoid injury.
• Injuries may result if exercising improperly or excessively. It is recommended that all
individuals consult a physician prior to commencing an exercise program. If at any time
during exercise you feel faint, dizzy or experience pain, STOP EXERCISING and consult
your physician.
• Keep body parts (hands, feet, hair, etc.), clothing and jewelry away from moving parts
to avoid injury.
• Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position and basic rowing
techniques.
• For more detailed rowing techniques, please refer to our International website
www.firstdegreefitness.com
Inspection
• DO NOT use or permit use of any equipment that is damaged and/or has worn or broken
parts. For all FIRST DEGREE FITNESS equipment use only replacement parts supplied by
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS.
• Cables and belts pose an extreme liability if used when frayed. Always replace any cable
or belt at first sign of wear (consult FIRST DEGREE FITNESS if uncertain).
• EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE - Preventative maintenance is the key to smooth operating
equipment as well as to keep your liability to a minimum. Equipment needs to be
inspected at regular intervals.
• Ensure that any person(s) making adjustments or performing maintenance or repair of
any kind is qualified to do so.
• DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE OR REPAIR ANY ACCESSORY APPROVED FOR USE WITH THE
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS EQUIPMENT WHICH APPEARS TO BE DAMAGED OR WORN.
• Check all belts, pulleys and bungee cords regularly for signs of wear, and replace if needed.
• Check regularly and follow all instructions for maintenance as specified in this manual.
• Replace immediately any defective parts and do not operate unit until all repairs are
complete.
Operating Warnings
• Keep children away from the equipment. Parents or others supervising children must
provide close supervision of children if the equipment is used in the presence of children.
• Do not allow users to wear loose fitting clothing or jewelry while using equipment. It is
also recommended to have users secure long hair back and up to avoid contact with
moving parts.
• All bystanders must stay clear of all users, moving parts and attached accessories and
components while machine is in operation.
•
WARNING Do not insert fingers into tank!
• CAUTION After rowing exercise, please allow the unit to sit for 5 minutes before
standing it up for storage.
• CAUTION Do not fill past the calibration mark as indicated on the tank level sticker
or water spillage can occur.
• WARNING Never operate this rower without feet properly secured in Footstraps,
or without the sliding portion of the Slider Footplate locked into position!

6
Assembly
Product Specifications
Live area and Training area
Note: Rower is not suitable for therapeutic purposes.
The live area shall be not less than 23.62”(60cm) greater than the training area in the directions from
which the equipment is accessed. The live area must also include the area for emergency dismount.
Product Highlights
Durable belt drive
with active recoil
system
Patented twin tank design
Ergonomic handle design
Seat Frame
Footplate
Transport
Wheels
Product Class: HC
Braking System: Speed Independent
Product Net Weight: 27.6kg (60.85lbs)
Product Gross Weight: 34kg (74.96lbs)
Minimum Safe Operating Surface Area: 319cm (125.59.”) x 172cm (67.71”)
Dimensions: 1990mm (78.35”) Length x 520mm (20.47”) Width x 520mm (20.47”) Height
Maximum User Weight: 150kg (330lbs)
Compact Footprint: 1990mm x 520mm or upright 520mm x 520mm

7
Fluid Rower Box 1 & 2 Contents
1
Item Qty. Description Item Qty. Description
11 Main Frame 14 1 M10 Washer
21 Seat Rail (boxed separately) 15 2 M10 Nyloc Nut
31 Rower Seat 16 1 M10x95mm Bolt
41 Footplate Assembly 17 2 M10 Springs Washer
51 Rear Leg 18 1 Multi-Tool
61 Internal Mounting Plate 19 1 6mm Allen Key
71 75x50 Rubber End Cap 20 1 8mm Allen Key
81 Rubber BumpStop—Seat Rail 21 2 AA Duracell Battery
92 M6x10mm Bolt 22 4 Water Treatment Tablet
10 2 M8x15mm Bolt 23 1 Siphon
11 2 M8 Washer 24 1 User Guide
12 1 M10x180mm Bolt Optional Equipment (Not Included)
13 1 M10 Plastic Dome Washer 25 1 Optional Stand (not included)
Box 1 Contents Box 2 Contents2
3411
10 12 13 14
2322 2415 25 16
5689
7
2119
1817 20

8
Assembly Instructions
STEP 1 Installing the Seat and Rear Leg to Seat Rail
REQUIRED
Seat Rail [2]
Rower Seat [3]
Install Rower Seat[3] onto Seat Rail[2], with widest
part of seat rearward.
WARNING
Installing the Seat incorrectly
will result in lack of data
pickup during rowing.
2
STEP 2
REQUIRED
Rubber Bumpstop [8]
2 x M6x10mm Bolts [9]
Turn Seat Rail over, and install the Rear Rubber
Bumpstop[8] using 2x M6x10mm Bolts[9] with beveled
edge facing forward.
Underside of
Seat Rail
Beveled edge facing forward
M6x10mm Bolts
Rubber Bumpstop

9
Sensor Lead
Assembly Instructions
2
STEP 3 Installing the Rear Leg
REQUIRED
Rear Leg [5]
Internal Mounting Plate [6]
Rubber End Cap [7]
2 x M8x15mm Bolts [10]
2 x M8 Washers [11]
Using the 2x M8x15mm Bolts[10], 2x M8 Washers[11] ,
Internal Mounting Plate[6] and Rear Leg[5], install as
shown. Once Rear Leg is tightened, install the Rear
Rubber End Cap[7].
STEP 4 Installing the Seat Rail to Mainframe
REQUIRED
M10 Nyloc Nut [15]
M10x95mm Bolt [16]
2 xM10 Washer [17]
Install the Seat Rail onto the Mainframe. Attach
Sensor Lead from Seat Rail to the Mainframe, then
align the front Seat Rail holes with Mainframe and
install, using M10x95mm Bolt[16], 2x M10 Washer[17]
and M10 Nyloc Nut[15].
Rear Leg
M8x15mm Bolt
M8 Washer
Rubber End Cap
Internal Mounting Plate
M10 Nyloc Nut
M10 x95mm Bolt
M10 Washer

10
Assembly Instructions
Install the M10x180mm Bolt[12] with the Plastic
Dome Cap[13] through the top of the Seat Rail and
secure from underneath with M10 Washer[14] and
Nyloc Nut[15].
WARNING
Do not tighten the Vertical
Frame Tensioning Bolt. See
the “Fine Tuning Your Rower”
page for details once
assembly is complete
2
REQUIRED
M10 x180mm Bolt [12]
Plastic Dome Cap [13]
M10 Washer [14]
M10 Nyloc Nut [15]
STEP 5 Installing the Seat Rail to Mainframe
2
STEP 6 Installing the Footplate
REQUIRED
Footplate [4]
Install the Footplate[4] onto the Rower. Footplate
assembly left side. For ease of assembly, leave the
left side of the Footplate and Seat Rail Spacer in
place as shown.
.
CAUTION
Tip: When mounting the
Footplate assembly onto the
rower, it is only necessary to
remove one side, and leave
the other intact as shown
here.
Note: 2 Allen keys of the
same size are provided for
this portion of the assembly.
M10x180mm Bolt
Plastic Dome Cap
M10 Washer
M10 Nylock Nut

11
Assembly Instructions
STEP 7 Fine Tuning the Rower
15
The Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning Bolt is designed to hold the mid leg 3-5mm off the
ground when the Fluid Rower is unweighted, and just slightly touch the ground during a
rowing stroke.
Tighten the assembly until the Mid Leg begins to lift off of the ground as shown below.
Note: If excessive head shaking/hopping of the tank occurs during rowing, this indicates
the Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning Bolt being out of adjustment.
3-5mm off the floor is ideal
And with the Multi-Tool here
Adjust Vertical Frame Tensioning Bolt
here using the Allen Key here
Close up view of the
Vertical Seat Rail
Tensioning Bolt M10
Nylock location.
Tension the Vertical Seat
Rail Tensioning Bolt as
shown here.

12
Operation Instructions
WARNING
Do not overfill the tank
beyond the maximum
indicated level of 17
liters. Refer to the
tank level decal on the
lower side of the tank.
REQUIRED
Siphon [23]
CAUTION
Resistance adjuster
must be set to ’Max’ to
allow for accurate filling
capacity.
a) Remove rubber fill plug from the top of the tank.
b) Place a large bucket of water next to the rower. Position
the Siphon[23] with rigid hose in the bucket, and flexible
hose in the tank.
Note: Make sure small breather valve on siphon is closed
before filling.
c) Squeeze siphon to begin filling. Important: Do not overfill
tank
d) When full, open the valve on the top of the siphon to allow
excess water to escape.
e) Once filling is completed follow the water treatment
schedule below, then replace the tank plug.
MIN: This setting keeps a portion
of the water in reserve creating
light resistance
———
———
MAX: This setting allows the
maximum amount of water to
reach the flywheel for heaviest
resistance
Tank Plug
Siphon
INITIAL WATER TREATMENT
Add 1 x Water Treatment Tablet per full tank. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, USE A WATER
TREATMENT TABLET OTHER THAN THOSE SUPPLIED WITH YOUR UNIT. Your unit purchase includes 4 x
Water Treatment Tablets, which is sufficient for several years of use. To purchase additional chlorine
tabs, please consult your nearest regional dealer/distributor or check our website at
www.firstdegreefitness.com
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.
Getting Started
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.
Developing Your Routine
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 intensity. Your FDF Rowing Ergometer allows for changes
'on the fly', to achieve multi-level resistance profiles during a single workout. For more information on
exercise routines, please visit our website at www.firstdegreefitness.com
Adjustable Resistance (AR) Tank
Tank Filling and Water Treatment Procedures

13
Operation Instructions
Removing/Changing Tank Water
Row a minimum of ten complete strokes before commencing
tank draining. Remove tank plug, insert rigid end of siphon
into tank and begin draining.
a) Set Adjuster handle to “MIN”
b) Row at least ten strokes to fill the storage reservoir as
completely as possible.
c) Remove Tank Plug.
d) Insert rigid end of siphon into the tank, and flexible hose
into a large bucket.
e) 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.
◎Water treatment will preclude the need to change tank water if the
treatment schedule is maintained. Additional Water Treatment
Tablet is required only when discoloration appears in the water.
◎Exposure to full sunlight reduces the life of the Water Treatment
Tablets. Storing the rower away from direct sunlight will extend the
time between water treatments.
◎Approximately 40% of tank water will remain. It is not possible to
completely drain the A/R tank without disassembly.
Tank Plug
Siphon
Do not use any water treatment other than the tablets supplied with this unit.
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 Water Treatment Tablet.
Long Term Water Treatment and Basic Operation
CAUTION
It is strongly recommended that a drop cloth be used under the fluid tank whenever the tank plug
is opened for water treatment.

14
Operation Instructions
Start Rowing
There are six phases to completing a rowing stroke
1. Sit with straight legs and back, leaning forward slightly at the hips with arms out
straight and hands level with the lower ribs. Swing back.
2. Legs and back straight, leaning slightly forward from the hips, arms out in front.
Lean and slide forward.
Note: Hands should now be around your knees, keeping legs straight.
3. Legs come forward, aiming to get the shins vertical. Back is still straight, and
posture leaning slightly forward with arms still out front. Now drive hard, this is
the CATCH.
4. Knees partially straightened so seat is now at mid-point of travel, back and arms
still straight. Maintain the stroke.
5. Knees are nearly straight, back is still straight but now leaning slightly back from
the hips. Arms straight. Now squeeze through.
6. Legs now fully extended. Back straight and leaning slightly back, now pull with the
arms so they are close to the chest, forearms horizontal and elbows close in to
the rib cage. This is the FINISH.
For more information on correct rowing technique and workout tips visit our website
CAUTION Always consult a doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Stop immediately if you feel faint or dizzy.

15
Computer Operation
Computer Instructions:
Time: Working range from 0:00-99:59
Count: Working Range from 0-9999
SPM: 15SPM-3000.
Calories: 0-9999
Total Count: 0-9999
Note: Computer must be turned off and
restarted to reset total count.
Tempo: Working range from 0-180 beeps
per minute.
Options:
Install the batteries, and the LCD panel will display with an audible buzz.
Mode: Allows access to various settings:
Set: Press when digits are flashing to set values upward. Can be applied for all
settings with the exception of “Total Count” and “SPM”. Once values are set, press
“Enter” to move into the following mode.
Reset: Press this key to reset values.
Note: Total count can only be reset by taking out and reinstalling batteries.
Enter: Press to set values. Numbers will flash. Press “Set” to fix settings.
Once values are decided, the computer will scroll through the various settings
every six seconds. The settings can be fixed into a set value (SPM for example) by
pressing the “Mode” button. Values such as time will accumulate toward zero and an
audible alarm will sound once zero is reached. Press any key to stop the alarm.
The Computer will enter sleep mode if not used for over 4minutes, 30 seconds.

16
Detaching the Rower Belt
Bungee Shock Cord
Bungee Attachment Point
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.
2.Cut plastic tie holding bungee at the Bungee Attachment Point, pull the Cord
through all three pulleys and leave excess on top of the tank for now.

17
Velcro facing
upward
Begin reattaching the Rower Belt by
threading around the Rower Belt Pulley
with the Velcro side facing upward as
illustrated.
Idle Wheel
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.
Rower Handle
Belt/Bungee Pulley
Reattaching the Rower Belt
Wind the Rower Belt onto the Belt/Bungee
Pulley until the Rower Handle is as it’s
furthest forward position.
If Bungee Shock Cords previous tension
seemed correct (a good way to judge is
if the Rower Handle can make it to the
furthest point forward on the top of the
Mainframe under bungee tension alone)
then simply tie off at previous position.
If the return is too slack, experiment by
tightening the tension in small increments
and testing until the correct tension is
achieved. If the Rower Handle cannot
reach the end of the seat rail during a
rowing stroke, then the Bungee Shock
Cord is over-tensioned.
Hint
Bungee Pulley
Bungee Shock Cord
Rethread the Bungee Shock Cord (on
opposite side of the Idle Wheel) back
through the Bungee Pulleys and tie off at
the Attachment Point.

18
Removing the Bungee Shock Cord
Upper Frame Plug
Bungee Shock Cord
Bungee Attachment Point
Move the Rowing Handle to it’s farthest
forward point on the Mainframe, then cut
the plastic end tie and follow the drawing
above for bungee removal.
Next, remove the Upper Frame Plug to
allow the Bungee Shock Cord to be
threaded through the top of the frame.
Note: You will need to rotate the Belt/
Bungee Pulley to align the holes properly.
Should the belt drop off of during the
bungee change, please refer to the previ-
ous pages for “Attaching/Reattaching the
Rower Belt”.
Upper Frame Hole
Belt/ Bungee Pulley
Once Bungee Cord and Upper Frame
Hole are aligned, push the Bungee Cord
up and through the frame as shown
Reinstall the Shock Cord through the Upper Frame, along the opposite side of Idle
Wheel, through the Mid Frame and Lower Bungee Pulleys and then tie off with plastic
tie wrap to correct tension. Replace Frame Plug.
Bungee
Shock Cord
Bungee Attachment
Point
Pull Bungee
through until
seated securely
Replacing the Bungee Shock Cord
Tip: Correct bungee tension is achieved when enough recoil is present for the
Rowing Handle to easily reach the front of the Fluid Rower Pulley Belt Bracket
at the far front of the frame. If the Rowing Handle will not reach rearward to
the end of the Seat Rail, the Bungee Cord is over-tightened and will require
adjustment.

19
Maintenance
Item Time Frame Instructions Notes
Seat Wheels and
Runners
Weekly Wipe down Seat Wheels and
Runners with lint free cloth.
Frame Weekly Wipe down Frame 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 contact
your local service representative
or go online at
www.firstdegreefitness.com for
further details.
Rowing Belt
Check every
hundred hours for
correct tension
and for signs of
wear.
The Rowing Belt should provide
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.
All preventive maintenance activities must be performed on a regular basis. Performing
routine preventive maintenance actions can aid in providing safe, trouble-free operation
of all FIRST DEGREE FITNESS equipment.
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS is not responsible for performing regular inspection and
maintenance actions for your machines. Instruct all personnel in equipment inspection
and maintenance actions and also in accident reporting and recording.
FIRST DEGREE FITNESS representatives are available to answer any questions that you
may have.

20
Troubleshooting
Fault Probable Cause Solution
Water changes color or
becomes cloudy.
Fluid Rower is in direct
sunlight or has not had
water treatment.
Change Fluid Rower location to
reduce direct exposure to
sunlight. Add water treatment
or change tank water as
directed in the water treatment
section of this manual. Consider
using distilled water to refill
tank.
Rower Belt slipping off
belt/ bungee pulley.
Bungee not under enough
tension.
Tighten bungee cord following
the instructions in "Replacing
the Bungee/Shock Cord" section
of this manual.
Front of the Rower lifts
slightly during vigorous
rowing.
M10X150mm Vertical
Seat Rail Tensioning Bolt is
slightly too loose.
Tighten bolt 1/2 turn and row
again. Tighten as needed until
problem stops. Note: Over
tightening this bolt can damage
the seat rail. Only tighten bolt in
small increments until fault is
corrected.
The Rower Computer
does not illuminate
after battery
installation.
Batteries installed
incorrectly 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 Rower Computer
screen illuminates, but
does not register when
rowing.
Loose or failed connection. Check that the computer lead
is connected properly. If it is
connected then contact your
local service center.