First Degree Fitness TRIDENTChallenge AR User manual

Owners Manual

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1. The Trident Challenge AR can stand vertically for storage. Make sure
a secure location is chosen, such as in the corner of a room.
2. Keep hands and fingers away from moving parts, as indicated by the
warning sticker on the mainframe of your machine.
CAUTION
Training with the Trident Challenge AR
1. As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before
beginning your Trident Challenge AR Exercise Program.
2. Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position
and basic rowing techniques.
3. For detailed rowing techniques refer to our international website at
www.firstdegreefitness.com

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Contents
Trident Challenge AR Box Contents
Installing the Seat and Rear Leg to Seat Rail
Fine Tuning the Trident Challenge AR
The Fluid Adjustable Resistance Tank
Getting Started
Developing Your Routine
Tank Filling and Water Treatment
Removing/Changing Tank Water
Slider Footplate
How to Row?
How Often?
Trident Challenge AR Computer
Computer Instructions
Using the First Degree Fitness USB Interface
Detaching the Rower Belt
Reattaching the Rower Belt
Removing the Bungee Shock Cord
Replacing the Bungee Shock Cord
Troubleshooting
Warranty
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9
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10
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12
13
14
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15
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20
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Trident Challenge AR Box Contents
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Item Description Item Description
1 Main Frame 12 Seat Rail Bracket
2 Seat Rail (boxed separately) 13 M10x120mm Rear Leg Bolts
(Dome)
3 Rower Seat 14 AA batteries (x2)
4 M10x120mm Horizontal Seat
Rail bolt 15 Multi-tool
5 M10 Washer 16 8mm Allen Key
6 M10 Nylock Nut 17 6mm Allen Key
7 M10x150mm Vertical Seat Rail
bolt 18 Owners Manual
8 Plastic Dome Cap 19 Siphon
9 Rear Seat Rail Bumpstop 20 Water Treatment Tablet (4x tab-
lets)
10 Seat Rail End Cap 21 Vertical Seat Rail bolt Damener
11 Rear Leg 22 Internal Seat Rail bolt Bracket

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Installing the Seat and Rear Leg to Seat Rail
Install the Rower Seat[3] onto the Seat Rail
[2] as shown, with seat indentation facing
rearward.
Rear Leg[11]
M10x120mm Bolts[13]/Washer[5]
Rear End Cap[10]
Internal Seat Rail Bracket[22]
Seat Rail Bracket[12]
Bumpstops[9]
First insert the Internal Seat Rail bolt Brack-
et[22] into the rear of the Seat Rail[2] and
align it to the second hole from the rear of the
rail. Then use M10x120mm Dome Head
Bolts[13]/Washers[5] install the Rear Leg[11]
to the Seat Rail.
Do not tighten.
Indentation
Seat Rail

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Use care when tightening bolts to avoid
scratches.
1.Install Rubber End Cap[10]
2.Hold the End Cap in place, thread the Rear
Rubber Bumpstops[9] onto the end .
3.Tighten both bolts to complete Rear Leg as-
sembly.
M10x120mm Bolt[4], 2x M10 Washers[5]
and Nylock Nut[6].
Insert the Seat Rail until it just slightly protrudes behind the Footplate. Shown here
is the installation/alignment point for the M10x120mm Horizontal Seat Rail Bolt
[4], M10 Washers[5] and Nylock Nut[6]. Install and secure.

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Install and secure the two bolts and two wash-
ers with the nylock nuts
Install the Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning Bolt
through the Seat Rail as shown, then fit the
Vertical Seat Rail bolt Dampener onto the bolt
between the bottom of the Seat Rail and the
lower frame (not shown) before securing bolt
into lower frame.
Do not tighten. See following page for cor-
rect height adjustment.
NOTE:The Vertical Seat Rail dampener is de-
signed to take up the slack between
the seat rail and mainframe when
standing in the vertical position
150mm Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning Bolt,
Vertical Seat Rail Dampener and Plastic
Dome Cap. .

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Tension the Vertical Seat Rail Bolt as shown
here until mid-leg rises off the floor approx. 3-
5mm.
Fine Tuning the Trident Challenge AR
The Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning Bolt is designed to hold the mid leg 3-5mm off the
ground when the rower is unweighted, and just lightly touch the ground during a
rowing stroke.
Tighten the assembly until the Mid Leg begins to lift off of the ground as shown be-
low.
Note:If excessive head shaking/hopping of the tank occurs during rowing, this indi-
cates the Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning Bolt being out of adjustment.
The Fluid Adjustable Resistance Tank
The Adjustable Resistance (AR) Tank, developed and patented by First Degree Fit-
ness, 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 environ-
ment.
MAX:This setting allows the maximum
amount of water to reach the fly-
wheel for heaviest resistance
———
———
MIN:Keeps a portion of the water in re-
serve creating light resistance.

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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 de-
sired. 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 re-
duce 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 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 on
www.firstdegreefitness.com"
Developing Your Routine
Tank plug
Siphon
Fill tank
with
adjuster
handle set
to “MAX”
only.
Tank Filling and Water Treatment
Tank Filling and Water Treatment Pro-
cedures
Note:17 liters of water is required for
maximum filling.
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.

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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 dis-
tilled water.
3.Begin filling tank by squeezing siphon. Use Level Gauge Decal on side of tank to
measure volume of water in tank.
Note:Failure to set adjuster handle to max prior to filling will cause inaccurate fill
levels and possible leakage.
4.After filling tank to the desired water level, open the valve on the top of the si-
phon 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 si-
phon to "self-pump" when adding water to the tank.
Tank Filling and Water Treatment
Use a drop cloth under the tank both when filling the
tank to avoid staining 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 ANY CIRCUMSTANCES USE
OTHER 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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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 drain
age.
Note:Water treatment will preclude the need to change tank water if the treat-
ment schedule is maintained. Additional chlorine is required only when dis-
coloration appears in the water.
Note:Exposure to sunlight affects the water. Moving the rower away from direct
sunlight .
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 dis-
assembly.
Removing/Changing Tank Water

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Slider Footplate
WARNING:Never operate this rower without feet properly
secured in Footstraps, or without the sliding portion
of the Slider Footplate locked into position!
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 deter-
mined. Secure the plate onto the mounting pegs and push down firmly to lock into
position.
Tighten the Footstraps securely and begin your workout.

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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 rock-
ing 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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Trident Challenge AR Computer
Options:
Auto Start: Commence rowing to activate.
Reset all values: Hold button down for 3 second first to RESET.
Distance: Add 100m distance, up to 1000m then add 500m, each button push to ac-
cumulate required distance then begin rowing to initiate distance count
down
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.
Computer Instructions:
TIME: Auto start elapsed time.
500M TIME: Time to row 500 meters, up-
dated at the completion of
each stroke.
PULSE: Requires optional receiver and
chest strap (sold separately).
SPM: Strokes per minute updated each
stroke.
WATT: Unit of power updated per rowing
stroke.
CAL HOUR: Updated each stroke.
Use the LEVEL UP/ DOWN buttons in
conjunction with the Fluid Tank Resistance
Adjuster handle for accurate 500M/
Distance/CAL/WATTS.
MAX:
——
——
MIN:

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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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Detaching the Rower Belt
Reattaching the Rower Belt
Idle Wheel
Velcro facing
upward
Rower Handle
Belt/Bungee Pulley
1.To detach belt, simply pull beyond the
range of the normal rowing stroke un-
til 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.
Bungee Shock Cord
Bungee Attachment Point
1.Begin reattaching the Rower Belt by
threading around the Rower Belt Pul-
ley with the Velcro side facing upward
as illustrated.
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.
3.Wind the Rower Belt onto the Belt/
Bungee Pulley until the Rower Handle
is as it’s furthest forward position.

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Hint
If Bungee Shock Cords previous tension seemed
correct (a good way to judge is if the Rower Han-
dle 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
Bungee Shock Cord
Bungee Pulley
Removing the Bungee Shock Cord
Bungee
Shock Cord
Bungee Attachment Point
Upper Frame Plug
Upper Frame Hole
Belt/ Bungee Pulley
4.Rethread the Bungee Shock Cord (on
opposite side of the Idle Wheel) back
through the Bungee Pulleys and tie off
at the Attachment Point.
First, move the Rowing Handle to it’s far-
thest 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 proper-
ly. Should the belt drop off of during the
bungee change, please refer to the previ-
ous pages for “Attaching/Reattaching
the Rower Belt”.
Once Bungee Cord and Upper Frame
Hole are aligned, push the Bungee Cord
up and through the frame as shown
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.

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Tip: Correct bungee tension is achieved when enough recoil is pre-
sent for the Rowing Handle to easily reach the front of the Rower Pul-
ley 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.
Replacing the Bungee Shock Cord
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 plas-
tic tie wrap to correct tension. Replace Frame Plug
Bungee
Shock
Cord
Bungee Attachment
Point
Pull Bungee
through until
seated securely

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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 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 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 tight-
ening this bolt can damage the
seat rail. Only tighten bolt in
small increments until fault is
corrected.
The Trident Challenge
AR 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.
Trident Challenge AR
Computer screen illu-
minates, but does not
register when rowing.
Loose or failed con-
nection. Check that the computer lead is connected properly. If it is con-
nected then contact your local
service center.
Troubleshooting