First Degree Fitness Viking AR Rower User manual

1
Owners Manual

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Congratulations on your purchase of the Viking AR Rower. First
Degree Fitness are proud to present the VikingAR Rower as part of
our exclusive range of commercial and home use products featur-
ing patented Adjustable Resistance.
Our combination laminate/solid wood frames incorporate only the
highest quality Scandinavian Beech, which is collected using the
latest technology in sustainable harvesting from renewable planta-
tions.
Note that slight variations of colour are normal and part of Mother
nature’s artistry. The wood grain patterns and subtle hues of each
Viking 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

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

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Viking AR Rower Box Contents
Seat Rail End Cap
Filling Siphon
Owners
Manual (1x)
Vertical seat Rail
support bracket
M8
M6 Allen Key
M10x140mm
bolt (1x) M10x150mm bolt (1x)
M10 Washer (2x)
Chlorine Tablets
(4x)
Rower Main Frame

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Steps 1 and 2:
Mount the Rower Seat onto the Seat Rail as shown, making sure the seat indentation is facing rearward
as shown. Next, using 2x M6x10 Bolts and Rubber Bumpstop, install the Bumpstop on the underside of
the Seat Rail with beveled edge facing forward.
Steps 3 and 4:
First, position the Seat Rail Insert inside the Seat Rail. Next, insert 2x M10x180mm Seat Rail
Bolts through the top of the Seat Rail, the Seat Rail Insert, the Upper Leg and finally into the Lower
Leg metal threaded inserts. Tighten assembly and then install the Rubber End Cap into the Seat
Rail. Note: Bungee hook must face forward.
Seat Rail Insert
M10x180mm Bolts
Rubber End Cap
Upper Leg
Lower Leg
Rear Leg Assembly
Failure to install the seat rail insert
will damage the seat rail during
use
Completed Assembly
Seat Rail
Beveled Edge
M6x10mm Bolts and
Rubber Bumpstop
Indentation
Rower Seat
Bungee Hook

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Seat Rail/Frame attachment point
M10x140mm Horizontal Seat Rail Bolt,
M10 Washer and Nylock Nuts.
Once the Seat Rail is securely fastened, untie the
Bungee Shock Cord, but hold under slight ten-
sion so as not to allow it to fall off of the Belt
Bungee Pulley.
Connect to the Rear Leg Hook as shown below.
Hold Bungee Shock Cord under
tension until attached to Rear Leg
Step 5: Insert the Seat Rail through the Footplate and align with the Mainframe/Seat Rail
Bracket. Install and secure the Horizontal M10x140mm Seat Rail Bolt, Washers and Nylock Nuts.
Attaching Seat Rail to Frame

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The Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning Bolt is designed to hold the mid leg 3
-5mm off the floor when the rower is un-weighted and to allow the
mid leg lightly touch the ground during a weighted rowing stroke.
Tighten the Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning Bolt until the mid leg lifts 3mm
-5mm above of the ground and then tighten the M10 nut clockwise to
secure the assembly.
Before threading the Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning Bolt into the
Lower Frame Bracket, install the M10 Nut. Thread the nut upwards as
far as it will go, and then screw the Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning Bolt into
the Lower Frame Bracket.
Important
Installing the Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning Bolt
M10 Nut
Side View
Thread M10 Nut onto bolt here
Step 6: Install the 150mm Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning Bolt and Plastic Dome Cap
through the Vertical Seat Rail Support Bracket and Seat Rail.
Vertical Seat Rail
Support Bracket
M10x150mm Vertical Seat
Rail Tensioning Bolt and
Plastic Dome Cap
Top View
Fine Tuning the Viking AR Rower
M10 Nut
3-5mm off the ground
Note: Failure to tighten the M10 Nut could allow the Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning Bolt to move out
of alignment.
If the front of the Viking AR Rower lifts during rowing, this indicates the Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning
Bolt is not correctly adjusted. Loosen the M10 Nut and then adjust height as specified above.

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MAX: This setting allows
the maximum amount of
water to reach the flywheel
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 inten-
sity. Your FDF Rowing Ergometer allows for changes 'on the fly', to achieve multi-level resis-
tance 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
cases could cause leakage to occur during use or when stored in the standing position.
DO NOT overfill the tank beyond the maximum indicated level of 17 litres. 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 vol-
ume 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 ex-
cess 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.
Add very small amount of blue dye and
check for desired hue. Important! Do
not add blue dye for at least 72 hours
following Chlorine treatment. The blue
dye adds visual appeal as well as cut-
ting down the amount of light reaching
the tank water, thus extending the
amount of time between water treat-
ments.
Blue dye
Tank Plug
Tank plug
Siphon
Tank filling and water treatment procedures
Note: 17 liters of water is required for maximum
filling.
Fill tank
with
adjuster
handle set
to “MAX”
only.
Use a drop cloth under the tank both when filling the tank and add-
ing blue dye 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 affects the water. Moving the rower away from direct sunlight and
adding the blue dye will extend time 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 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.

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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.
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.

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Computer Instructions:
The Viking 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 min-
utes 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: Level 4
——
——
MIN: Level 1

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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
Rower Belt is in the proper position.

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3. Wind the Rower Belt onto the Belt/Bungee
Pulley until the Rower Handle is as it’s fur-
thest 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.
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 rear of the Mid Leg.
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 and blue dye 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
rower belt" section of this manual.
Front of rower lifts during
vigorous rowing. M10X150mm Vertical Seat Rail Tensioning
Bolt is not correctly ad-
justed.
Refer to the “Fine tuning the Viking
AR Rower”. Tighten bolt in 1/4 turn
increments until problem stops.
Note: Over tightening this bolt can
damage the seat rail. Make sure
M10 lock nut is first loosened, and
then retighten at completion.
The Viking AR Rower
computer does not illumi-
nate after battery installa-
tion.
Batteries installed in-
correctly or need re-
placing.
Replace/reinstall batteries in correct
position and try again. If the LCD
screen fails to illuminate, try rotating
the batteries slightly in the com-
puter. If this fails, contact your local
service center.
Viking AR Rower Com-
puter screen illuminates,
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 ser-
vice center.
Troubleshooting:

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64141
65991
65986
65985 65984
65983
65982
65981
65980
65971
65993
10176
61064
90104
90102
A076
Exploded Diagram
61067
65960
65961
61063
30608
65987
65987

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Parts List
P/N Qty Description P/N Qty Description
10079 1 Seat LS-E28 65139 2 Transport Wheel Bracket Complete
10121 2 3M Foot Plate Non Slip 65210 1 Computer Stalk Complete
10176 2 Foot Strap with Buckle # 10177 65702 4 Seat Wheel
30608 8 Nut M5 Nylon 65810 1 Seat Rail Internal Support Bracket
60108 2 Bungee Pulley Spacer 8mm 65820 1 Bungee Hook Bracket Complete
60110 4 Belt Pulley Spacer 65900 1 Belt/Bungee Complete with Bearings and
Velcro
60111 1 Belt Pulley 100mm & 2x Bearing #60112 65904 7 Wood Screw M3X15mm
60113 1 Main Shaft Oil Bushing - Lower 65906 1 Idle Wheel Shaft
60114 1 Magnet Ring & 6 x Magnet #60124 65909 1 Bolt M10X150 -B
60115 1 Flywheel Shaft Spacer 65910 3 Nut M10 Nylock -B
60118 1 Tank Large Ring Seal 65911 1 Bolt M8X70 -B
60119 1 Idle wheel & 2x Bearing #60112 65913 4 Bolt M6x20 -B
60120 1 Roll Pin 6mm 65916 1 Knob & Decal #60618
60124 6 Rare Earth Magnet 5mmx4mm 65918 1 Bolt M10x60 -B
60126 2 C Clip 10mm 65921 8 Washer M8X18 -B
60132 24 Screw M3x20 65922 1 Bungee Clip 8mm
60133 24 Nut Nylock M3 65923 1 Bungee bracket 8mm
60138 1 Impeller End Cap 65924 1 Bungee 8mm
60140 2 Computer Mount Plastic Bushing 65925 6 Bolt M6x15 -B
60143 1 Sensor 65926 1 Heel Strap
60304 1 Flywheel Upper Shaft 65929 1 Grub Screw M4x6 - B
60506 2 Rowing Handle Rubber Grip 65930 2 Bolt M8x15 -B
60605 2 Rubber Heel Support Pad 65931 18 Nut Nylock M8 -B
60613 4 Washer M6x16 65934 10 Screw M6X40 -B
60709 1 Nut Nylock M8 65938 2 Handle Catch
60711 4 Bolt M6x20 -B 65941 1 Bolt M8x50 -B
60803 2 Rubber Bump Stop - Seat Rail 65942 1 Decal - Heel Adjuster
60809 1 Plastic Dome Cap 65943 2 Decal - Seat Rail Viking
61001 5 Tank Bonding Strip 3M-VHB 65944 1 Decal - Tank Level
61063 2 Slider Footplate bottom 65945 1 Decal - How to Row
61064 2 Slider Footplate top 65947 4 Seat Wheel Short Spacer
61067 8 Bolt M5x15 65948 2 Seat Wheel Long Spacer
63144 1 Tank Plug 65949 2 Washer M10X21X2t -B
64141 1 Computer - VIKAR 65950 1 Nut M10 -B
65005 1 Main Frame / Seat Rail Bracket Complete 65951 2 Bolt M10X140 -B
65007 1
Vertical Seat Rail Bolt/Lower Frame
Bracket 65952 1 Bolt M6x8
65011 1 Heel Adjuster Knob External Plate 65953 8 Bolt M8x45-B
65012 1 U Bolt 8mm with 2xFlange Nuts #65940 65956 1 Decal - To adjust see manual
65101 1 Main Frame 65957 1 Decal - Resistance AR tank
65102 1 Mid Frame 65958 1 Decal - Seat Rail AR
65103 2 Bungee Wheel Bracket 65959 1 Decal - FD AR knob
65104 2 Lower Frame Left/Right 65960 1 Bottom Bracket
65105 1 Mid Leg 65961 4 Screw M5x15 for Wood
65106 1 Front Leg Base 65971 1 Impeller - AR
65107 1 Sensor Bracket 65980 1 Lower Tank Cover
65108 1 Idle Wheel Shaft Bracket (Lower) 65981 1 Outer Tank - AR
65113 1 Seat Rail - Viking 65982 1 Inner Tank - AR
65114 1 End Cap - Seat Rail 65983 1 Tank adjuster outer cup
65115 1 Rear Leg Upper 65984 1 Tank adjuster inner cup
65116 1 Rear Leg Lower 65985 1 Decal - AR Resistance
65119 2 Transport Wheel 65986 1 Adjuster Knob
65121 2 Seat Frame Bracket 65987 2 Bungee Pulley 50mm
65122 1 Wheel Spacer 65991 1 End cap-Adjuster Knob
65123 1 Shaft Spacer Lower 65992 1 Grub Screw M3x12 SUS
65125 2 Bump Stop - Main Frame 65993 1 Knob Decal -18mm
65129 2 Bolt M10x180 for Rail End - B 73016 4 Foot Leveler M8x30 PVC
65134 30 Bolt M8x35mm -B 90102 2 Rower Handle Bar Catch
65135 2 Foot Leveler Mid 36.6*8.5 90104 2 Rubber Hook Cover
65137 3 Bolt M8X140 A069 1 Delux Belt Handle Complete