First Degree Fitness Vortex VX3 FA User manual

USER GUIDE

2
WELCOME TO YOU VX-3 FA
Training with the Vortex VX-3 FA Indoor 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.
CAUTION
Congratulations on your purchase –Never miss a stroke again with your new Vortex VX-3
FA Indoor Rower, which boasts an industry-first wireless smart handle for instant
resistance level change and Fluid Assist® motorised resistance control. Pick up the pace
at the press of a button and our wireless smart handle will instantaneously emulate the
same resistance you’d feel on the water.
This Fluid Rower’s design has been inspired by the form and movement of professional
rowers to achieve optimal rowing simulation. Once you’ve experienced the instant catch
and consistent resistance throughout the VX-3 FA’s entire stroke, our patented fluid
innovation will challenge your perception of just how real indoor rowing can feel.
Visit our website for workout tips and product support.
Check contents of Box 1 and 2 to assure all parts are present and correct prior to
assembly.

3
Contents
Important Safety Instructions ................................................. 4
Important Electrical Safety Instructions.................................... 5
Get to Know Your VX-3 FA................................................................ 6
Unpacking Your VX-3 FA ................................................................... 7
Assembly .................................................................................... 8
Operating Instructions .......................................................... 16
Integrated Performance Monitor (IPM) Operation ..................... 19
Rower Maintenance .............................................................. 23
Troubleshooting .................................................................... 25
Smart Handle Troubleshooting................................................ 27
International Warranty .......................................................... 28

4
Important Safety Instructions
Note The Following Safety Precautions:
Live area and Training area
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS

5
Important Electrical Safety Instructions
Please read the instructions below before using this appliance to reduce the risk of electric shock,
burns, fire, or injuries.
Unplug this appliance from the electrical outlet immediately after use, before cleaning, and
before changing removable parts.
To disconnect, turn all controls to the off position, then remove plug from outlet.
Do not operate under a blanket or pillow. Excessive heating can occur and cause fire, electric
shock, or injury to persons.
Close supervision is necessary when this appliance is used by, or near, children, invalids, or
disabled persons.
Use this appliance only for its intended use as described in this manual. Do not use
attachments not recommended by the manufacturer.
Never operate this appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly,
if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the appliance to a service
center for examination and repair.
Never operate the appliance with the air openings blocked. Keep the air openings free of lint,
hair, and foreign objects.
Do not use outdoors.
Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is restricted.
This appliance is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental
capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or
instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Keep
children under the age of 13 away from this machine. Children should not play with the appliance.
cleaning and user maintenance should not be done by children without supervision.
Connect this appliance to a properly grounded outlet only. See Grounding Instructions.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of
least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This product is equipped
with a cord containing an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be
plugged into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local
codes and regulations.
DANGER
Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can
result in a risk of electric shock. Check with a qualified electrician
or serviceman if you are in doubt as to whether the product is
properly grounded. Do not modify the plug provided with the
product –if it will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet installed
by a qualified electrician.
This product is for use on a nominal 120-V circuit and has a
grounding plug as shown in the illustrated sketch A to the right.
Make sure that the product is connected to an outlet having the
same configuration as the plug. No adapter should be used with
this product.
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS

6
Get to Know Your VX-3 FA
Product Specifications
Product Class: SC
Braking System: Speed Independent
Product Net Weight: 66.4kg (146.39lb)
Product Gross Weight: 77.3kg (170.42lb)
Minimum Safe Operating Surface Area: 312cm (122.83”) Length x 201cm (79.13”) Width
Dimensions: 1910mm (75.2”) Length x 820mm (32.28”) Width x 860mm (33.86”) Height
Maximum User Weight: 150kg (330lb)
Compact Footprint: 2510mm x 1420mm or upright 855mm x 820mm
Product Highlights
Integrated Performance Monitor (IPM) with USB Port
•New sensor support
•Power-on GO button
Fluid Assist®
Motor controlled
resistance level.
Smart Hondle
Wirelessly change
resistance level without
missing a stroke.
EXTERNAL POWER
●Single 6V external PSU
●Socket at base of tank
support leg
●Easy connect and power
on procedure
T HANDLE
●Ergonomic design
●Resistance level buttons
positioned for thumbs
●Easy-to-remove protective
cover for battery change
●Quick belt release mechanism
for easy belt or
handle replacement
FLUID SSIST®
●Removable motorised
resistance control module
●Green LED to indicate
correct function
●Red LED to indicate a fault
●Both LED Indicators are visible
through the tank shell
●Integrated 2.4GHz
wireless communications
External Power Socket
Press for
Level Down
Level Up
Red and Green
LED Indicators
Integrated Motor,
Control Board and
RF Communications

7
Unpacking Your VX-3 FA
12Box 2 Contents
Box 1 Contents
Item Qty. Description Item Qty. Description
1 1 Mainframe 11 4 M10x80mm Bolt
2 2 Left/Right Seat Rail 12 1 4mm Allen Key
3 1 Rower Seat 13 1 6mm Allen Key
4 1 Rear Leg 14 1 Multi-Tool
5 1 Funnel and Hose 15 2 AAA Batteries
6 9 M6 Washer 16 1 Touch Up Paint
7 11 M10 Washer 17 1 Water Treatment Tablet
8 4 M10 Nylock Nut 18 1 User Guide
9 9 M6x20mm Bolt 19 1 Heart Rate Receiver Kit
10 5 M10x47.5mm Bolt 20 1 Power Supply
378
6
4910 5
11 12 13 14 1815 16 17
Note: Hardware pack contains 2 bolts only. The remaining bolts are
pre-installed on the rower seat rails for assembly convenience.
20
19

8
Assembly
STEP 1 Remove Mainframe From the Box
CAUTION
Do Not Free The Rowing
Handle, Heel Adjuster or
Computer Stalk Before The
Assembly is Complete.
The RowerComponents Such
as Mainframe and Seat Rails
are Heavy. Use Care During
Assembly.
WARNING
Rower Seat Rails Can have
Sharp Edges on the Front
Portion Facing The
Mainframe. Use Caution
During Assembly.
2
1a) Remove the Mainframe[1] and all components from Box 1
Check all parts against the box contents.
b) Slowly stand the rower mainframe upright.
REQUIRED
Mainframe [1]
Hint: Use Mouse Pad or Soft Cloth Under Rower Belt Pulley to Protect
From Scratches/Scuffing.
Rover Belt Pulley
c) Locate and unwrap the Bungee Shock Cord from the frame
before moving onto the installation of the seat rails. .
1
1
Bungee Shock Cord
d) Once the Mainframe is safely standing upright on a stable
surface, unpack the Left/ Right Seat Rails[2] and hardware kit
from Box 2 for the next step of assembly.

9
Assembly
STEP 2 Attach Seat Rails to Frame
a) Align and secure lower attachment points using M10 x 80
mm Bolts[11], M10 Nyloc Nuts[8] and M10 Washers[7].
CAUTION
Nyloc nuts must be outside
The standard nut and washer
to properly secure assembly
2
1
Left Seat Rail
12
8
REQUIRED
Mainframe [1]
Left/Right Seat Rail [2]
2 x M10 x 80mm Bolts [11]
4 x M10 Nyloc Nuts [8]
4 x M10 Washers [7]
Left Seat Rail
Right Seat Rail
Seat Rail Attachment
Points
Note: 2 x M10x80mm Bolts are preinstalled on the Seat Rails for your
convenience
b) Begin with left Seat Rail[2]. Align using the preinstalled M10
x80mm[11] Secure from behind with M10 Nyloc Nut[8].

10
Assembly
12
1
d) Before installation of the Right Seat Rail[2], thread the Bungee Shock Cord
through the top of the seat rail, around the Bungee Pulley and out the bottom
as shown
c) Install lower left Seat Rail[2] using M10 x 80mm bolts[11], Nylock Nuts[8]
and M10 Washers[7].
Note: 2 x M10x80mm bolts are preinstalled on the seat rails for your convenience
e) Once this is complete, follow the same assembly procedure for the left Seat Rail.
Left Seat Rail
Bungee Shock Cord
Right Seat Rail
Bungee Pulley
Attach Seat Rails to Frame

11
Assembly
STEP 3 Assemble Rower Seat
a) Install the rower seat[3] onto the rower frame using 4 x
M6x20mm bolts[9] and 4 x M6 washers[6] the seat
indentation must be facing towards the rear of machine.
9
3
6
b) Slide the assembled seat rails 2 facing in the direction of
the arrow in the above graphic. The seat indentation must
be towards the rear of the rower.
4x M6x20mm bolts
and 4x M6 washers
Rower Seat
Rower Seat Frame
Indentation
REQUIRED
Rower Seat [3]
4 x M6 x 20mm Bolts [9]
4 x M6 Washers [6]
Indentation
Note: The seat assembly bolts (4 x M6 x 20mm) are pre-installed on the
rower seat.
Note: Finished rower seat must be mounted exactly as shown, resembling
shape of the letter ‘Z’.
CAUTION
The Rower Seat[3] is
heavy. Use both hands
and keep fingers clear of
the rower channels when
guiding the seat down the
seat rails.

12
Assembly
STEP 4 Install Rear Leg
a) Mount the Rear Leg[4] onto the seat rails and secure as
shown.
9
3
6
REQUIRED
Rear Leg [4]
5 x M10x47.5mm Bolts [10]
5 x M10 Washers [7]
M6x20mm Bolts [9]
M6 Washers [6]
Rear Leg
Note: Third bolt hole on right of Rear Leg and Seat Rail is for
Bungee Hook Attachment
c) Secure the Rear Leg from the inside with the M6 x20mm
bolts [9].and M6 washers[6].
b) Install all M10x47.5mm bolts[10] and M10 washers[7]
first from the outside to hold the Rear Leg[4] in position.

13
Assembly
a) Connect the bungee shock cord to the seat rail and install the
rower seat.
STEP 5 Attach Bungee Shock Cord
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 injury and/
or damage to the
rower
OK
X
Bungee Shock Cord
Hook End
Connect the bungee shock cord
to the seat rail as shown. Nest
install the rower seat as shown
below.
b) When attaching the bungee hook, make sure that the bungee
shock cord is running correctly the bungee pulley as shown
upper.

14
STEP 6 Complete the Assembly
WARNING
Do not free the
rower handle before
the bungee shock
cord has been
correctly attaching
(see step 5 of
assembly Instructions)
a) Lower the rower to the operational position and free the heel
support plate, Rowing Handle and Computer Stalk mount.
Free Computer
Stalk Mount
Release
Rowing
Handle
b) Install handle battery
1. Remove the O-ring.
2. Pull the Handle Rubber cover back to reveal the battery
compartment.
3. Remove the Battery Case Buckle.
4. Install AAA Battery x2.
Remove
Battery
Case
Buckle
Assembly

15
Assembly
STEP 7 Tank Filling and Water Treatment
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. Refer to Long Term Water Treatment on page 17 for further
advice on maintenance.
Note: The Lower Black Tank Plug is Permanently Sealed.
a) Connect the rower to the power using the Power Supply[20] .
b) Press level + on the IPM or handle to change the level to 20
c) Unplug the Power Supply.
d) Filling requires a large bucket (not Supplied) and the supplied water
funnel and hose[5]. Filling will take approximately 8 liters of water.
e) Open the yellow fill plug on the back of the tank and insert hose
(rotating the impeller slightly may be necessary to allow the hose to
pass). Note: In areas where tap water quality is known to be poor,
FDF recommends the use of distilled water.
f) Move the Tank Adjuster Handle to Level 20 and begin filling. Do not
fill the tank higher than the level indicator on the front of the clear
shell.
g) Once filling is complete follow the water treatment procedure below,
then replace the tank plug.
Power Supply
CAUTION
Use a drop cloth under
the tank when filling to
avoid damage floor or
carpet.
Do not fill past the
calibration mark as
indicated on the tank
level sticker or water
spillage may occur.
WARNING
Impeller blades are
sharp! Do not Place
fingers in tank to
adjust impeller
position. It is
recommended to use
the end of the hose
Should the impeller
require adjustment.
Yellow Tank Plug Filling Hose and Funnel

16
Operation Instructions
LONG-TERM WATER TREATMENT
The amount of time between water treatments can vary greatly depending on
your unit’s location and exposure to sunlight. Typically you can expect to treat
your tank water every 12-24 months. If water becomes discolored or shows
signs of algae/bacterial growth simply add one Water Treatment Tablet.
Please consult your nearest regional dealer to arrange the purchase of further
treatment tablets or visit www.firstdegreefitness.com/support for further
advice and assistance.
WARNING
Do not use any other water treatment tablet other than those supplied with your unit.
Draining / Changing Tank Water
1. Open the yellow Tank Plug.
2. Turn the rower onto its side. Once the rower is in this position, the tank can be drained.
3. For refill instructions refer to the tank filling section of this manual (Step 7,page 15).
Yellow Tank Plug
CAUTION: The Rower is heavy, Do not attempt to drain the tank alone. It is recommended two people
move the rower into drainage position.
STORAGE
The rower is designed for compact storage in the vertical position. To ensure your
safety, choose a suitable location, such as the 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.
CAUTION: The Rower is heavy, lift from back and pull at 45-degree angle.

17
Adjust Footplates
The Slider Footplate accommodates most
foot sizes, and is designed to keep your
feet securely in place as you row.
TO ADJUST:
Lift the top of the footplate from the
mounting peg and slide vertically between
1-6 to suit your foot length. Secure by
hooking the footplate back onto the
mounting peg and pushing down firmly to
lock it into position. Place feet on the foot
plates and tighten the foot straps to
ensure your feet sit firmly against the
heel captures.
Note: The heel capture should bend to
allow your foot to pivot naturally as you
row.
Foot strap
Mounting Pegs
Side
SMART CONTROLS
a) Ensure the rower is connected to the external power supply.
b) Press GO to power on.
c) Press + or –on the Smart Handle to activate the rower.
d) Press Level + or –on the IPM to change level.
e) Press Level + or –on the Smart Handle to change level.
Operation Instructions
CHANGING RESISTANCE LEVEL
Changing the resistance on your VX-3 FA is very simple
with use of the wireless Smart Handle. You can easily
increase or decrease resistance level mid workout by
adjusting the levels on your Smart Handle or on your
Integrated Performance Monitor (IPM).
WARNING
The Battery level indicator will show 0 to 4 bars depending on
Smart Handle battery status. If this indicator flashes then
the Smart Handel batteries require replacement.
WARNING: Never operate this
Rower without feet properly
secured in Footstraps, or without
the sliding portion of the Slider
Footplate locked into position!

18
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
www.firstdegreefitness.com/indoor-rowing-technique

19
Integrated Performance Monitor (IPM) Operation
Basic Functions
GO: Commence rowing to activate or press GO.
UNITS: Displays WATTS, SPM, HR, 500/m.
LEVEL: Adjustable from 1-20. Press + or –to change
level.
SET: Changes time and distance parameters.
PROGRAM: Clears current exercise program.
RESET: Press and hold RESET button for 3 seconds
to reset all values.
Advanced Functions
Auto Power Down
The IPM will auto power-down after 10 minutes of inactivity. Fluid Assist® will occasionally
perform an auto-park to ensure correct calibration during this procedure. If so, the IPM
will display a flashing OFF indicator until the auto-park is complete.
Manual Power Down
While it is not recommended, it is possible to manually power down the system. Simply
press and hold the UNITS button and press RESET until the display goes off, or a flashing
OFF is displayed on the screen (see above).
Calibration Check
a) Set Level 20.
b) Visually check the position of the reservoir outlet hole.
c) If this is not correct then follow the Re-calibration Procedure.

20
Integrated Performance Monitor (IPM) Operation
RE-CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
1. Preset RESET to clear the monitor.
2. Press and hold SET and LEVEL + for
5 seconds.
3. The display will show CAL.
4. Press SET to start re-calibration OR
press any other button to cancel and
return to main display screen.
5. During re-calibration the IPM will
show animated progress in the upper
display and the Green Fluid Assist®
LED Indicator will illuminate while the
motor is running.
9. When a fault occurs the error number
will be shown with the Err message (See
the Troubleshooting Section for further
information).
10. Press any key to return to main display.
6. Wait until display shows ‘dOnE’.
7. On success the display will show
Level 10 and the motor speed in the
Rate field. This is the equivalent time
taken to change from Level 1 to Level
20 in seconds (The ideal range for
this value is 15-25s).
8. Press any key to return to main
display.