First Degree Fitness VX-2 Fluid Rower User manual

OwnersManual
FR-E316

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 international website at www.firstdegreefitness.com
CAUTION
1. The FLUID ROWER can stand vertically for storage. When doing
so, please follow the instructions given in the basic operation sec-
tion of this manual.
2. Keep hands away from moving parts, as indicated by the warning
sticker on the mainframe of your machine and inside the PVC rear
cover.
CAUTION

3
Contents
Box Contents
FR-E316 Attaching Upper/Lower Frame
FR-E316 Attaching Footplate and Seat Rails
FR-E316 Installing the Rower Seat and Rear Leg
FR-E316 Installing S-Bend and Frame Tensioning Bolt
VX-2 Attaching Upper/Lower Frame
VX-2 Attaching Footplate to Mainframe
VX-2 Attaching Seat Rails to Mainframe
VX-2 Rower Seat Assembly
VX-2 Installing the Rear Leg
VX-2 Installing S-Bend and Frame Tension Cable
Tank Filling and Water Treatment
Long Term Water Treatment and Basic Operation
How to Row?
How Often?
FLUID ROWER Ergometer
Using the First Degree Fitness USB Interface
Maintenance Chart
Troubleshooting
Replacing the Bungee Shock Cord
Warranty
4
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
19
20
20
21
22
23
24
25
29

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FR-E316
1
FR-E316
FR-E316
FR-E316
FR-E316
FR-E316
FR-E316
VX-2
VX-2
VX-2
VX-2
VX-2
VX-2
VX-2
2
3
4
5
6
7
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9
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11
13
14
15 16
17
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29 31 32 33
Box Contents
Box 2 Contents

5
Item Qty Description Item Qty Description
1 1 Upper Mainframe and Tank 18 1
Bolt M10 x 180 for VX-2
2 1 Lower Mainframe 19 8 Washer M6
3 2 Left/Right Seat Rail 20 15 Washer M10
4 1 Footplate 21 3 Spring Washers M10 for
FR-E316
5 1 Rower Seat 22 4 Plastic Washer M10 for VX-2
6 1 Rear Leg 23 2
Curved Washer M10 for VX-2
7 1 S-Bend Bar Handle Catch 2 Nylock Nut M10 for FR-E316
4 Nylock Nut M10 for VX-2
8 2
Transport Wheel Assembly for
FR-E316 25 1 4mm Allen Key
9 1
Frame Tension Cable for
VX-2 26 1 6mm Allen Key
10 8 Bolt M6 x 20 27 1 8mm Allen Key
11 1
Bolt M10 x 40 for VX-2 28 1 Multi-tool
12 8 Bolt M10 x 47.5 29 1 AA Batteries
13 1
Bolt M10 x 65 for VX-2 30 2 Touch Up Paint
14 1 Bolt M10 x 80 31 1 Water Treatment Tablet
15 3
Bolt M10 x 90 for FR-E316 32 1 Siphon
16 2
Bolt M10 x 140 for VX-2 33 1 Owners Manual
17 2
Bolt M10 x 170 for FR-E316
24

6
FR-E316 Attaching Upper/Lower Frame
M10x90mm bolt, standard
washer and spring washer
Lower Frame
Do not attempt to stand rower until
footplate is attached.
See following page for details
WARNING
Upper Frame
Lower Frame
Remove contents from box, and lay Up-
per Frame (tank assembly) on its back.
Tilt slightly to one side and allow
transport wheels to drop into position.
Secure with M8x35mm bolt. Repeat on
opposite side.
Attach Lower Frame to Upper Frame with
center bolt (M10x90mm bolt[15], stand-
ard washer[20] and spring washer[21])
but do not tighten.
Install left and right side bolts
(M10x90mm bolt[12], standard washer
[20] and spring washer[21]) . Tighten
all three.
Transport Wheel

7
Mainframe
Footplate
Keep hands clear of pivoting parts
during assembly.
WARNING
Attach the Footplate to the Mainframe
(M10x180mm bolt[14], M10 Nylock nut
[24] and 2 x Washers[20]).
Caution: The Footplate is heavy, FDF
recommends two people for this section
of assembly.
Note: Once Footplate is secured, the
assembly can be continued from this
position for added stability.
Attach the Seat Rails[3] to the Foot-
plate[4] using M10x47.5 bolts[12],
M6x20 bolts[10], screws and 4x10mm
[20]/4x6mm[19] washers.
FR-E316 Attaching Footplate and Seat Rails

8
Install the Rower Seat[5] with seat in-
dentation facing rearward.
Install the Rear Leg[6] Assembly to the
Seat Rails using M10x47.5 bolts[12],
M6x20 Allen key screws[10] and
4x10mm[20]/4x6mm[19] washers.
M10x47.5mm
bolt and washer
M6x20mm bolt
Caution: The Rower Seat is heavy.
Grasp firmly and use both hands to
guide the Rower Seat down the Seat
Rail.
FLUID ROWER Installing the Rower Seat and Rear Leg FR-E316 Installing the Rower Seat and Rear Leg

9
1
Carefully lower the rower to its normal
operating position to complete assem-
bly with S-bend installation and frame
tensioning bolt.
Install rear of S-Bend[7] onto the Upper
Frame using M10x80mm bolt[14], M10
Nylock Nut[24] and 2x M10 washers
[20].
1
2
3
FR-E316 Installing S-Bend and Frame Tensioning Bolt

10
Tilt Upper Frame slightly forward and se-
cure front of S-Bend to Footplate using
M10x15mm bolt and washer.
(Note: M10x15mm bolt and washer
are pre-installed on the S-Bend for
your convenience)
Install the Frame Tensioning Bolt and
tighten as far as it can go. This will pre-
tension the frame to the proper position
and complete the assembly.
2
3

11
VX-2 Attaching Upper/Lower Frame
Lower Frame
Upper Frame
Do not attempt to stand rower until
Footplate/Seat Rail assembly is
attached. See following page for
details.
WARNING
CAUTION
Open box and remove contents. Lie Up-
per Frame on it’s back as shown here.
In the bolt pack, locate 2xM10x140mm
bolts[16] and curved washers[23]
along with 1xM10x65mm[13] dome
head bolt and washer[20]. Connect the
Lower Frame to Upper using
M10x140mm bolts first and do not tight-
en before installing the third M10x65mm
bolt as shown lower right.
Caution: the curved washers can dam-
age paint if not lying flush against oval
tube when tightened. Use care when
securing.
M10x140mm bolts (2x)[16] and (2x)
curved washers[23]. Do not tighten.
CAUTION: Align the curved washer
with curvature of frame for a flush fit and
to avoid scratching.
M10x65mm bolt[13] and washer[20]
Tighten all three bolts.

12
VX-2 Attaching Footplate to Mainframe
Do not attempt to stand rower until
both Footplate and Seat Rails are
attached.
See following page for details.
WARNING
Align bolt holes here
Mainframe
Footplate
Using 2x 170mm bolts[17], 4x stand-
ard washers[20] and 2x Nylock nuts
[24], attach the Footplate[4] to the
Mainframe[1] of the rower as shown.
2x M10x170mm bolts[17], 4x washers
[20], and 2x Nylock nuts[24].
Note: Tighten bolts securely before
moving on to next stage of assembly.

13
Seat Rail
Footplate
M10x47.5mm bolt
M10x47.5mm bolt
M6x20mm bolt
and M6 washer
The front of the Seat Rails have
potentially sharp edges. Use care when
handling.
VX-2 Attaching Seat Rails to Mainframe
Install Seat Rail[3] onto Footplate/
Mainframe Assembly using 4x
M10x47.5mm bolts[12] (no washers)
and 4x M6x20mm bolts[10] with M6
washers[19]
Install the right Seat Rail.
Tip: Install both M10x47.5mm bolts[12]
first from the outside to hold the rail in
position before securing from the inside
with the M6x20mm bolts[10] and M6
washers[19].

14
VX-2 Rower Seat Assembly
4x M6x20mm bolts and 4x
M6 washers
Rower Seat Frame
Rower Seat
Indentation
Seat Frame Neck
CAUTION:
The Rower Seat[5] is heavy.
Use both hands and keep fingers clear
of rower channels when guiding seat
down the seat rails.
Indentation
Install the Rower Seat onto the Rower
Frame using 4x M6x20mm bolts[10]
and 4x M6 washers[19].
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.

15
VX-2 Installing the Rear Leg
Tip: Install all M10x47.5 bolts first from
the outside to hold the Rear Leg in posi-
tion before securing from the inside with
the M6x20mm bolts and M6 washers.
Rear Leg
Using the Rear Leg[6], 4x 10x47.5mm
bolts[12], 4x M6x20mm bolts[10] and
M6 washers[19], mount the Rear Leg
onto Seat Rails and secure as shown be-
low.
M6x20mm bolt[10] and M6 washer[19]
M10x47.5mm bolt[12]

16
VX-2 Installing S-Bend and Frame Tension Cable
1
2
3
4
Carefully lower the rower to its normal
operating position to complete assem-
bly with S-bend installation and Frame
Tension Cable.
Install rear of S-Bend[7] onto the Upper
Frame using M10x80 mm bolt[14], M10
Nylock[24] and 2xM10 washers[20].
1

17
Retaining Nut.
Attach the S-bend to the Footplate as
shown. Tilt the upper frame slightly for-
ward to align in the proper position.
Note the M10x15mm S-bend bolt with
washer is pre-installed on the S-bend for
your convenience.
Align the Frame Tension Cable[9] eye-
let with the Bracket on lower frame and
install with M10x40mm Bolt[11], 4x M10
plastic washers[22] (2 either side of
eyelet and inside the metal bracket) and
Nylock nut[24].
Align and screw the opposite end into
the Rear Leg as shown. Tension until
taut and then secure with Retaining Nut.
2
3
4

18
Siphon valve
Tank Filling and Water Treatment
1. Filling requires a large bucket (not supplied) and the Fluid Rower siphon
(included). Filling will take approximately 7.6 liters of water.
2. Unscrew the yellow tank plug on tank back and insert the flexible tube into the
rear of the tank while keeping the rigid hose in the bucket. Note: The siphon tube
may be impeded by one of the impeller blades. Use the siphon only to push the im-
peller down slightly.
Note: Where water quality is known to be poor, FDF recommends the use of
distilled water.
3. Move the adjuster handle to level 16, and begin filling. Note: The siphon valve
must be closed to allow siphoning action to occur. Tip: Placing the bucket in an el-
evated position will allow the siphon to continually pump water into the tank. Do
not fill past the calibration mark indicated on the tank!
Note: Opening the siphon valve will stop the pumping action. Use this fea-
ture to avoid water spillage when nearing filling completion.
4. Once filling is complete (to the proper calibration level as indicated on the tank),
follow water treatment schedule as shown.
Note: the lower tank plug is permanently sealed.
Do not for any reason insert fingers into
the tank!
Fill tank as shown left. Use the yellow
plug only for filling.
Fill with adjuster handle at level 16 only.
Once filling is complete, use a coin or
large blade screwdriver to tighten tank
plug into place.
Warning:
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
Caution:
Use a drop cloth under the tank both when filling the tank to
avoid staining floor or carpet.

19
It is recommended that a drop cloth be used under the fluid
tank whenever the tank is open for water treatment
CAUTION:
Long Term Water Treatment and Basic Operation
Heel Support Adjuster:
The FLUID ROWER has a unique and easy to use Heel Support Adjuster. Simply
slide the Adjuster up or down to the required position. This should place the ball of
your foot directly under the horizontal Foot Straps. Secure Foot Straps. The Heel
Support allows the user to row without shoes if desired.
Resistance:
The level of resistance is determined by the level indicator located
on the front of the tank. Level one indicates lightest resistance,
level sixteen represents heaviest resistance. Allow three to four
strokes after adjusting resistance handle to allow the water to
move to the correct location.
Vertical Storage:
The FLUID ROWER can easily be stored in a vertical, upright 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 upper rear of
the unit to avoid marring either the paint or Perspex cover.
CAUTION: Important: Do not fill past the calibration mark as indicated on
the tank level sticker or water spillage can occur. See tank filling/water
treatment page for details.
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.

20
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 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.