First Degree Fitness VX-2 Fluid Rower User manual

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Owners Manual

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Contents
1. Contents of VX-2 Pack.
2. VX-2 Assembly Instructions.
3. Tank Filling and Water Treatment.
4. How to Row.
5. Long Term Water Treatment and Basic Operation.
6. Maintenance Chart.
7. Troubleshooting Guide.
8. The VX-2 Rower Ergometer with Optional USB Function
9. Changing the Bungee Cord.
10. Parts List and Warranty.
Training with the VX-2
1. As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician
before beginning your VX-2 exercise program.
2. Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot
position and basic rowing techniques.
CAUTION
1. The VX-2 can stand vertically for storage. When doing so,
please follow the instructions given in the basic operation
section 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

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Box Contents:
Item Qty Description Item Qty Description
1 1 Upper Mainframe and Tank 16 1 4mm Hex Key
2 1 Lower Mainframe 17 1 6mm Hex Key
3 1 Footplate 18 1 Bolt M10 x 40
4 1 Frame Tension Cable 19 15 Washer M10
5 1 Rower seat 20 8 Washer M6
6 1 S-bend bar handle catch 21 2 Curved Washer M10
7 1 Rear leg 22 4 Nut M10
8 1 Seat Rail Left 23 4 Plastic Washer M10
9 1 Seat Rail Right 24 1 8mm Hex Key
10 8 Bolt M10 x 47.5 25 1 Multi-tool
11 8 Bolt M6 x 20 26 1 Owners Manual
12 1 Bolt M10 x 80 27 2 Chlorine tablets
13 2 Bolt M10 x 170 28 2 AA batteries
14 2 Bolt M10 x 140 29 1 Blue dye
15 1 Bolt M10 x 65 30 1 Touch up paint
31 1 Siphon

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

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

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Attaching Seat Rails to Mainframe
Step 1: Install Seat Rail onto Footplate/
Mainframe Assembly using 4x
M10x47.5mm bolts (no washers) and 4x
M6x20mm bolts with M6 washers.
Step 2: Install the right Seat Rail.
Tip: Install both M10x47.5mm bolts first from
the outside to hold the rail in position before
securing from the inside with the M6x20mm
bolts and M6 washers.
Seat Rail
M6x20mm bolt
and M6 washer
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.
Seat Rails
Mainframe Assembly

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Rower Seat Assembly
4x M6x20mm bolts and
4x M6 washers
Install the Rower Seat onto the Rower Frame using 4x M6x20mm bolts and 4x M6 washers.
Indentation
Rower Seat Frame
Rower Seat
Seat Frame
Neck
CAUTION: The Rower Seat is heavy.
Use both hands and keep fingers
clear of rower channels when guiding
seat down the seat rails.
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.
Indentation

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Installing the Rear Leg
Using the Rear Leg, 4x 10x47.5mm bolts, 4x M6x20mm bolts and M6 washers, mount the
Rear Leg onto Seat Rails and secure as shown below.
Tip: Install all M10x47.5 bolts
first from the outside to hold
the Rear Leg in position before
securing from the inside with
the M6x20mm bolts and M6
washers.
Rear Leg
M6x20mm bolt
and M6 washer
M10x47.5mm bolt

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Step 3. Align the Frame Tension Cable eyelet with the Bracket on lower frame
and install with M10x40mm Bolt, 4x M10 plastic washers (2 either side of eyelet
and inside the metal bracket) and Nylock nut.
Then, align and screw the opposite end into the Rear Leg as shown. Tension
until taut and then secure with Retaining Nut.
Carefully lower the rower to its normal operating position to
complete assembly with S-bend installation and Frame
Tension Cable.
Step 1. Install rear of S-bend onto the Upper Frame using
M10x80 mm bolt, M10 Nylock and 2 x M10 washers.
Step 2. Attach the S-bend to
the Footplate as shown. Tilt the
upper frame slightly forward to
align in the proper position.
Note the M10x15mm S-bend
bolt with washer is pre-installed
on the S-bend for your
convenience.
Installing the S-bend and Frame Tension Cable
Retaining Nut.
S-Bend

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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.
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 impeller 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 elevated position will allow the si-
phon 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 feature 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.
Warning:
Do not for any reason insert fingers into the tank!
Water Treatment Procedures:
1. Add one Chlorine tablet.
2. Wait a minimum of 72 hours. Then add very small
amount of blue dye and check for desired color. Impor-
tant! Do not add blue dye for at least 72 hours fol-
lowing Chlorine treatment. The blue dye adds visual
appeal as well as cutting down the amount of light af-
fecting the tank water, thus extending the amount of
time between water treatments.
Blue dye
Use a drop cloth under the tank both when filling the tank and
adding blue dye to avoid staining floor or carpet
Caution:

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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 com-
pletion 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
firstdegreefitness.com

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Long Term Water Treatment:
Do not use any water treatment other than the tablets supplied with this machine. For
replacement tablets, contact your local First Degree Fitness distributor.
Water treatment schedules for the VX-2 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. Remember to
wait 72 hours following the chlorine tablet before adding the blue dye as the Chlorine tablet is
extremely concentrated.
Long Term Water Treatment and Basic Operation
Dyneema Cable Drive:
The Dyneema Cable Drive system allows for simplicity, smoothness and unparalleled perform-
ance. The unique properties of Dyneema Cable make it extremely useful in harsh environments,
such as sailing, climbing, fishing lines, body armor, etc. It is quite literally stronger than steel.
The 6mm Dyneema Cable used on the VX-2 is rated in excess of 1,000kg.
Note: If the Dyneema Cable is twisted excessively, the rowing stroke will feel lumpy. Use the
rower handle to untwist the cable to its normal operating position.
Light fraying is normal. The Dyneema Cable may have a slight “fuzzy” appearance after a pe-
riod of use. Dyneema Cable is extremely abrasion resistant and to some degree self-
lubricating. Expect many years of trouble free performance.
Frame Tension Cable:
The VX-2 is fitted with a Frame Tension Cable which provides improved frame rigidity. The cable
may on occasion require adjustment. For optimum performance, the cable should be taut. If the
cable becomes loose, first loosen the Retaining Nut, retighten the Frame Tension Cable and
then secure the Retaining Nut.
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 desired resistance level
to be reached.
Vertical Storage: The VX-2 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.
It is recommended that a drop cloth be used under the fluid
tank whenever the tank is open for water treatment
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.
CAUTION:

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Item Timeframe Instructions Notes
Seat and Seat
Rails. Weekly. Wipe Seat Rails with lint free cloth. Spray Seat Rails with a
light coat of silicone spray.
Frame. Weekly. Wipe down 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 fol-
low the instructions provided in
the “Changing the Bungee
Cord” section of this manual.
Dyneema Cable. Check monthly for signs of
twisting, excess fraying or
other signs of premature
wear. Note that a light
“fuzz” is perfectly normal
for Dyneema Cable and
will not affect performance
or longevity in any way.
The Dyneema Cable should
rarely require changing, but
should the need arise, please
follow the instructions provided
in the “Changing the Dyneema
Cable” service section of the
First Degree Fitness website at
www.firstdegreefitness.com
Frame Tension
Cable Check regularly for proper tension. Tighten until taut. See Basic Operation page for details
Maintenance chart.

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Fault Probable Cause Solution
Water changes color or be-
comes cloudy. Rower is in direct sunlight or has not had
water treatment.
Change rower location to reduce direct ex-
posure to sunlight. Add water treatment
and blue dye or change tank water as di-
rected in the water treatment section of this
manual.
Rowing stroke return is too
light. Bungee not under enough tension.
Open rear Perspex cover, cut bungee tie
wrap . Tighten by small increments using
the bungee tie off tab point and test tension
by allowing the rowing handle to return to
its furthest point forward while still having
some slight tension. Note light fraying of
the bungee cord is normal.
Rower rocks from side to
side when sitting on floor Front/Rear frame level- ers need adjusting Adjust the front two frame levelers until sta- bility is reached.
Excess Flex in frame during
hard rowing Frame Tension Cable requires tightening
Loosen retaining nut, and tighten rear of
Tension Cable into rear leg until cable is
taut. Retighten retaining nut. It is not nec-
essary to overtighten the Cable.
Computer screen illumi-
nates, but does not register
when rowing.
Loose or failed connec-
tion/Sensor gap too wide
(see erratic computer
display).
Check that the computer lead is connected
properly. If connected properly check sen-
sor gap. Contact your local service center
if this fails to address the problem.
Rowing stroke feels lumpy,
not smooth..
Dyneema Cable is
twisted . You can untwist the Dyneema Cable by simply pulling the rowing handle to the end
and turning the rowing handle to untwist
the cable.
Note: Light fraying is normal.
The VX-2 computer does
not illuminate after battery
installation.
Batteries installed incor-
rectly or need replacing. Reinstall batteries in correct position and try again. If the LCD screen fails to illumi-
nate, try rotating the batteries slightly in the
computer. If this fails, contact your local
service center.
The VX-2 computer display
is erratic while displaying
SPM and 500meter times.
Gap between sensor
and magnetic ring is too
wide.
Adjust sensor location using rear sliding
adjustment located inside rear Perspex
cover to a gap of no more than 2.5mm.
Troubleshooting Guide

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The VX-2 Rower Ergometer
UNITS: Displays WATTS, SPM, HR, 500/m
LEVEL: Adjustable from 1-16. Match LEVEL number with resistance level on the Fluid tank.
SET: Changes Time, Distance parameters
PROGRAM: Clears current exercise program Note: For complete operational
instructions, please refer to the
computer manual, which is
included with your VX-2 Series
rower.
RESET: Clears data
Quick start: Provides instant workout information. Just start training to activate. You can
choose to change UNITS displayed

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The USB connectivity now built in to all new models of FDF Console and IPM allow you to en-
hance 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
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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Replacing the VX-2 Bungee Shock Cord
Step 2. Move the rowing handle
from the S-Bend handle catch to a
point where it is resting on top of the
tank . This helps line up the Bungee
Cord hole for easier removal/
replacement. Detach Bungee Cord
from lower rear attachment point.
Step 3. Unwrap the
Bungee Cord from all
of the Bungee Pulleys.
Step 1. Remove the Perspex
cover from rear of upper frame.
Disconnect sensor lead
before removing cover
completely.
Step 4. Next, remove the magnetic ring. To
loosen the Rear Mainshaft Bolt holding the
magnetic ring in place, it is necessary to keep
the mainshaft and impeller assembly from turn-
ing with the bolt. Open the yellow tank plug,
and insert a wrench wrapped in a lint free cloth
(to protect the electroplating finish on the
blades) to catch the impeller blade and allow
the Rear Mainshaft Bolt to be loosened as
shown below right with a 6mm Allen key.
Caution: Do not allow a dissimilar metal to
directly contact the impeller blade. Premature
rusting could occur . Cover any tool inserted
the tanks with a lint free cloth and keep fingers
clear.
Capture impeller blade using tool covered with a
lint free cloth and a 6mm Allen key to remove
Rear Mainshaft Bolt as show right
Rear Mainshaft Bolt and
Magnetic Ring
WARNING
Do not insert fingers into tank!

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Replacing the VX-2 Bungee Shock Cord
Step 6. Once the Bungee Cord is in
position, make two wraps on the
Rope/Bungee Pulley in a clockwise
direction, making sure the Bungee
Cord tracks in the proper grooves.
Make sure the Bungee is wrapped
behind the Dyneema Cable. Once
the Bungee has reached the position
shown below, you may begin to re-
wrap the Bungee around the Bungee
Pulleys, starting with the upper-right
rear Pulley.
Re-Wrapping
Remove
Replace
Step 5. After removing the magnetic ring, the Bungee Cord will be accessible. Pull through
the Rope/Bungee Pulley and remove. Note that the rower handle should be resting on top of
the tank (as shown in step 2) for the bungee hole to line up. Thread new Bungee Cord
through and pull until knotted end is held securely in the slot.

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Replacing the VX-2 Bungee Shock Cord
Bungee wrapping in order:
1. Rope/Bungee Pulley to upper rear right Bungee Pulley.
2. Upper rear right to lower rear right and left rear Pulleys.
3. Lower left rear to upper left rear Pulley.
4. Upper left rear to lower middle left and right Pulleys.
5. Middle right Pulley to upper right front Pulley.
6. Upper front right Pulley to lower front right and left Pulleys.
7. Lower left front Pulley to upper left front Pulley.
8. Upper left front Pulley to tie off point.
Hint: Keep a slight
tension on the Bungee
Cord when threading
through the Bungee
Pulleys.
2
1
3
4
6
5
Finish the Bungee re-
wrap by tying off the
Bungee. You may
elect to not use a tie
wrap as the metal tab is
designed as a stand
alone attachment point.
Thread the Bungee
through to desired ten-
sion and thread the
Bungee end through
the upper hole as
shown.
8
7
Reattach the Mag-
netic Ring and
Rear Mainshaft
Bolt. Tighten se-
curely.
Finally, reattach
the Sensor Lead
and replace the
Perspex rear
cover.

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82066
10140
10082
82077
11101
73045
10184
10047
10027
10028
10207
10300
14044
70321
11409
83502
50903
73800
74109
60109
73019 70315
10016
73705
73201 65953
82021
74102
Exploded Diagram