First Degree Fitness VX-3 Fluid rower User manual

Owners Manual

2
Contents
1. Contents of VX-3 Pack.
2. VX-3 Assembly Instructions.
3. Tank Filling and Water Treatment.
4. Long Term Water Treatment and Basic Operation .
5. The VX-3 Rower Ergometer with USB Function.
6. How to Row.
7. Maintenance Chart.
8. Troubleshooting Guide.
9. Adjusting the Tank Drive Belt.
10. Replacing the Bungee Shock Cord.
11. Exploded Diagram and Parts List.
12. Warranty.
Training with the VX-3
1. As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before beginning your VX
-3 exercise program.
2. Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position and basic rowing
techniques.
CAUTION
1. The VX-3 can stand for storage. When doing so, please follow the instructions given
on the basic operation section of this manual.
CAUTION
2. Keep hands away from moving parts, as indicated by the warning sticker on the
mainframe of your machine and on the rear of the fluid tank.

3
Box Contents:
1
M10 x11
Item Qty Description Item Qty Description
1 1 Mainframe and Tank 11 5 Washer M6
2 1 Seat Rail Left 12 11 Washer M10
3 1 Seat Rail Right 13 1 4mm Hex Key
5 1 Rower seat 14 1 6mm Hex Key
6 1 Rear leg 15 1 Multi-tool
7 5 Bolt M10 x 47.5 16 2 AA batteries
8 5 Bolt M6 x 20 18 1 Touch up paint
9 *4 Bolt M10 x 80 19 1 Chlorine tablets
10 4 Nut M10 Nylock 20 1 Funnel and hose
21 1 Owners Manual
* Note Hardware pack contains 2x M10x80 bolts only. The remaining bolts are pre-
installed on the Rower seat rails for assembly convenience.

4
Step 1: Remove mainframe and all components from mainbox. Check that all parts are present.
Slowly stand Rower mainframe upright.
Once the rower is safely standing upright on a stable
surface, locate and unbox the left/right Seat Rails
and hardware kit for the next step of assembly.
Note: The seat assembly bolts (4x M6x20) are pre-
installed on the rower seat.
CAUTION: The VX-3 components such as main-
frame and seat rails are heavy. Use care during
assembly.
WARNING: The VX-3 seat rails can have sharp
edges on the front portion facing the mainframe.
Use caution during assembly.
Hint: Use mouse pad or soft
cloth under rower belt pulley to
protect from scratches/scuffing
Rower Belt Pulley
Step 2:
Bungee Shock Cord
Locate and unwrap the Bungee Shock
Cord from the frame before moving on to
the installation of the Seat Rails.
Caution: Do not free the Rowing Handle, Heel Adjuster or Computer Stalk before
assembly is complete.

5
Left Seat Rail
This portion of the assembly requires the Mainframe, 1x Left/1x Right Seat Rail, 2x M10x80mm
Bolt, 4x M10 Nylock nut.
*Note: 2x M10x80mm bolt/spacer are pre-installed on the Seat Rails for your convenience.
Right Seat Rail
Left Seat Rail
M10x80mm Bolts, *2x, 4x M10 washers
and 4x Nylock nuts.
Begin with Left Seat Rail. Align using the
pre-installed M10x80mm bolt as shown.
Secure from behind with M10 Nylock nut.
Step 3: Attaching Seat Rails to Frame
Right Seat Rail
Bungee Pulley
Bungee Shock Cord
Before installation of the Right Seat Rail, thread the
Bungee Shock Cord through the top of the Seat Rail,
around the Bungee Pulley and out the bottom as shown.
Once this is complete, repeat the same assembly
procedure as used on the Left Seat Rail.
Seat Rail Attachment
Points
Align and secure lower attachment points using
M10x80mm bolt, M10 Nylock nut and M10
washers.
Left Seat Rail
Next, install lower left
Seat Rail.
M10x80mm bolt, Ny-
lock nut and M10
washers.

6
Step 4: 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
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.
CAUTION: The Rower Seat is heavy.
Use both hands and keep fingers
clear of rower channels when guiding
seat down the seat rails.
Indentation
Tip: Your seat when correctly assembled
should resemble a “Z”

7
Step 5: Installing the Rear Leg
Rear Leg, 5x 10x47.5 bolts 5x M10 washers, 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
and M10 washer
Note: Third bolt hole on right of Rear leg and Seat
Rail is for bungee hook attachment.

8
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.
When attaching the Bungee Hook, check
that the Shock Cord is running correctly
over the Bungee Pulley as shown upper
right.
OK
X
Bungee Shock Cord
w/ Hook End
Connect the Bungee Shock
Cord to the extra bolt on the
Rear Leg/Seat Rail using the
hook end as shown.
Step 6: Attaching Bungee Shock
Cord

9
Step 7: Completing the Installation:
To complete the assembly, free the Heelplate, the
Rower Handle and computer stalk.
Install the 2x AA batteries into the computer.
Heelplate
Rower
Handle
Computer stalk
WARNING: Do not free the rower
handle before Step 6 (Attaching
Bungee Shock Cord) has been
completed.

10
Tank Filling and Water Treatment
Open the rear upper Yellow Tank Plug and insert hose into tank (rotating the impeller slightly may be
necessary to allow the hose to pass), 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. A properly filled tank
holds approximately 8liters of water.
Do not under any circumstances put fingers into the tank. Use the
end of the hose to move the impeller should the need arise.
Warning:
Use a drop cloth for splash and
stain protection.
Caution: The rower is
heavy. Use two people
when draining the tank.
Note: the lower Black Tank Plug is
permanently sealed.
Yellow
Tank
Plug
Filling Hose and Funnel
Note: A large bucket is required for filling (Not included)
In areas where tap water quality is known to be poor, FDF recommends the use of distilled
water.
Draining the Fluid Tank:
When draining indoors, a suitable container capable of holding 8 liters of water is required.
Open the Yellow Tank Plug, and on a protective surface, turn the VX-3 on its side as
shown above. Once the rower is in this position, the tank can be easily drained.
Water Treatment Procedures:
1. Add Chlorine tablet.
2. Enough Chlorine Tablets are supplied for many
years of Water treatment. Add a chlorine Tablet
whenever the Water appears dirty or cloudy.
WARNING: Only use First Degree Fitness Supplied
Water treatment tablets.
Use a drop cloth under the tank when
filling the tank to avoid damage floor or
carpet
Caution:

11
Heel Support Adjuster:
The VX-3 has a unique and easy to use Heel Plate Support system. Simply slide the Heel Plate
up or down and allow the teeth to lock it into place. This should be adjusted to place the ball of
your foot directly under each horizontal foot strap. Tighten to secure before rowing.
CAUTION: It is strongly recommended that a drop cloth be used under the
fluid tank whenever the tank plug is opened for water treatment. The blue dye treated
water will readily stain carpet or clothing.
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-3 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.
CAUTION: Do not fill past the calibration mark as indicated on the tank level
sticker or water spillage may occur. See Tank Filling and Water Treatment page for
details.
Long Term Water Treatment and Basic Operation
Vertical Storage:
The VX-3 can easily be stored in a vertical 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 rowing pulley of the unit to avoid chipping or floor damage. Note:
Move with caution as the machine is heavy. Pick up from back and pull at 45 degree angle.
Resistance:
Resistance is determined by the Level Indicator on the
front of the tank. Level 1 indicates lightest resistance and
level twenty the heaviest. Allow three to four strokes, after
moving the level indicator, for the new level to be
achieved. Note computer level must be changed to pro-
vide accurate input at each individual tank level. Consult
your IPM computer manual (included) for details.
Level Indicator

12
VX-3 Rower Ergometer.
Quick start provides instant workout information. Just start training to activate. You can
choose to change UNITS displayed.
LEVEL Adjustable
from 1-20
SET Changes Time,
Distance parameters.
PROGRAM Clears cur-
rent exercise program.
Note: For complete operational instructions, please refer to the
computer manual, which is included with your VX-3.
RESET Clears data.
UNITS
displays
WATTS,
SPM, HR,

13
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 Sen-
sor and Heart Rate Monitor Connectors.
- Connect to a Laptop or PC using a standard USB cable, you may need to wait while Win-
dows 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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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
rocking slightly
back on your pel-
vis.
Recovery
Upper body tips
forward 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.

15
Maintenance Chart.
Item Timeframe Instructions Notes
Seat and Seat Rails. Weekly. Wipe seat rails with a clean, dry
cloth. Lightly spray the inside of
rails with silicone spray.
Frame. Weekly. Wipe down with lint free cloth.
Tank and Water Treat-
ment. 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.
Rowing Belt. Check every hundred
hours for correct tension
and for signs of wear.
The Rowing Belt should provide
many years of trouble free use.
If a rowing belt change is re-
quired, please contact your local
service representative or go
online at
www.firstdegreefitness.com for
further details.

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Troubleshooting Guide
Fault Probable Cause Solution
Water changes color or
becomes cloudy. Rower is in direct sunlight or has not had water treat-
ment.
Change rower location to reduce direct expo-
sure to sunlight. Add water treatment or change
tank water as directed in the water treatment
section of this manual.
Rowing stroke return is
too light. Bungee not under enough tension.
Rowing Belt missing one
wrap around rower belt
pulley.
Bungee has slipped off
the Bungee Pulley Wheel.
Cut Bungee Tie Rack and tighten slightly on
Bungee Hook.
Computer screen illumi-
nates, but does not regis-
ter when rowing.
Loose or failed connec-
tion/Sensor gap too wide
(see erratic computer dis-
play).
Check that the computer lead is connected
properly. If connected properly check sensor
gap. Contact your local service center if this
fails to address the problem.
Rowing Belt cannot ex-
tend to the end of rowing
stroke or no resistance.
Rowing Belt needs to be
unwrapped 1 turn or, re-
quires an extra wrap on
the Rower Belt Pulley
The VX-3 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 illuminate, try
rotating the batteries slightly in the computer. If
this fails, contact your local service center.
The VX-3 computer dis-
play is erratic while dis-
playing SPM and
500meter times.
Gap between sensor and
magnetic ring is too wide.
Remove large service cover and check gap be-
tween sensor and magnetic ring (should be no
more than 2.5mm).

17
Step 3: Loosen both the rear and front
tank bolts slightly as shown left. Remove
front Rubber Belt Cover.
Step 4: Using a 6mm Allen Key, tighten
the Belt using the Tank Tensioning Bolt
until the belt no longer slips during hard
rowing.
Note: Do not over tighten tank bolts.
Tank Belt Adjustment
Step 2
End Cap
Step 4
Tank Tensioning Bolt
Tip: Twist the belt by hand to gauge
tightness. Correct tension should be ob-
tained when no longer able to twist more
than 60 degrees.
Step 3
Step 1
Step 1: Remove large metal in-
spection plate as shown above.
Step 2: Using a long tool, push
out the rear end cap as pictured
below left. This will give you ac-
cess to the tank tensioning bolt
(shown lower right).

18
2. Carefully peel
back and remove
the Belt Pulley Sticker. Then remove C-Clip and
Black Spacer as shown.
Bungee Cord Replacement. Dealer Assistance Required
(Expect 2-5 years bungee life in commercial use. Damage during initial rower assembly is not covered
under warranty)
Note: A light tap may be required if the black inner Spacer will not pass inside the frame.
Reassemble. Note: A tight C-Clip mounting indicates the process should be repeated as the belt is
jammed up.
5. Attach the Spacer to the end of the rower pul-
ley and use the “ear” to help thread the strap
into the machine. Note that the Spacer may re-
quire being tilted just slightly to allow it to pass
through.
Tilt Spacer
slightly
Ear
Reattach the Bungee Hook to the end of the
Seat Rail, install outer Spacer, C-Clip and
Sticker. Test for proper installation. If the C-
Clip cannot be reinstalled, then remove Pulley
and try again as the Strap may be jammed.
The Joiner should be
able to reach this po-
sition.
Pulley
Sticker
C-Clip
Spacer
1. Unhook Bungee Cord Hook. Remove com-
puter mount with 6mm Allen key.
3. Remove the
Belt Pulley and
the Spacer. Un-
hook the Bungee
Cord End from the
Pulley and re-
move by pulling
out from the bot-
tom.
Spacer
4. Feed the new Bungee Cord from below and
reattach end strap to the Belt Pulley.
Ear Strap

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A085 Belt Pulley/Main Drive Assembly E520
10021 1 Decal - Belt Pulley
10052 1 Grub Screw M4x6
10083 1 Dome Head Bolt M10x20
10109 1
PK Belt 7 Rib 926mm Hutchinson
10137 1 Belt Pulley Spacer 38*25.5*2t
10138 1 Washer 30x11.2x3t SUS
10139 1 Spring Washer M10 5.25x8.4x2
10146 1 Ball Bearing NSK6006ZZ
10196 1 Wave Washer M26
13014 1
Belt Pulley & 2 x INA One Way Bearings
#10019
10070
10170 10067 10176
10173
11502
10175
11101
11404
10174
10121
10072
10069
13907
73210
74038
60709
11517
10066
10068
10066 2 End Cap 100x100mm
10067 2 Rubber Cover for Large PK Pulley
10068 1
Large Steel Side Cover 276mm
10069 1 End Cap 75x50mm
10070 16 Round Head Phillips Screw M4x10
10072 1 Small Steel Side Cover 100mm
10121 2
Non Slip for Rower Foot Plate 520
10170 4 Washer M4
10173 6 Counter Sunk Bolt M6x15
10174 2 Nylock Nut M6
10175 1 Heel Support Pin
10176 2
Foot Strap & Buckle #10177
11101 1 Heel Support
11404 2 Bar Catch - 520
11502 1 Main Frame—VX-3
11517 4 Spacer for VX-3 Transport Wheel
13907 2
Hex Head Bolt M8x75
60709 2 Nylock Nut M8
73210 2 Transport Wheel - VX-1/VX-2/216/316
74038 4 Rubber Bumper
VX-3 Main Frame Assembly
10015
10109
10083
10138
10052
10012
10011
10013
10196
10011 1 Bearing Housing on Pulley Shaft
10012 1
Bearing NSK6005ZZ
10013 1
Main Pulley Shaft & Shaft Sleeve Bear-
10015 1 Large PK Transmission Pulley 150mm
10016 1 C Clip STW-25
10017 1 Key Way 7x7x32
10018 1 Nylon Pulley Spacer 60x40x6.5
10016
10137
10019
10019
10018
13014
10146
10017
10139
10021

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A009 Tank Assembly
10062 Bolt M3x12
10046 (Large
Tank Seal)
10039 (O-
ring 32x3.5-
CR)
70321-Tank Plug
10207- Tank Plug Yellow
10044 Tank Outer
Cover Ring - Blue
Refer to Tank Cover Assembly
Refer to A054 Tank Back
and Flywheel Assembly
10039 (O-Ring
32x3.5-CR)
Note to Distributor/Retailer:
This drawing is an overview of the Tank
assembly. Items marked with part num-
bers do not appear in the separate sub-
assembly drawings. Sub-assemblies within
the tank itself have separate drawings as
shown on this general reference page. All
part numbers shown here will appear on
the Master parts list along with descrip-
tions.
A006 Sensor Kit
Note: Includes Parts
10157 (Sensor)
10156 (Sensor mounting
bracket)
10157 Magnetic Ring &
6x Rare Earth Magnet
4mm #1005
20150 (M10x15 sensor
bracket bolt)
10036
10027 10034
10033
10032
10059
10162
10184 10193
10028
10030
13045
10035
Tank Cover Assembly 10027 1
Adjuster Handle Shaft
10028 1
Backing Plate 0.8mm SUS
10030 1 Adjuster PP Tank Ring 358x10
10032 2
Nylon Resistance Adjuster O Ring
12x9x1.5
10033 4
Washer 10x4.2x1 SUS
10034 4 Nut M4 SUS
10035 4
Hex Bolt M4 SUS
10036 12
Counter Sunk Tapping Screw M3x20 SUS
10162 2
Tapping Screws M8x10
10184 1 Adjuster Handle & PU Cover P/N 10193
13045 1
PC Tank Cover & Level Decal 20R - Blue