First Degree Fluid FR-E216 User manual

Owners Manual
FR-E216

Contents
1. Contents of E-216 Pack.
2. E-216 assembly instructions.
3. Tank filling and water treatment.
4. How to Row/Operational instructions.
5. The E-216 Computer.
6. Long term water treatment/basic
operation.
7. Maintenance and Maintenance Chart.
8. Troubleshooting guide.
9. Changing the Bungee cord.
10. Parts list.
11. Warranty.
Training with the E-216
1. As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician
before beginning your E-216 Rower exercise program.
2. Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot
position and basic rowing techniques.
CAUTION
1. The E-216 can stand vertically for storage. When doing so,
please follow the instructions given in the basic operation sec-
tion of this manual.
CAUTION
2. Keep hands away from moving parts, as indicated by the warn-
ing sticker on the mainframe of your machine and inside the
PVC rear cover.

33.
X2
35
1.
1. Upper mainframe and tank
2. Lower mainframe
3. Seat Rail
4. Footplate
5. S-bend bar handle catch
6. Rower seat
7. Rear leg
8. Siphon
9. Owners Manual
10. 2X AA batteries
11. 8X Chlorine tablets
12. Blue dye
13. Touch up paint
14. M8X60mm Rear leg bolt.
15. Multi-tool
16. 8mm Hex key
17. 6mm Hex Key
18. Rear rubber bumper
19. Vertical seat rail bolt support bracket
20. Rear end cap
21. Vertical seat rail bolt dome cap
22. Rear leg bracket (internal)
23. 10mm Nylock nut
24. 10mm standard washer
25. 10mm Spring washer
26. 8mm standard washer
27. 140mm M10 footplate bolt
28. M10X90mm bolt (lower to upper frame)
29. M10X80mm S-bend bolt
30. M10 Vertical seat rail/upper/lower frame
bolt
31. M8X35mm transport wheel assembly bolt
32. M6X10mm rear bumper bolts
33. Transport wheel and bracket assembly
34. M10x15mm S-bend bolt
35. M10 S-bend Washer
34.
X2
35.
X1
X1

Step 2. Tilt upper frame to one side to allow transport wheel
bracket to fall into position. Attach using the black M8x35mm
bolt . Repeat on opposite side.
E-216 Assembly Instructions
1
2
Step 3. Attach lower frame to upper frame starting with middle
M10x70mm bolt and spring washer. Do not tighten.
3
Step 4. Install left and right side bolts (1x M10X90mm bolt and
1x 10m spring washer on each side). Tighten all three bolts.
4
Step 1. Remove contents from box, and lay upper frame (tank
assembly) on its back. Note: Use protected surface to prevent
scratching Perspex cover.
M10x70mm bolt and
spring washer

Once the lower frame is se-
curely attached, continue
steps 5-9 of the assembly
from this position. 5
Top View
M10x 70mm bolt
Plastic dome cap
Vertical seat rail
support bracket
5a Footplate
Check alignment here Next, attach the seat rail onto the footplate using the M10x70mm bolt,
Plastic dome cap, and Vertical seat rail support bracket as shown.
M10x70mm bolt, Plastic
dome cap, and Vertical
seat rail support bracket
Seat Rail
Footplate
Step 5: Insert the seat rail into the foot-
plate until the front of the seat rail just
protrudes slightly as shown.
Check alignment before installing vertical
seat rail bolt assembly.
Seat Rail 5b

6 Step 6. Install completed footplate/seat rail
assembly onto the main frame as shown, us-
ing M10X140mm bolt, M10 Nylock nut and
2x M10 washers.
Insert the 140mm footplate bolt with a stan-
dard M10 washer through the mainframe,
footplate and seat rail as shown left.
Secure with M10 Nylock nut, and standard
M10 Washer.
Note: For ease of assembly, keep the rower
in this position (with seat rail over the tank)
for Steps 8-9.
WARNING
Keep fingers clear of pivoting
parts during assembly.
M10 x 140mm Seat rail
bolt and M10 washer
M10 Nylock nut and
M10 Washer
Seat Rail
Hold seat rail/Footplate
assembly here

Step 8. Install rear rubber bump stop
using the two M6X10mm screws.
8
Step 9. Attach
the rear seat rail
leg using 2x
M8X60mm
bolts, M10
washers and
internal support
bracket. Insert
rubber seat rail
end cap (not
shown).
Step 7. Install the rower seat. (Make sure seat indentation is
facing rearward as pictured)
7 9 Rear Leg
Internal support
bracket
M8x60mm
Bolts and 10mm
washers

Carefully lower the rower to its nor-
mal operating position to complete
assembly with S-bend installation
and frame tensioning bolt.
Step 10. Install rear of S-bend onto the
upper frame using M10x80mmbolt,
M10Nylock and 2xM10washers.
Step 12. 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.
Step 11. Attach the S-bend to the foot-
plate as shown. Tilt the upper frame
slightly forward to align in the proper po-
sition. Note the M10x15mm S-bend
bolt w/washer is pre-installed on the S-
bend.
Keep fingers clear of pivoting parts and rower
seat when lowering to operating position.
Caution
10
11
12

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 right tank plug on the rear of the fluid tank 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.
Warning:
Do not insert fingers into tank.
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 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 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 left.
Caution: Use a drop cloth under the tank both when
filling the tank and adding blue dye to avoid
staining floor or carpet.
Water Treatment
Procedures:
1. Add Chlorine tablet.
2. Wait a minimum of 72
hours. Then add very small
amount of blue dye and
check for desired color. Im-
portant! Do not add blue
dye for at least 72 hours
following Chlorine treat-
ment. The blue dye adds
visual appeal as well as
cutting down the amount of
light affecting the tank wa-
ter, thus extending the
amount of time between
water treatments.
Blue dye
Siphon
valve
Fill tank as shown
left. Use the right
plug only for fill-
ing.
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.

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.
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 is sufficient to 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 forward
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 for-
ward over your pelvis
and move forward.
Catch
Catch and begin
again.

Operational Instructions Operational Instructions:
Heel support Adjustment:
The E-216 has a unique and easy to use Heel Support Ad-
juster (Pat. Pend.). Simply loosen the footplate knob and
slide the Adjuster up or down to required position. This
should place the ball of your foot directly under the horizontal
Foot Straps. Tighten knob and 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 lo-
cated on the front of the tank. Level one indicates lightest re-
sistance, level sixteen represents heaviest resistance.
Important: Do not fill past the calibration mark as indicated
on the tank level sticker or water spillage will occur. See tank
filling/water treatment page for details.
Caution! FDF strongly recommends using a drop
Cloth under the tank when filling, and
especially when adding the blue dye.
The blue dye will readily stain carpet or
clothing.
Caution
Always row with your feet secured in the foot straps.

Computer Instructions The E-216 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.
SPM: Strokes per minute updated each stroke.
WATTS: Indication of watts at resistance level16.
CAL HOUR: Updated each stroke.
PROGRAMMING: Computer will auto start.
Note: Computer will reset and begin to count up after
10 seconds of inactivity
Options (Hold button down for one second first to reset computer)
1. Add 1000m distance each button push to accumulate required
distance then begin rowing.
2. Interval training.
Row distance as above.
Stop rowing. Computer will wait 10 seconds then begin a count up
to a maximum of 6 minutes to allow you to time your rest interval.
E-216

CAUTION
Important: Do not fill past the calibration mark as indi-
cated 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 machine. For replacement tablets, con-
tact your local First Degree Fitness distributor.
Water treatment schedules for the E-216 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
Caution: It is critical that a drop cloth be used
Under.
The fluid tank whenever the tank plug is
opened for water treatment.
Resistance:
The level of resistance is deter-
mined by the level indicator located
on the front of the tank. Level one
indicates lightest resistance, level
sixteen represents heaviest resis-
tance. Allow three to four strokes
after adjusting resistance handle to
allow the water to move to the cor-
rect location.
Dyneema Rope drive
The unique Dyneema rope drive system allows for simplicity,
smoothness and unparalleled performance. The unique properties
of Dyneema 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 rope used on the E-216 is
rated in excess of 1,000kg.
Note: If the Dyneema rope is twisted excessively, the rowing stroke
will feel lumpy. Use the rower handle to untwist the rope to its nor-
mal operating position.
Light fraying is normal. The Dyneema may have a slight “fuzzy” ap-
pearance after a period of use. Dyneema is extremely abrasion re-
sistant and to some degree self-lubricating. Expect many years of
trouble free performance.
Heel support adjuster:
The E-216 has a unique and easy to use Heel Support Adjuster. Sim-
ply 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.
Long term water treatment and basic operation
Vertical storage: The E-216 can easily be stored in a ver-
tical, upright position. For safety, choose a suitable loca-
tion, 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.

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 follow
the instructions provided in the
“Changing the bungee cord” sec-
tion of this manual.
Dyneema Rowing Rope. Check monthly for signs of
twisting, excess fraying or
other signs of premature
wear. Note that a light “fuzz”
is perfectly normal for
Dyneema rope and will not
affect performance or longev-
ity in any way.
The Dyneema rowing rope should
rarely require changing, but should
the need arise, please follow the
instructions provided in the
“Changing the Dyneema rope”
section of in the service section of
the First Degree Fitness website at
www.firstdegreefitness.com
Maintenance chart.

Fault Probable Cause Solution
Water changes color or becomes
cloudy. Rower is in direct sunlight or has not had water treatment.
Change rower location to reduce direct exposure to
sunlight. Add water treatment and blue dye or change
tank water as directed in the water treatment section of
this manual.
Rowing stroke return 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 levelers need ad- justing Adjust the front two frame levelers or rear leg levelers until stability is reached. Note: It is normal for the lower
rear leveler to rest slightly off the floor.
Front of rower lifts slightly during
vigorous rowing. Lower rear frame leveler too high.
Check to see that frame tensioning bolt is tightened
properly. Lower rear frame leveler should be approx
5mm off the ground.
Computer screen illuminates, but
does not register when rowing.
Loose or failed connection/Sensor
gap too wide (see erratic computer
display).
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 stroke feels lumpy, not
smooth..
Dyneema rope is twisted . You can untwist the Dyneema rope by simply pulling
the rowing handle to the end and turning the rowing
handle to untwist the rope.
Note: Light fraying is normal.
The E-216 computer does not illumi-
nate after battery installation. Batteries installed incorrectly or need replacing. Reinstall batteries in correct position and try again. If the LCD screen fails to illuminate, try rotating the batter-
ies slightly in the computer. If this fails, contact your lo-
cal service center.
The E-216 computer display is er-
ratic while displaying SPM and
500meter times.
Gap between sensor and magnetic
ring is too wide. Adjust sensor location using rear sliding adjustment lo- cated inside rear Perspex cover.
Troubleshooting Guide

Replacing the E-216 bungee shock cord
Step 1. Remove the Perspex
cover from rear of upper
frame. Disconnect sensor
lead.
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 at-
tachment point.
Step 3. Unwrap the bungee
cord from all of the bungee
pulleys.
1
2
3

Replacing the E-216 bungee shock cord
Step 4. Next, remove the magnetic ring. To loosen the rear mainshaft bolt holding the magnetic ring in place, it is neces-
sary to keep the mainshaft and impeller assembly from turning with the bolt. Open the right rear 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.
WARNING
Do not insert fingers into tank!
4 4

Replacing the E-216 bungee shock cord
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 un-
til knotted end is held securely in the slot.
Step 6. Once the bungee cord is in position, make
two wraps on the rope/bungee pulley in a clockwise
direction, checking to see that the bungee cord
tracks in the proper grooves. Make sure the
bungee is wrapped behind the Dyneema rope when
threading to the first bungee pulley (shown next
page).. Once the bungee has reached the position
shown below, you may begin to rewrap the bungee
around the bungee pulleys, starting with the upper-
right rear pulley.
5 6

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 rear left 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 pul-
leys.
7. Lower left front pulley to upper left front pulley.
8. Upper left front pulley to tie off point.
Replacing the E-216 bungee shock cord
1
3
Hint: Keep a slight
tension on the
bungee cord when
threading through
the bungee pulleys.
2
4

Replacing the E-216 bungee shock cord
5
6
7
8
Finish the bungee rewrap by tying
off the bungee. You may elect to
not use a tie wrap as the metal tab
is designed as a stand alone at-
tachment point. Thread the
bungee through to desired tension
and thread the bungee end through
the upper hole as shown.
Reattach the magnetic ring.
Tighten securely.
Finally, reattach the sensor
lead and replace the Per-
spex rear cover.