First Degree FR-E520 User manual

Owners Manual
FR-E520
English

Training with the E520
1. As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a
physician before beginning your E520 exercise
program.
2. Follow instructions provided in this manual for
correct foot position and basic rowing tech-
niques.
CAUTION
1. The E520 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 indi-
cated by the warning sticker on the mainframe
of your machine and on the rear of the fluid tank.
Contents
1. Contents of E520 Pack.
2. E520 assembly instructions.
3. Tank filling and water treatment.
4. Long term water treatment and basic operation .
5. The E520 Rower Ergometer.
6. How to Row.
7. Maintenance chart.
8. Troubleshooting guide.
9. Adjusting the tank drive belt.
10. Replacing the bungee shock cord.
11. Exploded parts diagram and parts list.
12. Warranty.

Main frame Parts:
1. Main frame.
2. Front leg x2.
3. Rear leg.
4. Rower Seat.
5. Seat Rail (Left/Right)
Taped inside aluminum rails:
1. M10x70mm bolt x2.
2. 10mm washer x2.
3. Seat Rail spacer x2.
Bolt pack contents:
1. M10x20mm x8.
2. M10x47.5mm x4.
3. M10x70mm bolt x2.
4. M6x20mm bolt x4.
5. M10 washer x18.
6. M6 washer x4.
7. M10 nut x4.
Miscellaneous:
1. Funnel and hose.
2. E520 Owners Manual.
3. 6mm Allen key.
4. 4mm Allen key.
5. Chlorine tablets x8
6. Blue dye.
7. Main frame touch up paint.
Funnel and hose
Chlorine tablets
Rear LegRower Seat
2x Front Leg
Seat Rail left
Seat Rail right
Rower Mainframe

Step 1: Requires the mainframe, 2x front leg, 8x M10x20mm
bolt and washer. Remove mainframe from box and lay on soft
surface such as carpet as shown. Tilt frame upward slightly and
install rower front leg with 4x M10x20mm bolt/washer. Repeat for
other leg.
Do not free Rowing handle, Heel support or computer
stalk until assembly is complete.
8x M10x20mm bolt/washer
2x front leg
Mainframe
Install legs with transport
wheels facing forward
Tilt mainframe upward
slightly to install the
lower leg

Next, slowly stand the rower upright. On a hard surface, it is
recommended to place something soft under the rower belt
pulley to avoid surface scratches.
Locate and unwrap the bungee shock cord from
the frame before moving on to the installation of
the seat rails.
Hint: Use mouse pad or soft
cloth under rower belt pulley to
protect from scratches/scuffing
Rower belt pulley
Bungee shock cord

Step 2: Attaching seat rails to frame This portion of the assembly requires the mainframe,
1x left/1x right seat rail, 2x M10x70mm bolt, 4x M10
Nylock nut and 4x M10 washer.
Note 2x M10x70mm bolt/spacer are pre-installed on
the seat rails for your convenience.
M10x70mm bolts, 2x and 4x
Nylock nut/M10 Washer.
Seat Rail attachment
points
Right Seat Rail
Left Seat Rail

Begin with Left seat rail and align using the pre-installed M10x70mm bolt as shown.
Secure from behind with M10 Nylock Nut and M10 Washer.
Left Seat Rail
Next, align and secure lower attachment points using
M10x70mm bolt, M10 Nylock Nut and M10 Washers
Left Seat Rail

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 (previous page) left seat rail.
Right Seat Rail
Bungee pulley
Bungee shock cord

When attaching the bungee hook,
check that the shock cord is running
correctly over the bungee pulley as
shown upper right.
Connect the bungee shock cord to the seat rail as
shown. Next, install the rower seat.
OK
X
Bungee shock
cord w/hook end
CAUTION
Seat indentation facing
rearward
Rower seat is heavy. Use
both hands to guide down
the seat rail

Step 4: Install the rear leg. Requires 4x M10x47.5
bolt, 4x M10 washer, 4x M6x20mm bolt and 4x M6
washer.
Note: the M10x47.5 bolts/washers are to be installed
on the outside of the seat rail, while the smaller,
M6x20mm bolts and washers are fitted on the inside.
Rear Leg
M10x47.5mm bolt and
M10 washer
M6x20mm bolt and
M6 washer
4x M10x47.5mm bolt
and M10 Washer
4x M6x20mm bolt
and M10 Washer

Lower your E520 to the operational position and
free the Heel Support Plate, Rowing handle and
Computer stalk mount to complete the assembly.
Free computer stalk
mount
Free Heel Support plate
Release rowing handle

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 al-
low 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 prop-
erly filled tank holds approximately 8liters of water.
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
treatment. The blue dye adds visual
appeal as well as cutting down the
amount of light affecting the tank wa-
ter, extending the amount of time be-
tween water treatments.
Note: The blue
dye is extremely
concentrated and
will readily stain car-
pet or clothing.
Caution: Use a drop cloth when filling or adding blue dye
Blue Dye
Yellow tank fill plug
Filling hose and funnel
Draining the Fluid tank:
When draining indoors, a
suitable container capable of
holding 8 liters of water is re-
quired.
Open the yellow fill plug,
and on a protective surface,
turn the E520 on its side as
shown. Once the rower is in
this position, the tank can be
easily drained.
Caution: The rower is
heavy. Use two people
when draining the tank.
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: Note: the lower tank plug is
permanently sealed.
Use a drop cloth
for splash and
stain protection.
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.

Heel support adjuster: The E520 has a unique and easy to use Heel plate Support system. Sim-
ply 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.
Resistance:
Resistance is determined by the level indicator on the front of the tank. Level 1 indicates lightest resis-
tance 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 provide accurate input at each in-
dividual tank level. Consult your IPM computer manual (included) for details.
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 E520 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/water treatment page for details.
Long term water treatment and basic operation
Vertical storage: The E520 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.
Level indicator

E520 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 current
exercise program.
Note: For complete
operational instruc-
tions, please refer to
the computer man-
ual, which is included
with your E520.
Reset Clears data.
UNITS displays
WATTS, SPM, HR, 500/m
With
Built-in
Heart
Rate

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 wa-
ter 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 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 forward
over your pelvis and move
forward.
Catch
Catch and begin again.

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 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” 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 required, please contact your local ser-
vice representative or go online at
www.firstdegreefitness.com for further de-
tails.

Troubleshooting Guide
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 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 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 lo-
cal service center if this fails to address the problem.
Rowing belt cannot extend to the end of
rowing stroke or no resistance.
Rowing belt needs to be unwrapped 1 turn
or, requires an extra wrap on the rower belt
pulley
The E-520 computer does not illuminate
after battery installation. Batteries installed incorrectly or need re-
placing. 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 E-520 computer display is erratic
while displaying SPM and 500meter
times.
Gap between sensor and magnetic ring is
too wide. Remove large service cover and check
gap between sensor and magnetic ring
(should be no more than 2.5mm).

Step 1
Step 1: Remove large metal inspec-
tion plate as shown above.
Step 2: Using a long tool, push out the
rear end cap as pictured above right.
This will give you access to the tank
tensioning bolt (shown above right).
Step 3: Loosen both the rear and front
tank bolts slightly as shown left. Re-
move front rubber belt cover.
Step 4: Using a 6mm Allen key,
tighten the belt using the tank tension-
ing bolt until the belt no longer slips
during hard rowing.
Note: Do not over tighten tank
bolts.
Step 2
Step 3 Step 4
Tank Belt adjustment
Tank tensioning bolt
End Cap
Rubber belt cover
Tip: Twist the belt by hand to gauge tightness. Correct
tension should be obtained when no longer able to twist
more than 60 degrees.

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.
1. Unhook bungee cord hook. Remove com-
puter mount with 6mm Allen key. the belt pulley sticker. Then remove C-clip and
black spacer as shown.
2. Carefully peel
back and remove
3. Remove the
belt pulley and the
spacer. Unhook
the bungee cord
end from the pul-
ley and remove by
pulling out from
the bottom.
4. Feed the new bungee cord from below and
reattach end strap to the belt pulley. 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
C-clip
Spacer
Spacer
Ear Strap

45 59
184
193 44
140
Parts List