Stairmaster Stratus Systems User manual

Stratus Systems
Owner’s Manual

Page iii
©1997, 2000 StairMaster Health & Fitness Products™ and StairMaster are either a registered
trademark or trademark of StairMaster Health & Fitness Products™ in the
United States and/or other countries. StairMaster is a Rutledge Capital company.
P/N 21442-H
Printed in the United States.
© 1997, 2000 StairMasterHealth & Fitness Products™
All rights reserved.
Corporate Headquarters
12421 Willows Road N.E., Suite 100
Kirkland, WA 98034
[phone]
[phone]
Fax [phone]
www.stairmaster.com

Page iv
WARRANTY
This is to certify that the StairMaster®Stratus systems cycle ergometer is
warranted for a period of three years by StairMaster Health & Fitness Products™
to be free of all defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty does not
apply to any defect caused by negligence, misuse, accident, alteration, improper
maintenance, or an “act of God.” This warranty is nontransferable from the
originalowner.
If, within three years from the date of purchase, any part of the StairMas-
ter Stratus systems cycle ergometer should fail to operate properly (except any
accessories or the battery), contact our Customer Service
Department to report the problem. International customers should contact their
local distributor. When calling, please be prepared to provide our customer
service representative with the following information:
• Your name, shipping address, and telephone number;
• The model number of the inoperable unit;
• The serial number of the inoperable unit (located on the frame);
• The date(s) of purchase for the inoperable unit(s);
• Your billing address.
This information will ensure that you are the only one ordering parts under
your warranty protection. If warranty replacement parts are shipped to you, you
may be required to return the inoperable part. To facilitate this process, the
followingpolicy has beenestablished:
• Please call our Customer Service Department to receive a return goods
authorization prior to shipment.
• StairMaster Health & Fitness Products™ will incur all freight (i.e.,
shipping and handling) charges for warranty parts ordered for a product
that is less than 45 days old. The parts will be shipped to you via an
overnight courier.
• The customer is responsible for freight charges on warranty parts for
products that are more than 45 days old. Customers will not be
responsible for the return shipment of the inoperable parts (see below).
• Some inoperable warranty parts must be promptly returned to our
Customer Service Department. We will pay the shipping cost for the
inoperable warranty parts. Detailed instructions are included with each
warranty replacement part shipment.
StairMaster Health & Fitness Products™ neither makes, assumes, nor
authorizes any representative or other person to make or assume for us, any
other warranties whatsoever, whether expressed or implied, in connection with
the sale, service, or shipment of our products. We reserve the right to make
changes and improvements in our products without incurring any obligation to
similarly alter products previously purchased. In order to maintain your product
warranty and to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your StairMaster
Stratus systems cycle ergometer, only authorized replacement parts can be used.
This warranty is void if any parts other than those provided by StairMaster
Health & Fitness Products™ are used.
* Note: Aerosol products cannot be transported via air.

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PREFACE
The StairMaster®Stratus systems cycle ergometer is a safe and effective way
to develop aerobic fitness while conditioning the major muscles of the lower
body. In order to get the best results, and to keep your machine in peak operating
condition, you should carefully read and follow the guidelines presented in this
manual.
WHAT IS IN THIS MANUAL?
This manual includes sections on safety, installation, operating instructions,
preventive maintenance, and detailed information on troubleshooting and repair
procedures. An appendix at the end of the manual provides important phone
numbers and drawings.
WHAT IS THE STAIRMASTER STRATUS CYCLE
ERGOMETER?
The Stratus systems cycle ergometers have 14 levels of intensity for the
MANUAL program and 20 levels of intensity for the other programs. The Stratus
uses a variable resistance system to maintain constant power within any given
intensity level. The resistance decreases as you pedal faster and increases as
you pedal slower. The variable resistance system ensures you will do the same
amount of work regardless of how fast or slow you pedal.
WHAT IS THE BATTERY CHARGER USED FOR?
Plug in the battery charger only to recharge a weak battery. Exercising on the
Stratus cycle while the battery charger is connected will not damage the
machine, but will affect the power output (watts) statistics.

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CONTENTS
SAFETY GUIDELINES .......................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................3
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.....................................................................5
BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................6
Adjustments..........................................................................................6
The ATTRACT Mode..............................................................................7
Basic Instructions For First-Time Users ................................................7
GENERAL EXERCISE GUIDELINES .................................................................9
Setting a Goal .......................................................................................9
FlexibilityTraining .................................................................................9
ExercisePrinciples ................................................................................10
CONTACT HEART RATE (OPTIONAL).............................................................11
POLAR® HEART RATE.......................................................................................12
CONSOLE ...........................................................................................................13
Text Bar .................................................................................................13
Display ..................................................................................................13
Function Keypad....................................................................................14
Exercise Program Keypad .....................................................................16
Road Race .............................................................................................25
Custom Exercise Programs ...................................................................26
Custom Scrolling Message...................................................................27
Editing the Scrolling Message..............................................................28
Set Maximum Workout Length.............................................................29
Changing to the Clinical Mode .............................................................29
Changing the Console Units and Prompt Language .............................29
Console Codes ......................................................................................30
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................31
Helpful Hints .........................................................................................31
Tool List .................................................................................................31
Maintenance Records...........................................................................31

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CONTENTS
InitialService ........................................................................................32
Preventive Maintenance.......................................................................32
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES ................................................................36
GeneralTroubleshooting Guidelines.....................................................36
Systematic Electrical Troubleshooting..................................................36
Systematic Mechanical Troubleshooting..............................................38
Console Diagnostic Tests......................................................................40
PARTS REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT .......................................................44
Covers ...................................................................................................44
Console .................................................................................................44
HandlebarAssembly.............................................................................46
Seat.......................................................................................................47
Seat Location Post (3300 CE only) ........................................................48
Seat Track (3900 RC only) .....................................................................49
Drive Chain............................................................................................49
Intermediate Shaft Assembly ...............................................................50
Pedals....................................................................................................51
Crank and Bottom Bracket Assembly ...................................................51
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................54
NOTICE OF FCC COMPLIANCE .......................................................................55
APPENDICES
Important Phone Numbers....................................................................56
Battery Recycling Centers.....................................................................57
Figures 11 - 24 ......................................................................................58
Wiring Diagram.....................................................................................73
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Specifications..........................................................................4
Table 2: Fitness Rating Norms ..............................................................18
Table 3: Character Codes ......................................................................28
Table 4: Console Codes.........................................................................30
Table 5: Preventive Maintenance Schedule .........................................35

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CONTENTS
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure 1: Major Parts, 3300 CE .............................................................3
Figure 2: Major Parts, 3900 RC.............................................................4
Figure 3: End Caps ................................................................................5
Figure 4: Stratus Systems Console.......................................................13
Figure 5: Fat Burner...............................................................................19
Figure 6: Fat Burner Plus.......................................................................20
Figure7: RollingHills ............................................................................21
Figure 8: Aerobic Training .....................................................................22
Figure 9: Cross Country.........................................................................23
Figure 10: Speed Training .....................................................................24
Figure 11: Cover Fasteners ...................................................................59
Figure 12: Cover Fastener Location, 3300 CE .......................................60
Figure 13: Cover Fastener Location, 3900 RC .......................................61
Figure 14: Right Side View, 3300 CE.....................................................62
Figure 15: Left Side View, 3300 CE.......................................................63
Figure 16: Right Side View, 3900 RC ....................................................64
Figure 17: Left Side View, 3900 RC.......................................................65
Figure 18: Seat Adjustment Pin Assembly, 3300 CE.............................66
Figure 19: Seat Assembly, 3900 RC ......................................................67
Figure 20: Drive Chain Tension .............................................................68
Figure 21: Intermediate Shaft Assembly ..............................................69
Figure 22: J Bolt Assembly ...................................................................70
Figure 23: Crank Assembly ...................................................................71
Figure 24: Alternator/Flywheel Assembly ............................................72
Wiring Diagram 1: Wiring Schematic...................................................73

Page 1
WHEN USING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, ALWAYS FOLLOW THESE BASIC PRECAUTIONS:
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This symbol appearing throughout this manual
means Attention! Be Alert! Your safety is involved.
The following definitions apply to the words “Danger” and “Warning”
found throughout this manual:
DANGER - Used to call attention to IMMEDIATE hazards which, if not
avoided, will result in immediate, serious personal injury or loss of life.
WARNING- Used to call attention to POTENTIAL hazards that could
result in personal injury or loss of life.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE MACHINE.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, always unplug
the external power supply from the AC wall outlet
before cleaning, maintaining, or repairing.
To reduce the risk of burns, electric shock, or injury
to persons:
1. The external power supply should always be unplugged from the AC wall
outlet before removing or installing parts. Never make adjustments or
repairs while an exercise program is in progress.
2. Close supervision is necessary whenever the machine is used by or near
children,invalids, or disabled persons.
3. Keep your hands away from all moving parts and keep your feet on the
pedals while exercising. Do not operate the machine with the side covers
removed.
DANGER
!
WARNING
!
!
SAFETY GUIDELINES

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4. Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this Manual. Do
not use parts, attachments, or accessories other than those provided by
StairMaster Health & Fitness Products™.
5. Do not use the external power supply if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it
is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped
into water. Contact our Customer Service Department to arrange for the
return of damaged parts.
6. Connect the external power supply to a properly grounded AC wall outlet;
refer to the “Grounding Instructions” section. Keep all cords away from
heated surfaces.
7. To disconnect the external power supply, remove the plug from the AC
walloutlet.
8. Never drop or insert any object into any opening on the machine.
9. Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used.
10. Always wear insulated gloves when handling batteries.
11. Do not crush, incinerate, or dismantle the battery. The electrolyte
contains sulfuric acid which can cause serious damage to eyes
and skin. Should this occur, flush profusely with water and seek
medicalattention.
12. Do not use the machine outdoors.
The safety level given by the design of this equipment can only be maintained
when the equipment is regularly examined for damage and wear. Inoperable
components shall be replaced immediately or the equipment shall be put out of
use until it is repaired. Failure to follow all guidelines may compromise the
effectiveness of the exercise experience, expose yourself (and possibly others) to
injury, and reduce the longevity of the machine. Follow all training instructions
listed in the manual and/or on the machine. Physical injury may result from
incorrect or excessive training.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY GUIDELINES

Page 3
Before leaving the StairMaster manufacturing facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, your
StairMaster®Stratus cycle ergometer was thoroughly inspected and tested to
ensure proper operation. The major parts of the StairMaster Stratus 3300 CE and
3900 RC are shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 1: Major Parts, 3300 CE
INTRODUCTION

Page 4
INTRODUCTION
Figure 2: Major Parts, 3900 RC
Throughout this manual, all references to the left or right side and to the front or
back are made as if you were on the machine, ready to exercise. For example, the
drive chain is located on the right side of the machine. The dimensions of the
machine are listed in Table 1.
Table 1. Dimensions of the Stratus Systems Cycle Ergometer
3300 CE 3900 RC
Length 50 inches (127 cm) 64 inches (163 cm)
Width 22 inches (56 cm) 21 inches (53 cm)
Height 57 inches (145 cm) 42 inches (107 cm)
Weight 125 pounds (57 kg) 157 pounds (71 kg)

Page 5
Assemble your machine before use. Machines shipped outside the United States
need to be uncrated before they can be assembled; refer to the “Uncrating
Instructions”included with your machine for the details.
1. Remove all shipping material and the battery charger from the
console.
2. Make sure the machine is level before you use it for the first time. The
four rubber end caps (see Figure 3) are designed to compensate for
slightly uneven floors. Each face of the caps is a different thickness.
Twist the caps to stabilize the machine.
Figure 3: End Caps
3. Pedal the cycle to turn on the console. The console should produce an
audible sound and display a simulated EKG signal in the display area.
If it does not, contact our Customer Service Department. Refer to the
Appendix for the appropriate phone number.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

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ADJUSTMENTS
You should check two adjustments before using your StairMaster®Stratus
systems cycle ergometer: the seat height and the pedal footstrap length.
Seat Height Adjustment on the Stratus 3300 CE Cycle Ergometer
Sit on the seat. Put both feet onto the pedals and into the footstraps. Pedal
slowly and then stop when one leg is extended and your foot is as close to the
floor as possible. The knee of the extended leg should be slightly bent when the
sole of your foot is parallel to the floor. If you need to adjust the seat height, get
off the bike and stand to one side. The seat adjustment knob is located on the
frame tube just below the front part of the seat. Hold onto the seat with one
hand and pull out on the seat adjustment knob with your other hand. You may
need to lift up on the seat to disengage the seat pin. Lower or raise the seat as
necessary.
Seat Adjustment on the Stratus 3900 RC Cycle Ergometer
Sit on the seat. Put both feet onto the pedals and into the footstraps. Pedal
slowly and then stop when one leg is extended. The knee of the extended leg
should be slightly bent. The seat adjustment lever is in front of the seat base.
Remain seated and keep your feet on the pedals. Pull up on the lever and slide
forward or backward as necessary. Release the lever and make sure the seat is
locked in place by trying to move the seat forward and backward.
BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
!WARNING
TO ELIMINATE THE RISK OF INJURY, DO NOT ADJUST THE SEAT HEIGHT
WHILE ON THE STRATUS 3300 CE CYCLE ERGOMETER. MAKE SURE THAT
THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT PIN COMPLETELY ENGAGES THE HOLE IN THE SEAT
POST BEFORE REMOUNTING THE BIKE.

Page 7
Footstrap Adjustment
To ensure your feet are properly secured to the pedals, you need to check the
position of the footstraps. Position your foot so that the ball of your foot is over
the pedal spindle. The pedal footstraps should be tight enough to secure your
feet to the pedals but not so tight so as to cut off the circulation. If you need to
adjust the footstrap length, get off the bike and stand to one side. There are two
adjusting holes on the inside footstrap mount and four holes on the outside
footstrap mount. Most shoes can be accommodated by adjusting the outside
mounting holes. To make the necessary adjustments, grasp the pedal with one
hand and the outside end of the footstrap with your other hand. Carefully pull the
outside end of the footstrap off the tab on the pedal. Insert the proper hole of the
footstrap onto the pedal tab. If you need to make additional adjustments, repeat
the process with the inside mounting holes of the footstrap.
THE ATTRACT MODE
All workouts on the StairMaster®Stratus cycle ergometer start from the AT-
TRACT mode. The console displays an EKG signal or scrolls a message in the text
bar when it is in the ATTRACT mode. You must pedal to get the console into the
ATTRACT mode.
You can customize the ATTRACT mode by programming your own
scrolling message. Refer to the “Customizing the Text Bar Scrolling Message”
section for instructions.
BASIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR FIRST-TIME USERS
1. Warm up with light calisthenics and easy stretching exercises for at
least five minutes before beginning your exercise program.
BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
!WARNING
IFATANY TIME DURINGYOUR WORKOUT YOU FEEL CHEST PAIN,
EXPERIENCE SEVERE MUSCULAR DISCOMFORT, FEEL FAINT, OR ARE SHORT OF
BREATH, STOP EXERCISINGIMMEDIATELY. IF THE CONDITION PERSISTS, YOU
SHOULDCONSULTYOURMEDICALDOCTORIMMEDIATELY.

Page 8
BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2. Position yourself comfortably on the bike and begin pedaling.
3. Select the MANUAL exercise program so you can control the pace of
your first workout and get used to the exercise motion.
Console Set-Up
1. Press [MANUAL] and then press [ENTER].
2. The console will prompt you to enter your body weight. Enter your
weight in pounds (or kilograms if the console is set up for
metric units). Correct entry errors by pressing [CLEAR] before you
press[ENTER].
3. The console will prompt you to enter the workout time in one minute
increments between five and 60 minutes. Press [1], [0], [ENTER] to
exercise for ten minutes.
Begin Exercising
1. Pedal at a comfortable pace. Although the resistance decreases as
you pedal faster, the intensity (watts) stays the same.
2. Press [+ ARROW] and [- ARROW] to adjust your intensity level.
3. Select an intensity level that allows you to stay at a comfortable pace.
Harder is not always better. Exercise at a level that is consistent with
your fitness level.
4. The intensity (watts) remains constant provided you pedal at least 50
RPM. A message will prompt you to "Pedal Faster" if you pedal slower
than 50 RPM.
5. Cool down after you get off the machine by walking or stretching for
at least five minutes.

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SETTING A GOAL
The first step to a successful exercise program is to set realistic goals and
objectives. Are you wanting an exercise program that is geared to build muscle,
maintain muscle tone, or lose weight? In order to ensure that you fully receive all
the benefits of a sound exercise program, you need to first identify the existence
(if any) of risk factors that may influence the design of your exercise program.
Based upon a comprehensive analysis of your personal exercise needs and
interests, you should then develop (or have developed for you by a competent or
trained professional) an individualized program of exercise that is enjoyable,
easy, and yet challenging. Your greatest health benefit will come from a lifestyle
change that encourages a lifetime of physical activity.
One way to guarantee success in reaching your goal is to eat correctly. A
well-rounded diet provides the proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals,
and water necessary for good health. If you are unsure of your dietary needs,
seek the advise of your physician, an exercise professional, or visit your local
bookstore for more information on nutrition.
FLEXIBILITY TRAINING*
Achieving and maintaining an adequate range of motion should always be
objectives of a comprehensive exercise program. The warm-up phase of your
exercise session should include some type of light warm-up activity to increase
both your heart rate and your body temperature, which is then followed by
flexibility exercises that are specifically designed to stretch the musculature
around your body’s major skeletal joints. Attempting to stretch a cold muscle can
be dangerous to the soft tissues surrounding the muscle. No matter how
controlled the movement, forcing a muscle through a full range of motion (and
beyond) without appropriately warming up is both unsafe and counterproductive.
A general exercise program for achieving and maintaining flexibility should
adhere to the following guidelines:
•Frequency - daily
•Intensity - to a position of mild discomfort
•Duration - 10-30 seconds for each stretch
GENERAL EXERCISE GUIDELINES

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•Repetitions - 2-6 for each stretch
•Type - static, with a major emphasis on the low back and
hamstrings area because of the high prevalence
of low-back pain syndrome in our society.
EXERCISE PRINCIPLES*
The American College of Sports Medicine has developed a position paper
concerning exercise programs for healthy adults and the need for guidelines. The
following recommendations concern the quantity and quality of (exercise)
training for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness in a healthy
adult:
•Frequency -3 to 5 days per week
•Intensity -50% - 85% of maximum oxygen
uptake (VO2 max)
•Duration -20 to 60 minutes of continuous
aerobic activity
•Mode of Activity -Any activity that uses the large
muscle groups, that can be
maintained continuously, and is
rhythmical and aerobic in nature.
•Rate of Progression -Initial Conditioning - 4 to 6 weeks; low-
end intensity (40% - 60% VO2 max); low-end
duration (15 to 20 minutes).
-Improvement Stage - 6 weeks to 6 months;
moderate intensity; moderate duration.
-Maintenance Stage - 6 months plus;
moderate to high intensity; moderate to
high duration.
*Note: Some of the material contained in this section is adapted from The
StairMaster
®
Fitness Handbook 2nd Ed. , James A Peterson, and Cedric X. Bryant
(editors),SagamorePublishing, 1995.
GENERAL EXERCISE GUIDELINES

Page 11
The StairMaster®Stratus Systems cycle ergometer features an optional digitized
contact heart rate monitoring system. Through the use of stainless steel sensors
built into the upper handles and sophisticated software, heart rate can be
checked at any time during a workout.
The heart generates a rhythmic, electronic signal each time it beats (the
electrocardiogram or EKG signal). The sensors detect this electrical signal
through the hands when the sensors are gripped during a workout. The signal is
converted into a heart rate, which is displayed on the console.
The contact heart rate system is very accurate (within 3% of the
medical standard), but its ability to detect a heart rate signal is influenced by
several factors. Movement of the muscles of the upper body produces an
electrical signal that will interfere with the detection of the heart rate signal by
the sensors. Movement of the hands while they are in contact with the sensors
also produces interference. Calluses and hand lotion act as an insulating layer to
reduce the signal strength. Also, the EKG signal generated by some individuals is
not strong enough to be detected by the sensors. Typically, these individuals
account for 5 - 7% of the population. Most people (between 93 –95%) will not
have a problem with the system provided interference from movement is
minimal.
Lightly grip the sensors with each hand. The heart rate display is
shown automatically in the upper window the first time the sensors are touched.
A valid signal is shown by a pulsating heart icon and the number of beats per
minute next to the word “Pulse”. The heart icon will stop beating and two dashes
replace the numbers when the sensors are released or an invalid signal is
received.
CONTACT HEART RATE

Page 12
POLAR®HEART RATE
The StairMaster®Stratus cycle ergometer features Polar®heart rate
monitoring. The system consists of the receiver, located on the stepper, and
a transmitter belt (purchased separately), worn across your chest. The transmit-
ter belt senses the heart beat and sends a signal to the receiver. Your heart rate,
in beats per minute, is shown on the console text bar.
The transmitter belt attaches an identification number to your heart rate
signal. Once the receiver locks on to your signal, it will ignore all other signals
without your identification number. Now, two people can exercise
side-by-side without interfering with each other's heart rate signal.
Before you put the transmitter belt on, wet the two contact patches (the
grooved rectangles on the reverse side of the belt). Secure the transmitter belt as
high under the pectoral muscles (chest) as is comfortable. The transmitter belt
should fit snugly and comfortably and allow normal breathing.
When the console detects a heart rate signal, heart rate is shown in the
display automatically. The word "PULSE", your heart rate in beats per minute, and
a pulsing heart icon are displayed in the text bar.
If you display a statistic other than heart rate during your workout, you
can return to heart rate by pressing the white [0] key. Heart rate is part of the
workout stats scrolling display. Average heart rate is shown at the end of your
workout. If you wear a transmitter strap during the Fit Test, the average heart
rate at the end of each stage is automatically used when estimating maximum
aerobic capacity.

Page 13
The StairMaster®Stratus systems console is divided into four sections: the text
bar, the display, the function keypad and the exercise program keypad (see
Figure4).
Figure 4: Stratus Systems Console
TEXT BAR
Information regarding workout statistics and data entry is displayed or scrolled
across the text bar. A countdown timer is located directly above the words
"Interval Time". The timer shows the number of seconds remaining in the current
interval.
DISPLAY
A profile of all exercise programs (except MANUAL and FIT TEST) appears in the
display when you press its key. The taller the column, the higher the intensity
(watts) for that interval. The flashing column shows your current interval. The
flashing column moves from left to right across the display as you complete each
interval.
STRATUS SYSTEMS CONSOLE