Stairmaster Stratus Systems User manual

Stratus Systems
Owner’s Manual

Page iii
©1997 StairMaster Sports/Medical Products, Inc. and StairMaster are either a registered
trademark or trademark of StairMaster Sports/Medical Products, Inc. in the
UnitedStatesand/orothercountries.
P/N 21442-F
Printed in the United States. ©1997 StairMaster®
Sports/Medical Products, Inc. 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 Sports/Medical Products
Inc. 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 original owner.
If, within three years from the date of purchase, any part of the
StairMaster 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
following policy has been established:
• Please call our Customer Service Department to receive a return goods
authorization prior to shipment.
• StairMaster Sports/Medical Products, Inc. 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 Sports/Medical Products, Inc. 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
Sports/Medical Products, Inc. are used.
* Note: Aerosol products cannot be transported via air.

Page v
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.

Page vi
CONTENTS
SAFETY GUIDELINES .......................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................3
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.....................................................................5
BASIC OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS .............................................................6
Adjustments..........................................................................................6
The ATTRACT Mode..............................................................................7
HEART RATE MONITOR...................................................................................9
CONSOLE ...........................................................................................................10
Text Bar .................................................................................................10
Display ..................................................................................................10
FunctionKeypad....................................................................................11
Exercise Program Keypad .....................................................................13
Road Race .............................................................................................22
CustomExercisePrograms....................................................................23
Custom Scrolling Message ...................................................................24
Editing the Scrolling Message..............................................................25
Set Maximum Workout Length.............................................................26
Changing to the Clinical Mode .............................................................26
Changing the Console Units and Prompt Language .............................26
Console Codes ......................................................................................27
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ...................................................................28
Helpful Hints .........................................................................................28
Tool List .................................................................................................28
MaintenanceRecords...........................................................................28
Initial Service ........................................................................................29
PreventiveMaintenance.......................................................................29
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDELINES ................................................................33
SystematicElectricalTroubleshooting..................................................33
Console Diagnostic Tests......................................................................36
SystematicMechanicalTroubleshooting..............................................38

Page vii
CONTENTS
PARTS REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT .......................................................40
Console .................................................................................................41
Covers ...................................................................................................40
Crank and Bottom Bracket Assembly....................................................47
Drive Chain............................................................................................45
IntermediateShaft Assembly ...............................................................46
HandlebarAssembly.............................................................................42
Pedals....................................................................................................47
Seat.......................................................................................................43
Seat Location Post (3300 CE only) ........................................................44
Seat Track (3900 RC only) .....................................................................45
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................50
NOTICE OF FCC COMPLIANCE .......................................................................51
APPENDICES
Important Phone Numbers....................................................................52
Battery Recycling Centers.....................................................................53
Figures 11 - 24 ......................................................................................55
Wiring Diagram.....................................................................................69
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Specifications ........................................................................................4
Table 2: Fitness Rating Norms.............................................................................15
Table 3: Character Codes.....................................................................................25
Table 4: Console Codes .......................................................................................27
Table 5: Preventive Maintenance Schedule ........................................................32
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......................................................................10
Figure 5: Fat Burner .............................................................................................16
Figure 6: Fat Burner Plus......................................................................................17

Page viii
CONTENTS
Figure 7: Rolling Hills...........................................................................................18
Figure 8: Aerobic Training....................................................................................19
Figure 9: Cross Country........................................................................................20
Figure 10: Speed Training....................................................................................21
Figure 11: Cover Fasteners ..................................................................................55
Figure 12: Cover Fastener Location, 3300 CE......................................................56
Figure 13: Cover Fastener Location, 3900 RC......................................................57
Figure 14: Right Side View, 3300 CE ...................................................................58
Figure 15: Left Side View, 3300 CE .....................................................................59
Figure 16: Right Side View, 3900 RC...................................................................60
Figure 17: Left Side View, 3900 RC .....................................................................61
Figure 18: Seat Adjustment Pin Assembly, 3300 CE ...........................................62
Figure 19: Seat Assembly, 3900 RC.....................................................................63
Figure 20: Drive Chain Tension ............................................................................64
Figure 21: Intermediate Shaft Assembly.............................................................65
Figure 22: J Bolt Assembly..................................................................................66
Figure 23: Crank Assembly ..................................................................................67
Figure 24: Alternator/Flywheel Assembly ...........................................................68
Wiring Diagram 1: Wiring Schematic .................................................................69

Page 1
SAFETY GUIDELINES
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using electrical equipment, basic precautions should always be
followed, including:
Read all instructions before using the machine.
DANGER
To reduce the risk of electric shock, always unplug the battery charger from
the AC wall outlet before cleaning, maintaining, or repairing.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of burns, electric shock, or injury to persons:
1. The battery charger 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 with the side
coversremoved.
4. Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this
Manual. Do not use attachments or accessories other than those
provided by StairMaster®Sports/Medical Products, Inc..
5. Do not use the battery charger 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. Refer to
the Appendix for the appropriate phone number.

Page 2
SAFETY GUIDELINES
6. Connect the battery charger to a properly grounded AC wall
outlet; refer to the "Grounding Instructions" section. Keep
all cords away from heated surfaces.
7. Never drop or insert any object into any opening on the machine
(except when lubricating the machine).
8. Do not use the machine outdoors.
9. Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or
where oxygen is being administered.
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
medical attention.
12. To disconnect the battery charger, remove the plug from the AC
wall outlet.
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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

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 46 inches (117 cm) 62 inches (157 cm)
Width at the:
base 19 inches (48 cm) 19 inches (48 cm)
handlebars 22 inches ( 56 cm) 22 inches (48 cm)
Height at the handlebars 57 inches (145 cm) 42 inches (107 cm)
Weight 125 pounds (57 kg) 150 pounds (68 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

Page 6
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
IF AT ANY TIME DURING YOUR WORKOUT YOU FEEL CHEST PAIN,
EXPERIENCE SEVEREMUSCULAR DISCOMFORT, FEELFAINT, OR ARESHORT OF
BREATH, STOPEXERCISING IMMEDIATELY.IFTHE CONDITIONPERSISTS, YOU
SHOULDCONSULT YOURMEDICAL DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.

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.

Page 9
The StairMaster®Stratus Systems cycle ergometer features Polar®heart rate
monitoring. The system consists of the receiver, located near the front of the
cycle, and a transmitter belt, available separately from your StairMaster repre-
sentative, worn across your chest. The transmitter 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.
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 (breasts) 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 [PULSE] once or any other statistic key twice.
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
estimatingmaximumaerobiccapacity.
HEART RATE MONITOR

Page 10
The StairMaster®Stratus systems console is divided into four sections: the text
bar, the display, the function keypad and the exercise program keypad (see
Figure 4).
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

Page 11
STRATUS SYSTEMS CONSOLE
Functionkeypad
The function keypad is located on the right side of the console. Nine of the keys
on the keypad have two pieces of information on them—a number and a workout
statistic. Before the exercise program begins, the numbers are used to enter data
in response to the console prompts. During or immediately after the exercise
program, the function keypad keys are used to recall workout statistics which are
then displayed on the text bar.
Time. Displays the elapsed time of your workout, in minutes and
seconds.
Speed. Displays the equivalent speed, in miles per hour (or
kilometers per hour if your console is set to metric units), you
would be traveling on a bicycle outdoors while riding at the same
relativeintensity.
Distance. Provides a cumulative total of the equivalent distance,
in miles (or kilometers if your console is set to metric units), you
would have traveled while riding a bicycle outdoors at the same
relativeintensity.
Watts. Displays the intensity in watts (746 watts = 1 horsepower). For
all programs, except the constant resistance ROAD RACE, the watts
remain constant in any given level as long as you pedal at least 50
RPM. During a workout, this key displays the power output at that
moment. Average power is shown during the workout summary.
Intensity Level. Shows the current level between 1 (the easiest) and
20 (the hardest). Shows the number of lights in the MANUAL program
between 1 and 14.
METs. Gives you the relative energy cost of exercise. MET stands for
multiples of the resting metabolic rate. While you are sitting quietly,
your body consumes oxygen at the rate of about 3.5 milliliters per
kilogram of body mass per minute. When you exercise, your body
needs more oxygen in order to function. For example, exercising at 10
METs requires ten times the resting rate of oxygen consumption, or

Page 12
STRATUS SYSTEMS CONSOLE
about 35 milliliters per kilogram per minute. During a workout, this key
shows the current MET level. During the workout summary, the
average MET level is displayed.
Calories. Provides a running total of the number of Calories burned
during a workout.
Enter. Confirms workout selectionsandstores the information used
by the console to calculate workout statistics.
Clear. Erases information from theconsole memory if pressed
before [ENTER].
[+] and [-] ARROWS. Increases or decreases the intensity level.
Workout Stats. If pressed during your workout, all workout statistics
continuously scroll across the text bar. Press any key to stop scrolling
at that statistic.
If [WORKOUT STATS] is pressed immediately after your
workout, the workout summary statistics will scroll once across the
text bar. Press any key to stop scrolling at that statistic.
If [WORKOUT STATS] is pressed while the console is in the
ATTRACT mode, the final totals from the last workout will scroll across
the text bar. This summary is stored in the console memory until the
next workout is started.
Yes and No. Respond to console prompts.
Start/Stop. If pressed while the console is in the ATTRACT mode, the
console will display the "Select A Program" prompt. If it is pressed at
any other time, the console will pause for 10 seconds.

Page 13
STRATUS SYSTEMS CONSOLE
EXERCISE PROGRAM KEYPAD
The purple exercise keypad is located below the display and to the left of the
function keypad. While the console is in the ATTRACT mode, press one of the
exercise program keys to preview the desired workout.
The sequence of prompts for the preset exercise programs is slightly
different than the sequence described earlier for the MANUAL program. After
you press one of the exercise program keys, the exercise program profile is
scrolled across the display.
After the profile is scrolled, the prompts are:
•“PRESS ENTER KEY TO SELECT”
•“ENTER BODY WEIGHT” -- type in your body weight in
pounds (or kilograms if your console is set to metric units).
•“ENTER LEVEL 1 - 20” -- select your intensity level with
level 1 being the easiest and level 20 the hardest.
•“ENTER TIME 5 - 60” -- select the workout duration in one
minute increments from five to 60.
The Quick Start Option
You can begin a manually-paced workout without pressing any keys just by
pedaling for 15 seconds. This program will last for 15 minutes.
You can quickly start a preset workout by first pressing one of the purple
exercise program keys and then pressing [ENTER] twice. You do not have to enter
any other information. The length of the workout is set automatically and varies
with the program. Quick starting MANUAL gives you a 15 minute workout. The
preset workouts last five minutes for every thirty intervals. So, a 60 interval
program will last 10 minutes. The workout stats available are time, speed,
distance, watts, level, calories, RPM, and pulse (if wearing a transmitter). The Fit
Test does not have a quick start option.