First Degree Fitness Vx-1 Vortex Compact Rower Owner's Manual

FIRST DEGREE FITNESS VX-1 Vortex Compact Rower

Training with the VX-1

1. As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before beginning your VX-1 Rower exercise program.
2. Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position and basic rowing techniques.
3. For more detailed rowing techniques, please refer to our international website at www.firstdegreefitness.com.

CAUTION

1. The VX-1 can stand vertically for storage. When doing so, please follow the instructions given in the basic operation section of this manual.
2. Keep hands away from moving parts, as indicated by the warning sticker on the mainframe of your machine and inside the PVC rear cover.

Box Contents

VX-1 Assembly: Attaching Upper/Lower Frame

Step 1: Open box and remove contents. Lie Upper frame on it’s back as shown here. In the bolt pack, locate 2x M10x140mm bolts and curved washers along with 1x M10x65mm dome head bolt and washer. Connect the Lower Frame to Upper using M10x140mm bolts first and do not tighten before installing the third M10x70mm bolt as shown lower right.
Caution: the curved washers can damage paint if not lying flush against oval tube when tightened. Use care when securing.

Attaching Seat Rail to Footplate

Step 1: Locate Seat Rail/Footplate, M10x120mm Bolt and Plastic Dome Cap.
Insert Seat Rail into Footplate and connect the two using the M10x120mm Dome Head Bolt and Dome cap.
Tighten securely.
The following portion of assembly will require two people.

Installing Seat Rail/Footplate Assembly to Mainframe

Step 1: With frame assembly on it’s back, align and install the Seat Rail/Footplate Assembly to the Mainframe using M10x140mm Hex Bolts, standard washers and Nylock nuts.
Caution: The Seat Rail/Footplate Assembly is heavy and should be installed with the rower standing in the vertical position for maximum safety. Two people are re-quired for this portion of the assembly.

Installing the Seat and Rear Leg

Step 1: First, insert the Rower seat onto the seat rail keeping seat indentation rearward.
Tip: Keep Rower upright during this section of assembly.
CAUTION: Rower seat is heavy. Use care and grasp tightly when guiding down the seat rail. Keep fingers clear of seat rail channels.

Next, using the Rear Leg, Seat Rail Bracket, 2 x 120mm Dome Head Bolts/Washers, install the Rear Leg to the Seat Rail and secure as shown below.
Note: Keep oval portion of Seat Rail Bracket forward as shown.

Installing the S-bend and Frame Tension Cable

Tank Filling and Water Treatment

• Fill tank as shown left. Use the Yellow plug only for filling.
• Fill with adjuster handle at level 16 only.
• Once filling is complete, use a coin or large blade screw-driver to tighten tank plug into place.

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 yellow plug on the tank back 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.
   Note: Where water quality is known to be poor, FDF recommends the use of distilled water.
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.
   Note: the lower tank plug is permanently sealed.

Water Treatment Procedures

1. Add one Chlorine tablet.
2. Wait a minimum of 72 hours. Then add very small amount of blue dye and check for desired color.

Important! 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 water, thus extending the amount of time between water treatments.

Caution: Use a drop cloth under the tank both when filling the tank and adding blue dye to avoid staining floor or carpet.

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.
4. For further details regarding rowing technique, please refer to our international website at www.firstdegreefitness.com

How Often?

Begin with 5 minute training sessions once a day and aim for around 2:30 to 2:45 for 500m time. Row at a pace that keeps the water circulating continuously between strokes.
Progress a few minutes more each day until you are comfortable with 30-45 minutes training time 3 or 4 times a week.
This will provide aerobic endurance benefits, muscle toning and sufficient calorie burning to form part of a weight loss program.

CAUTION
Always consult a doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Stop immediately if you feel faint or dizzy.

Catch
Comfortably 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.

Slider Footplate

The Slider Footplate is designed to fit a wide range of foot sizes, and is very simple to use.
To adjust, lift the top of the sliding portion of the footplate and slide up or down. The numbers 1-6 represent a guideline from which the proper length can be determined. Secure the plate onto the mounting pegs and push down firmly to lock into position.
Tighten the Foot straps securely and begin your workout.

WARNING: Never operate this rower without feet properly secured in Foot straps, or without the sliding portion of the Slider Footplate locked into position!

The VX-1 Rower Ergometer

• Quick start: Provides instant workout information. Just start training to activate. You can choose to change UNITS displayed
• UNITS: Displays WATTS, SPM, HR, 500/m
• LEVEL: Adjustable from 1-16. Match LEVEL number with resistance level on the Fluid tank.
• SET: Changes Time, Distance parameters
• PROGRAM: Clears current exercise program
• RESET: Clears data

Note: For complete operational instructions, please refer to the computer manual, which is included with your VX-1 Series rower.

Using the First Degree Fitness USB Interface

Description

The USB connectivity now built in to all new models of FDF Console and IPM allow you to enhance your exercise experience by connecting to your home PC or Laptop. Using FDF’s own sample applications you can exercise while enjoying your favorite movies. NetAthlon 2 XF for Rowers lets you race with other Internet connected rowers in a Virtual Reality 3D environment or train solo.

Setting up USB Connectivity

1. Download and Install the USB Device Driver (CDM2xxxx_Setup.exe for 32 and 64 bit Windows 7/Vista/XP) from the FDF Website.
2. Download and Install the Sample USB Applications from the FDF Website (www.firstdegreefitness.com).
   Download and Install NetAthlon 2 XF for Rowers from http://www.webracing.org/downloads.htm

Connecting Your Console

• The USB Connector is located on a flying lead at the rear of the IPM, along with the Sensor and Heart Rate Monitor Connectors.
• Connect to a Laptop or PC using a standard USB cable, you may need to wait while Windows starts the USB Device Driver.

Note: Please refer to computer manual where applicable or for further information refer to our website at www.firstdegreefitness.com

Long Term Water Treatment and Basic Operation

Important: Do not fill past the calibration mark as indicated 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, contact your local First Degree Fitness distributor.
Water treatment schedules for the VX-1 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: It is recommended that a drop cloth be used under the fluid tank whenever the tank is open for water treatment.
Vertical Storage: The VX-1 can easily be stored in a vertical, upright 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 upper rear of the unit to avoid marring either the paint or Perspex cover.
Resistance:
The level of resistance is determined by the level indicator located on the front of the tank. Level one indicates lightest resistance, level sixteen represents heaviest resistance. Allow three to four strokes after adjusting resistance handle to allow the desired resistance level to be reached.

Dyneema Cable Drive:

The Dyneema Cable Drive system allows for simplicity, smoothness and unparalleled perform-ance. 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 cable used on the VX-1 is rated in excess of 1,000kg.
Note: If the Dyneema cable is twisted excessively, the rowing stroke will feel lumpy. Use the rower handle to untwist the cable to its normal operating position.
Light fraying is normal. The Dyneema may have a slight “fuzzy” appearance after a period of use. Dyneema is extremely abrasion resistant and to some degree self-lubricating. Expect many years of trouble free performance.

Frame Tension Cable:
The VX-1 is fitted with a Frame Tension cable which provides improved frame rigidity. The cable may on occasion require adjustment. For optimum performance, the cable should be taut. If the cable becomes loose, first loosen the Retaining nut, retighten the Frame Tension cable and then secure the Retaining nut.

Maintenance Chart

Troubleshooting Guide

Replacing the VX-1 Bungee Shock Cord

Step 1. Remove the Perspex cover from rear of upper frame.
Disconnect sensor lead before removing cover completely.
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 attachment point.
Step 3. Unwrap the Bungee Cord from all of the Bungee Pulleys.
Step 4. Next, remove the magnetic ring. To loosen the Rear Main shaft Bolt holding the magnetic ring in place, it is necessary to keep the main shaft and impeller assembly from turning with the bolt. Open the yellow 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 Main shaft 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.
Capture impeller blade using tool covered with a lint free cloth and a 6mm Allen key to remove Rear Main shaft Bolt as show right.

Replacing the VX-1 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 until 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, making sure the Bungee Cord tracks in the proper grooves.
Make sure the Bungee is wrapped behind the Dyneema Cable. Once the Bungee has reached the position shown below, you may begin to re-wrap the Bungee around the Bungee Pulleys, starting with the upper-right rear Pulley.

Replacing the VX-1 Bungee Shock Cord

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 left rear 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 Pulleys
7. Lower left front Pulley to upper left front Pulley
8. Upper left front Pulley to tie off point

Exploded Diagram

Parts List

VORTEX SERIES ROWERS

INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY – FULL COMMERCIAL USE

This product is designed and constructed for use in any Health Club / Fitness Studio application.
First Degree Fitness Limited warrants that the Vortex Rower (model VX-1, VX-2 & VX-3), purchased from an authorized agent and in its undamaged original packaging, is free from defects in materials and workmanship. First Degree Fitness Limited or its agent will, at their discretion, repair or replace parts that become defective within the warranty period, subject to the specific inclusions and exclusions below.

• Metal Frame – 10 Year Limited Warranty
  First Degree Fitness will repair or replace the metal Main Frame of the Rower should it fail due to any defect in materials or workmanship within 10 years of the original purchase. Warranty does not apply to frame coating.
• Polycarbonate Tank & Seals – 3 Year Limited Warranty
  First Degree Fitness will repair or replace the polycarbonate tank or seals should they fail due to any defect in materials or workmanship within 3 years of the original purchase.
• Mechanical Components (of a non-wearing nature) – 2 Year Limited Warranty
  First Degree Fitness will repair or replace any mechanical component should it fail due to any defect in materials or workmanship within 2 years of the original purchase.
• All Other Components (of a wearing nature) – 2 Year Limited Warranty
  First Degree Fitness will repair or replace any component should it fail due to any defect in materials or workmanship within 2 years of the original purchase.

Specific Inclusions

• Bungee recoil cord, belt and pulley
• Hand grips & foot straps
• Polyester rowing belt / Dyneema cable
• Seat
• All pulleys, rollers & bearings
• All rubber components
• Computer & speed sensor (excluding replaceable batteries)
• All drive belts
• Aluminum seat rails

General Exclusions

• Damage to the finish of any part of the machine.
• Damage due to neglect, abuse, incorrect assembly or use of the machine.
• Any charges for freight or customs clearance associated with the return or dispatch of parts.
• Any damage to or loss of goods during transport of any kind.
• Any labor cost associated with a warranty claim.

General Conditions

• The serial number of the machine must be correctly registered with First Degree Fitness Limited or one of its appointed distributors.
• First Degree Fitness Limited reserve the right to examine any part where replacement is claimed under warranty.
• Warranty period applies only to the original purchaser from the date of purchase and is not transferable.
• The product must be returned to your place of purchase in original packaging with transportation, insurance and associated charges paid for by you and risk of loss or damage assumed by you.
• First Degree Fitness makes no other warranties except as stated here and expressly disclaims all warranties not stated in this warranty. Neither First Degree Fitness nor its associates shall be responsible for incidental or consequential damages.
• Manufacturer’s warranty automatically commences upon sale of the product to end user or upon the expiration of one (1) year from month of manufacture, whichever occurs first.