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Owners Manual
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Contents
Neptune Challenge AR Rower Box Contents
Assembly Instructions
Fine Tuning Neptune Challenge AR
Adjustable Resistance (AR) Tank
Note on Filling the AR Tank
Tank Filling and Water Treatment
Removing/Changing Tank Water
The Neptune Challenge AR Rower Computer
How to Row?
How Often?
Detaching the Rower Belt
Retching the Rower Belt
Removing the Bungee Shock Cord
Replacing the Bungee Shock Cord
Troubleshooting
4
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
14
15
15
16
17
18
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Training with the Neptune Challenge AR Rower
1. As with any piece of fitness equipment, consult a physician before beginning your Neptune Challenge AR Rower exercise program.
2. Follow instructions provided in this manual for correct foot position
and basic rowing techniques
.
1. The Neptune Challenge AR Rower can stand vertically for storage.
Make sure a secure location is chosen, such as the corner of a room or
against a wall.
2. Keep hands and fingers away from moving parts, as indicated by the
warning sticker on the mainframe of your machine.
CAUTION
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Neptune Challenge AR Rower Box Contents
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Item Description Item Description
1 Main Frame 16 Footstrap (2)
2 Rower Seat 17 Rear Leg (1)
3 Seat Rail (boxed separately) 18 75x50 Rubber End Cap (1)
4 M10x180mm Bolt (1) 19 M10x25 Rear Leg Bolt (1)
5 M10 Plastic Dome Washer (1) 20 Rear Rubber Bumpstop (1)
6 M10 Nylock Nut (2) 21 M6x10mm Bumpstop Screws (2)
7 M10 Washer (1) 22 Seat Rail Internal Support Brack-
et (1)
8 M10x95mm Bolt (1) 23 Siphon
9 11x21x2T Washer (3) 24 Multi-Tool (1)
10 Footplate (2) 25 6mm Allen Key (2)
11 12mmx388mm Footplate Shaft
(1)
26 8mm Allen Key (1)
12 Nylon Footplate Spacer (2) 27 2x AA Batteries
13 17mmx1.5Tx110 Internal Spacer
(1)
28 4x Water Treatment Tablet
14 M8x15mm Bolt (2) 29 Owners Manual
15 M8 Washer (2)
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Assembly Instructions
CAUTION
Installing the Seat incorrectly will result
in lack of data pickup during rowing.
Rear Leg
Seat Rail
Install Rower Seat[2] onto Seat Rail[3],
with widest part of seat rearward.
Turn Seat Rail over, and install the Rear
Rubber Bumpstop[20] using 2x
M6x10mm screws[21] with beveled
edge facing forward.
Using the M10x25mm Bolt[19],
11x21x2T Washer[9], Seat Rail Internal
Support Bracket[22] and Rear Leg[17],
install as shown. Once Rear Leg is tightened, install the Rear Rubber End Cap
[18].
Rower Seat
Underside of
Seat Rail
Beveled
edge
M6x10mm Bolts
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Note: Do not tighten the Vertical
Frame Tensioning Bolt. See the
“Fine Tuning Your Rower” page for
details once assembly is complete
Tip: When mounting the Footplate as-
sembly onto the rower, it is only necessary to remove one side, and leave the
other intact as shown here.
Note: 2 Allen keys of the same size
are provided for this portion of the assembly.
Sensor Lead
Install the Seat Rail onto the Mainframe.
Attach Sensor Lead from Seat Rail to the
Mainframe, then align the front Seat Rail
holes with Mainframe and install, using
1x M10x95mm Bolt[8], 2x 11x21x2T
Washers[9] and 1xM10 Nylock Nut[6].
Install the M10x180mm[4] Vertical Frame
Tensioning Bolt with the Plastic Dome
Cap[5] through the top of the Seat
Rail and secure from underneath with
M10 Washer[7] and Nylock Nut[6].
Install the Footplate[10] onto the Rower.
Footplate assembly left side. For ease
of assembly, leave the left side of the
Footplate and Seat Rail Spacer in place
as shown.
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Fine Tuning the Neptune Challenge AR:
The Neptune Challenge AR Rower is designed to function as a pre-stressed frame . Using the
Mid Leg as your guideline, tighten the Vertical Frame Tensioning Bolt until the Mid Leg rises approximately 3-5mm off the floor. The Mid Leg should just touch the ground during a rowing
stroke.
And with the Multi-Tool here:
Adjust Vertical Frame Tensioning Bolt here using
the Allen Key here:
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The Adjustable Resistance (AR) Tank, developed and patented by First Degree
Fitness, offers a true multi-level experience. Water is moved between the
"storage" and "active" chambers of the AR Tank. Your new Rowing Ergometer
can adapt - at the turn of a dial - to the resistance preferred by each user in the
home environment.
Adjustable Resistance (AR) Tank
Getting Started
To achieve minimum resistance, select "MIN" on the tank adjuster. It takes 10
strokes to fill the central (storage) tank, leaving a minimal amount of water in the
outer (active) tank. This process is always required if minimum resistance is desired. Row hard at a steady pace (20 to 25 strokes per minute [SPM]) and put
some effort into the stroke, ensuring that good form is maintained. You can make
adjustments to the resistance level while you row. Your Rowing Ergometer will
adapt almost instantly to increases in resistance but will take up to 10 strokes to
reduce the effort required, as the central (storage) tank fills up.
Developing Your Routine
Once you have found a level that gives you the exercise required, changes can be
made to SPM and to stroke intensity to further vary your energy input. Interval
Pacific is used by most Rowers, where a period of low intensity is combined with
short intervals of high intensity. Your FDF Rowing Ergometer allows for changes
'on the fly', to achieve multi-level resistance profiles during a single workout.
MAX: This setting allows the maxi-
mum amount of water to reach
the flywheel for heaviest re-
sistance
———
———
MIN: Keeps a portion of the water in
reserve creating light resistance.
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Note on Filling the AR Tank
Important: Please Read Before Filling Tank:
When filling the AR tank, the adjuster handle must be set to the “MAX” position as
shown to allow accurate fill levels.
Using any other setting other than “MAX” will result in inaccurate fill levels and in
extreme cases could cause leakage to occur during use or when stored in the
standing position.
DO NOT overfill the tank beyond the maximum indicated level of 17 litres. Refer to
the Tank Level Decal on the lower side of the tank
Caution:
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Water Treatment Procedures:
Add Chlorine tablet
.
Note: The amount of water treatment can vary widely depending on the Rower’s
location and exposure to sunlight. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES USE
OTHER TREATMENT TABLETS OTHER THAN THOSE SUPPLIED WITH YOUR
ROWER. Your rower box contents include 4x water treatment tablets, which is sufficient for several years of water treatment. Treat when water becomes discolored
or shows signs of Algae/Bacterial growth.
Tank Filling and Water Treatment
1. Remove Rubber Fill Plug from the top of the tank.
2. Place a large bucket of water next to the rower and position siphon with the rigid
hose in the bucket and the flexible hose into the tank as shown. Note: Make
sure small breather valve on the top of the siphon is closed before filling.
Note: Where water quality is known to be poor, FDF recommends the use of
distilled water.
3. Begin filling tank by squeezing siphon. Use Level Gauge Decal on side of tank to
measure volume of water in tank. Important: Do not overfill tank!
4. After filling tank to the desired water level, open the valve on the top of the
siphon to allow excess water to escape.
5. Ensure that Tank Plug is replaced once filling and water treatment procedures
are complete.
Tips on Siphon use: Putting the fill bucket higher than the tank will allow the
siphon to "self-pump" when adding water to the tank.
Tank plug
Siphon
Fill tank
with
adjuster
handle set
to “MAX”
only.
Tank Filling and Water Treatment Procedures
Note: 17 liters of water is required for
maximum filling.
Caution:
Use a drop cloth under the tank both when filling the tank to
avoid staining floor or carpet.
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1.Set Adjuster handle to “MIN”
2.Row at least ten strokes to fill the storage reservoir as completely as possible.
3.Remove Tank Plug.
4.Insert rigid end of siphon into the tank, and flexible hose into a large bucket.
5.Drain tank (approx. 40% of water will remain) and then refill following directions for
Tank filling as described in the Tank Filling section of this manual.
Note: The valve on top of the siphon must be closed to allow proper drain
age.
Note: Water treatment will preclude the need to change tank water if the
treatment schedule is maintained. Additional chlorine is required only when
discoloration appears in the water.
Note: Exposure to sunlight affects the water. Moving the rower away from di-
rect sunlight.
Set Adjuster handle to “MIN”
Row a minimum of ten complete strokes before commencing
tank draining. Remove tank plug, insert rigid end of siphon
into tank and begin draining.
NOTE: Approximately 40% of tank water will remain. It is not
possible to completely drain the A/R tank without disassembly.
Removing/Changing Ta nk Water:
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Computer Instructions:
Time: Working range fr om 0:00-99:59
Count: Working Range from 0-9999
SPM: 15SPM-3000.
Calories: 0-9999
Total Count: 0-9999
Note: Computer must be turned off
and restarted to reset total count.
Tempo: Working range from 0-180
beeps per minute.
Options:
Install the batteries, and the LCD panel will display with an audible buzz.
Mode: Allows access to various settings:
Set: Press when digits are flashing to set values upward. Can be applied for
all settings with the exception of “Total Count” and “SPM”. Once values are set,
press “Enter” to move into the following mode.
Reset: Press this key to reset values.
Note: Total count can onl y be reset by taking out and reinstalling
batteries
.
Enter: Press to set values. Numbers will flash. Press “Set” to fix settings.
Once values are decided, the computer will scroll through the various settings eve-
ry six seconds. The settings can be fixed into a set value (SPM for example) by
pressing the “Mode” button. Values such as time will accumulate toward zero and
an audible alarm will sound once zero is reached. Press any key to stop the
alarm.
The Computer will enter sleep mode if not used for over 4minutes, 30 seconds.
The Neptune Challenge AR Rower Computer
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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.
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.
How to Row?
How Often?
Begin with 5 minute Pacific 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 Pacific 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.
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Detaching the Rower Belt
Reattaching the Rower Belt
Bungee Shock Cord
Bungee Attachment Point
1.To detach belt, simply pull beyond the
range of the normal rowing stroke until
the belt detaches from the Belt Bungee
Pulley.
Tip: You’ll hear the Velcro separating
just before the belt detaches.
2.Cut plastic tie holding bungee at the
Bungee Attachment Point, pull the
Cord through all three pulleys and
leave excess on top of the tank for
now.
Idle Wheel
Velcro facing
upward
Rower Handle
Belt/Bungee Pulley
1.Begin reattaching the Rower Belt by
threading around the Rower Belt Pulley
with the Velcro side facing upward as
illustrated.
2.Next, thread the Belt around the Idle
Wheel as shown. Once around the Idle
Wheel, attach the Rower Belt to the
Belt/Bungee Pulley. There is an obvious “lip” at the attachment point.
3.Wind the Rower Belt onto the Belt/
Bungee Pulley until the Rower Handle
is as it’s furthest forward position.
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Removing the Bungee Shock Cord
Bungee Shock Cord
Bungee Pulley
4.Rethread the Bungee Shock Cord (on
opposite side of the Idle Wheel) back
through the Bungee Pulleys and tie off
at the Attachment Point.
Bungee
Shock Cord
Bungee Attachment
Point
Upper Frame Plug
Upper Frame
Hole
Belt/ Bungee
Pulley
move the Rowing Handle to it’s farthest
forward point on the Mainframe, then cut
the plastic end tie and follow the drawing
above for bungee removal. Next, remove the Upper Frame Plug to allow the
Bungee Shock Cord to be threaded
through the top of the frame. Note: You
will need to rotate the Belt/Bungee Pulley
to align the holes properly. Should the
belt drop off of during the bungee
change, please refer to the previous pages for “Attaching/Reattaching the Rower
Belt”.
Once Bungee Cord and Upper Frame
Hole are aligned, push the Bungee Cord
up and through the frame as shown
Hint
If Bungee Shock Cords previous tension seemed
correct (a good way to judge is if the Rower Handle can make it to the furthest point forward on
the top of the Mainframe under bungee tension
alone) then simply tie off at previous position. If
the return is too slack, experiment by tightening
the tension in small increments and testing until
the correct tension is achieved. If the Rower Handle cannot reach the end of the
seat rail during a rowing stroke, then the Bungee Shock Cord is over-tensioned.
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Tip: Correct bungee tension is achieved when enough recoil is present for the Rowing Handle to easily reach the front of the Rower Pulley
Belt Bracket at the far front of the frame. If the Rowing Handle will not
reach rearward to the end of the Seat Rail, the Bungee Cord is overtightened and will require adjustment.
Replacing the Bungee Shock Cord
Reinstall the Shock Cord through the Upper Frame, along the opposite side of Idle
Wheel, through the Mid Frame and Lower Bungee Pulleys and then tie off with
plastic tie wrap to correct tension. Replace Frame Plug
Bungee
Shock
Cord
Bungee Attachment
Point
Pull Bungee
through until
seated securely
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Troubleshooting
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 or change tank
water as directed in the water
treatment section of this manual.
Rower belt slipping
off belt/ bungee pulley.
Bungee not under
enough tension.
Tighten bungee cord following
the instructions in "Replacing
the Bungee/Shock Cord" section
of this manual.
Front of rower lifts
slightly during vigorous rowing.
M10X180mm Vertical
Frame Tensioning Bolt is
slightly too loose.
Tighten bolt 1/2 turn and try
again. Tighten as needed until
problem stops. Note: Over
tightening this bolt can damage
the seat rail. Only tighten bolt
until mid leg begins to lift slightly
from the ground. Refer to “Fine
Tuning the Neptune Challenge
AR” for details.
The Neptune Challenge AR Rower
computer does not
illuminate after battery installation.
Batteries installed
incorrectly or need
replacing.
Reinstall batteries in correct position and try again. If the LCD
screen fails to illuminate, replace batteries. If this fails, contact your local service center.
Neptune Challenge
AR Rower Computer screen illuminates, but does not
register when rowing.
Loose or failed
connection.
Check that the computer lead is
connected properly. If it is connected then contact your local
service center.
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NEPTUNE CHALLENGE AR ROWER
INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY – HOME USE
First Degree Fitness Limited warrants that the Neptune Challenge AR Rower (model NEPAR), purchased from an
authorised 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 – 5 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 5 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.
Specific Inclusions
Aluminum Seat Rail
Stainless Steel Impeller Assembly
All Other Components (of a wearing nature) – 1 Year Limited Warranty
First Degree Fitness will repair or replace any component should it fail due to any defect in materials or workmanship
within 1 year of the original purchase.
Specific Inclusions
Bungee recoil cord
Hand grips & foot straps
Polyester rowing belt
Seat
All pulleys, rollers & bearings
All rubber components
Computer & speed sensor (excluding replaceable batteries)
Footplates (pivoting & sliding)
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 labour 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
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