6
5 Maintenance
General:
To get the most satisfaction from your RP3 rowing simulator, treat her with the same loving
care as you would do a rowing boat or your single scull.
The actual amount of maintenance required can vary strongly depending upon the type and
frequency of use, and the environment the machine is used in.
The following paragraphs can serve as a guideline to keep your RP3 in good shape.
Main bar and sliding flywheel assembly
To really simulate the dynamics of a racing shell, freely floating on the water, it is essential
that the flywheel assembly slides over the main bar with zero clearance between rollers and
main bar, and with very low resistance. Build-up of any dirt on the surface of the main bar
will not only increase the resistance and negatively influence the dynamic simulation, but also
will induce extremely high compressive strains in the main bar when the rollers are forced
over it when rowing.
These compressive strains will eventually cause failure of the main bar due to
fatigue cracks on its' corners.
The following maintenance schedule can serve as a general guideline for main frame and
main bar:
Before and after each training session
-
Wipe the main bar clean with an oil soaked cloth to remove dust and sweat, and to
lubricate the contact between rollers and main bar.
(Oil: Standard SAE 20 W or 20 W 40 motor oil)
-
Alternatively moist “baby wipes” also work well
Every 200 hrs of use or every 4 weeks, whichever is the longest
Check that the following bolts and nuts are not loose:
-
The bolts that hold the front and rear leg to the main bar.
Chain
To get the longest life from your chain and sprockets, keep the chain clean and properly
lubricated at all times.
Do not use too much lubricant for the chain, as this may affect the life of the elastic cord
inside the main frame in a negative way.
The following schedule can serve as a guideline for chain maintenance:
Weekly or every 50 hrs of use, whichever is the longest
-
Soak a clean rag or paper towel with approximately 5 ml of SAE 20 or 20 W 40 motor
oil.
-
Pull the chain gently all the way out, until it stops.
-
Wipe the oil soaked rag or paper towel along the full length of the chain repeatedly, to
lubricate the chain and at the same time remove accumulated dirt and lubricant residue.
-
Finally wipe the chain clean of any excess oil with a clean dry rag or dry paper towel.
