RP3 Rowing RP3 Dynamic Manual page 2

1.Introduction
The RP3 Dynamic rowing simulator is the world's only rowing machine that truly
simulates the dynamics of a light racing shell, freely floating on the water. The main
frame with its flywheel, stretcher and seat are the boat simulating parts, and the main
bar simulates the water.
In it's patented design
approximates the weight per person of most racing shells.
The seat is labile, as a boat would be, forcing the rower to sit and pull symmetrically.
The elasticity of the total system of main bar and flywheel assembly is designed to
match closely the elasticity of the combination of oar, boat and rigger.
It is however not a boat in all it's aspects.
The technique of handling the oar is not required. Therefore deteriorating technique
of handling the oar due to fatigue, will not serve as an automatic safeguard for the
oarsman against over-exertion, as would be the case in a boat.
- Because the oarsman does not have to push the oar away at the beginning of the
recovery, but instead is pulled back, there is a tendency to row at a slightly higher
stroke rate then in the boat.
- Other than the water, the main bar is not of infinite length. Therefore, to stabilize the
position of the rower within this finite length, there is a slight downward bend in the
main bar, with it's lowest point at approx. 40 centimeters from the rear leg. In order to
influence the dynamics of the system as little as possible, the curvature of this bend is
kept at a minimum. Due to the elasticity of the main bar, and the sag resulting from
the weight of the oarsman, the exact position of the lowest point of the main bar is
weight dependant; of course this position also depends on the slope of the floor the
unit is placed on. The unit should be leveled in such a way, that when rowing, neither
of the two support legs are touched by the main frame or the seat. For leveling the unit
the rear leg is provided with a level adjustment knob. Turning the knob clockwise
lowers the rear end, turning it anti-clockwise raises the rear end.
Patents: U.S. Patent 5,382,210
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European Patent 0 376 403 B1
, the flywheel assembly weighs about 21.5 kgs, which closely
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