Knowledge Base

Using a nickel, since other coins tend to destroy the plastic, remove the battery port door. Then, remove the battery. While the battery is out, depress the top and bottom switches for ten seconds and then release them. Wipe the battery clean so that it is void of fingerprints and any other debris. Re-install the battery with the negative side down. Make sure the O-ring is correctly positioned in the case groove. Re-align and install the battery port door, making certain you completely seal it. Now, turn the unit on. If the accumulated distance does not read zero, repeat the hard reset. Once the accumulated distance is zeroed, you can enter a recorded calibration number if you have one. If you were experiencing difficulty with your stroke rate readings, put the unit in the 0-Stroke mode.

Doing a hard reset quick resets calibration to 1.000 and the stroke mode to 2-STROKE mode.

Please see our guide:

SpeedCoach/StrokeCoach Troubleshooting Documents

Troubleshooting Power Issues with SpeedCoach Red/Gold or Strokecoach   (Size: 570.1 KB)

This is a quick guide on what to look for if you changed batteries and the power no longer comes on with your SpeedCoach Red or Gold or Strokecoach.

Your unit is probably in 1-Stroke mode. To change your unit from 1-Stroke mode to 2-Stroke mode, hold the bottom button until “2-STR” appears on the display, then release it.

Please see the guidance shown here:

How can I submit a tax-exempt order through the website?   (Size: 860.7 KB)

Here is guidance on how to submit an order and sending a tax exempt form to apply to that order.

Here are some things to try:

• Try a different unit to see if it is the unit or the sensor / wiring.
• Check that the unit is making contacting with the mounting bracket. Push the unit onto the mounting bracket until you hear a loud click. Be sure the lanyard is not interfering with the connection.
• Clean the silver contacts with alcohol on the back of the unit and on the harness.
• Make sure you have the impeller installed in your boat. Also make sure the impeller is not impeded with debris.
• Make sure that the impeller is installed close enough to the blue sensor. The impeller must be mounted within 10” of the blue sensor. See SPC installation instructions for more information.
• Make sure that the magnet is not passing close enough to the black sensor. Adjust the magnet installation so that the magnet passes the black sensor within 3/4”s.
• You may need a new magnet if it lost some of its magnetism. You can purchase one through our site.
• It could possibly be a seat sensor failure. To make certain that it is a problem with the sensor and not the unit, put the SpeedCoach in 0-STROKE mode to bypass the seat sensor.

Installation instructions can be found here . Essentially you want make sure that the impeller is mounted closer to the bow then the stern. We give a guideline that it should be within 6 meters from the bow. You really want to avoid mounting toward the stern as this will introduce more water turbulence and give less accurate readings. For best results, please run the impeller calibration routine to enter the appropriate impeller calibration reading. Calibration should be done on a per boat basis, so if you use the unit in different boats, you should run the calibration routine on each one.

You have an incorrect calibration number and must reset the calibration of your unit. See unit instructions for more information.

• 2-STROKE mode is for the majority of rowers. For this mode, input comes from the SeatSwitch and the magnet under the seat. It counts once for every two passes over the SeatSwitch.
• 1-STROKE mode is for kayakers ONLY. Input comes from the paddle switch sensor.
• 0-STROKE mode is for those individuals not using the seat sensor (This does NOT work for kayakers). The input for this mode comes from modulations in the speed of the boat.

Your unit is in STOP or MEMORY mode. You just need to clear STOP.

• The impeller should go 16’3” from the bow. If elsewhere on the boat, the SpeedCoach should be recalibrated. It should be positioned approximately under the footstretchers. While the impeller does not need to be on the centerline, it must be submerged (if NOT centered be sure to still align the sensor accordingly with the movement of the boat). The impeller can be adhered to the hull of the boat with double-sided tape (included with purchase) or good electrical tape.


• The SpeedSensor, which is the blue sensor provided, should be as close to the impeller as possible (maximum or 11”). You install the SpeedSensor inside the hull (i.e. the opposite side from the impeller). The SpeedSensor can either be installed perpendicular to the impeller when positioned directly above it, or parallel to the impeller when it is located one impeller length in front or behind of the actual impeller. Although inside the hull, the SpeedSensor still must be fixed securely to the shell. Make sure you clean the surface well before taping it to the boat.

• The SeatSwitch, or black sensor, should be fixed mid-way through the length of the slide. This will ensure the best reading. Additionally, it MUST be oriented perpendicularly to the axis of the boat.





• The magnet must pass over the SeatSwitch. Therefore, it too must be oriented perpendicularly to the axis of the boat. You also must make sure that it is mounted to the seat within 3/4” and 1 1/2” of the deck.

The hard reset will clear all memory and restore the factory default settings. If your accumulated distance is important to you, please record it. If you ran the calibration routine and changed the calibration number, please record the calibration number.

The SpeedCoach is factory calibrated to provide reasonably accurate performance in most shells IF the impeller is installed approximately 16’3” (5m) from the bow. Calibration is an optional step, which allows the display unit to compensate for different impeller locations and to perform very accurately. You do not need to calibrate your system if you are only concerned with comparing performance on a day-to-day basis. However, calibrating your unit will make certain your splits are accurate.

1. To calibrate your system, row or paddle over a measured distance on still water (on moving water row or paddle both up and down stream and average the results shown on your display). Then, use the following formula to obtain your calibration value: (Old Cal Value) (True Distance) / (Displayed Distance) = New Cal Value
2. Make a record of your calibration value for future reference. If you move your unit to a new boat, or modify the location of your impeller, you may want to recalibrate it. Remember, calibration is boat and location specific!
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Tips for Avoiding the Spread of Viruses & Bacteria with Shared NK Equipment

We have been asked what is the best way to help prevent potential cross-contamination when using NK Equipment. While NK is not claiming these techniques will be 100% effective against a virus spreading, here are a couple of ideas that may help.

1) When sharing microphones, purchasing a set of finger cots to put on the end of the microphone creates a barrier between the mic and the user's mouth. The finger cot should not affect the overall sound amplification and can be removed after use and then a new one reapplied for the next user. They can be found online or even at your local Walgreens.

2) Use a 10% Bleach and 90% water solution to sanitize all the equipment. This solution is very effective against killing all types of viruses and should not harm the plastics or rubber used in our equipment.

You will first need to create an account if you do not already have one. After you create an account, sign in. Click on your account name at the top of the page and select My Account. On the left of the screen, you will see Product Registration, select this option. Enter your purchase date, serial number and product name into the fields and then select Save.

1. If possible, try a unit that is known to work with the suspect wiring to determine whether the problem is your unit or the wiring. Be sure the calibration number and stroke mode are set the same as your unit.
2. Check the wiring for visible cuts or nicks.
3. Check that both sensors are correctly aligned (i.e. the black sensor aligned properly with the magnet and the blue sensor aligned properly with the impeller).
4. Check the impeller for debris and make sure it is not damaged.
5. Check that the metal contacts on the unit depress easily and rebound level to the back surface of the unit.
6. Check the metal contacts on the mounting dock and make sure they are flush with the surface of the dock.
7. Clean the contacts on both the control unit and the docking station with Bon Ami (a non-abrasive cleanser available at most local stores).

1. This is probably a problem with your SeatSwitch (the black sensor). You should test your seat sensor by placing the unit in 0-STROKE mode to check if the unit is functioning correctly. If all readings are correct in 0-STROKE mode, the problem is either the SeatSwitch or the magnet (this test will NOT work for kayakers).
2. You should check the installation of both your SeatSwitch and magnet. See SPC installation instructions for more information.

To select a particular Stroke Mode turn on the unit and hold the button down until either 2,1, or 0-STR is displayed in the bottom left window. Release the bottom button when the desired setting appears.

No, the SpeedCoach has a lot of dense electronics inside and this causes it to not be buoyant. Please make sure you secure your SpeedCoach to your mount using the lanyard. Extra precautions such as the NK Life Preserver Float should also be considered.

Check the battery voltage and/or replace the existing battery.

The CR2032 is a common battery available at most local stores. A CR2032 has an average expected battery life of 400 hours.