How To Calibrate NordicTrack Treadmill?

NordicTrack manufacturer makes high-end treadmills with a lot of fantastic features that are designed to be used in the home.

Sometimes running on your NordicTrack feels more difficult, other times easier than running at the exact same pace outdoors or on a different treadmill.

If you are getting a significant speed difference on your NordicTrack treadmill and want to get an accurate measurement of your workouts, you are in the right place.

Let’s dive into today’s guide on how to calibrate NordicTrack treadmill speed and incline systems to start getting accurate metrics and get the most out of your workouts.

Without further ado, let’s get right into it!

Why Calibrate Your NordicTrack Treadmill?

Nordictrack treadmill picture from my home gym set up

If you are training for a specific goal and some of your training is on a treadmill, it is important to know exactly how fast you are running.

Sometimes your tread speed seems inaccurate. Either the speed on the display is slow or faster than it actually is. Which requires a calibration to your machine. 

NordicTrack calibration is a process that is used to correct imbalances in the machine’s operating speed and incline systems. The procedure involves pushing the machine to its maximum speed very quickly.

NordicTrack treadmill calibration allows you to accurately register the incline and speed feedback of your treadmill monitor.

You would also want to calibrate your NordicTrack tread after installing any new controller, motor, or console unit.

NordicTrack treadmill owners are also advised to recalibrate the tread any time you move or adjust your treadmill. 

How To Calibrate NordicTrack Treadmill Speed?

Nordictrack treadmill picture from my home gym set up

Before we jump into the speed calibration process, it is important to note that these instructions don’t apply to all NordicTrack models of treadmills. 

Many recent models, including the models with touchscreen consoles, do not have the capability for the user to calibrate the speed.

You can also refer to your owner manual to get a clear idea whether your model can be calibrated or not. 

First,  Plug in your treadmill, do not stand on the walking belt while performing this procedure.

Next, you need to enter calibration mode on the NordicTrack console. To do this, press and hold the STOP and  “Speed +” key and insert the safety key onto the console. This will cause the machine to go into calibration mode. 

After this has occurred, you may let go of the buttons and the safety key.

Next, press the stop button once. This will put you into the level 2 of calibration mode. 

Press and hold the speed increase button, then watch the console. You will see a number on the display that will increase as you hold the speed increase button. 

Continue to hold the speed increase button until the number changes to “85.” This will take the treadmill to its maximum speed, which will also be displayed on the console. 

At the treadmill running at “85” percentage of motor usage, the treadmill’s speed should reach within either 0.2 mph below the machine’s maximum speed or 0.2 mph above the maximum speed. This is considered normal fluctuation for a treadmill’s operating speed. 

For example, if your NordicTrack’s maximum operating speed is 10 mph, the speed operated should be between 9.8-10.2 mph. If the console shows the speed as being above or below this range, a further adjustment will need to be made to the treadmill’s controller board.

To adjust the maximum speed of the NordicTrack tread, you will be adjusting a component called the maximum speed potentiometer with a small, Philips head screwdriver. This component is located on the controller and often looks like a small, orange screw. 

If the speed displayed on the console during calibration was less than 0.2 mph below the maximum speed, turn the potentiometer on the controller slightly (about 1/16 of a full turn) clockwise. 

If the speed displayed was more than 0.2 mph above the maximum speed, turn the potentiometer slightly (about 1/16 of a full turn) counterclockwise.

After the necessary adjustment has been made, turn on NordicTrack treadmill and repeat the above calibration steps to enter calibration mode and make the treadmill go to its maximum speed. Test and make adjustments as called for.

How To Calibrate NordicTrack Treadmill Incline?

NordicTrack incline calibration is used to test the full range of the machine’s incline and decline functions.

Before we jump into the calibration process, it is important to note that these instructions don’t apply to all NordicTrack models of treadmills. 

Many recent models, including the models with touchscreen consoles, do not have the capability for the user to calibrate the incline system.

You can also refer to your owner manual to get a clear idea whether your model can be calibrated or not. 

Nordictrack treadmill picture from my home gym set up

First,  Plug in your treadmill, do not stand on the walking belt while performing this procedure.

To calibrate the incline, press and hold the stop and speed increase buttons. While holding the buttons, insert the safety key. The machine will now be in calibration mode. 

Press the Stop button once. Next press the incline (+) button, this will make the incline motor go all the way to the maximum incline and come all the way down to the level position. 

Remove the safety key from the console to exit calibration mode.

Conclusion

NordicTrack treadmill calibration allows you to accurately register the incline and speed feedback of your treadmill monitor. 

Key elements when calibrating a NordicTrack treadmill are patience and care. Loosen or tighten in small increments in order to accurately and safely calibrate your machine.

FAQ

How often should you calibrate your NordicTrack treadmill?

It highly depends on how frequently you use your equipment and the accuracy required. A NordicTrack treadmill may only require calibration as infrequently as every 6 months to a year, to as frequently as every month. 

Most importantly, you should be able to check whether the tread is actually running at the speed that the console indicates.

How To Calibrate NordicTrack Treadmill 1750?

Nordictrack treadmill picture from my home gym set up

To calibrate a NordicTrack treadmill 1750, touch the Calibrate Incline button. Next, touch the Begin button to calibrate the incline system. 

The treadmill will automatically rise to the maximum incline level, lower to the minimum incline level, and then return to the starting position. This will calibrate the incline system. 

When the incline system is calibrated, touch Finish.

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