Alpha Power Pong User manual
Power Pong
Table Tennis Robot
User Manual
John Schmidt
Revision 1.0
Power Pong User Manual
IMPORTANT: This User Manual has been developed exclusively for the Power Pong Alpha table
tennis robot. Copying this manual or any portion of it, without explicit permission in writing
from Power Pong, is strictly prohibited.
Caution:
•Please read this User Manual carefully before operating the Alpha robot.
•Only utilize 110/220 VAC power based on the ordered product and configuration.
•The Ball Throw wheels rotate at high speed. Avoid touching during operation.
Power Pong User Manual i
Table of Contents
Section 1: Getting Started with the Alpha
1.1 Congratulations................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Alpha Table Tennis Robot Features ................................................................. 2
1.3 Included Parts ................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Terminology Used in this Manual .................................................................... 4
1.5 Power Pong Service / Support ......................................................................... 4
Section 2: Setup of the Alpha Robot
2.1 Unfolding the Collection Net ........................................................................... 5
2.2 Positioning the Support Legs ............................................................................ 5
2.3 Rotating/Raising the Throwing Head into Play Position .................................. 5
2.4 Connecting the Throwing Head Communication Cable ................................... 8
2.5 Fully Opening the Collection Net ..................................................................... 8
2.6 Mounting the Robot on the Table-Top............................................................. 9
2.7 Adjusting the Support Legs (Rubber Tips) ....................................................... 9
2.8 Securing the Side Nets .................................................................................... 10
2.9 Connecting the Control Panel Cable .............................................................. 10
2.10 Mounting the Control Panel ........................................................................... 11
2.11 Connecting the Alpha Robot to the Power Source......................................... 11
2.12 Load the Alpha Robot with Table Tennis Balls................................................ 12
2.13 Congratulations –Setup is Complete ............................................................. 12
Section 3: Alpha Control Panel
3.1 Control Panel Description............................................................................... 13
3.2 Controls Affecting the Single Thrown Ball Type ............................................ 13
3.2.1 Ball Placement Rotary Dials ............................................................... 13
3.2.2 Ball LED’s 1-6 ..................................................................................... 13
3.2.3 Ball Trajectory Buttons / LED Display ................................................ 14
3.2.4 Ball Side-Spin Buttons / LED Display ................................................. 14
3.2.5 Ball Back/Top-Spin Buttons / LED Display.......................................... 15
3.2.6 Ball Speed Buttons / LED Display ...................................................... 15
3.3 Controls Affecting All Thrown Balls ................................................................ 16
3.3.1 Balls/min Rotary Dial ......................................................................... 16
3.3.2 AFC Button / LED ............................................................................... 16
3.3.3 RND Button / rnd and Trnd LEDs ....................................................... 17
3.4 Drill Related Controls...................................................................................... 18
3.4.1 Memory Place Rotary Dial w/22 positions......................................... 18
3.4.2 Memory Select/save Button .............................................................. 18
3.4.3 Backstep Button................................................................................. 19
3.4.4 Sample / Pause Button....................................................................... 19
3.4.5 Add Ball Buttons ................................................................................ 19
3.4.6 Remove Ball Button ........................................................................... 19
Power Pong User Manual ii
3.5 Reset Buttons ................................................................................................. 19
Section 4: Operation of the Alpha Robot
4.1 Tips for Best Operation / Longevity................................................................ 20
4.2 Starting the Alpha Robot ................................................................................ 20
4.2.1 Checking Throwing Head Center Adjustment ................................... 20
4.3 Instant Play Mode........................................................................................... 21
4.3.1 Instant Play Mode Practice Ideas with One Ball ............................... 21
4.4 Alpha Robot Drills ........................................................................................... 21
4.4.1 Pre-Configured Drills ......................................................................... 21
4.4.2 Selecting/Starting a Drill .................................................................... 22
4.4.3 Creating a New Drill ........................................................................... 22
4.4.4 Saving a Drill....................................................................................... 23
4.4.5 Modifying an Existing Drill ................................................................. 23
4.5 Using the Remote-Control FOB ...................................................................... 24
4.6 Preparing for Transport and/or Storage......................................................... 24
Section 5: Maintenance and Repair
5.1 General Cleaning ............................................................................................ 26
5.2 Deflector Assembly / Deflector Strip Cleaning and Replacement ................. 26
5.2.1 Deflector Assembly / Deflector Strip Cleaning .................................. 26
5.2.2 Deflector Strip Replacement.............................................................. 27
5.3 Throwing Wheel Maintenance ...................................................................... 29
5.3.1 Checking/Adjusting Wheel Clearance ............................................... 29
5.3.2 Wheel Removal/Replacement ........................................................... 30
5.4 Robot Base / Lower Ball Feed Path Cleaning ................................................. 32
5.5 Calibration ...................................................................................................... 33
5.5.1 Checking Calibration .......................................................................... 33
5.5.2 Performing Calibration ...................................................................... 34
5.6 Replacing the Battery in Remote-Control FOB .............................................. 34
5.7 Replacing Main Circuit Board.......................................................................... 36
5.8 Pairing a New Remote-Control FOB ............................................................... 38
5.9 Restoring Factory Supplied Drills ................................................................... 38
5.10 Typical Replacement Parts ............................................................................. 38
Section 6: Troubleshooting
6.1 Ball Jams ......................................................................................................... 39
6.2 General Troubleshooting ............................................................................... 40
Technical Data / Warranty Information ............................................................................... 41
Power Pong User Manual Page 1
Section 1: Getting Started with Alpha Back to Table Of Contents
1.1 Congratulations
Congratulations on your purchase of the Power Pong Alpha Table Tennis robot, the “best in its
class”, outstanding product, and top performing robot. The Alpha robot is ideal for every type
of player and every level of play. With proper care and treatment this robot will give you years
of quality practice time!
1.2 ALPHA Table Tennis Robot Features
Below are some of the features of the Power Pong Alpha robot:
•Compact, solid, functional constructed robot with integrated ball collection net –allows
continuous practice without having to stop to collect balls
•Lightweight and easily transportable. The robot with included accessories weighs less than
20 lbs.
•State of the art 3-wheel ball delivery technology utilizing rigid sponge wheels designed for
long durability
•User-friendly, easy to understand Control Panel
•Ball delivery options include a variety of spin types, trajectory, and placement –all
adjustable through the Control Panel
•Random features include natural scattering of shots with random placement and random
sequence
•Comes with 12 pre-loaded drills with different spin, speed, trajectory and placement
•Additional 10 memory locations for your own customized drills
•Configurable option for more natural timing of thrown balls during drills
•Adjustable height of ball delivery to simulate anything from low serves to high lobs
•Remote-Control FOB included allows starting/stopping and changing the throwing rate.
The Power Pong Alpha tennis table robot is covered by a full 3-year Manufacturer’s warranty
and a 5-year guarantee of parts and service availability. See full warranty information at the
end of this User Manual.
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1.3 Included Parts
Robot with Net Assembly
Power Supply (Input: 100-240V,
Output: 24V DC, 3A) with cable
Control Panel
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Control Panel Cable
Control Panel Mounting Bracket
100 Power Pong Table Tennis balls
Remote-Control FOB
Adjustment Gauge/Tool
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Other miscellaneous parts:
2mm Hex wrench
4mm Hex wrench
Velcro strips
Flexible white replacement deflector strip
Non-Flexible, rigid white replacement deflector strip
Spare rubber bands (2)
1.4 Terminology
Following is a list of terms that are used throughout this User Manual along with brief
definitions.
Ball Throw –the action of the Alpha robot throwing a ball to a location on the table
Ball Throw Type - 4 controls affect Ball Type: Top Spin/Back Spin, Speed, Sidespin, and
Trajectory.
Ball Tube –the path the balls follow from the base of the robot up to the throwing head.
Basic Ball - the ball that is thrown when the Control Panel is first powered on and no
adjustments have been made. This ball will have no spin with medium speed and height.
Current Ball - the ball that is currently selected as indicated by its flashing Ball LED.
Drill - a configurable sequence of between 2 and 6 ball throws that upon starting, repeats until
stopped.
Elevation Rings —how the head height adjustment is described. Three rings would mean the
head height is adjusted so 3 rings (painted on the Ball Tube) are visible.
Existing Drill –a drill that is currently stored in memory of the Alpha robot
Placement - the location on the table where a ball lands, determined by the rotary placement
dial
Rotary Dial –a dial that can be rotated to change operation of the robot
Short Button Press –a short button press is approximately 1 second or less
Long Button Press –a long press is approximately 2 seconds or more
Throwing Head Assembly –the portion of the robot that contains the 3 motors/wheels for
throwing the balls
1.5 Power Pong Service / Support
For assistance or service of your Power Pong Alpha Table Tennis robot, please email Power
Please provide the following information:
1. Your full name.
2. Your phone number
3. The Model of your table tennis robot (i.e. Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omega)
4. A full description of the issue you’re having with the robot.
You may also call Power Pong Support at 714-280-6821.
We look forward to helping you! A Power Pong service representative will respond to you
promptly.
Power Pong User Manual Page 5
Section 2: Setup of the Alpha Robot Back to Table Of Contents
2.1 Unfolding the Robot/Collection Net
1. Place the robot on top of your table tennis table. (Photo 2-1)
2. Fold apart both sides of the net at the same time until the first stop. The net bars will be
horizontal at this point as shown. (Photo 2-2).
2.2 Positioning the Support Legs
1. Swing the curved tubular Support Legs outward toward the front of the robot into position
(Photo 2-3), approximately 6-8 inches apart.
2.3 Rotating/Raising the Throwing Head into Play Position
The flexibility of being able to adjust the Power Pong Alpha robot throwing height allows for a
very realistic match experience. By adjusting the height of the head (from one of four different
heights) together with the ball trajectory settings, you can have the robot throw you any type
of ball from a low fast serve to a high lob.
Photo 2-1
Photo 2-2
Photo 2-3
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Note: If you are unpacking the unit for the first time, remove the rubber bands used on the
throwing head which protect the Deflector Plates during shipment.
When adjusting throwing head height, always be sure that one of the 4 painted rings is slightly
above the ball tube locking assembly. Failure to adjust the height properly can lead to
throwing malfunctions, including throwing two balls simultaneously.
1. Loosen the black knob found on the rear of the Ball Tube typically one-half to one turn. (Photo
2-4)
2. Grasp the curved ball tube and rotate approximately 180° so that the ball head / exit route is
pointing toward you and/or the front of the robot. You may have to pull up slightly to rotate.
See Photo 2-5 (before) and Photo 2-6 (after).
3. Pull the head upwards on the ball tube until the second ring on the tube is just visible
(Photo 2-7). SLIGHTLY tighten the black knob to hold the throwing head in place - just
enough to prevent it from dropping.
Caution: Overtightening can damage the ball feed tube!
Photo 2-5
Photo 2-4
Photo 2-6
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The height of the throwing head can be adjusted to one of four possible heights as shown in
photos 2-8 thru 2-11. Before tightening the black knob, it is important that one of the ball tube
rings be located just above the Ball Tube Locking mechanism.
Never operate the robot with the height beyond the 4th red ring.
Photo 2-7
Photo 2-9
Photo 2-10
Photo 2-11
Photo 2-8
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2.4 Connecting the Throwing Head Communication Cable
1. Plug the communication cable coming from the throwing head assembly to the 15-pin
connector found on top of the robot Base (Photos 2-12, 2-13 and 2-14).
2. Tighten (snug) the two thumb screws on the cable connector. Note: This cable MUST be
disconnected anytime you swing the table support legs back into their transport position to
prevent damage to the cable.
2.5 Fully Opening the Collection Net
1. Standing behind the robot, grip the top points of the net and completely fold the net down
on both sides until the net fully opens (Photo 2-15).
Photo 2-13
Photo 2-12
Photo 2-14
Photo 2-15
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2.6 Mounting the Robot on the Table-top
1. From behind, grasp the robot with both hands on the bottom of the Base. Pick up the robot,
angle the Support Legs downward, and slip them under the end of your table. (Photo 2-16)
2. Gently push the robot onto the end of the table with the Power Pong logo aligned with the
center line of the table. (Photo 2-17)
3. Gently let go of the base and the robot will hang by its own weight.
4. Lower the Corner Brackets of the net around the corners of your table.
5. With a newer robot, the corners of the net may not stay completely down at this point –
this is okay and as the material loosens up the corners will stay in place.
Note: If the table to which you are attaching the robot to, is the table that you will always use,
you can secure the mounting by using the included longest Velcro strip to secure the robot to
the end of the table. You may also use supplied Velcro on the corners of the table.
2.7 Adjusting the Support Legs (Rubber Tips)
The Alpha robot is designed with adjustable support legs allowing it to fit onto tables with a
variety of thicknesses, up to 1 inch. There are adjustable rubber tips on the end of the Support
Legs that can be turned clockwise or counterclockwise, as needed for your table, so that the
throwing head assembly is positioned straight up and NOT tilting either forward or backward.
Failure to adjust the legs properly will cause ball placement to be inaccurate.
1. Turn the adjustable rubber tips on the ends of the support legs as needed so that the ball
throwing tube is straight up, not tilting forward/backward. (Photo 2-18, Figures 2-1, 2-2)
Photo 2-18
Figure 2-1
Figure 2-2
Photo 2-16
Photo 2-17
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2.8 Securing the Side Nets
1. Pull one of the Side Nets along the side of the table and secure to the net post hardware
(Photos 2-19 and 2-20), by looping the rubber band over the top of the net support and
then down around the Clamp Screw that holds the net support onto the table.
2.9 Connecting the Control Panel Cable
1. Connect either end of the Control Panel Cable into the jack (looks like a headphone jack) on
the side of the Base (Photo 2-21). Be sure to fully seat/insert this cable.
2. Extend the other end of the Control Panel Cable to the opposite side of the table and
connect to the Control Panel (see Photo 2-22 and 2-23). Be sure to fully seat/insert this
cable.
Photo 2-22
Photo 2-20
Photo 2-23
Photo 2-21
Photo 2-19
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2.10 Mounting the Control Panel to the Table
The Control Panel Bracket and Control Panel can be mounted on either side of the table.
1. Attach the Control Panel Bracket onto the side of the table, near the end so that you can
easily reach/operate it. (Photo 2-24)
2. Attach the Control Panel to the mounting tabs on the Control Panel Bracket. You may use a
Velcro strip to help secure the bracket onto the side of the table if you will always be using
the same table. (Photo 2-25)
2.11 Connecting the Robot to a Power Source
1. Insert the power connector from the power adapter into the power jack on the side of the
Robot Base. (Photo 2-26)
Photo 2-26
Photo 2-24
Photo 2-25
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2. Plug the power adapter into the wall power (110VAC) as shown in Photo 2-27.When you
do this, you will hear the Alpha robot begin its startup process consisting of several clicking
noises followed by the ball throw motors spinning for 1-2 seconds.
2.12 Load the Alpha Robot with Table Tennis Balls.
1. Using the supplied table tennis balls, fill the collection net assembly (Photo 2-28).
2.13 Congratulations –Setup is Complete
Setup of your Alpha robot is complete, and the unit is ready for use!
Photo 2-27
Photo 2-28
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Section 3: Alpha Control Panel Back to Table Of Contents
3.1 Control Panel Description
The Alpha control panel is used to control all aspects of
how the balls are thrown/delivered to you. This includes
the placement of the ball on the table, as well as speed,
spin and more. Through the control panel, you also start
and stop the process of balls being thrown and, you
control the rate at which they are thrown. Drills, which
will be covered in Section 4, are created, modified, and
saved using the control panel. In this section of the User
Manual, we cover the function of the individual buttons,
dials, and LEDs that are part of the control panel.
3.2 Controls Affecting the Single Thrown Ball Type
3.2.1 Ball Placement Rotary Dials (Figure 3-1)
There are six Placement Rotary Dials, with LEDs above each dial. These dials (1-6) determine the
left to right landing spot of the ball, related to the centerline of the table. When the indicator
dot on the dial is centered, the ball will be delivered approximately down the center line of the
table. As the dial is turned to the left (of center), the ball will be delivered to the left of the
center line on the table. As the dial is turned to the right (of center) the ball will be delivered to
the right of the center line on the table. The farther the dial is turned from center, the farther
the ball will be from the centerline, either left or right.
3.2.2 Ball LEDs 1–6 (Figure 3-2)
Above each Ball Placement Rotary dial is an LED. When the LED is flashing, the corresponding
Ball Placement Rotary Dial is active, and when the dial is turned, the deflector plates on the
throwing head will move. The number below the flashing LED will be referred to as the “active
ball”. Additional controls, such as speed, spin, trajectory, etc. can be adjusted to affect the
active ball. When illuminated and solid, this indicates that a Ball for that number has been
Figure 3-1
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programmed. The total number of solid illuminated LEDs will indicate the total number of balls
that have been programmed.
3.2.3 Ball Trajectory Buttons / LED Display (Figure 3-3)
The Trajectory Buttons raise or lower the active ball trajectory (throw angle). One short press of
either button will change the trajectory by about one-half degree, either up or down. If you
hold either button down (long press), the change in trajectory can be made rapidly. The
Trajectory LED display will update with major changes (8 or more short presses of the trajectory
button.
3.2.4 Ball Side-spin Buttons / LED Display (Figure 3-4)
The Side-spin buttons change the type and amount of side spin on the ball. When the zero LED
is illuminated, that means there is no side spin on the active ball. Using the buttons, we can
change the amount of spin and whether the spin is left or right. The Side-spin LED will update
with each click (left or right) and will apply to the active ball.
Figure 3-3
Figure 3-2
Power Pong User Manual Page 15
3.2.5 Ball Back/Top Spin Buttons / LED Display (Figure 3-5)
The Spin buttons reduce or increase the amount of spin on the ball –either Top-spin or Back-
spin. A setting of zero indicates no spin (dead ball). Settings to the right of zero (1 to 5) indicate
stronger and stronger amounts of Top-spin. Settings to the left of zero (-1 to -4) indicate
stronger and stronger amounts of Back-spin. The Spin LED will update with each click (left or
right) and will apply to the active ball.
3.2.6 Ball Speed Buttons / LED Display (Figure 3-6)
The Speed buttons reduce or increase the speed of the ball. There are 19 increments of speed
adjustment. The Speed LED will update with each click (left or right) and will apply to the active
ball.
Figure 3-4
Figure 3-5
Figure 3-6
Power Pong User Manual Page 16
3.3 Controls Affecting All Thrown Balls
3.3.1 Balls/min Rotary Dial (Figure 3-7)
The Ball/min rotary dial decreases or increases the rate, or frequency of thrown balls per
minute. This control affects all balls thrown, not just the active ball. An adjustment of 0 to 100
balls per minute is possible. Turning the Ball/min rotary dial to the “0” position will stop the
feeding motor as well as the three throwing motors.
3.3.2 AFC Button / LED (Figure 3-8)
By pressing the AFC button, you activate the Automatic Frequency Control function. The red
AFC LED will illuminate on the control panel. AFC is useful when you have a sequence of balls
with significant changes in speed from one ball to the next. An example would be, when you
start with a slow, short backspin serve followed by a fast topspin shot. Or you have several fast
top-spins followed by a slow, high pop-up lob. AFC can sense this change in speeds and
automatically adjust the ball frequency so the timing between shots is more like the timing of
shots in a real game. Turn on AFC whenever you feel you don’t have enough time, or too much
time, for one or two balls within a drill, but the rest of the balls seem okay. Deactivate AFC by
once again pressing the AFC button again. The AFC LED will turn off.
Figure 3-7
Figure 3-8
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