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

Power Pong User Manual Page 4
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
Pong support at [email protected]
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