METALTEK PLAYMATE iSMASH User manual

Owner’s Manual
PLAYMATE
iSMASH

Rev. A
PLAYMATE iSMASH
Owner’s Manual
Serial #: _____________
METALTEK
455 Kitty Hawk Drive
Morrisville, NC 27560
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.playmatetennis.com

Rev. A
This page has been intentionally left blank.

Rev. A
PLAYMATE iSMASH
Copyright by METALTEK
All rights reserved. This document is supplied to the user with the
understanding that no part of the contents may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means without the written
permission of METALTEK.
METALTEK has attempted to insure that the information included
in this document was accurate and correct at the time of printing.
METALTEK cannot be held accountable for typographical errors or
mistakes. The information in this document is subject to change
without notice.
Disclaimer
Information in this document is subject to change without notice
and does not represent a commitment on the part of METALTEK.
METALTEK provides this document “as is”, without warranty of
any kind, either expressed or implied, including, but not limited to,
the particular purpose. METALTEK reserves the right to make
improvements and/or changes to this manual or the product(s)
described herein at any time.
Information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate
and reliable. However, METALTEK assumes no responsibility for its
use, or any infringements on the rights of fourth parties that may
result from its use.
This manual could include unintentional technical or typographical
errors. Changes are periodically made to the information herein,
with the changes incorporated into new editions of the
publication.

Rev. A
Dear Valued Customer,
Congratulations on the purchase of your new PLAYMATE
Tennis Ball Machine. We have packed over 40 years of
experience and dedication into the production of each and
every ball machine that leaves our high-tech facility in
Raleigh, North Carolina.
It is our mission to build the most durable, dependable, and
player-friendly machines. Quality is assured; from the gear
motors and pitching wheels, to the fully programmable
control boxes and remote controls.
We hope that you enjoy your new ball machine as much as
we enjoyed building it. We encourage your comments and
suggestions on how we could better serve you in the future.
Please feel free to contact us on our Consumer Connection
Line at 1-800-776-6770.
Sincerely yours,
Alfred F. Yarur
President and CEO

Rev. A
Co te ts
I troductio ……………………………………………………….…6
Safety I structio s…………………………………………………7
Electrical Requireme ts…………………………………………..8
Getti g Started………………………………………………………9
Operati g I structio s…………………………………………..10
Care a d Mai te a ce…………………………………………...13
Troubleshooti g…………………………………………………...15
PLAYMATE Co sumer Co ectio …………………………….16
Drill……………………………………………………………………17
Warra ty a d Limitatio s of Liability………………………..18

Rev. A 6
I troductio
The best way to improve your tennis game is to practice. That
may sound like simple advice, but it is advice we take very
seriously here at METALTEK. We believe that the best way to
practice your game is to spend some quality time on the court
with a ball machine. By utilizing a ball machine as a constant
partner, you will be able to repeatedly attack all the shots that
make up your range as a player, whether that means
strengthening your weaknesses or perfecting your strengths. A
ball machine is your best choice of practice partner when it comes
to developing a well-rounded game.
In this age of technological development, we have tried to find a
happy balance between technical complexity and ease of
operation. We have worked hard to maintain the clean simple
appearance of our design and the utility of our controls, while
generating machines that can offer full game simulation and
programmability. After only a short while with this manual you
should have your new PLAYMATE up and running and be
practicing the shots that you want to be practicing!

Rev. A 7
Safety I structio s
WARNING! To reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, injury to
persons, and other damage when using this product, please follow these
basic safety precautions.
1. Read all instructions carefully before operating this machine.
2. To protect against the risk of electrical shock, never immerse
any part of this machine in water or any other liquid.
3. Always use a grounded three-prong extension cord to supply
power to this ball machine.
4. Close supervision is necessary when operating this machine near
children.
5. Never walk in front of this machine when it is operating. Tennis
balls leave the machine at high speeds and could cause serious
injury.
6. Always stand to the side, or behind the machine when
attempting to alter the settings of the various controls.
7. If it is ecessary to free a jammed te is ball, make sure
that the machi e is tur ed OFF a d UNPLUGGED.
8. Always wear protective eyewear when attempting any repairs or
adjustments on this machine.
9. Never attempt a y repairs of adjustme ts o this
machi e whe it is plugged i . Always tur the power
switch OFF a d UNPLUG THE POWER CORD.
10. This machi e is i te ded for pitchi g te is balls o ly.
Never attempt to use this machi e with a y other type
of ball or a y foreig object whatsoever.
11. Always make sure to turn this machine OFF when it is not in use.

Rev. A 8
Electrical Requireme ts
A heavy-duty grounded three-prong power cord (not included) is
recommended for use with the PLAYMATE Ball Machine. All
machines should be plugged into a 120V 50/60 Hz outlet (220V
50/60 Hz outlet for overseas machines equipped with
transformers). If you are using an extension cord of 50 feet long
or less, we recommend that you use a 16 gauge or heavier
extension cord that is grounded. For longer distances, a 14 gauge
grounded extension cord is recommended.

Rev. A 9
Getti g Started
Your new PLAYMATE should have arrived securely packed. Make sure to
inspect the machine for any damages that could have occurred during
shipment. If machine is damaged please save all packing and box for
inspection purposes. Inside the packing box, you should have found the
owner’s manual, warranty card, and hand held remote control. If any of
these are missing, please notify METALTEK immediately. Your new
PLAYMATE should be ready for use in only a few minutes by completing
the following easy steps.
1. ASSEMBLING THE HANDLES - The handles are reversed
along the sides of the machine for compact shipment. To place
them in their proper position, loosen the black triangular head
screws until they are free. Swing the handles around 180
degrees until they are running parallel to each other behind
the machine. Line up the holes and replace the triangular head
screws, tightening until snug. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.
2. SUPPLYING POWER – Plug an extension cord into a
grounded three-prong outlet of the proper ratings (see
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS), and attach the other end to
the power cord on the left side of the machine.
3. FILL THE HOPPER – For consistency, we recommend that all
the balls used in the machine at one time be of the same type
and approximate wear. DO NOT USE WET TENNIS BALLS.
4. SET THE CONTROLS – Your machine is just about ready for
use. The last thing you will need to do is set the controls to a
specific program. Make sure to carefully read the OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS before attempting to use this machine.
NOTE If possible, save the shipping box that your PLAYMATE arrived
in. Not only will it provide a safe place for long term storage, but will
also provide proper protection if it is ever necessary to ship your
PLAYMATE in the future.

Rev. A 10
Operati g I structio s
The iSMASH control box is mounted to the back of the PLAYMATE
cabinet.
Directio Patter
Set the direction to where the balls are sent.
Choose straight ahead, left & right, etc. For
a custom pattern, press the white targets on
the tennis court.
Height
Controls overall
height of the ball.
Turn clockwise for
a lob. Turn
counterclockwise
for a volley.
Ra dom Directio
O /Off
Toggle up - random
Toggle down - sequence
Feed Rate
Sets the interval at
which the balls are
thrown.
Remote/Bypass
Toggle switch up turns the
remote on
Down bypasses the remote.
NOTE: If toggle switch is
down the machine will
begin to throw balls, if the
interval is greater than 0.
Spi
Turn the knob clockwise
for topspin. Turn the knob
counterclockwise for
backspin.
Speed Co trol
Sets the speed at
which the balls are
thrown.

Rev. A 11
Operati g I structio s Co ti ued…
POWER- This switch controls the power to the machine. When it
is illuminated, power is being supplied.
1. FEED RATE – This knob determines how frequently
the balls are pitched. Turning the knob clockwise increases
the number of balls pitched to a maximum of approximately
one ball per second. Turning the knob counterclockwise
decreases the number of balls per minute.
2. SPEED – This knob sets the speed at which the ball is
thrown. Turning this knob clockwise will increase the overall
delivery speed of the ball. Turning it counterclockwise will
decrease the overall speed.
3. HEIGHT - This knob controls the overall height of the ball
being pitched. Turning this knob clockwise increases the
height of the ball. Turning it counterclockwise decreases it.
4. DIRECTION PATTERN - The direction pattern control
sends the balls straight ahead, left & right narrow, or left &
right wide. For a custom direction pattern, press the white
target buttons on the tennis court graphic. Up to seven
different directions can be chosen. The lights will blink in
the order of the pattern to demonstrate the selection. Fast
blinking means that a custom direction pattern selection is
in progress. Slow blinking means that the custom direction
pattern selection is complete. Pressing the “X” button clears
the custom direction pattern so that a new custom pattern
can be entered. Pressing the “LAST” button recalls the last
known custom direction pattern.
Example: To select a left and right direction only, press the
button that says “LEFT & RIGHT NARROW”.

Rev. A 12
Operati g I structio s co ti ued…
5. SPIN - This knob controls both TOP and BACKSPIN of the
ball being thrown. Turning this knob clockwise will give
TOPSPIN, counterclockwise BACKSPIN, if this knob is at
12 00 o’clock it will be a flat ball.
6. REMOTE – This machine is equipped with a radio remote
control system. By selecting the REMOTE position toggle
switch, the hand held remote becomes activated. By
selecting the BYPASS position of the REMOTE toggle switch,
the hand held remote becomes deactivated.
SAFETY PRECAUTION: If the machine is turned ON and the
REMOTE switch is on the BYPASS position the machine will begin
to throw balls.
NOTE Any control adjustments can be made while the machine
is running, provided the safety precautions are being followed.

Rev. A 13
Care a d Mai te a ce
With proper care and maintenance, your PLAYMATE tennis ball
machine should last for years and years of effortless operation.
These few basic steps will help to keep your machine in great
shape, and deter any future mechanical problems.
1. PERIODIC CLEANING – Over a period of use, various
debris and ball fuzz will begin to build up on the interior of
the ball machine cabinet. This should be cleared away
periodically to avoid excessive build-up that could clog
mechanical parts. Use a damp cloth to wipe down both the
interior and exterior surfaces of the machine. Very gently
use a dull object to help break away large clumps of
debris. Never scrape at the surface of your PLAYMATE ball
machine with a sharp object, or use any harsh abrasives or
solvents. Loose debris can be vacuumed out of the ball
machine cabinet. Never use a hose to attempt to spray
debris out of the interior of the machine. Excessive water
pressure can damage the sensitive electrical components,
as well as increase the risk of electric shock.
NOTE On a regular basis, compressed air should be used to blow
ball fuzz and/or debris away from the ball switch area located
underneath the black feeding disk near the ball drop hole on the
top of the ball machine. Ball fuzz also builds up underneath the
same area which can be accessed by turning the ball machine
completely upside down and blowing with compressed air.
The ball feed wire that goes over and across the feeding disk
should be inspected to make sure that it is perfectly straight and
not bowed in any way. These maintenance steps are essential for
the proper function of the ball machine as well as the safety of
ball machine users.

Rev. A 14
Care a d Mai te a ce co ti ued…
2. STORING – When the machine is not in use, it should be
stored in a proper and secure fashion. Ideally, it should be
placed in a dry and clean area that offers shelter from the
elements. Even though the ball machine is constructed
from anti-rust aluminum, excessive exposure to wind, rain,
sunlight, etc., can often interfere with the operation of the
sensitive electrical components, and cause fading and/or
other damage to the finish.

Rev. A 15
Troubleshooti g
PROBLEM
POSSIBLE CAUSE
APPROPRIATE ACTION
I co siste t ball speed
-
Pitching wheels are
heavily
worn; the pitching surface is
dirty
-
Wheels need to be sanded
and/or cleaned. Use
medium grit sandpaper to
restore the textured surface
of the wheels.
Ball is ot pitched
-
Tennis balls and/or
pitching wheels are wet
- A ball is jammed
-
Wheels and/or balls require
cleaning and drying. Remove
any wet balls from hopper.
- Turn off power and remove
any jammed balls.
Feedi g disk does ot
tur
-
Loose electrical connection
- Problem with the remote
relay
-
Turn machine upside
down; check connection of
cord #3 at side of control
box.
- Turn REMOTE/BYPASS
switch to BYPASS. If feeding
disk works properly, check
the remote (see remote
troubleshooting below).
Balls jam repeatedly
-
Ball feed wire is damaged
or missing
-
Inspec
t the position of the
feed wire over the feeding
disk. Make sure only one ball
is allowed to enter at one
time. If feed wire is missing,
call METALTEK for service.
Remote does ot
fu ctio properly
-
Antenna is not facing
upward
- Battery is dead
- REMOTE/BYPASS is
switched to BYPASS
-
Reposition antenna
- Replace battery in
handheld remote
- Set Remote switch to
REMOTE (see pg.10 #2)
Pitchi g motors a d/or
Feed motor do ot
operate properly
-
Loose electrical connection
-
Turn machine
upside
down; check connection of
cords #1 and #2 at side of
control box.

Rev. A 16
PLAYMATE Co sumer Co ectio
We are here during business hours to help provide technical
assistance to our customers.
Hours of Operatio Monday - Friday
8 00am - 4 30pm (EST)
If you experience difficulty with your METALTEK Products, please
feel free to contact us at one of the following numbers
Toll Free (USA) 1-800-776-6770
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
Visit our website at
www.playmatetennis.com
Or write us at
METALTEK
455 Kitty Hawk Drive
Morrisville, NC 27560
USA
Authorized Sales & Service Ce ter

Rev. A 17
iSMASH Drill
Drill #1
Flat Grou dstroke or Volley to Deuce Court the Ad Court
Set Remote toggle switch to REMOTE
Push Red O /Off switch o Ball Machi e to ON
Set Height k ob to 3
Set Speed k ob to 60
Set Spi k ob to 0
Set Feed Rate to 40/Grou d Stroke or 50/Volley
Set Directio Patter to “LEFT & RIGHT NARROW”
Set the Ra dom Directio toggle switch to OFF
Now walk to the other side of the court and use your remote to
start your drill. When balls are depleted or you tire, turn ball feed
off with remote before reloading balls.
Variation Set the Ra dom Directio toggle switch to ON to
receive forehand/backhand randomly.
TIP REMEMBER TO PLACE MACHINE WHERE THE BALL WOULD
COME FROM IN A MATCH. DOUBLES PLAYERS SHOULD PLACE
MACHINE IN AD OR DEUCE COURT AND PLAY OPPOSITE OF
MACHINE.
GOOD LUCK!

Rev. A 18
METALTEK LIMITED WARRANTY
WARRANTY COVERAGE - This warranty applies to new PLAYMATE Commercial tennis
machines (ACE, SMASH, iSMASH, DEUCE, GENIE, GRANDSLAM, and SERVELIFT). PLAYMATE
Portable Series tennis machines (VOLLEY, HALF VOLLEY) are warranted under separate warranty.
This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for three (3) years from the date of
purchase. During the warranty period, METALTEK will repair or, at its option, replace components
that are determined to be defective, and shall do so at no charge. However, you must pay any
applicable labor and inspection charges, and shipping charges to METALTEK. This warranty only
applies to original purchasers. On PC versions of the PLAYMATE Commercial tennis machines, the
handheld PC units are not warranted by METALTEK, but subject to a separate warranty by its
manufacturer.
WHAT WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER -This warranty does not cover damage to the machine
or any part or component thereof caused by or resulting from parts or components not supplied
by METALTEK, or METALTEK supplied parts or components that have been modified, misuse,
abuse, accidents, acts of God (such as floods or hurricanes), normal wear and tear, failure to
follow operating instructions, service or modifications by any persons other than those certified
by METALTEK, and damage during shipment (all claims must be presented to the shipper within
7 days of receipt of merchandise).
TO OBTAIN SERVICE – In order to be eligible for service under this warranty, you MUST
return the attached warranty registration card within ten (10) days of purchase. If something
goes wrong, you can contact METALTEK directly at
METALTEK’S PLANT: REPAIR POLICY
455 Kitty Hawk Drive
Morrisville, NC 27560
USA
Toll Free No: [phone]
METALTEK may refer you to an Authorized Sales and Service Representative for consultation
and/or inspection of the problem and to correct if possible. There may be an inspection charge
for on-site inspection. You will be responsible for any labor charges and for prepayment of the
costs of returning the machine or part(s) to METALTEK. Parts should be returned in a protective
package to avoid in-transit damage. Such damage is not covered by this warranty.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES. ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL
COINCIDE IN DURATION WITH THE THREE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY. IN NO EVENT SHALL
METALTEK BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL AND INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. (Note Some states
do not allow exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above
limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.) This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and
you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. No dealer has the right to modify
this warranty or to make any representation or promise on behalf of METALTEK.