Silent Partner EDGE LITE User manual

Owner’s Manual for the
EDGE: LITE, SPORT and STAR
www.sptennis.com
SAFETY FIRST
The Silent Partner ball machine is capable of throwing tennis balls at high speed. Take all
necessary precautions to prevent ejected balls from striking people.
Do not allow children to use the machine and keep them at a safe distance from it, and from ejected
balls, when on court.
Do not insert your hands or foreign objects into the openings of the machine while it is running. The
throwing wheels must never be touched when they are spinning.
Exercise caution when carrying the machine. Careless lifting can result in injury. The handle must
never be used alone to lift the machine, especially going up or down stairs. Use center opening in
front and rear to lift the machine.

THE CONTROL PANEL OF THE LITE, SPORT AND STAR
BATTERY CHARGER JACK
The Silent Partner is delivered with a smart battery charger that
mounts in ordinary wall outlets. It takes about 10 hours to charge
the battery. The charger can stay connected to the machine for
long periods of time but must be disconnected when playing.
SPEED CONTROL
Ball ejection speed can be adjusted from a soft toss to a
challenging drive. Settings in the top range produce unusually
high speeds. For consistent ball throws, use fully pressurized
balls. Pressureless balls can also be used to avoid pressure
loss over time.
SPIN CONTROL
A simple turn of this knob will generate spin varying from slice to
top spin. Spin is generated by the relative speed of the two
propulsion wheels. Positioning the knob in the mid-position
produces "flat" (spinless) ball throws.
FEED RATE
Feed rate can be adjusted from a full stop to about one ball
every two seconds. The SPORT has a delay of about 12
seconds before feeding balls. This happens every time you feed
balls
SWEEP
This function will make the machine oscillate. To achieve
symmetrical court coverage, ensure that the lower platter of the
machine is aligned with the court. Alignment fins are provided to
make this easy (see description in this manual)
RESET BUTTON
The sophisticated electronic circuitry of your Silent Partner is
protected by a reset button located at the base of the control
panel. The Star AC has two additional reset buttons to the side
of the control panel. If a reset button pops during play, check for
obstructions of the propulsion wheels. The most likely cause of
failure is a ball stuck behind the propulsion wheels. Never use wet balls and make sure that the chute
that leads balls to the propulsion wheels is always clear of balls.
THROW CONSISTENCY: The main reason for inconsistency in ball throws is that dead balls are not
thrown as fast as new balls. Avoid mixing balls of different firmness.

ELEVATION ADJUSTMENT
ADJUSTING HEIGHT OF THROW
The height of the ball trajectory is adjusted by
releasing the clamp shown in the picture and
repositioning it along the arc cut into the body
of the machine.
The clamp is shown here in the position that
will provide the lowest throw. As the clamp is
repositioned to the right along the arc, the
ball is thrown increasingly high.
THROWING HIGH LOBS
Very high lobs can be achieved by placing the
clamp at the extreme right of the arc AND by
inclining the machine towards the rear.
The inclination of the machine is achieved by
flipping a metal foot (shown in the lower left in the
picture) down on the court.
Small changes in speed and spin can have a big
impact on the trajectory of the ball when throwing
lobs, so experiment carefully with your settings.
The oscillator can be turned when the machine is
throwing lobs.
This is a good time to take note of the small chain
located in the area of the metal foot. This is a
ground chain that protects against the accumulation
of static electricity in the machine. Just let it hang
down (it will touch the court, or the metal foot,
providing a ground connection in either case).

GETTING READY TO PLAY
ALIGNING THE OSCILLATOR
When using the oscillator, begin by
aligning the machine with the court
by ensuring that the lower platter is
“square” with the court. The lower
platter is the part to which the
rubber feet are attached. Its front
edge must be parallel to the
baseline (check both sides). This
will ensure that the machine will
swing equally to the left and right.
Note that it is not the body of the
machine that needs to be aligned
with the court but the stationary
platter that sits on the ground. The
alignment fins that jut out from
under the machine provide an easy
way of checking on alignment.
THE HOPPER
To install the hopper for play, lift
it up from the body of the
machine, remove the pin from
the post shown in the photo,
and lay the hopper right-side-up
on top of the machine.
It is essential that the pin be
inserted in the post as shown
in the photo. Without the pin,
the hopper will lift from the
machine during play and will
allow balls to become
jammed.
Note that the handle is lowered
during play. This protects the
handle and provides for a free flow of balls in the hopper.

ROLLING AND LIFTING THE MACHINE
RELEASING THE HANDLE
To release the handle from its
locked collapsed position, place the
palm of your hand in the lifting hole
and push the handle upward while
pressing the release button with
your thumb.
LIFTING THE MACHINE (BACK)
Note that the hand in this picture is
shown in the lifting point in the back
of the machine. By placing one
hand in the hole under the locked
handle, and the other hand in the
lifting hole in the front of the
machine, lifting can be done
efficiently.
LIFTING THE MACHINE (FRONT)
This picture shows the front lifting hole. To lift the
machine, grip the front of the machine with one hand and
the back of the machine (see explanation above) with the
other hand. Because the two lifting points are located
high on the machine, it is possible to lift the Silent Partner
without needing to “bear hug” the machine from
underneath.
READY TO ROLL
The machine is shown here ready to be rolled. Note that
the hopper is placed securely on top of the body of the
machine and the handle is fully extended.
To roll the machine, tilt the handle towards the back until
the rolling wheels are securely in contact with the ground.
You can now maneuver the machine effectively over a
variety of terrains. For maximum durability, it is best to lift
the machine when the path is very rough, such as over
gravel, potholes, or rough grass.

REMOTE CONTROL (Star only)
The Silent Partner STAR is supplied with a two-function remote control that operates ball FEED (on/off)
and SWEEP (on/off).
1. The FEED function only works when the machine is
turned on at the control panel and the FEED rate is set
above zero.
2. The SWEEP function only works when SWEEP is
turned on at the control panel.
The remote control resets itself every time the machine is
turned off. The reset default is with FEED and SWEEP in the
"ON" position so that the machine can be used in the absence
of the transmitter.
A common cause of poor remote performance is a weak
battery in the hand-held unit. Because of excessive shipping
costs, the factory does not supply replacement batteries for the
remote control unit. You can obtain these batteries from your
local electronics store.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation of this device is subject to the following two conditions: 1. This device may not cause
harmful interference. 2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CARING FOR YOUR MACHINE
MAINTENANCE
The Silent Partner requires very little maintenance. The bearings for all motors are lubricated for life and
no electronic adjustment is required. Maintenance consists primarily of the following preventative
measures:
1. Remove dirt from inside the machine by reaching inside through the ejection hole and wiping the
base with a damp cloth.
2. The propulsion wheels are covered with a rubber dressing that does not require maintenance.
Grime from the balls will get deposited on the surface of the wheels, but it is not necessary to
remove it. If you wish to clean the surface of the wheels, you can scrub them with the scrubber
side of a kitchen sponge, using soap and water or, for a stronger action, using nail polish remover
(acetone).
3. When properly cared for, the internal battery that powers the machine has a life span of 2 to 4
years, after which it needs to be replaced. Care for your battery by stopping play when speed drops,
recharging the battery as soon as practical, and keeping it topped up. AC-powered machines do not
have an internal battery.
The remote control transmitter’s battery (STAR) needs to be replaced periodically. You can obtain these
batteries from your local electronics store.

SERVICE
(Check www.sptennis.com/service for service procedures)
REPLACING THE BATTERY ON THE LITE
(Service also offered by factory)
The battery on the LITE can be replaced without opening
the machine:
1. Center the oscillator plate with the machine then turn
the machine OFF. Remove the hopper and place the
elevation in the lob position.
2. Looking through the ejection hole, locate the battery on
the lower left and disconnect the red and black wires
from the battery posts. You will need a Philips (cross)
screw driver to unscrew the two screws that secure the
steel battery holder.
3. Rest the machine on its back and locate the two holes in the
oscillator plate. These holes give access to the nuts that
hold the Philips screws in place. You will need needle-nose
pliers, or preferably a nut driver, to hold each nut securely
while unfastening the Philips screws.
4. Remove the steel battery holder carefully (do not short the
battery posts) and extract the battery through the ejection
hole.
5. Note the red and black battery posts on the new battery.
After inserting the battery and securing it with the fastened
steel battery holder, connect the red wire to the red battery
post and the black wire to the black post (do not reverse
polarity!)
REPLACING THE BATTERY ON THE
SPORT STAR
Because of its larger size, the battery on the STAR
cannot be removed through the ejection hole. The
procedure for opening the machine and replacing
the battery is described at
www.sptennis.com/service.
ACCESSING THE CIRCUIT BOARD
All the electronics of the Silent Partner are
mounted on the control panel. You do not need to
open the machine to get to the circuit board.
Under factory guidance, follow these steps:
1. Remove the four screws that hold the
panel in place.
2. Slide the panel down into the machine a
third of the way.
3. Tilt the top of the panel towards you and
lift it away from the machine (all wires
remain connected during this operation).

TROUBLESHOOTING SIMPLE PROBLEMS
SHORT BATTERY LIFE Battery life drops dramatically at lower temperatures. Care for your battery by
stopping play when speed drops, recharging the battery as soon as practical, and keeping it topped up.
MACHINE DOES NOT RUN Begin by checking if the reset button has popped. If so, push it down after
investigating the cause of the problem (most likely balls preventing the propulsion wheels from turning).
CAROUSEL DOES NOT TURN Check that the feed control knob is turned to at least the midpoint of the
scale. Remember that there is a delay feature on the SPORT. You can try to turn the carousel by hand
(gently): if the carousel turns without engaging the motor, call the factory (1-800-662-1809).
REMOTE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK (STAR only) The remote control consists of a transmitter
(small hand held device) and a receiver (installed in the machine). Problems of reception are usually
caused by a weak battery in the transmitter (note that the red light on the transmitter is not a battery level
indicator). Replacing the battery with a fresh one from your local electronics store should be the first
step in diagnosing transmission problems.
Silent Partner offers complete service on its tennis ball machines. Because the work is performed
at the factory, you can be assured of the skill of our technicians and the quality of the parts used
in servicing your machine. Call 1-800-662-1809.
WARRANTY
(Valid only for machines in the United States and Canada)
Deuce Industries warrants Silent Partner ball machines for a period of one year from the date of original
purchase. The warranty covers defects in the material and workmanship. Deuce Industries' obligation
under this warranty is limited to the original purchaser and applies to the cost of labor and materials to
repair a warrantable defect (please note that the battery in the machine is not covered by the warranty).
To obtain warranty service, call or write Deuce Industries Ltd. to obtain instructions on how to proceed.
No returns will be accepted without prior authorization. Shipping to Deuce Industries must be prepaid.
After completing warranted repairs, Deuce Industries will pay for return shipment to you.
This warranty does not cover units damaged by neglect, accident, abuse, or unauthorized repair or
modification or if subjected to damage by failure to follow instructions contained in this manual. The
warranty also does not cover the battery in the machine or remote.
DEUCE INDUSTRIES LTD
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
Head Office: (not for shipping) Warehouse in USA:
500 Coronation Drive Unit 10 2221 Kenmore Ave. Unit 106
Toronto, Ontario Buffalo, NY 14207
Canada M1E 4V7 USA