Great video! Thank you for inspiring my purchase. I just got mine this past weekend and am really enjoying it. Like you, I added a remote control function to it: one for AC to DC operation with the included transformer - (bought a remote-controlled wall socket plug for about $10) and I also bought a DC remote controlled relay switch from eBay for about $15. I can run it remotely either off external batteries or AC to DC power. I may add two PCM DC Motor controllers to the individual motors to speed up or slow them down individually to adjust the spin or slow the ball down for dinking. I also found a variable voltage AC to DC power supply on eBay for $15 that will supply 3 to 24 volts rated at 2.5 amps. I figure that the motors and control board can handle up to 7 volts safely due to the max voltage supplied by alkaline D cells, so, 7 volts will provide more speed to the motors and a little more thrust to the balls. Likewise I could reduce the voltage to 5.5 volts to get the machine to throw weakly for dinking. There are a lot of ways to get the thing to throw the balls how you want them. One question, if you’re still reading is where to get a good camera tripod that will hold up to the weight of the machine on top of it. I have a $15 Walmart tripod that is working but is a bit sketchy and I fear will break easily. Any recommendations for a tripod?
First of all, great feedback. I'd like to see some of the changes you make to speed control. If you're successful, I may do the same so keep me posted. Second, regarding the tripod, I had some nice high end tripods from my photography days. But consider anchoring your cheap tripod with a sandbag or some type of weight. This will prevent it from falling over or moving around. Just don't put too much weight on it so that it breaks the tripod. Also, consider looking for a nicer tripod that is used.
@@fmtvworld75 OK here’s an update for you: I got the variable voltage power supply in today. It will do 3 V to 24 V at 2.4 A. I played around with it hooked up to the ball machine. I can tell you it is amazing how much variation you can get between 7.25 V (as much as voltage as I believe I can safely run) and 3.2 V (probably would run in less voltage). I have not taken it out on the court yet, but from the sound of the motors, I fully expect to be able to throw very soft dinks, and also to be able to throw balls hard enough to clear the entire court with no problems. Of course I’m gonna have to run this power supply from an inverter, but that will be no problem with the DeWalt battery snap on power inverter that I have on the way. It will be fully remote controlled with the $10 remote power socket.
After you use it and know that it works, it would be great if you could provide more details. For example, a specific list of parts and how you put it together. I think I'd like to try doing the same thing. Sounds like a lot fun! And could really improve the machine!
@@williamstevenson755 Thanks for your input on improving the machine's performance. The manual says the machine is rated for 6V (4 alkaline D cells), so I was wondering for how long were your able to use the launcher at 7.25 V.
@@RaajW2024 Hello, I’ve successfully used the machine at 7.25 volts for around 30 minutes so far. It noticeably throws the ball harder and farther - a good 3 to 5 feet more. No damage or ill effects. It will also operate down to 3.25 volts as well, and it barely throws the ball - great to simulate light dinks. The variable voltage supply was purchased from eBay for around $15.
No. I bought a separate power strip on Amazon that had a remote. It works pretty good and definitely makes it much easier to enjoy the furlihong. Here's a link to it: BN-LINK Outdoor Indoor Wireless Remote Control 3-Prong Outlet Weather Proof Heavy Duty 15 AMP Compact (Black) 3 Grounded Outlets with Remote 6-inch Cord 100ft Range ETL Listed a.co/d/g9ClmSC
i just bought this. the instruction manual is very poor on how to set things up. can you explain the high low switches? i def was not getting a ball every 4 seconds, more like 10 seconds - i was running on batteries. maybe it's better with electricity?
I've not run it in batteries. I've used a very strong battery pack that I use to jump start my large diesel truck and it works great. Yes, batteries may be the issue, but I can't say for certain. Definitely try running it with it plugged into a wall outlet. Also, I found the customer support to be very good. Try contacting the manufacturer for more info or guidance.
Can you like make it do a cross court dink? I bought this one but the speed even on low is pretty high for a dink feed. You always use it from baseline to do dinks?
Yes, I use Franklin X 40s all the time. I also use the new Selkirk balls as well as durafast and other off-brand balls as well. My machine is still working. It's a little quirky, but for $150 I don't expect more. It's still doing a great job.
I've used it on a pickleball court many times now. Considering the price, I can't say enough good things about it. I've been able to practice so many different shots using this. I use it to practice returning serves at the baseline, transition zone drop shots, and volleys at the kitchen. I've also added an additional spiral feeder rack. So now it holds 36 balls. It's a bit top-heavy heavy so I have to be very gentle with it, but so far it's working great.
Great video! Thank you for inspiring my purchase. I just got mine this past weekend and am really enjoying it. Like you, I added a remote control function to it: one for AC to DC operation with the included transformer - (bought a remote-controlled wall socket plug for about $10) and I also bought a DC remote controlled relay switch from eBay for about $15. I can run it remotely either off external batteries or AC to DC power. I may add two PCM DC Motor controllers to the individual motors to speed up or slow them down individually to adjust the spin or slow the ball down for dinking. I also found a variable voltage AC to DC power supply on eBay for $15 that will supply 3 to 24 volts rated at 2.5 amps. I figure that the motors and control board can handle up to 7 volts safely due to the max voltage supplied by alkaline D cells, so, 7 volts will provide more speed to the motors and a little more thrust to the balls. Likewise I could reduce the voltage to 5.5 volts to get the machine to throw weakly for dinking. There are a lot of ways to get the thing to throw the balls how you want them. One question, if you’re still reading is where to get a good camera tripod that will hold up to the weight of the machine on top of it. I have a $15 Walmart tripod that is working but is a bit sketchy and I fear will break easily. Any recommendations for a tripod?
First of all, great feedback. I'd like to see some of the changes you make to speed control. If you're successful, I may do the same so keep me posted.
Second, regarding the tripod, I had some nice high end tripods from my photography days. But consider anchoring your cheap tripod with a sandbag or some type of weight. This will prevent it from falling over or moving around. Just don't put too much weight on it so that it breaks the tripod.
Also, consider looking for a nicer tripod that is used.
@@fmtvworld75 OK here’s an update for you: I got the variable voltage power supply in today. It will do 3 V to 24 V at 2.4 A. I played around with it hooked up to the ball machine. I can tell you it is amazing how much variation you can get between 7.25 V (as much as voltage as I believe I can safely run) and 3.2 V (probably would run in less voltage). I have not taken it out on the court yet, but from the sound of the motors, I fully expect to be able to throw very soft dinks, and also to be able to throw balls hard enough to clear the entire court with no problems. Of course I’m gonna have to run this power supply from an inverter, but that will be no problem with the DeWalt battery snap on power inverter that I have on the way. It will be fully remote controlled with the $10 remote power socket.
After you use it and know that it works, it would be great if you could provide more details. For example, a specific list of parts and how you put it together. I think I'd like to try doing the same thing. Sounds like a lot fun! And could really improve the machine!
@@williamstevenson755 Thanks for your input on improving the machine's performance. The manual says the machine is rated for 6V (4 alkaline D cells), so I was wondering for how long were your able to use the launcher at 7.25 V.
@@RaajW2024 Hello, I’ve successfully used the machine at 7.25 volts for around 30 minutes so far. It noticeably throws the ball harder and farther - a good 3 to 5 feet more. No damage or ill effects. It will also operate down to 3.25 volts as well, and it barely throws the ball - great to simulate light dinks. The variable voltage supply was purchased from eBay for around $15.
Good job on improving the machine with the tripod and remote control.
Thanks! Made a big difference!
I just got mine. Did the remote come with the machine??
No. I bought a separate power strip on Amazon that had a remote. It works pretty good and definitely makes it much easier to enjoy the furlihong. Here's a link to it: BN-LINK Outdoor Indoor Wireless Remote Control 3-Prong Outlet Weather Proof Heavy Duty 15 AMP Compact (Black) 3 Grounded Outlets with Remote 6-inch Cord 100ft Range ETL Listed a.co/d/g9ClmSC
nice machine！
Agreed. Thanks!
i just bought this. the instruction manual is very poor on how to set things up. can you explain the high low switches? i def was not getting a ball every 4 seconds, more like 10 seconds - i was running on batteries. maybe it's better with electricity?
I've not run it in batteries. I've used a very strong battery pack that I use to jump start my large diesel truck and it works great. Yes, batteries may be the issue, but I can't say for certain. Definitely try running it with it plugged into a wall outlet. Also, I found the customer support to be very good. Try contacting the manufacturer for more info or guidance.
thanks can u pls a video of how to fine tune speed control
Can you like make it do a cross court dink? I bought this one but the speed even on low is pretty high for a dink feed. You always use it from baseline to do dinks?
Agreed. Making it dink is difficult. The best I can do is set it up to do drop shots. That's very helpful, but still not a dink
Do you know if this ball Machine takes x 40 balls Thanks
Yes, I use Franklin X 40s all the time. I also use the new Selkirk balls as well as durafast and other off-brand balls as well. My machine is still working. It's a little quirky, but for $150 I don't expect more. It's still doing a great job.
@@fmtvworld75 great. Thanks. ✌️
test it on a pickleball court please
I've used it on a pickleball court many times now. Considering the price, I can't say enough good things about it. I've been able to practice so many different shots using this. I use it to practice returning serves at the baseline, transition zone drop shots, and volleys at the kitchen. I've also added an additional spiral feeder rack. So now it holds 36 balls. It's a bit top-heavy heavy so I have to be very gentle with it, but so far it's working great.