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.
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.
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.
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?
