PLAYMATE SMASH

Owner’s Manual

METALTEK
455 Kitty Hawk Drive
Morrisville, NC 27560
Tel: 919.544.0344
Fax: 919.544.1430
www.playmatetennismachines.com

Serial #: _____________
Rev A 2
PLAYMATE SMASH
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 3
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 4
 Contents

Introduction ............................................. 6

Safety Instructions ................................... 7

Electrical Requirements ........................... 8

Getting Started ......................................... 9

Operating Instructions ............................ 10

Care and Maintenance ............................. 12

Troubleshooting ...................................... 13

PLAYMATE Consumer Connection ........... 14

Drill #1 .................................................... 15

Warranty and Limitations of Liability ...... 16

Rev A 5
Introduction
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 6
Safety Instructions
WARNING! To reduce the risk of electrical shock, fire, injury to persons,
and other damage when using this product, please follows 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 necessary to free a jammed tennis ball, make sure

that the machine is turned OFF and unplugged.

8.Always wear protective eyewear when attempting any repairs or

adjustments on this machine.

9. Never attempt any repairs or adjustment on this machine

when it is plugged in. Always turn the power switch OFF and
unplug the power cord.

10. This machine is intended for pitching tennis balls only.

Never attempt to use this machine with any other type of
ball, or any foreign objects whatsoever.

11. Always make sure to turn this machine OFF when it is not in use.

Rev A 7
Electrical Requirements
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 8
Getting 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 9
 Operating Instructions

Direction - Thumb Wheel

and Diagram
Work with diagram to determine placement
of balls across the width of the court.

Height
Controls overall height of the
ball. Turn clockwise for a lob.
Turn counterclockwise for a Feed Rate
volley. Sets the interval at which
the balls are thrown.

Remote/Bypass
Toggle switch up turns the
Speed Control remote on; down bypasses
Sets the speed at the remote.
which the balls are NOTE: If toggle switch is
thrown. down, the machine will begin to
throw balls if the interval is
greater than 0.

Spin
Turn the knob clockwise
for topspin. Turn the
knob counterclockwise Random Direction
for backspin. On/Off
Toggle up - shots at random
Toggle down - shots in sequence

The SMASH control box is mounted to the back of the PLAYMATE cabinet.

Rev A 10
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 - The direction control features seven built-in directions.
The seven numbers across a base line graphically represent the direction
of each of the shots from left to right on a standard double’s court.
There are seven thumb wheels, labeled “1”-”7” which determine one of
seven specific locations on the court. Each thumb wheel switch features
any of the seven directions for your selection. To set a pattern of shots,
turn each of the thumb wheel switches up or down. The letter “A” will
stop the pattern and repeat the shots.
Example: To select a left and right direction only, set the first thumb
wheel switch on the left to location #3, the next thumb wheel switch to
location #5. Then select the letter “A” on the third thumb wheel switch in
order to limit the sequence to only locations #3 and #5.

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 11
Care and Maintenance
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.

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 12
Troubleshooting
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE APPROPRIATE ACTION
- Pitching wheels are - Wheels need to be sanded
heavily worn; the pitching and/or cleaned. Use
Inconsistent ball speed surface is dirty medium grit sandpaper to
restore the textured surface
of the wheels.

- Tennis balls and/or - Wheels and/or balls

pitching wheels are wet require cleaning and drying.
Ball is not pitched Remove any wet balls from
hopper.

- A ball is jammed - Turn off power and

remove any jammed balls.

- Loose electrical - Turn machine upside

connection down; check connection of
cord #3 at side of control
box.
Feeding disk does not
turn - Problem with the remote - Turn REMOTE/BYPASS
relay switch to BYPASS. If
feeding disk works
properly, check the remote
(see remote
troubleshooting below).

- Ball feed wire is damaged - Inspect the position of the

or missing feed wire over the feeding
disk. Make sure only one
Balls jam repeatedly ball is allowed to enter at
one time. If feed wire is
missing, call METALTEK for
service.

- Antenna is not facing - Reposition antenna

upward
Remote does not
function properly - Battery is dead - Replace battery in
handheld remote

- Set Remote switch to

- REMOTE/BYPASS is REMOTE (see pg.10 #2)
switched to BYPASS

- Loose electrical - Turn machine upside

Pitching motors and/or connection down; check connection of
Feed motor do not cords #1 and #2 at side of
operate properly control box.

Rev A 13
PLAYMATE Consumer Connection
We are here during business hours to help provide technical
assistance to our customers.

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday

8:00am - 4:30pm (EST)

If you experience difficulty with your PLAYMATE Product, please

feel free to contact us at one of the following numbers.

Toll Free (USA): 1-800-776-6770

Phone: (919) 544-0344
Fax: (919) 544-1430

Visit our website at:

www.playmatetennis.com

Or write us at:
METALTEK
455 Kitty Hawk Drive
Morrisville, NC 27560
USA

Authorized Sales & Service Center

Rev A 14
 SMASH Drill

Drill #1
Flat Groundstroke or Volley to Deuce Court then Ad Court

Set Remote Toggle Switch to REMOTE

Push Red On/Off Switch on Ball Machine to ON
Set Height Knob to 3
Set Feed Rate to 40/Ground Stroke or 50/Volley
Set Spin Knob to 0/Flat
Set Direction Thumb wheels to 3, 5, A
Set Speed Knob to 60
Set Sequence/Random Toggle to Sequence

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.

As a variation, switch Sequence/Random to Random to

receive forehand/backhand in Random.

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 15
METALTEK LIMITED WARRANTY

WARRANTY COVERAGE - This warranty applies to new PLAYMATE Commercial tennis

machines (ACE, SMASH, 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: 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: (800) 776-6770

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.

Rev A 16