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THIS
EQUIPMENT SYSTEM HAS SEVERAL MOVING PARTS AND HIGH VOLTAGE
PRESENT WHICH POSE POTENTIAL DANGER TO ANY PERSON SERVICING
OR MAINTAINING IT. BEFORE SERVICING OR MAINTAINING EQUIPMENT
SYSTEM, YOU MUST REVIEW “MAINTENANCE” SECTION OF THIS MANUAL.
SERIOUS INJURIES COULD RESULT IF NOT REVIEWED, UNDERSTOOD
AND FOLLOWED!
This
introduction is an explanation of how ABC’s Batting Range
System works from the initiation of the game to the completion
of the game.
A.
MICROPROCESSOR: The microprocessor, or master control
panel, is the brain of your batting range. The logic, or “thinking
abilities” of the microprocessor will determine when the cages
begin operation and the type of game to be played, (i.e. coin
activated game, manually activated, or rental). The microprocessor
has an adjustable program which enables the operator to set
any coin and ball amounts he/she decides to use for the range.
The display panel is the “keyboard” of the microprocessor.
The operator can control the batting range with the display
panel and also obtain totals of all games played in the batting
range. The microprocessor has three positions or modes of
operation. These are 1) normal operating mode, 2) programming,
and 3) display mode.
-
Normal operating mode - used when the microprocessor is
in its normal operating state. (For example, ball counts
and team rentals).
- Programming
mode - used for entering or changing your specific coins
= number of balls.
-
Display mode - normally used at the end of the day when
you are recording:
a) The total amount of coins used in each cage.
b) The number of and types of team rentals.
c)The total amount of manual games issued.
d) The total amount of deletes.
Please
refer to the microprocessor owners manual for operating instructions.
B.
COIN BOX: The coin box and coin mechanism are linked
to the microprocessor via the Belden (low voltage) control
cables. The coin mechanism provides an input to the microprocessor
which then activates the corresponding light box and pitching
machine. This is achieved through a very simple process. The
coin mechanism has two wires attached to its microswitch,
one wire carries a constant 5 volt DC signal, the other is
ground. When the coin drops through the coin mechanism and
deflects the wire whisker on the microswitch the 5 volt DC
signal is lowered (or shorted). The microprocessor recognizes
this as an “input” and begins the process of starting a game
by sending a signal to the light box.
C.
LIGHT BOX: The light
box is the device which directs several functions of the batting
cage; the pitching machine, the warning lights, the pinch
roller and vibrator motor all receive their operating current
from the light box and at the appropriate time. The light
box is activated by a 5 volt DC signal sent from the microprocessor.
The light box will operate as long as the 5 volt DC signal
is present. The ball count microswitch (attached to the pitching
machine ball chute) provides “inputs” (pitched balls) to the
microprocessor using the same principle as the coin mechanism
microswitch. When the programmed amount of pitched balls (“input”)
are received by the microprocessor, the 5 volt DC signal is
discontinued and all functions of the cage stop (except for
the pitching machine). The pitching machine will continue
to run for approximately 8 - 10 minutes, but no balls will
be pitched until a new game is activated at the coin box or
manually at the display panel.
D.
AUTOMATIC CONVEYOR SYSTEM: The Automatic conveyor
system’s function is to collect the balls, carry them up to
the hopper level, sort the baseballs from the softballs and
deliver them to the ball chutes. The conveyor drive motor
rotates the top conveyor pulley, which drives the conveyor
belt. Both the baseball and the softball hoppers have a “Chinese
hat” that agitates the balls with its rotating action. Each
Chinese hat is driven by an electric motor. After falling
into the hoppers, the balls leave through the exit holes and
roll down the ball chutes.
E.
PITCHING MACHINE: The Pitching machine is the heart
of the batting range. Maintenance, servicing, and operating
instructions are described throughout the various sections
of this manual. The principle behind the pitching of the ball
is simply based on the RPM’s of the wheels (or wheel) and
the amount of “pinch” on the ball. The two wheels rotate in
the opposite directions and at different RPM’s to create the
proper “backspin” on the ball. The velocity of the pitch is
achieved when a ball is pinched between the wheels and is
accelerated by the rotating wheels.
IMPORTANT
TROUBLE SHOOTING INFORMATION
In
order to effectively trouble shoot a problem in you batting
range you must first determine where the problem is located.
In most cases a problem will develop because of a component
failure or a bad electrical connection. The first step, in
all cases, will be to look at your master office control panel
to see if the game has registered in that particular cage.
If the game has registered, proceed to the Light Box Section
of this guide. If it does not register on the display panel
proceed to the Coin Box Section. The sequence of a normal
game is:
- Game
is activated either by coin or “manually” through the microprocessor.
- The
pitching machine and the yellow light of the light box are
activated.
- The
red light and pinch roller begin to operate, balls begin
to pitch.
- After
the programmed amount of balls have been thrown, all functions
stop except the pitching machine. No balls will be thrown,
but the pitching machine will continue to run for approximately
8 - 10 minutes on the “off delay” cycle.
It
is very important to observe the sequence of this operation
and to take note of what is not happening, or what is out
of sequence. This will enable you to understand how the system
works and direct you to the specific problem area. If any
problems occur that are not listed in the manual please call
the Service Department at ABC. When trouble shooting “Dual
Machine Systems” separate circuits are present for different
functions. This would apply to the Coin box, Light box, and
Pinch rollers. “A” circuit represents “front” or baseball
system, “B” circuit represents “rear” or softball system.
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