LOBSTER EL0P3 Tennis Ball Machine Owner’s Manual

: June 4, 2024
: LOBSTER

LOBSTER EL0P3 Tennis Ball Machine

LOBSTER-EL0P3-Tennis-Ball-Machine-PRODUCT

CONTROL PANEL

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A. Power Button – Push and hold the POWER button to turn the machine on. Battery level is shown at startup. Both the horizontal and vertical motors will perform functional checks to calibrate the machine when it is turned on or off.
B. Remote – Push this button to turn on/off the remote control receiver.
C. Menu Buttons – Used to scroll through the menu options to be selected and adjusted. A cursor on the LCD will highlight the current selection.
D. Settings – Used to adjust a highlighted option on LCD screen.
E. Presets – The eight buttons in the center of the control panel are used to select the play mode. MENU and SETTINGS buttons are used to select and adjust shot parameters. After the parameters are satisfactory, press play to start.
F. Play/Pause – Press to begin the play of a selected function and/or to pause the feed.
G. Manual – Machine will continuously throw a certain shot to a specific location.
H. Test – Used to align your machine for proper ball placement on the court.
I. Charger Connector – Located on the red case and used to charge your battery.
J. Main Power Switch – Located on the left side of the metal box directly below the control panel at the bottom of the machine as shown to the right. If you plan to not use your machine for one month or longer, we recommend that you turn this switch off. See page 3 for diagram of location.

MACHINE SETUP

Intended Use
The machine is intended for use on a pickleball court. For safety reasons, players should stand on the opposite side of the net at a minimum of 22 feet away from the machine. This ball machine is designed to throw pickleballs only. Never use the machine in the rain or if the machine is wet.

Unpack and Keep Shipping Box
Remove the machine from the box. Keep the shipping box along with the custom packing materials in case the machine needs to be shipped back to the factory.

Assemble Machine

Raise the metal handle by lifting up until a click is heard.
Detach the hopper by lifting it up off the red base. Flip the hopper and reattach by pushing the hopper on to the red base knobs, starting with the front knob (side furthest from handle), then push down to attach the to the back knob.
Do not remove the wire deflectors.
Turn the Main Power Switch ON. Ball machines ship with the main power off. The switch is located at the base of the machine, directly below the control panel on the left side of the metal box. (If you plan to not use your machine for one month or longer, we recommend that you turn this switch off.)

Handle Operation
To raise the handle, simply lift up on the handle until you hear the lock buttons click into place. To fold the handle down, stand behind the machine and place hands on each of the plastic handle hinges. Simultaneously press up on the hinge lock buttons and gently push the top section of the handle forward over your machine. The handle is provided to push or pull the machine. The machine is not designed to be pulled up and down stairs. If the handle is damaged or breaks in this manner, please be advised it is not covered under the warranty.

Transporting the Machine
To prepare the machine for transport in your vehicle, invert the hopper to cover the machine and fold the handle. The machine weighs approximately 44 pounds depending on the model purchased and may be lifted into a vehicle by one or two people. Use the molded handholds on the underside of the machine to lift and carry the machine. When moving the machine, avoid rough or uneven surfaces that may bend or damage the underside of the machine.

Basic Charging Instructions

Before the first use, charge the machine until the battery is fully charged. For optimal battery life, fully charge machine after each use. If you do not fully charge the battery after each use, the battery life will be shortened. All chargers have trickle charge technology which ensures the battery will not be overcharged. Use the LED indicator on the charger for battery charging status. A blinking orange/red light indicates the battery is very depleted.

Charging the Battery with the Standard Charger

Plug charger into an AC outlet then plug the connector into charger port.
The LED on charger is red when charging, turning green when fully charged.
A depleted battery may take up to 12-18 hours to fully charge. If you purchased a premium fast charger with the machine, you will not receive a standard charger.

Charging the Battery with the Premium Charger

Plug the charger into an AC outlet then plug the connector into the charger port.
The LED on the charger is red while charging and turns green when fully charged.
A depleted battery will be fully charged in 3-6 hours.

Extending Run Time of Battery with the Premium Charger
The premium charger can extend run time up to 2 hours. To use this feature:

Ensure the battery is mostly charged, connect the charger to the machine, turn the machine on and play.
The premium charger will NOT fully charge the battery and power the machine at the same time. It will not power the machine if the battery is dead.

Using an Export (240v) Machine with the Premium Charger
For ball machines used outside the US, you must charge the machine with the appropriate premium charger to fit your country’s voltage requirements. Using a 110v charger outside the US will damage the ball machine and void the warranty.

BATTERY LIFE & MAINTENANCE

For optimal battery life, fully charge the machine after each use. The most common reason for shortened battery capacity and battery life is chronically undercharging the machine. Never let the machine go uncharged for more than one month. Before storing the machine, fully charge the battery and then recharge monthly. During the winter season or when the ball machine is not in use, the battery should be charged every month, otherwise the battery life will be reduced. Similar to a car battery, the battery in your ball machine will need to be replaced depending on use and care. Replacement batteries are available on our website and can be installed by the owner or the machine can be sent to Lobster for maintenance. A battery replacement video tutorial is available on the support section of our website or on the Lobster Sports YouTube channel. PLEASE NOTE: a non-approved battery purchased other than from Lobster may void the warranty.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Court Placement / Test Button
Your the pickle champion by Lobster has been designed to keep the ball in the full court.

Ensure that the main power switch is in the up or on position.
Start by placing the machine with the white line marker positioned over the baseline, at the court’s center mark as depicted in the circle on the diagram to the right.
Press button and allow machine to go through a self test.
Place balls in the hopper. Push the TEST button. One ball will be thrown over the net to land within a 2 foot radius of the opposite side of the court where the non-volley line and center lines converge, as depicted by the TEST button and the diagram to the right.
- If the test ball lands outside of the 2 foot radius, long or short, use the and SETTINGS buttons to adjust the distance in .5 foot increments. If the ball should fall outside of the area left or right, nudge the front of the machine slightly to the left or right, as needed. Retest and make adjustments as necessary.
Once the test is complete, press the manual button or one of the eight preset buttons in the center of the control panel to choose mode of play, then press the play button.
NOTE: Ball throw consistency may vary due to altitude, wind or other environmental conditions

Manual
Press the MANUAL button to practice a single shot repetitively. The machine will pause while you make your adjustments. Use the buttons to select location and shot parameters. To increase or decrease value of the selected menu option, use the buttons.

Speed – Choose from 20 to 65 MPH in 5 mph increments.
Elevation – Adjust elevation between 2 and 80 degrees in 1 degree increments to change depth of the ball thrown on the court.
Spin – Increase and decrease top and back spin up to three levels.
Angle – Choose position along baseline. 0 is center court with positive numbers moving to the right and negative numbers moving to the left.
Feed – Adjust between 2-9 second intervals, or scroll down to random setting.

Preset Buttons
When selecting one of the eight main presets, the machine will pause while you make your adjustments. Use the buttons to select location and shot parameters. Use the buttons to increase or decrease value of the selected shot option. To begin play, press the play/pause button.
PLEASE NOTE: To keep all shots in the court, some combinations are not available in conjunction with each other.

2-Line

Narrow – Practice forehand and backhand strokes at the center of the court.
Wide – Practice forehand and backhand strokes at the sidelines.

Within each 2-Line option, you can adjust:

Speed – Choose from 35 to 65 MPH in 5 mph increments.
Spin – Increase and decrease top and back spin up to three levels.
Depth – Choose from Row A (Deep), Row B (Mid), Row C (Short) or Random.
Feed – Adjust between 4 – 9 second intervals, or scroll down to random.

Oscillation

Sweep throws balls randomly across the width of the court. You can adjust:

Depth – Short, Mid, Deep or Random.
Speed – Choose from 45 to 65 MPH in 5 mph increments.
Spin – Increase and decrease top and back spin up to three levels.
Feed – Adjust between 4-9 second intervals, or scroll down to random.
Depth – balls are thrown randomly from short to deep.
- Position – Choose balls to be thrown on court to the Left, Center, or Right.
- Speed – Choose from 35 to 65 MPH in 5 mph increments.
- Spin – Increase and decrease top and back spin up to three levels.
- Feed – Adjust between 4-9 second intervals, or scroll down to random.
Random – machine will randomly throw balls on the court using variations of speed, spin and trajectory.
- Feed – Adjust between 4-9 second intervals, or scroll down to random.

Pre-Loaded Drills
Each of the six custom designed court drills consists of six sequential shots in a designated pattern combining court location, ball speed, and spin. To adjust the difficulty, the feed rate can be set to a fixed 4 – 9 seconds or a random setting that will constantly change the feed rate. Use the SETTINGS buttons. The higher the feed rate is set, the lower the difficulty of the drills. There are two drills programmed per button. To select a drill, press the button as described below:

ONE Press button once for DRIVE TO THE KITCHEN
TWO Press twice to select GREEN LIGHT RED LIGHT
THREE Press button once for DEFUSE THE BANGER
FOUR Press twice to select FLYING ERNE
FIVE Press button once for AROUND THE CLOCK
SIX Press twice to select STOP DROP AND LOB

Drill Descriptions

With the push of a button, you can quickly train against six challenging drills that will help you improve your overall game.

DRILL ONE: DRIVE TO THE KITCHEN
Train to work from the baseline to the kitchen. When serving, getting to the kitchen line takes time. As you move forward in stages, this drill throws balls higher and higher and you must put them away! Starting from the baseline, you will have an assortment of drives and pop-ups to control and conquer.

DRILL TWO: GREEN LIGHT RED LIGHT
Don’t let the bangers keep you back. The game is getting faster and bangers want to keep you back with their speed and strength. This drill trains you to battle drive after drive as you take a stop-and-hit approach while moving up to the kitchen.

DRILL THREE: DEFUSE THE BANGER
Hold your ground, deal with drives at the net. Repetition gives you confidence. With this drill, the balls will be coming at you fast and furious as you learn to stand your ground and hold the kitchen line. Balls will be moving left, right, and up and down. There may even be balls you should let go!

DRILL FOUR: FLYING ERNE
Left-handed players will no longer intimidate. It’s always impressive to watch players who can jump the kitchen line and put a ball away. How do they do it? Practice, practice, practice. This drill is designed to give you the shots to work on perfecting your Erne.

DRILL FIVE: AROUND THE CLOCK
Get comfortable moving about the court. The pickleball court isn’t huge, but those who move around it best have an advantage. With this drill, you will be hitting from all areas of the court. As a bonus, the cardio workout will improve your overall fitness too.

DRILL SIX: STOP DROP AND LOB
Lobs don’t bother me! You’ll be confident running down lobs to get back into the point after mastering this drill. Starting at the kitchen, you run back to defend one lob and then another, and then return to the kitchen to do it all over again.

REMOTE CONTROL OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Remote Controls (optional)
The optional handheld remote or the smartphone remote allows you to operate many of the functions on the pickle champion by Lobster from a distance . LOBSTER-EL0P3-Tennis-Ball-Machine-27

To activate your remote, press the button located on the control panel. When the LED is lit the machine will accept commands from your controller.

PLAY/PAUSE button will start and stop the machine at any time.
TEST – Allows you to calibrate your machine.
RANDOM – Press button to activate the fully random function.
2-LINE – Press button multiple times to scroll through the narrow and wide settings for the 2-line functions.
DRILLS – Press button to scroll though the pre-programmed drills.
SWEEP – Press multiple times to scroll through the short, mid, deep and random settings for the sweep function.
DEPTH – Press button multiple times to scroll through short, mid, deep and random settings for the depth function.
The 8 black buttons are used to change shot parameters on the fly for the presets.
- Speed – Adjust the ball speed for 2-line, sweep, depth, and manual presets.
- Spin – Adjust the top or bottom spin for 2-line, sweep, depth, and manual.
- Feed – Adjust the ball interval for all settings.
- Elevation – Adjust the elevation for 2-line, manual, and test function.

Using the remote while a drill is running will cause the parameters of the next shot to change temporarily. Doing so may cause shots to land in unplayable areas.
PLEASE NOTE: Settings on the control panel will always override the remote control.

SMARTPHONE REMOTE CONTROL SETUP

Remote for Apple Set Up (optional)
You must purchase the grand remote for Apple and have it installed in your machine for the free remote app to work. LOBSTER-EL0P3-Tennis-Ball-
Machine-28

Download the Lobster grand remote control from the App Store®
Turn your ball machine on and press the button on the control panel.
On your device, go to the “settings” button and click “Wi-Fi”. A network called “Lobster Sports(x)” will be detected. Select this network.
Open the Lobster champion remote control app on your device and allow up to 90 seconds for your machine and device to sync – they are connected when the remote CONNECT/DISCONNECT button says DISCONNECT.
Upon first app launch, you may be asked:
- Allow “grand” to use your location? Select “Allow While Using App”
- “grand” would like to find and connect to devices on your local network. Select “OK”
- The Wi-Fi network “Lobster Sports-xx” does not appear to be connected to the Internet. Select “Keep Trying Wi-Fi” although “Use Cellular Data” does not cause a problem or actually use cellular data.
- To verify or modify these settings, go to the device settings and select the Lobster grand remote control.
When using Apple Watch, the iPhone must stay awake. To change “awake” settings, navigate to Settings>Display & Brightness>Auto-Lock>Never.
In the case of a disconnect, click the CONNECT button to reconnect.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

External Battery Pack
The external battery pack provides an additional 4-6 hours of court time and can be used with any of our portable machines. Simply plug the cable in to the machine’s charger port to extend your time on court.

Storage Cover
Our heavy duty, lined, fabric elite storaye cover protects your ball machine from the elements, as well as from dust and moisture when in storage.

BALL CONSISTENCY

Best Type of Balls for Consistent Throws
The consistency of ball throws is dependent on the uniformity of the pickleball balls used. The same age and type of balls will produce more consistent ball throws. A mixture of new and old balls or indoor and outdoor balls will produce inconsistent ball throws. Altitude, wind, and other environmental conditions may also affect consistency. Never put wet balls in the machine.

SERVER WHEELS

Server Wheels Maintenance
Lobster ball machines have two server wheels that throw the pickleball balls. Like a car, Lobster ball machines can last for decades if taken care of properly. And like car tires, the server wheels will need to be replaced throughout the life of the machine. Parts are available from lobstersports.com and customers can replace the wheels themselves or the machine can be shipped back to Lobster for maintenance. We have created a tutorial video showing how to replace the server wheels which can be found on our website’s support section or the Lobster Sports YouTube channel.

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

Cleaning the Server Wheels
We recommend regular cleaning of the internal server wheels to remove build-up from the coating and coloration on new balls. If cleaning the throwing wheels does not improve performance, please contact us. To clean the wheels:

Ensure the machine power is switched OFF.
Using a 100 grit sandpaper sponge (recommended) or sandpaper, reach into the ball ejection opening and hold one of the throwing wheels still. Sand the entire wheel, one section at a time, going around each wheel 2-3 times to remove the build-up.

Cleaning the Machine
Turn the power OFF when cleaning the machine. The outside of the machine may be wiped with a mild detergent. The inside of the machine may be vacuumed to remove dirt and debris (i.e. leaves, sand particles, dirt, etc). To help keep the inside of the machine clean, remove all small debris from the balls before refilling the hopper.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Machine Doesn’t Power On
If the machine won’t turn on, ensure the Main Power switch is ON (see page 3). Also confirm the battery is charged. If both of these things are fine, the battery wires may have become disconnected or loosened.
To check the wires:

Make sure the MAIN POWER switch on the machine is in the OFF position and ensure there are no balls in the machine.
Undo the four screws on the control panel and gently pull it back. (Be careful not to touch the electronic board directly)
Follow the red and black wires from the battery terminals to the control board. If they are loose, reconnect.

Machine Error
The electronics are programmed to help the user diagnose his/her machine. Error messages will appear on the LCD screen when the machine is turned on. If there is no obvious problem, turn the machine off and back on again to check error message. Troubleshooting information and help videos can be found on our website’s support section. Please visit www.lobstersports.com/support. If the error message continues, call Customer Service at 800.526.4041.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

We invite our customers to contact us with any questions or concerns at customerservice@lobstersports.com. Our office hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm PST, Monday-Friday and our customer support team will respond to emails as quickly as possible. When contacting Lobster about your machine, please include your machine’s serial number, which can be found on the underside of the machine.

Lift the front of the machine using the molded handhold.
The serial number is found on the white sticker affixed to the metal platform.

Shipping Damage
If an order arrives with shipping damage, contact Lobster Sports immediately to remedy the situation. A replacement part may be sent or a Return Authorization may be issued to replace the damaged product.

WARRANTY ACTIVATION

2-Year Warranty Activation
To activate your 2-year warranty, please register your machine within 30 days of purchase by filling out the warranty registration on the last page. You can either email the completed form to warranty@lobstersports.com or mail it in an envelope to Lobster Sports, 7340 Fulton Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91605.

Extended Warranty Activation
An extended warranty is available for purchase for machines in the United States. The extended warranty must be activated within 60 days of purchase. Extend the machine warranty by 1, 2 or 3 years in addition to the standard 2-year COverage. Please see the warranty card on the last page for details.

LIMITED WARRANTY

Lobster Sports warrants to the original purchaser of Lobster Sports ball machine (the “Product”) that the Product will be free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of two years from the date of purchase, except for the battery and server wheels, which are warranted for six months. Chargers, accessories, demonstration models, and reconditioned machines shall have a one year warranty. (Each respective warranty period hereinafter referred to as “Warranty Period”). Unless otherwise prohibited by law, this Limited Warranty is void unless the purchaser completes and returns the attached warranty response form to Lobster Sports within 30 days of purchase of the Product.

REMEDIEs
If such a defect arises and a return authorization request is received by Lobster Sports within the applicable Warranty Period, Lobster Sports will, at its option and to the extent permitted by law, either (1) repair the Product at no charge, using new or refurbished replacement parts, or (2) replace the Product with a refurbished Product. In the event of such a defect, to the ex tent permitted by law, these are your sole and exclusive remedies. Shipping and handling charges may apply. This Limited VWarranty is valid only in the jurisdiction where the Products are sold by Lobster Sports itself or through its authorized reseller or agent and is valid to the extent permitted by the applicable laws of such jurisdictions. Any replacement Product will be warranted for the remainder of the original Warranty Period or 30 days, whichever is longer, or for any additional period of time that may be required by applicable law. Lobster Sports reserves the right to authorize warranty service or repairs to be done by others.

HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE
To make a warranty claim, the purchaser must request a return authorization by contacting Lobster Sports at Customerservice@lobstersports.com. As may be required by applicable law, Lobster Sports may require you to furnish proof of purchase details and/or comply with other requirements before receiving warranty service. The purchaser is responsible for all costs of returning the Product to Lobster Sports, including, but not limited to, the cost of packaging, shipping and applicable taxes. If Lobster Sports determines that any returned Product is not defective, within the terms of this warranty, the purchaser shall pay Lobster Sports all costs of handling and return shipping.

EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Lobster Sports does not warrant that the operation of the Product will be uninterrupted or error-free. This Limited Warranty applies only to the original purchaser of the Product that was purchased from an authorized reseller or sales channel and manufactured by or for Lobster Sports that can be identified by an authorized “Lobster” trademark, trade name, or logo affixed to it. Without limiting the foregoing, the Limited Warranty does not apply to any (a) Lobster Sports products and services other than the Products, (6) non-Lobster Sports products, even if included or sold with a Product, including, without limitation, any counterfeit products, (c) products that are, or Lobster Sports reasonably believes to be, stolen, (d) Product with altered or removed logos and/or brand markings, (e) consumables (such as batteries), or (f) software, even if packaged or sold with the Product or embedded in the Product.
This Limited Warranty does not apply to a Product or part of a Product that has been serviced, altered, refurbished, or modified by anyone who is not authorized by Lobster Sports, nor does it apply to any cosmetic damage such as scratches and dents. In addition, this Limited Warranty does not apply to damage or defects caused by (a) accident, abuse, misuse, mishandling, flood, fire, earthquake or other external causes; (b) normal wear and tear or aging of the Product such as discoloration; (c) repairs that have been made or attempted by you or others without authorization; or (d) operating the Product (i) outside the permitted or intended uses described by Lobster Sports, (in) not in accordance with instructions provided by Lobster Sports, or (iii) with improper voltage or power supply.
No Lobster Sports reseller, distributor, agent or employee is autho rized to make any modification, extension, or addition to this Limited Warranty. If any term contained herein is held to be illegal or unenforceable, the legality or enforceability of the remaining terms shall not be affected or impaired.

IMPLIED WARRANTIES
EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE) SHALL BE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on the duration of an implied warranty, so the above limitation may not apply to you.