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This article relates to v2 machines only. It will guide you on how to convert your machine to work for pickleball. It assumes your machine is already configured for tennis or padel.
*** IMPORTANT: If your machine was manufactured earlier than September 15, 2024, then you need to check if your drop hole (the hole in the purple body under the carousel where the balls fall into the machine) to see if it has a 76mm diameter. If it is smaller with ony a 72.5mm diameter, then it may not fit all pickleball sizes. You may need to either enlarge the drop hole, or specifically use the smallest pickleballs you can find. You should also be aware that the chute has also been widened from Sept 15, 2024 to facilitate the larger pickleball size. You can check your machine’s serial number (sticker on the base plate) too. If your serial number starts with BEC24000910XXX or if it is a higher number, then it already has the larger drop hole and chute. ***
Parts required:
2 x pickleball throwing wheels (smaller than tennis/padel)
1 x chute insert
2 x deflector wires (subtly curved instead of straight)
1 x 3mm hex key
Step 1: Remove the larger tennis/padel throwing wheels. Make sure to push the internals to the side before beginning and raise the elevation up high to remove the bottom wheel.
Step 2: Install the chute insert onto the back of the chute. Lower the elevation before beginning. Slide the insert up past the top of the chute, and then back down again until the top of the insert connects on to the top of the chute. Then press the lock down until it clicks into place (the lock can be seen at 1:25 in the above video).
Step 3: Install the smaller pickleball throwing wheels. Make sure to push the internals to the side before beginning and raise the elevation up high to install the bottom wheel. The grub screw in the wheels should connect to the flat section of the axle. The outer section of the wheel should align neatly with the end of the axle.
Step 4: Replace the two deflector wires. The new pickleball wires are slightly longer and curved. The curves should go outwards to allow the larger pickleballs more room. You can remove the existing wires by pressing down in the centre of the wire and removing one end. Then swivel it around 180 degrees to remove the other end. The reverse procedure is followed ot install the new wire.
Step 5: On your smartphone app, go to SETTINGS and change your SPORT MODE TYPE to Pickleball.
Your machine can now be used for pickleball. Note, if you wish to use it for tennis or padel, you will need to switch the above parts back to how they were.