Broken Machine Alpha Pioneer DC Plus

[JackSkellington]

Hi, the torque-ing ratchet thing that the dropweight bar is attached to revolves in both directions, is there any way I can fix this?
ie, when I drop the bar, the clamp stays put and doesn't rotate with it or if I push the ratchet down so there's no effect, I move the dropweight down, the clamp follows, but if I bring the drop bar back up, the clamp is free to rotate in both directions.

[gotwheels]

Jack, I am not clear on the problem description. Under normal conditions, the arm/weight and the linear string gripper move together. If the arm/weight goes below horizontal, the arm/weight can be repositioned upward with the string/linear gripper remaining stationary in that last position (holding tension on the string) while you raise the arm/weight to complete the pull to reference tension (this is the action of the clutch with the ratchet allowing this to be done with one hand). Also, under normal conditions the linear gripper can be rotated CW with the weight/arm stationary. If with ratchet engaged and the weight/arm below horizontal, when you raise the weight/arm the linear gripper rises with the arm, you probably have a broken clutch spring (& when try to string, the arm/weight is lowered and the string gripper does not move).

You can obtain a new spring from Alpha (call Mark or Greg). It is relatively inexpensive and if you have some mechanical skill, you can readily replace the clutch with relative ease. If the spring tip is broken flush with the housing, the repair is a little more difficult. Post your e-mail address and I can help you out.

Polyester string, machine age (lots of cycles), and accidental abuse lead to failure of the clutch spring. Overall, not a big deal - you may want to keep a spare. The Alpha Pioneer DC Plus is a solid DW stringer and Alpha's service and follow-up are second to none.

Good luck!

[wrxtotoro]

Probably the spring inside the drum broke. Take it out and bend the tip of the spring and you should be able to fix it.

[JackSkellington]

awesome, thanks guys. Mark was great and sent me a new one. Should I open it from the front or should I simply remove the thing entirely from the back?

edit: oh and you were exactly right, it was the clutch spring. also about alpha service being second to none, this is the third time I've had some problems and been shipped a replacement asap

[Mansewerz]

Originally Posted by JackSkellington

awesome, thanks guys. Mark was great and sent me a new one. Should I open it from the front or should I simply remove the thing entirely from the back?

edit: oh and you were exactly right, it was the clutch spring. also about alpha service being second to none, this is the third time I've had some problems and been shipped a replacement asap

Give mark a call, he will probably be able to help with the replacing of the spring. I heard it's a B!$c* though.

[gotwheels]

Jack, Post your e-mail and I can send you some instruction details on the spring replacement, if Mark did not send one with the spring. The Alpha guys are great. Good luck.

[JackSkellington]

j4ckskellington gmail, thanks!

[VolleyDrop]

Originally Posted by gotwheels

Jack, Post your e-mail and I can send you some instruction details on the spring replacement.

Do you have the video instruction?

[nvteleskier]

Gotwheels,

I have a brand new Alpha Pioneer, strung 4 racquets so far. I was in the middle of a string job and the lever that locks the racheting flipped 180 degrees and no longer works. The spring on the lever came out of the hole. I can't figure out how to repair this. Do I have to remove the whole racheting assembly and install the lever so it's in the right position with spring pressure?

My email is: maryandricks@clearwire.net and of course I'm Rick.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

[gotwheels]

nvteleskier, I believe the spring in the Alpha Pioneer DC Plus ratchet paw is a small, lightweight torsional spring. Remove the ratchet paw bolt and you should be able to locate it.

If you have ever reached your reference tension (bar horizontal) and failed to release the ratchet paw before raising the weight bar, the linear string gripper will be difficult to release - this is easy to happen if you are new to the machine and stringing and do not follow the sequence of machine operation. In getting the ratchet paw to release, the force used could result in failing this small torsional spring. Check and see if one of the spring ends is sheared. If not, reassemble with the spring ends in the locating holes and you should be good to go (do not over tighten the bolt, the paw should move freely). If you find the spring damaged, give Mark/Greg/AlphaTennis/NewTechTennis a call and they will fix you up with what you need.

Good luck!

[VolleyDrop]

Originally Posted by nvteleskier

Gotwheels,

I have a brand new Alpha Pioneer, strung 4 racquets so far. I was in the middle of a string job and the lever that locks the racheting flipped 180 degrees and no longer works. The spring on the lever came out of the hole. I can't figure out how to repair this. Do I have to remove the whole racheting assembly and install the lever so it's in the right position with spring pressure?

My email is: maryandricks@clearwire.net and of course I'm Rick.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

This happened to me, too. Just email or call Mark and he'll mail you a new spring. No problem.

[vin]

Can anyone explain how to separate the part of the cylinder that holds the drop weight arm from the part that holds the string clamp? I assume this is what needs to be done to get at the clutch spring?

Thanks

[Lakers4Life]

There are a few videos on how to replace the clutch spring. I'm pretty sure it's an allen screw at the back. The manual may shed some light, on how to replace it. I've seen a few videos on how to replace the clutch spring on You Tube.