Alpha Ghost base clamps

[stringtheory]

Been using my Alpha Ghost for the past 5 years and has served me well

However I noticed that my base clamps are getting looser and there is some slight movement of the base clamps even after I lock it

Anyone knows how do I tighten the base clamp?

 

[LOBALOT]

Been using my Alpha Ghost for the past 5 years and has served me well

However I noticed that my base clamps are getting looser and there is some slight movement of the base clamps even after I lock it

Anyone knows how do I tighten the base clamp?

I have to admit I have the same exact issue. I do know how to tighten them as the instructions are in the manual but that doesn't seem to help.

I actually get some twisting if not careful. i.e. ___/------ which I don't like.

Perhaps I am not using the proper technique in tightening them so will be monitoring the suggestions here closely.

Thanks for posting.

 

[stringtheory]

I have to admit I have the same exact issue. I do know how to tighten them as the instructions are in the manual but that doesn't seem to help.

I actually get some twisting if not careful. i.e. ___/------ which I don't like.

Perhaps I am not using the proper technique in tightening them so will be monitoring the suggestions here closely.

Thanks for posting.

Yup the movement of my clamp is exactly what u described and it happens especially when I string thin gauge multifilament.

 

[jim e]

My machine is a different one than yours, but may have similar adjustments. On mine, you position the plastic plug on the side of base clamp at right angle to the rails, remove plug, insert hex wrench. Been a while, but I think it's a 3mm size hex. A very slight turn clockwise is all it takes, and not very much.

 

[LOBALOT]

My machine is a different one than yours, but may have similar adjustments. On mine, you position the plastic plug on the side of base clamp at right angle to the rails, remove plug, insert hex wrench. Been a while, but I think it's a 3mm size hex. A very slight turn clockwise is all it takes, and not very much.

That is exactly what I did but I still get some wobble. If I go too tight the thing wont move. I suspect there is a fine line. I guess guidance on navigating that fine line is what I need help with. I am not sure about OP so don't mean to hijack his thread.

 

[stringtheory]

My machine is a different one than yours, but may have similar adjustments. On mine, you position the plastic plug on the side of base clamp at right angle to the rails, remove plug, insert hex wrench. Been a while, but I think it's a 3mm size hex. A very slight turn clockwise is all it takes, and not very much.

Is this done when the base clamps are locked?

 

[Steve Huff]

You might need to remove the rails and tighten the base from underneath. I have to do this to my Alpha bases every now and then.

 

[LOBALOT]

You might need to remove the rails and tighten the base from underneath. I have to do this to my Alpha bases every now and then.

This is a surgical procedure I have not performed before. I have looked at the rails but they appear to be welded to the table but that is from the top. I guess I need to inspect things from below the turntable.

 

[jim e]

Is this done when the base clamps are locked?

I adjusted mine at the unlocked position. You just turn a very small amount, less than a quarter of a turn, then try the clamp. Lever should lock when switch is at about the half way point.

 

[LOBALOT]

I adjusted mine at the unlocked position. You just turn s very small amount, less than a quarter of a turn, then try the clamp. Lever should lock when switch is at about the half way point.

I agree I have to be very careful doing this. Too tight and it can be hard to turn the lever and it becomes a knuckle buster when you hit the release button.

 

[Irvin]

Before you start doing any adjustment I would thoroughly clean all friction surfaces.

 

[LOBALOT]

Before you start doing any adjustment I would thoroughly clean all briction surfaces.

Hi Irvin, what is a briction surface?

Thanks

 

[Irvin]

Hi Irvin, what is a briction surface?

Thanks

Same as friction only spelled differently. LOL

 

[stringtheory]

I agree I have to be very careful doing this. Too tight and it can be hard to turn the lever and it becomes a knuckle buster when you hit the release button.

Not sure if I’m doing it wrong but I push the Allen key right in till it engages but it’s impossible to turn it

 

[LOBALOT]

Not sure if I’m doing it wrong but I push the Allen key right in till it engages but it’s impossible to turn it

I had that. It is tight as all get out. I used the tool they gave me it and it simply twisted so I grabbed an Allen wrench from my toolbox and was able to use that as it was shorter and didn't twist but it was a pain.

 

[dak95_00]

Has anyone thought to contact New Tech Tennis or Tennis Machines? I'd bet a large sum that one of them will be of assistance in this endeavor.

 

[am1899]

Has anyone thought to contact New Tech Tennis or Tennis Machines? I'd bet a large sum that one of them will be of assistance in this endeavor.

Yeah I would recommend getting in touch with Mark or Greg on this. Their contact info is on the alpha sports usa website.

 

[fritzhimself]

I had that. It is tight as all get out. I used the tool they gave me it and it simply twisted so I grabbed an Allen wrench from my toolbox and was able to use that as it was shorter and didn't twist but it was a pain.

This worm screw is fixed with a screw locking adhesive. Some force has to be applied (clockwise).

 

[time_fly]

My machine is a different one than yours, but may have similar adjustments. On mine, you position the plastic plug on the side of base clamp at right angle to the rails, remove plug, insert hex wrench. Been a while, but I think it's a 3mm size hex. A very slight turn clockwise is all it takes, and not very much.

How deep do you have to get behind those plugs to find the socket for the Allen wrench? [Edit: blah blah blah … ]

UPDATE: the 3mm wrench tip above did it for me. Once I was sure I had the right size wrench I was able to probe around in there until I got engagement and tightened the clamps. Seems much more secure now. The socket is pretty deep inside past the plug; I had to put the long end into the hole and the basic Allen wrench I was using was barely long enough. I actually used the starting clamp like a gripper on the wrench for more leverage to turn it.

 

[jim e]

Yes, it is a long way in. I use a longer t handle hex wrench, but barely use it that often. When I first purchased machine, I had to adjust weekly, then after a while I guess the spring settled in and it's not necessary too often to readjust.

 

[stringtheory]

How deep do you have to get behind those plugs to find the socket for the Allen wrench? [Edit: blah blah blah … ]

UPDATE: the 3mm wrench tip above did it for me. Once I was sure I had the right size wrench I was able to probe around in there until I got engagement and tightened the clamps. Seems much more secure now. The socket is pretty deep inside past the plug; I had to put the long end into the hole and the basic Allen wrench I was using was barely long enough. I actually used the starting clamp like a gripper on the wrench for more leverage to turn it.

Yup same for me. The tool they provided twisted and I had to get a proper Allen wrench which did the job. And yes a very slight turn is enough to tighten the clamps