Babolat Star5 Help!

BoingTennis

New User
Hi guys,

Just bought an used Babolat Star5 for our tennis centre, here in Indonesia.

Unfortunately, there's something wrong with the traction head, possibly from shipping damage. I'd really appreciate it if someone could tell me what these error codes means and some possible solutions for it.
I have tried contacting Babolat USA (Jason) via emails and phone calls but have yet to receive anything back from him. I understand that this machine is out of warranty and I might need to purchase new traction head, that is why I need to know what the error codes are saying.

Thanks so much in advance for your help!

Star5ErrorCode.jpeg

Star5ErrorCode2.jpeg

Star5Version.jpeg
 

lwto

Hall of Fame
Perhaps it would be better if you can list the errors.
probably better than to list every error available.
 

lwto

Hall of Fame
There are only two errors that I'm getting from the traction head:
SL 858 ER3
SL 858 ER5

couldn't find these stats messages in my manual, perhaps someone else has seen the error or wait to here from Babolat.

Does the tension head move at all when pressing the tension button?
 

jazar

Professional
Have you tried taking out the motherboard/circuitboard? When I got my machine, I got an error message come up. I can't remember what the message was, but it was because some of the wires were loose/had become slightly disconnected.
 

BoingTennis

New User
couldn't find these stats messages in my manual, perhaps someone else has seen the error or wait to here from Babolat.

Does the tension head move at all when pressing the tension button?

LWTO, if it's not too much trouble and only if you have an electronic version of the manual, could you please email a copy for me?

The machine would boot up, then it would show the tension setting, I could change the tension up and down, change settings, etc with no problem.

But when I press the tension head button (touch sensitive button), the machine would only beep and gives me SL:858 ER:3
 

BoingTennis

New User
Have you tried taking out the motherboard/circuitboard? When I got my machine, I got an error message come up. I can't remember what the message was, but it was because some of the wires were loose/had become slightly disconnected.

Jazar, I've actually removed the motherboard and did what you said, reconnected all the connectors and check all the wires for any damage. However, I'm still getting the same error.
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
LWTO, if it's not too much trouble and only if you have an electronic version of the manual, could you please email a copy for me?

The machine would boot up, then it would show the tension setting, I could change the tension up and down, change settings, etc with no problem.

But when I press the tension head button (touch sensitive button), the machine would only beep and gives me SL:858 ER:3

lwto has a sensor if you want a copy of a Star5 manual shoot me an email Irvin Fuchs at bellsoutn dot net.
 

its_me_leon

New User
Is the tensionhead moving at all? If not, would it be possible that there is a transport screw blocking the head from moving?
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
The Star5 Tension Module does not have a transport screw as the tensioner will not move unless the motor runs. Much like a garage door on a chain driven opener.
 
Sick Star 5

I'm working on a dead Sensor with similar symptoms. When you press the start switch, the tension head just sits there dumb as a post. The display shows actual pulled tension as 0.00, but no error codes.

All this screams either a motor problem or a solid state relay problem. Now to determine which is which you need only disconnect the white connector that sends 12 VDC to the motor. Next measure the voltage at the connector when you press the start button. I'm thinking +12 VDC pulling tension, and -12VDC returning to start. If you don't read any voltage, then the problem is likely on the motherboard, probably a dead power transistor. If on the other hand you do see a voltage, then the problem is the motor and most likely the brushes are worn out.

I'm replacing the brushes on the Sensor motor before I reassemble everything to do the test I'm suggesting you try.

Good Luck!

Albert
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
Other than the two error codes the OP is seeing I don't know what symptoms the OP is experiencing. There have been a few suggestions but nothing related to the error codes.
 

Irvin

Talk Tennis Guru
Albert the control voltage on the Star5 is 24 vdc according to the OM. A few things that come to mind in the shield could be on as this will stop the tension head from moving. The original purchaser could have the voltage set different from the voltage the OP is using.

OP if you're still having trouble let me know. Maybe you're calling Jason when he's not in due to time difference. I can try to contact him and see what the error codes mean if you're still having issues.
 
Sick Star 5 with Error codes

The only thing I can think of that would result in error codes are the three chip sized fuses on the motherboard. These are very tiny socketed fuses, designated F1, F2, and F3. You might have to carefully remove each and test for continuity.

Albert
 
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Sick Star 5 with Error Codes

The only other thing that could be wrong is the loadcell has gone bad. Call Jason at Babolat

1-877-316-9435, X117

Leave him a message with the Star 5 error codes and see if he has a factory maintenance/repair manual.

Good Luck,

Albert
 
Star 5 with error codes

Boing tennis: please keep us advised as to what the error codes mean. There's no way we can know for sure what the error codes are saying. After viewing the video and see the tension head moving, my guess is there's some wrong with load cell. The load cell is a set of strain gauge sensors that measure the pulled tension.

There is a cable that connects to the motherboard from the tension head. On the green connector block are six tiny screws that lock down the wires from the tension head. It is a small green block with tiny screws. I suggest you power off the machine, remove the cover, and check these screws to make sure they are all tight.

Good luck,

Albert
 
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Sick Star 5 with Error Codes

Boing Tennis: The following information is from JC at Tennis Machines (314-725-2365, St. Louis, MO):

E3 Error code means there's an error with the machine's auto calibration. The only way they know to repair this is to replace the circuit board on the tension head.

E5 Error code is more common and related to the right hand limit sensor. These are optical sensors and pass over a piece of slotted sheet metal. There are two slots one on left, other on the right. The E5 says there's a problem with the right hand slot. Either the sheet metal is bent out of alignment or the optical sensor is defective. Same solution, replace the circuit board on the tension head.

Give JC a call and see what the cost is for the tension head circuit board.

Good Luck,

Albert
 

BoingTennis

New User
Boing Tennis: The following information is from JC at Tennis Machines (314-725-2365, St. Louis, MO):

E3 Error code means there's an error with the machine's auto calibration. The only way they know to repair this is to replace the circuit board on the tension head.

E5 Error code is more common and related to the right hand limit sensor. These are optical sensors and pass over a piece of slotted sheet metal. There are two slots one on left, other on the right. The E5 says there's a problem with the right hand slot. Either the sheet metal is bent out of alignment or the optical sensor is defective. Same solution, replace the circuit board on the tension head.

Give JC a call and see what the cost is for the tension head circuit board.

Good Luck,

Albert

Albert, thank you for your help translating the error codes. You've been a great help!

I will contact JC @ TennisMachines and consult with him about my options. I'm planning to do a complete disassembly and reassembly of the entire traction head this weekend. Just to make sure that it's not just a loose wiring somewhere.
 

BoingTennis

New User
If it's not too much to ask, Irvin and Albert, please PM/email me your mailing address. I'd like to return the favor by sending you a sample goody bag of my products from Indonesia(ginger, coffee, and coconut sugar).
 

Renan Sousa

New User
transdutor de carga aberto é o sensor de tensão de corda estragado ou com cabo solto na placa de sensores de posicionamento do cabeçote de tensão
 

liuqi

New User
Help !!!!
My star5 shows SL427 er4 :cry:


Sick Star 5 with Error Codes

Boing Tennis: The following information is from JC at Tennis Machines (314-725-2365, St. Louis, MO):

E3 Error code means there's an error with the machine's auto calibration. The only way they know to repair this is to replace the circuit board on the tension head.

E5 Error code is more common and related to the right hand limit sensor. These are optical sensors and pass over a piece of slotted sheet metal. There are two slots one on left, other on the right. The E5 says there's a problem with the right hand slot. Either the sheet metal is bent out of alignment or the optical sensor is defective. Same solution, replace the circuit board on the tension head.

Give JC a call and see what the cost is for the tension head circuit board.

Good Luck,

Albert
 
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