Els
STRINGING MACHINE
OWNER'S MANUAL
Issue 1 - March 2009
Els
OWNER'S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE 1................................................................................................WARRANTY
PAGE 2................................................................................................. FEATURES
PAGE 3.....................................................................ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
PAGE 4.................................................... POWER CONNECTION & CONTROLS
PAGE 6...........................................................................MOUNTING THE FRAME
PAGE 8.......................................................................... STRINGING THE FRAME
PAGE 11........................................................................ ADDITIONAL FEATURES
PAGE 12.................................................................................. PATHFINDER AWL
PAGE 13.........................................................MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS
PAGE 14.......................................................................................... CALIBRATION
PAGE 15.....................................................................TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
PAGE 16............................................................................................. PARTS LIST
PAGE 17.................................................................................... PARTS DRAWING
LIMITED WARRANTY
GAMMA Sports (GAMMA) warrants to the original purchaser that the X-STRINGER stringing machine ("EQUIPMENT")
purchased is free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the date of original purchase
for mechanical parts (excluding electrical parts and string clamps), and for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase
for all electrical parts and string clamps. Should any defects develop under normal use within the specified time periods,
GAMMA will at its option, repair or replace the defective EQUIPMENT provided it is returned to GAMMA prepaid at the
purchaser's expense. This warranty does not apply to any damage or defect caused by negligence, abuse, misuse,
unauthorized alteration, shipping, handling, or part wear and tear as a result of normal use.
Routine maintenance, adjustment, and cleaning required to ensure proper operation are the responsibility of the purchaser
and are not covered under the terms of this warranty. These include, but are not limited to: String Clamp adjustment, as
described on page 11, Quick Action Clamp Base adjustment, as described on page 11, and the cleaning procedures listed
on page 13.
GAMMA's obligation under this warranty is limited to repair or replacement of defective EQUIPMENT, and no one is authorized
to promise any other liability. GAMMA shall in no event be liable for any incidental or consequential damages.
To return defective EQUIPMENT, a return authorization (RA#) must be obtained from a GAMMA customer service
representative. The RA# must be marked on the outside of the shipping carton being returned. All returns must be shipped
prepaid by the customer to GAMMA. Please retain the original shipping carton and packing materials for any future shipments.
GAMMA will not be responsible for machines which are not sent in the original undamaged packaging.
An Extended Warranty is available through a GAMMA customer service representative, call 800.333.0337 for details.
1
FEATURES
MACHINE FEA TURES
Electric Constant Pull Tensioner w/ 11 lbs. to 89 lbs. Tension
Range
Digital Tension Setting Display
Professional Six Point “Quick Mount” Racquet Mounting
System- Accomodates All Racquets Without Adapters
Parallel Jaw Rotating Gripper w/ Diamond Dust Coated
Gripping Surfaces
Professional Dual Action, Rotating, Diamond Dust Coated,
Fixed String Clamps
High Strength Extruded Aluminum Frame with Durable
Anodized Finish and Convenient Padded Tool Tray
Unique Internal Drawer System for Storing Tools and Adap-
tors.
Conveniet Foot Actuated Tensioner Switch (Optional)
2
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Transportation Screw
The machine has been shipped with a motor
and load cell protection screw. Remove the
screw before using the machine. Retain the
screw for future shipment. Install the inluded
rubber grommet into the hole.
Remove this Screw
String Clamp Installation
The post of the string clamp and tube of the
string clamp base are treated with grease to
provide protection against corrosion during
shipping. Remove any excessive grease
with a clean cloth prior to use. The post and
tube may also be cleaned with isopropyl
alcohol. After this type of thorough cleaning,
the post and tube should be treated with a
light coating of machine oil to protect the
surfaces against corrosion and to ensure
smooth operation.
3
POWER CONNECTION & CONTROLS
A
B
C
Front Panel Features
A - String Gripper
B - Tension Switch
C - L.E.D. Tension Display
Back Panel Features
A
D
CB
A - Lighted Power Switch
B - Foot Pedal Switch Receptacle
C - A/C Power Cord Socket
D - String Length Meter (currently not
available)
Instructions for Power Connection and Controls
CAUTION ! Before connecting to the power supply, check the voltage source that the
machine is being connected to. The acceptable range of input voltages for this
machine is between 100 V and 240 V @ 50 to 60 Hz. If you have any questions
regarding the input voltage supply for your area, please ask your electric utility
company.
To install the power cord, insert the female end of the power cord into the AC Adapter and
then insert the female end of the cord from the AC Adapter into the A/C Power Cord
Socket “C” located on the back panel of the tensioner. Plug the male end of the power
cord into a grounded power outlet. When using extension cords, use grounded heavy duty
extension cords rated for 15 AMP service.
To connect the foot pedal switch, insert the male pin at the end of the foot pedal switch
cord into the Foot Pedal Switch Receptacle “B” located on the back panel of the tensioner.
Switch on the machine by pressing the Lighted On-Off Power Switch on the back panel. At
start-up, the LED will display a countdown from “9.0” to “0.0” while the machine performs a
self diagnostics check at start-up.
W ARNING! FOR INDOOR USE ONL Y. TO BE USED BY
ADULTS OR UNDER ADULT SUPERVISION ONLY.
NEVER OPEN UNIT WITH POWER CONNECTED
4
CONTROL PANEL FUNCTIONS
AND FEATURES
Tension Index Buttons - Changes
tension setting in +/- 1.0 or +/- 0.1 Lb or
Kg increments. Holding the button down
will scroll the tension setting values up
or down. Tension settings entered with
the tension index buttons are placed
into temporary memory setting “0”.
Clear Button - Clears display to enter a
new tension or to reset String Length
Meter measurement
Test Button & Racquet Strung - Press
once for approximate number of
racquets strung. Press again to return.
Press and hold for 5 seconds and the
machine does an internal diagnostic
check, such as the one performed at
start-up.
Lbs/Kgs Button - Changes tension
display from Lbs to Kgs. Each press of
the button toggles back and forth
between Lbs and Kgs.
Pre-Stretch Function - Pulls string
10% or 20% over the tension setting (up
to 90 lbs / 40.8 kgs), releases the string,
and repulls to the tension setting. Each
press of the button toggles between
10%, 20% or no pre-stretch.
Single Digit (1-9)
Memory LED Display
Memory Button - Indexes from 9 preset
tension settings that can be stored in
memory. Settings are retained even if
machine is turned off. Each press of the
button indexes to the next memory setting.
Memory settings 1-9 must be entered using
the keypad followed by pressing the “ENT”
button.
Enter Button - Saves displayed tension for
Memory setting - when tension is entered
using the keypad display flashes until this
button is pressed to save the setting. Also
Clears display for String Length Meter
measurements
Knot Function - Increases pulling tension
by 10% over the setting value (max 90 lbs /
40.8 kgs) for one pull. During the pull the
LED stays lit to indicate the Knot function is
enabled.
Speed Button - Changes pulling speed
of winder from Fast (default) to Medium
to Slow. Slow speed is recommended
for low stretch strings, such as Kevlar.
Each press of the button toggles
between Fast, Medium and Slow
speeds.
String Length Meter Button - feature is
currently not available.
Three Digit (XX.X)
Tension Setting
Display or String
Length LED Display
5
POWER CONNECTION & CONTROLS
Setting the String Tension
String tensions may be entered and stored into
one of nine memory storage settings (See
section on Control panel Functions and features) by using the tension index buttons. While
tension setting is entered, the value displayed
will be temporary until the “Enter” button is
pressed to store it in one of the nine permanent
memory settings.
Aramid fiber and metallic strings will generally
string up tighter on the X-Els machine compared to synthetic or natural gut strings.
Therefore, when stringing with Aramid (Kevlar, Technora) hybrid strings or metallic strings,
we recommend setting tension 4-5 lbs. lower than you would normally use for synthetic or
natural gut strings.
MOUNTING THE FRAME
Adjusting the Frame Support Posts
Loosen the lock bolts of the frame support
posts and space them apart with the frame
support slides separated by the approximate length of the racquet head. Although it
is not required, it is good practice to center
the support posts on the turntable. Lock one
of the posts in position by tightening the lock
bolt and position the other post until the
frame support slide is positioned near the
inside surface of the racquet frame. Securely tighten the lock bolt of the second
support post.
Caution: To avoid racquet damage, the center posts should not contact the racquet prior to
locking down the support posts.
Tightening the Frame Supports
Tighten the Frame Support Slides by turning
the adjustment knob clockwise until snug
against the racquet frame and slight resistance is felt.
Caution: Overtightening the Center Supports will stretch the head of the racquet and
could cause racquet damage.
6
MOUNTING THE FRAME
Frame Shoulder Support Adjustment
Being sure the shoulder supports are free to
swivel in their mountings, simultaneously rotate
the shoulder support adjustment knobs clockwise until both shoulder supports gently and
squarely contact the frame.
Securing the Frame Shoulder Clamps
Lock the shoulder supports in position by
turning the knob at the base clockwise.
Repeat the adjustment procedure for the
remaining support post.
Re-tighten all of the frame supports in the
same order as before.
Do not overtighten any of the supports as
racquet damage may occur.
The supports should be tightened to the
in the mounting system when the handle is grasped and attempts are made to move it. Should
any supports lose contact with the frame while stringing, they should be re-tightened.
point where the racquet frame will not move
7
STRINGING THE FRAME
String Clamp Operation
The string c
where the string clamp and clamp base
operate independently of one another.
To clamp a string, lift the clamp head and
place the string between the jaws and depress the string clamp lever to secure the
string. The clamping pressure applied to the
string should be adjusted to provide sufficient pressure to secure the string when
subjected to the desired pulling tension. The
diamond coated gripper plates provide for
increased friction between the clamps and the string to allow for reduced clamping pressure
while securing and holding the string under tension.
Clamp Base Operation
To lock the string clamp base to the turntable, rotate the clamp base locking lever
clockwise. To release the string clamp base
from the turntable, rotate the clamp base
locking lever counter-clockwise.
The Locking Lever should be tightened
enough to prevent clamp base slippage on
the turntable, when the desired tension is
placed on the string. To go from the loose
position to the clamped position and back,
generally requires the rotation permitted by
the slot in the clamp base.
lamps are a dual action design
Getting Started
To begin stringing the main strings, thread
the two ends of the string through the two
center holes at the appropriate end of the
frame and continue through the opposite
center holes. Thread one end of the string
through the adjacent grommet hole and pull
excess by hand.
Secure one of the strings using a string
clamp.
8
STRINGING THE FRAME
Pulling Tension
To pull tension, wrap the free string clockwise around the gripper drum and position
the string between the gripper jaws.
The string must pass over the top half of the
gripper before being placed between the
gripper jaws, as the tension on the string
provides the clamping force to the gripper
jaws.
Gently pull the string until all slack is removed.
WARNING: KEEP FINGERS A WAY FROM GRIPPER
DRUM WHILE TENSIONING STRING. PUSH GRIPPER
REVERSING SWITCH IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.
To tension a string, push the tension switch
or the foot pedal. The string gripper will
rotate and slowly apply tension to the
string. When the set tension has been
attained, the gripper will stop rotating. As
the tensioned string stretches, the gripper
may rotate intermittently, maintaining the
set tension.
To release the string after clamping, push
the tension switch or foot pedal. If the string
gripper does not release the string, de-
press and hold the Gripper Reversing Switch
once to release the string.
Clamping the First Main String
Secure the tensioned main string using the
remaining fixed clamp. Repeat the proce-
dure for all of the remaining main strings and
tie off following the racquet manufacturers
recommendations.
Follow the manufacturer's recommended
stringing pattern for one or two piece string-
ing. This will determine the starting point for
the cross strings. If applicable, tie the first
cross string using an appropriate starting
knot.
9
STRINGING THE FRAME
Weaving the Cross Strings
Weave the cross strings over and under the
main strings being careful to alternate the
weave direction of each consecutive cross
string so as to be opposite of the previously
installed cross string.
Completing the String Job
Once the final cross string is tensioned and
clamped, tie off at the appropriate hole speci-
fied by the racquet manufacturer. Remove
the frame from the mounting system by
loosening the shoulder supports and frame
supports.
10
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Turntable Brake
The turntable may be locked in any position.
Rotate the lever to the right to lock the
turntable and to the left to relase the turntable.
11
PATHFINDER A WL
The machine includes the Pathfinder string-
ing awl which creates a pathway between or
around strings to make inserting a string
through tight grommets easier and quicker.
Insert the awl through the grommet hole in
the same manner as for traditional awls.
The Pathfinder awl must be in the closed
position before insertion.
Once the awl is inserted, pull the handle of
the awl outward while holding the tip section
in place, leaving the outer sheath in the
grommet hole.
Insert the end of the string into the center of
the sheath.
While holding pressure on the string, slowly
pull the sheath out of the grommet hole to
leave the end of the string exposed.
12
MAINTENANCE & ADJUSTMENTS
Adjusting the String Clamp Jaw Spacing
The string clamps will need minor adjustments according
to what string type, construction, and gauge you are
using.
To adjust the gap (clamping pressure) between the clamp
jaws, insert the string through the racquet as if you were
beginning the main strings. Clamp the strings and pull
tension. If the string slips through the jaws of the clamp,
tighten the clamp by compressing the clamp jaws to-
Adjustment
Knob
counter clockwise to open the gap between the jaws. The clamp jaws should be cleaned
periodically to be free from dirt, oil, and any string coating for them to grip properly. Knife
sharpening stones are excellent for removing build-up on the diamond coated surfaces and
are available.
Note: The string clamps supplied with your stringing machine can accomodate tight string
patterns such as badminton. Depending on the string pattern, the clamp may spread the
strings slightly which will not compromise the quality of the string job. String clamps designed
specifically for badminton racquets are available.
gether by hand while turning the Adjustment Knob, in the
clockwise direction. If the clamp leaves impressions or
damages the string, it may be excessively tight and
should be adjusted by turning the Adjustment Knob
Clamp Base Locking Nut Adjustment
In the event the Locking Lever rotation is
insufficient to ensure smooth operation of
the clamp base, very minor adjustments to
the Clamp Base Locking Nut can be made
with the supplied 17mm socket. Tighten or
loosen the locking nut in very small increments to provide more clamping pressure or
running clearance as needed.
Quick Action Clamp Base Removal
Quick Action clamp bases can be removed
from the turntable for maintenance or cleaning by removing clamp stop located at the
end of the slot in the turntable. To remove the
clamp stop, remove the two screws holding
the clamp stop in place from the underside of
the turntable. Lift the clamp stop out of the
slot, slide the clamp base to the end of the
slot and lift it out. Replace the clamp base
and clamp stop in reverse order.
13
CALIBRATION
Tension Calibration Procedure
Each stringing machine has been
checked and calibrated at the factory
using accurate load sensing devices
to ensure that the machine pulls at the
correct tension. However, if you suspect that your machine may not be
pulling at the correct tension you can
check the pulling tension with a calibrator and make adjustments if needed.
Most tension calibrators (such as a Gamma Tension Calibrator) function by clamping off the
string attached to one the end of the calibrator and applying tension to the string located on
the opposite end of the calibrator. The tension measured by the calibrator will then display
the tension being applied to the calibrator by the machine. If the calibrator and tensioner do
not match then you can adjust the tensioner as follows:
(1) Turn the machine off and restart the machine while holding down the Test buttonuntil
count down is complete. 22 lbs should appear on the display. (2) Apply tension to the
calibrator. (3) If the tension reading on the calibrator does not match the tension displayed
on the machine, use the tension indexing buttons to match the display to the calibrator
reading and press the Enter/Clear button (4) Release the tension applied to the calibrator
and 44 lbs should appear on the display. (5) Repeat steps #2-#4 for 44, 66 & 88lbs. (6) After
completing the adjustment at 88lbs the display will show 00 lbs. (7) Restart the machine
without holding any buttons and the calibration adjustment will be complete
14
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
PROBLEM SOLUTION
String slips in clamps - Adjust gap between clamp jaws
- Clean clamp jaws
String slips in gripper - Clean gripper jaws
- Make sure string is wrapped over
top jaw of gripper prior to inserting
between gripper jaws
String clamp base slips on turntable - Clean bottom of clamp & glide bar
with alcohol
- Adjust clamp base locking nut
Electrical system does not function - Check power source
- Check power cord connection
String tension too tight or too loose - Check tension using a tension
calibrator, adjust machine
calibration if necessary
CARE & CLEANING
With time and use, the clamping surfaces of your machine may become oily or dirty and
result in string or clamp slippage while stringing. Periodic cleaning of the String Clamps,
String Clamp Base, and String Gripper is recommended. Knife sharpening stones work well
for cleaning the diamond coatied string clamping surfaces. Cleaning with a solvent such as
isoproyl alcohol and a mild abrasive tool such as a toothbrush also works well to remove oily
or greasey build up.
15
PARTS LIST
PART #
5
6A
9
14
21A
133
140
141
142
143
144
146A
148L
148R
203
270
282
283
285
286
289
296A
320
321
327
328
329
333
334
E16
E23
E76
MDCSC
MRSGD
MQAC
DESCRIPTION
RUBBER FOOT
CAP SCREW- M8
WASHER- M8
WASHER- M10
FRAME SUPP SLIDE
FRAME SUPP SLIDE KNOB
MTNG STAND TOP PLATE
MTNG STAND PAD
SUPPORT ARM- LEFT
SUPPORT ARM- RIGHT
SUPPORT LOCK KNOB
ARM ADJ KNOB & SCREW
SHOULDER V-CLAMP
SHOULDER V-CLAMP
TT SCREWS
SUPP MOUNTING PLATE
TURNTABLE
END CAP
TT END CAP- RIGHT
TT END CAP- LEFT
TT HANDLES
SUPP POST STAND
BRAKE RING
BRAKE BOX
TT PIN
TENSIONER
GRIPPER DRUM
BASE COVER
BASE
A/C POWER CORD
AC ADAPTER
KEY PAD / ELECTRONICS
STRING CLAMP
DIE CAST GRIPPER
TALL QA BASE CLAMP
TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES
71
108
109
110
167
171
196
MA
MFSPP
MMSPP
MMSSA
MPSA
6MM T-HANDLE HEX WRENCH
UTILITY KNIFE
NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS
BENT NOSE PLIERS
HEX WRENCH SET
DIAGONAL CUTTERS
17MM SOCKET
STRINGERS AWL
FRAME SUPP PADS
SQUASH (SQ)
SHORT BADMINTON (SB)
TENNIS (T)
BADMINTON (B)
TENNIS SHLDER SUPP PADS
SHLDER SUPP PADS (L TO R)
RACQUETBALL
BADMINTON
PATHFINDER AWL
OPTIONAL TOOLS & ACCESS
324
MBFC
MDCSC
MGSMC
MPG
MPS
MPXFS
MTC
SGSM
FOOT PEDAL SWITCH
BAD FLOATING CLAMP
FIXED BAD STRING CLAMP
MACHINE COVER
STARTING CLAMP
POLISHING STONE
FLOOR STAND
CALIBRATOR
STRINGER’S MAT
16
P ARTS DRA WING
283
142
146A
285
286
296A
6A
141
21A
MMSPP
MFSPP
143
MDCSC
MQAC
9
282
327
140
144
270
289
133 14
148L
329
MRSGD
328
E76
320
MMSPP
321
MMSSA
17
333
334
5
SQ SB
MFSPP
TB
GAMMA SPORTS
200 Waterfront Drive
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222
Phone: 800.333.0337 Fax: 412.323.0317
Visit our website at www.gammasports.com
Copyright 2009 GAMMA Sports - All Rights Reserved
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