APEX Assembly Manual & Operating Guide

Thank you for purchasing the APEX Basketball Training System.

APEX is a powered basketball training machine designed to automatically return and launch basketballs for individual and team training. The system incorporates moving mechanical components, stored spring energy, electronic controls, sensors, and automatic launching functions capable of operating without additional user input.

Because APEX contains moving mechanisms and automatically launches basketballs, improper assembly, operation, maintenance, or use may result in equipment damage, property damage, serious injury, or death.

Before assembling or operating the machine, read and understand this entire manual, including all safety warnings, assembly instructions, operating procedures, maintenance requirements, and troubleshooting information.

Only operate the machine as described in this manual. Retain this manual for future reference and provide it to any future owner or operator of the product.

The APEX Basketball Training System is a general-use basketball training product intended for operators age 13 and older.

APEX is intended solely for the automated return and launching of regulation size 6 (28.5") and size 7 (29.5") basketballs on basketball hoops with rim heights between 9.5 ft (2.9 m) and 10 ft (3.05 m) for basketball training and practice.

APEX is not a toy and is not intended for children 12 years of age or younger. Users under 18 years of age should operate the machine only under adult supervision.

Only operate the machine after reading, understanding, and agreeing to follow all instructions, warnings, and safety procedures in this manual.

The owner and operator are responsible for ensuring safe use of the machine. This includes:

• Ensuring that all operators are age 13 or older.
• Ensuring that users under 18 are supervised by an adult.
• Reading and following all instructions and safety warnings.
• Ensuring the machine is properly assembled, inspected, and maintained before use.
• Ensuring that the machine is never left unattended while powered on.
• Ensuring all users, players, and bystanders understand the machine’s operation and associated hazards.
• Keeping children 12 years of age or younger away from the machine during setup, operation, maintenance, and storage.
• Enforcing the 6 ft safety zone whenever the machine is powered.
• Preventing unauthorized, unsafe, or improper use of the machine.
• Disconnecting power and removing the battery before servicing, cleaning, storing, transporting, or leaving the machine unattended.

1. This product is not a toy. Operation is intended only for users age 13 and older; users under 18 should operate the machine only under adult supervision.
2. The owner and operator are responsible for ensuring that all users, players, and bystanders are aware of the machine's operation and associated hazards. 
3. Keep hands, fingers, hair, clothing, jewelry, and other body parts away from the throwing arm, moving parts, and pinch points. Never place or remove a basketball directly on the throwing arm. 
4. Battery Notice: SHOTSENSE contains an internal, non-user-replaceable coin cell battery. Do not open SHOTSENSE or attempt to remove or replace the battery. If SHOTSENSE stops operating, contact PowerArc Sports for service or replacement. Keep the product away from children if the housing is cracked, damaged, or opened.
5. Do not use metal basketball hoop nets. Metal nets may damage the capture net and void warranty.
6. Never connect the battery and power supply at the same time. Use only one power source at a time. 
7. Do not operate the machine in windy, wet, or damp conditions. Always use the provided net ballast bag during operation to reduce the risk of tip-over. 
8. Operate the machine only on a stable, solid, level surface. 
9. Use only PowerArc Sports approved accessories, attachments, power sources and replacement parts. 
10. Inspect the machine before each use. Never operate a machine that is damaged, malfunctioning, or improperly assembled. 
11. Before servicing, cleaning, storing, transporting, or leaving the machine unattended, disconnect the power supply and remove the battery.
12. Do not open, disassemble, modify, repair, or tamper with the machine, battery, charger, power supply, or electrical components. 
13. Do not use the machine for any purpose other than returning and launching basketballs for training and practice.
14. Never leave the machine unattended while powered on.

Approved Equipment

Use only PowerArc Sports approved battery packs, and chargers.

Charging Safety

• Charge batteries only in a clean, dry, well-ventilated location.
• Do not charge damaged, swollen, leaking, wet, punctured, cracked, or excessively hot batteries.
• Disconnect the charger immediately if abnormal heat, odor, smoke, or swelling occurs.

Storage and Handling

• Store batteries in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, moisture, and sources of heat.
• Do not expose batteries, chargers, or electrical connectors to rain, standing water, or excessive moisture.
• Remove the battery before transport, storage, cleaning, inspection, maintenance, or service..
• Inspect battery contacts before each use and keep them clean and dry.
• Do not use batteries or chargers that have been dropped, crushed, submerged, modified, or otherwise damaged.
• Do not disassemble, crush, puncture, short-circuit, or incinerate batteries.
• Dispose of batteries in accordance with local regulations and applicable battery recycling requirements.

Approved Equipment

• Use only the PowerArc Sports approved APEX power supply model specified for this product.
• Do not use third-party power supplies, adapters, or chargers.

Operating Conditions

• Use the power supply in dry locations only.
• Do not operate the power supply in rain, standing water, puddles, or wet conditions.
• Do not handle power cords, connectors, or plugs with wet hands.

Inspection and Service

• Inspect the power supply, cables, and connectors before each use.
• Do not use damaged cords, cracked housings, loose connectors, or modified electrical components.
• Disconnect power before cleaning, maintenance, transport, or storage.
• Do not open, modify, or attempt to repair the power supply.

Regular inspection and maintenance help ensure safe operation and maximize product life. Do not operate APEX if any component is damaged, missing, loose, excessively worn, or not functioning properly.

Before Each Use:

• Verify all visible fasteners are secure.
• Inspect the throwing arm, tension straps, buckles, cords, netting, wheels, and structural components for damage, wear, cracks, or loose parts.
• Check for unusual noises, excessive wear, cracks, damage, or loose parts.
• Verify the user display, LEDs, and controls operate correctly.
• Inspect that the two e-clips that secure the throwing arm are present and fully seated (as shown in image below).
• Inspect the battery for any signs of damage, swelling, leakage, cracks, or excessive heat.
• Do not use the machine, battery, charger, or power supply if any damage or abnormal condition is found.

After Use

• Remove dirt, dust, leaves, and debris from the machine.
• Wipe down exposed surfaces after outdoor use.
• Remove the battery before long-term storage.

Storage

Store the machine indoors in a clean, dry location. Protect the machine from moisture, rain, snow, standing water, direct sunlight, coastal air, and excessive humidity. 

Lubrication

Do not lubricate any components unless specifically instructed by PowerArc Sports.

The Operating Guide walks you through the information required to safely power on, set up, use, shut down, and store your APEX system. Review each section in order before operating APEX, including all safety warnings, keep-out zones, controls, menu functions, and setup procedures. Do not operate APEX until assembly is complete and the Operating Guide has been reviewed and completed.

In this step, we position APEX at the basketball hoop, raise and expand the net system, and confirm the net shape and setup position look correct before use.

In this step, we test how the ball travels through the net system and returns back to the Ball Launcher unit. Check that balls move smoothly through the net without catching, bouncing out, or stopping before reaching the launcher.

This section covers the available APEX power options, including battery power and the corded power supply. It also walks through the first power-on sequence, basic unit controls, and menu navigation so you can understand how to operate the display, knob, and system settings before starting a workout.

In this step, we walk through the first live use of APEX, including starting a workout, confirming proper operation, and following all required keep-out zones during use.

This section covers how to properly shut down APEX and take down the system after use. It also walks through the available storage modes, including the rolling-frame position for a gym closet or garage and the portable carry mode for taking APEX on the go. Follow the video and instructions carefully before moving, carrying, or storing the system.