ScoreTronics PBA-4 User Manual
ScoreTronics, Inc.
user manual
ScoreTronics, Inc., 1110 Jorie Blvd., Suite 104, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Phone 630-571-1970 www.scoretronics.com
*Patent Pending
PBA-4
Portable Baseball/Softball Scoreboard
Owner’s Manual
ScoreTronics PBA-4 Portable Baseball/Softball Owner’s Manual Page 1
ScoreTronics, Inc., 1110 Jorie Blvd., Suite 104, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Phone 630-571-1970 www.scoretronics.com
Turning the Scoreboard On
To turn the scoreboard on, press the green button on the top of the scoreboard.
The remote control is always ready for use. It has no power switch.
Power On Self Check
When the scoreboard first turns on, it will go through a self check. All digits and
dots will turn ON for two seconds, then turn OFF for two seconds, and then reset
to zero score, first inning, no balls, strikes or outs. If the batteries are sensed low,
the scores will flash “LO” “BA” at the end of the self check.
Turning the Scoreboard Off
To turn the scoreboard off, press and hold down the PWR OFF button on the
remote control for TWO SECONDS. The scoreboard will also automatically turn
off after 30 minutes of non-use. The scores will display “PO” “PO” for two
seconds to indicate that it is powering down.
Setting Up the Scoreboard at the Field
Slide the scoreboard over the installed steel pipe. The pipe will insert about nine
inches up into the scoreboard. Then rotate the scoreboard until the locating pin
inside the unit drops into the notch in the top of the pipe. This will hold the
scoreboard facing the proper direction.
Your scoreboard is designed to withstand occasional rain showers. However, it is
intended to be stored away when not in use and not be permanently mounted
outdoors. The materials used in your scoreboard will age prematurely if the
scoreboard is continuously exposed to sunlight when not in use.
Using the Scoreboard
To advance the score, inning, balls, strikes or outs, simply press the
corresponding button on the remote control.
ScoreTronics PBA-4 Portable Baseball/Softball Owner’s Manual Page 2
ScoreTronics, Inc., 1110 Jorie Blvd., Suite 104, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Phone 630-571-1970 www.scoretronics.com
The balls and strikes will automatically return to zero when you advance past the
third ball or second strike. The outs will return to zero when advancing past the
second out. The inning will indicate “0” when advancing to inning 10 and show
the last digit for innings above 10.
To clear any item, press the CLR ITEM on the remote control, then press the item
you wish to clear. When cleared, the scores, balls, strikes, or outs will reset to 0
and the inning will reset to 1.
If the batteries are getting low, the scores will momentarily flash “LO” “BA” when
the scores or inning are changed. The batteries should be replaced soon when
this indication occurs to maintain reliable operation.
Radio System
The range of the remote control is over 500 feet in open field conditions (no
obstructions). However, obstructions such as fences and people, and outside
interference will reduce this range.
Radio dead spots (a spot where the scoreboard won’t respond to the remote) can
occur in some fields. This is normal. The usual solution is to step a few feet in
any direction away from that spot.
Batteries
The scoreboard uses 16 AA alkaline batteries which are included and pre-
installed in your unit. The expected life of these batteries under normal conditions
is 500 hours (200 2-1/2 hour games).
The unit has a low battery detection system that will flash “LO” “BA” when
changing the score or inning if the batteries are low. However, to prevent
inconvenience to the users, it is best to replace the batteries every one or two
seasons.
To replace the batteries in the scoreboard, the front panel must be removed.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws around the edge of the front
panel and lift out the front panel. The batteries are in two holders just below the
score digits. Observe the polarity markings in the holders when installing the new
batteries. Name brand batteries are recommended. Before reinstalling the front
panel, clean the inside of the panel with a soft cloth to remove any accumulated
ScoreTronics PBA-4 Portable Baseball/Softball Owner’s Manual Page 3
ScoreTronics, Inc., 1110 Jorie Blvd., Suite 104, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Phone 630-571-1970 www.scoretronics.com
dust. Use caution when tightening the screws when re-installing the front panel,
as they can be stripped by overtightening.
The remote control uses a 9 volt alkaline battery which is also included and pre-
installed in your unit. The expected life of this battery under normal
circumstances is over 5 years. Make sure to store the remote control in a place
where the buttons are not depressed, for this will drain the battery in a few days.
The battery is accessed by sliding the bottom part of the back (the part with the
FCC label) down. Be sure to observe the polarity indication when installing the
battery.
Troubleshooting
The remote control doesn’t work or range is limited.
1. Make sure that the battery in the remote hasn’t been drained by
storing it with the buttons pressed. Try a new battery in the remote
control.
2. There could be radio interference at this field. The most common
source for interference is a cable TV line nearby that is “leaking” its signal
into the air. It is illegal for cable signals to “leak” into the air. If there are
nearby cable TV lines, call the cable company and ask them to check
them for signal leakage.
3. If there are a few specific areas, typically two feet in diameter, where
the remote control won’t work, this is a normal and unavoidable condition
in certain fields. It is caused by signal reflections off of nearby metal
objects. When this occurs, simply step a few feet away from the spot.
There are missing segments in the score or inning digits, or some dots
aren’t flipping.
1. The batteries in the scoreboard could be low. Try installing a new set
of batteries.
2. There could be something mechanically interfering with the motion of
the segment or dot. Remove the front cover of the scoreboard and check
ScoreTronics PBA-4 Portable Baseball/Softball Owner’s Manual Page 4
ScoreTronics, Inc., 1110 Jorie Blvd., Suite 104, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Phone 630-571-1970 www.scoretronics.com
for anything (a wire bundle, for instance) that could prevent the segment
or dot from moving.
3. The pivot for the segment or dot could be dirty, preventing movement.
Use CLEAN compressed air to blow out the dust from the moving parts.
(If you don’t have access to an oil free compressor you can buy a can of
aerosol duster from Radio Shack or a computer store.) DO NOT
LUBRICATE ANYTHING! The parts are designed to run dry and
lubrication will prevent operation.
4. There could be a bad digit. Follow the cable from the digit to the
control board and unplug it from the main board. Also unplug another
digit and then re-plug them both back in, swapping locations. If the same
digit remains bad, contact ScoreTronics for a replacement digit. In the
short term you may be able to move the bad digit to a less used position
(like the left digit of the score) to be able to continue use of the
scoreboard.
Use the same procedure to check for a malfunctioning dot. The only
dot that cannot be checked with this procedure is the third dot of the
balls. Contact ScoreTronics if you are having a problem with this
component.
5. Control board. If in Step 4 above the problem stayed with a particular
plug on the main board, (meaning that any digit or dot plugged into that
jack malfunctions the same way) then the problem is with the control
board. Contact ScoreTronics for a replacement control board.
Warranty
Your scoreboard is warranted against defects for a period of one year from the date of
purchase. This warranty does not cover physical abuse, or damage resulting from any
user modifications or lubrication. ScoreTronics will replace any components that are
deemed defective during the warranty period.