Launch Troubleshooting for AirCat

If your AirCat is not launching properly. Here is a step by step troubleshooting guide to help resolve the issue.

When doing this testing, ensure no volleyballs are in the machine.

Launch troubleshooting video

1. Lift and Drop Test

Remove all air from the AirCAT, and have the power off. Then lift the launch arm and as high and possible as seen in the troubleshooting video above and then let it drop. The launch arm should drop freely without resistance. 

a. If the launch arm is hitting the guide bars or has to much side to side movement, we need to tighten the bolt at the top of the launch arm. ( Picture below of the connection point that needs to be tightened)

b. If the launch arm has friction when being dropped. It means the bolt at the top of the launch arm is to tight, and needs to be loosened. (Picture below of the connection point that needs to be loosened)

c. After completing step b, if your launch arm is falling slowly or getting not dropping all the way down. Then contact us using the link at the bottom of the page. Along with sending a video showing the lift and drop test. We will also need you to confirm that you removed the air from the machine and that the AirCAT was NOT on during the test. 

2. 320 Valve manual launch test

(Ensure there is air in the machine before doing this test)

a. The easiest way to access this 320 valve is to take off the side access panel of your machine. If you do not have a side access panel, you can also access this valve by removing the front console. 

b. After making sure there is air in the machine, press the red button in the picture below. If your AirCat launches this test passed. If it does not launch, a new launch cylinder is needed. 

3. Optical eye 

If the Manual launch test and lift and drop test pass but the machine is not launching. Check the optical eye.

a. If the machine is on, then you should see an orange light on the back of the optical sensor. This indicates power is going to the optical eye. 

b. If a ball is in the launch area. There should be a green light that also shows on the optical eye. If you do not have a ball, you can cover the reflector and see if the green light turns on. 

4. The AirCat is Dry Firing

If your AirCat is dry firing when there is not a ball in launch area. Then the reflector needs to be adjusted so its more in line with the optical eye. If there is an object blocking the reflector, it will also dry fire. 

5. Launch arm hitting the top of the case

If your launch arm is hitting the top of the case or there are loud banging noises on every launch. It is possible you need a new Cushion cylinder. Please send us a video of the issue so we can diagnose if a part is needed.