BEAT THE BUCKET
OWNERS MANUAL
AQUAVENTRONICS
Manitoba, Canada
(204) 256-6959
© 2013 AQUAVENTRONICS
WWW.AQUAVENTRONICS.COM
BEAT THE BUCKET - OWNERS MANUAL
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© 2013 AQUAVENTRONICS
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BEAT THE BUCKET - OWNERS MANUAL
Table Of Contents
1. ASSEMBLY..........................................................................................................1
1.1 BATTERY POWER PACK.................................................................................................. 3
1.2 POWER SUPPLY & CHARGER ........................................................................................ 4
2. OPERATION...................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Testing The Game ............................................................................................................ 6
2.2 Water Settings ................................................................................................................ 6
2.3 Game Play........................................................................................................................... 6
3. MAINTENANCE............................................................................................... 7
3.1 Winter Storage ................................................................................................................ 7
3.2 Replacing the Control Module ....................................................................................... 7
3.3 Cleaning the Solenoid Valve........................................................................................... 7
3.4 Target Pads..................................................................................................................... 10
3.5 Game Harness ................................................................................................................. 10
4. SAFETY .............................................................................................................11
5. IMPORTANT TIPS & TRICKS.....................................................................11
6. TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................................. 12
7. PRODUCT LIABILITY DISCLAIMER....................................................... 13
MANUAL VERSION 1.1 - RELEASED 15 JULY 2013
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BEAT THE BUCKET - OWNERS MANUAL
PAGE 1 OF 14
1. ASSEMBLY
The proper assembly of your Beat The Bucket game is critical to ensure a safe and
fun environment for participants. Extra care should be taken when assembling
your Beat The Bucket game, and this manual should be read in its entirety prior to
performing any work. Improper assembly could result in unsafe operating
conditions, permanent damage to your game unit, and/or damage to the surrounding
environment.
If your game has been shipped with the Bucket Assembly and Fill Tube removed,
please follow these instructions to secure these components to your game.
STEP 1: Install the Bucket Assembly to the game using the 0.25" x 1.75"
stainless steel bolts, washers, and locknuts supplied. A single washer
should go to the bottom side of the aluminum frame before the nut. The
"Beat The Bucket" logo should be facing the front of the game.
STEP 2: Plug in the Bucket Assembly magnet with the 2 wire connector. If you
will not be taking the bucket off regularly, it may be a good idea to wrap
the connector with some electrical tape or "heat shrink" to ensure a
proper connection at all times.
STEP 3: Install the Fill Tube to the game using the same stainless steel hardware
provided as in Step 1. The fill tube should overhang the back of the
game. Check to ensure the tube can swivel 180 degrees from the raised
position, to the lowered position. Connect the water tube to the solenoid
valve by simply pushing the tubing into the connector firmly.
STEP 4: Inspect the game for any visible signs of damage from transport,
paying close attention for any worn, frayed, or exposed wires. Should
there be any issues, contact Aquaventronics immediately.
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PAGE 2 OF 14
BEAT THE BUCKET - FOLDED FOR TRANSPORT
BEAT THE BUCKET - READY TO PLAY
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PAGE 3 OF 14
1.1 BATTERY POWER PACK
Each Beat The Bucket game is supplied with a 12 Volt Battery Pack. Under no
conditions should the game be operated without the supplied battery pack or under
any other power source. Failure to do so may cause damage to the electronic
control module and will void all warranty.
Please use the push button indicator on the battery pack to ensure the battery is
fully charged at all times. When the charger is connected, the yellow "Charging"
light should be lit continuously. This will verify the power supply is connected
properly.
A fully charged battery should produce a voltage between 13.0-13.2 Volts DC if
checking with a voltage meter under no load (nothing connected to the pack). A
battery requiring a charge will read 12.4 Volts DC or less. You should try to never
let the pack go completely dead, i.e. where it will no longer fill the bucket or latch
the bucket. If done repeatedly, this can substantially shorten the life of the
battery.
Battery Packs should be recharged immediately after an event for at least 12
hours to ensure adequate charging time and reduce any potential for long term
damage to the pack. At no time should you ever plug 1 pack into another!
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PAGE 4 OF 14
1.2 POWER SUPPLY & CHARGER
A 12 Volt, Low Voltage Power Supply & Charger have been supplied as part of your
Beat The Bucket game.
Input: 110VAC
Output: 12VDC @ 0.5-2.0A Unregulated (NOT Switching or Regulated)
2.1 mm x 5.5 mm Plug
The Power Supply is not weather resistant, and must be kept out of the elements.
Approved, weather-proof enclosures are recommended if being used outdoors.
The Power Supply should be connected to a 110 Volt Ground Fault outlet if being
used to continuously supply power to a Battery Pack while connected to the game.
Please check your local electrical codes to ensure you meet the minimum
requirements.
As mentioned in Section 1.1 of this manual; the Battery Pack should be charged as
soon as possible following an event for a period of 12 hours or more to ensure
proper charging. A fully charged pack, should show a green LED light when using
the push button indicator on the pack without the power supply/charger plugged in.
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PAGE 5 OF 14
2. OPERATION
To operate your Beat The Bucket game:
STEP 1: Find a flat surface where there is sufficient drainage.
STEP 2: Remove Pins from all 4 legs and lower into position.
STEP 3: One side at a time; raise the game slightly in the air while inserting the
pins into the legs in the lowered position.
STEP 4: Raise the bucket fill tube into position. Remove the pin and replace once
rotated into the upright position.
STEP 5: Raise the upper framework by lifting in the center as high as possible if
done by a single person, then using one hand to pull the framework up,
insert the pin on one side and then do the same on the opposite side.
(Easiest method is with 2 people, lifting at the same time from both
sides)
STEP 6: Move the blocker arm to the center position
STEP 7: Connect the water supply to the garden hose connection. Ensure the hose
is run prior to connecting to the game to avoid getting any dirt or debris
stuck in the electronic valve.
STEP 8: Plug in the game battery pack, wait for the game to fill with water.
* Once the power is disconnected, the bucket will dump!! Watch Out!!
STEP 3
STEP 5
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2.1 Testing The Game
Once set up for an event, test the game to ensure correct operation. With the
battery pack plugged in, the bucket will first latch. and then will begin filling after
about 10 seconds; it will take 30 seconds to fill. Once full, the "Ready Light" on
the front of the game will light, the targets are now active. Test both targets to
dump the bucket and ensure correct operation, keep in mind there is a 1/4" "Dead
Zone" through the vertical center of each target. Should the game not be working
correctly, please see our troubleshooting guide.
2.2 Water Settings
Every Beat The Bucket game has been supplied with a preprogrammed water fill
time of 30 seconds. In most cases, the bucket should be filled to within 2-3 inches
of the top. The amount of water dumped from the bucket is adjustable, however
the game does require approximately half of the bucket to be full in order to
dump. The easiest method of adjusting the amount of water is by simply partially
closing the water valve on the game, or at the tap connected to the water source.
For alternative play, such as 2 hits to dump the bucket, test with different water
valve settings until you get it right!
2.3 Game Play
Beat The Bucket is designed to be played with 2 people. A single player is to stand
behind the framework, while a second player throws water-logged foam balls (or
juggle balls) at the targets. The player behind the framework can block the balls
from hitting the targets by operating the blocking lever. The player throwing the
balls should be 10-15 feet away, depending on the age and skill of the participants.
Should a target be hit, the bucket will automatically dump the water, reset to the
upright position, and refill with the predetermined amount of water. Once the
water stops filling, a target may be triggered. A visual "Ready Light" indicator may
be on the game and will light when the targets are active.
DO NOT USE ANY HARD BALLS ON THE GAME!!
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PAGE 7 OF 14
3. MAINTENANCE
Preventative maintenance of your Beat The Bucket game will allow for continued
and safe operation. All components should be visually inspected daily for any signs
of wear, fatigue, damage, or vandalism. Any wires not protected with conduit or
other protective measures should also be inspected to ensure there are no areas
of wear or exposed wires.
3.1 Winter Storage
Should there be any risk of temperatures below freezing (32ºF or 0ºC) you must
ensure there is no water in your Beat The Bucket game. The use of antifreeze is
highly recommended. The easiest method to remove all water from the solenoid
valve is to connect an air source to your water line, and trigger a target with the
game power on. This should allow the air to force any water remaining in the valve
out. The Electronic Control Module can be left connected to the Beat The Bucket
game. If you have any questions regarding the winterization of your Beat The
Bucket game, please contact Aquaventronics.
3.2 Replacing the Control Module
In the event that there is a problem with your Electronic Control Module, simply
disconnect the large black pigtail connector from the enclosure and send the unit
in for repair. Never attempt to repair an electronic module yourself, this will void
any and all warranty.
3.3 Cleaning the Solenoid Valve
The Beat The Bucket game utilizes a commercial grade solenoid valve. Depending
on the quality of your water source, fine particles or mineral buildup can restrict
the flow of the valves. In Some cases, connecting a hose that is filled with dirt or
debris can also cause the valve to malfunction. Should the unit not be performing
as desired, the valve may have dirt or buildup on the diaphragm and should be
cleaned. Please see the following page for instructions.
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PAGE 8 OF 14
To clean the solenoid valve will take approximately 5 minutes, and will require:
1. Small flat screwdriver or key
2. Crescent Wrench (Valves with Large Nut)
3. Needle Nose Pliers (Valves with Double Slit)
Step 1: Remove the small red cap from the valve by simply using a key or flat
screwdriver under the "brim" overhang to lightly pry up.
Step 2: Push the green valve body inward toward the brass valve base, and using a
key or flat screwdriver, gently lift the metal plate up (There is a small cutout on
the plate at the bottom). You will need to raise the plate over the "Half Moon"
shape of green at the center.
Step 3: Slide the metal plate sideways so the larger hole in the plate is centered
on the main valve shaft (You may still need to push down slightly for ease).
Step 4: Remove the plate, slide the green solenoid off of the valve, paying close
attention for the spring washer on the chrome shaft.
Step 5 (Valves with Large Nut): Using a large wrench, turn the large nut
connected to the chrome shaft counter clockwise to loosen from the valve body.
Step 5 (Valves with Double Slit): Using a pair of needle nose pliers, latch into
the 2 slits and turn counterclockwise to loosen the main shaft from the valve body.
Be careful to not damage any portion of the main shaft. (Only if completely
necessary should you try to use vise-grips or pliers on the outside of the brass)
Step 6: Remove the main shaft slowly, there is a small piston and spring that you
will want to ensure do not get lost.
Step 7: Check to see if there is any dirt or debris on the rubber pad at the end
of the piston, also look in the valve body itself for any debris. Once cleaned,
ensure the spring is correctly between the piston and main valve shaft, and install
back into the valve body.
Continued...
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PAGE 9 OF 14
Step 8: Put the Valve assembly back together. Tighten the main shaft into the
valve body using needle nose pliers or wrench, and replace the small spring washer
onto the shaft. Slide the solenoid back onto the main shaft (ensure the side with
the chrome ring is towards the valve body). Push the green solenoid body towards
the valve base and put the metal plate over the shaft and slide back into place to
lock the solenoid on the valve body. There should be a small "Half Moon" of green
visible at the center with the plate seated flat. Press on the red cap.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 6
STEP 3
STEP 4
STEP 7
STEP 7
STEP 5
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3.4 Target Pads
The correct operation of the 2 target pads is critical to ensure customer
satisfaction. Each of the 2 Target Pads is actually comprised of 2 individual
pressure switches, thus resulting in the small vertical "Dead Zone" centered on
each pad. Testing of each target should be done periodically; both the right and
left side of the pad should be tested individually.
The easiest and safest method for replacing a target pad when required is as
follows:
1.
Use a 1/8" Drill Bit to remove the 6 rivets on the front of the game
releasing the target plate assembly.
2.
Disconnect the 2 wire connectors.
The new pad can be installed by simply plugging in the 2 wire connectors, and
replacing the 6 - 1/8" rivets on the front panel. Before riveting, test the pad to
ensure correct operation.
3.5 Game Harness
The main game harness is comprised of a 10 pin connector, and low voltage wire
running to the various game components including the; Solenoid Valve,
Electromagnet, LED Light, Targets, & Main Power Pack Connector. You may be
asked to reference this section of the manual if troubleshooting a problem outside
the scope of what has been covered within. You should only require this
information with the technical support of Aquaventronics staff.
PIN
12345678910 -
FUNCTION
Target Pad
Target Pad
12 V+ (RED Power Pack Plug)
12 V- (Brown Power Pack Plug)
Solenoid Valve 12V Electromagnet 12V Solenoid Valve 12 V+
Electromagnet 12V+
LED Light 12V +
LED Light 12V -
GAME HARNESS PLUG
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PAGE 11 OF 14
4. SAFETY
Every Beat The Bucket unit should be properly maintained and inspected as
outlined in this manual to reduce any potential for personal injury or damage to
property and/or equipment. The instructions contained in this manual include a
number of key considerations when selecting an appropriate location for the Beat
The Bucket game.
Under no circumstances should any debris, material, or object be placed within or
around the bucket. Preventative steps should be taken to ensure no game
participant is allowed to retrieve balls from under the blocking arm at anytime
during the game play. All spectators and participants should be alert and aware of
any foam ball or juggling ball being thrown in the vicinity of the game at all times.
Prior to the powering of the unit, the game and battery back should be inspected
to verify there are no loose or damaged electrical wires.
DO NOT USE ANY HARD BALLS ON THE GAME!!
5. IMPORTANT TIPS & TRICKS
There are a few tips and tricks that will make the operation of your unit easier,
and increase the lifespan.
Tip #1: Use WD-40 on the aluminum tubes that sleeve together should they ever
begin to get stiff when raising or lowering the unit.
Tip#2 : When packing up the unit, first pivot the blocking arm handle to the right
when standing behind the unit (Blocker on Left Side), before lowering the net.
This reduces any chances of the net getting pinched or torn by the blocking arm
when the unit is in the lowered position. This also makes way for the fill tube to be
properly lowered.
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PAGE 12 OF 14
6. TROUBLESHOOTING
#1. THE GAME DOES NOT FILL WITH WATER & MAGNET IS LATCHED
Is the main water tap turned on? Is the hose kinked? Is the manual water valve on
the game in the fully on position (in line with hose)? If none of these solve the
problem, you may have a power pack that needs to be recharged, or the electronic
solenoid valve may be clogged. Try a second power pack and cleaning the solenoid
valve and retry.
#2: THE BUCKET DOES NOT RETURN TO POSITION
Is the unit on level ground? Does the bucket appear to dump past 90 Degrees to
the game frame? Is the return spring missing, damaged, or broken? Is the rubber
bumper damaged, missing, or loose?
#3: THE BUCKET DOES NOT LATCH & WATER FILLING
Is the bucket properly returning to position or is it slightly off the magnet? Is
there any debris or dirt between the magnet and magnet plate? Is the magnet
assembly plugged in at the top front of the game?
#4. THE GAME DOES NOT FILL WITH WATER & MAGNET NOT LATCHED
Check the power pack to ensure it does not need to be recharged.
#5: THE BUCKET DOES NOT STOP FILLING
This is likely an indication that there is something stuck in the electronic solenoid
valve. See the valve cleaning instructions and retry.
#6: THE BUCKET DOES NOT DUMP
Some games are shipped with a safety pin on the bucket assembly, has this pin
been removed? The bucket will not dump unless at least half full of water, is the
bucket full of water? To determine if there is an issue with the target or bucket;
when the target is hit, does the light go out? If the light does not go out, there is
an issue with the target.
Should problems with your Beat The Bucket unit persist, please contact
Aquaventronics for further assistance.
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PAGE 13 OF 14
7. PRODUCT LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
TERMS OF USE, WARRANTY & LIABILITY WAIVER
Aquaventronics offers its products with the terms, conditions and notices as
follows:
Terms of use
This product is offered to you conditioned upon your acceptance without
modification of the terms, conditions, and notices contained.
Exclusive Obligation
This product may not be used for unlawful purposes and that use is expressly
prohibited under the terms and conditions of use.
Use limitation
You may not modify, copy, distribute, transmit, display, perform, reproduce,
publish, license, create derivative works from, transfer, or sell, any information,
software, products, or services obtained, from Aquaventronics website or its
products.
90 Day Warranty
This product is warranted against any manufactured defect for a period of 90 days
from the date of purchase. Damage caused by the improper storage, improper use,
abuse, neglect, or incompetence will not be covered by this warranty. The
purchaser is responsible for all shipping costs associated with returning the
damaged components to Aquaventronics for processing, and the subsequent return
of any new or replacement components. All warranty claims may be subject to an
inspection by Aquaventronics, and claim approval is at Aquaventronics' discretion.
Limitation Of Liability
In no event shall Aquaventronics be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive,
incidental, special consequential damages whatsoever arising out of or connected
with the use or misuse of it’s products.
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PAGE 14 OF 14
Other Statements
Aquaventronics employees or representatives, ORAL OR OTHER WRITTEN
STATEMENTS, DO NOT CONSTITUTE WARRANTIES, shall not be relied upon
by buyer, and is not part of the contract for sale or this limited warranty.
Entire Obligation
The TERMS OF USE, WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMER document states the entire
obligation of Aquaventronics with respect to the products. If any part of this
disclaimer is determined to be void, invalid, unenforceable or illegal, including, but
not limited to the warranty disclaimers and liability disclaimers and liability
limitations set forth above, then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be
deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely matches the
intent of the original provision and the remainder of the agreement shall remain in
full force and effect.
General
This disclaimer statement is governed by the laws of the Province Of Manitoba,
Canada. You hereby consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the Courts
of competent jurisdiction, Canada, in all disputes arising out of or relating to the
use of this product. Use of this product is unauthorized in any jurisdiction that
does not give effect to all provisions of these terms and conditions, including
without limitation this paragraph.
Modification of Terms and Conditions
Aquaventronics reserves the right to change the terms, conditions, and notices
under which their products are offered.
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