We are often asked whether or not it is possible to add an LCD counter to the Techno Powerball to supplement the one actually built into the rotor on this model.

Well, in fact, it is possible to add a counter to the Techno and therefore it is an option that you can specify when ordering this product if required.

However, the exciting Techno generates a heavy magnetic field during operation which can otherwise effect the very [accurate] performance of our 'accura' range of counters, sometimes invalidating the score you have achieved - (you have been warned :-)

Fault: Will show a dead counter display / no digits batteries may be exhausted.

Solution: Remove the counter from the ball, remove the 6 small screws on the rear board and replace the two batteries.

Detailed Explanation: Please remove the counter from the top of the ball.

This can be done using either your finger nail, a small flat headed screw driver or knife blade (exercise care while using either tool!) the counter is anchored to the ball at the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions by two plastic tabs (these are molded to the body of the counter)  please insert the tool/nail under the counter body at either of these points and lift upward with a quick, firm action  the counter should pop off.

Fig A: The Powerball counter unit

The counter on your Powerball is designed to power down automatically if rotor rotation hasn't been detected for a period exceeding 40 seconds. This feature gives the batteries an expected lifespan of 3-4 years of normal [powerball] use.

In the event that one or both batteries are exhausted however, changing them is actually quite an easy task;

1. On the back of the counter (the circuit board side) you'll notice 6 small screws (as illustrated in Fig.B)

Fig B: rear of Powerball counter unit

2. You will need to obtain a tiny star (philips) screwdriver and remove these( Fig.C)

Fig C: Removing screws from counter unit

Fig D: Counter screws removed

3. The circuit board will now come away from the counter body (Fig.E)

Fig E: Counter unit now disassembled

4. You'll see the two small batteries (GP377 if your counter is grey in colour / GP392 if the counter is white)

5. If you have a voltage meter, conduct a test the voltage should read between 1.4 and 1.59 on each cell any lower and there is a risk that the display will begin to fade. These batteries are easily found in any jeweler or office equipment store if required.

Replace and reinstall the screws.

Fault: The counter can sometimes generate an inaccurate or corrupt score ranging from 15,000 - 18,000rpm

Solution: Reset the counter unit (unlikely to be a new World record, Sorry!)

Detailed Explanation: The Accura digital display supplied with your Powerball is an extremely precise counter which will register the rotor speed accurately throughout the spin range up to an astonishing 19,999rpm.

As with all logic based devices however, it may, on a very rare occasion, suffer a corruption in terms of the manner in which the data received is interpreted or processed. Unless the counter is genuinely faulty, such a corruption may only occur once in every 1000 spins (if at all).

Should, however, you find yourself victim of such an instance, you may be pleasantly surprised to note on your counter display, a score reading of, for example, 18351rpm or 17623 or, in fact, any score within a range of 15360 right up to 18998rpm.

I would particularly highlight the score of 15360rpm as it is indeed the most popular one we have seen resulting from this form of data corruption and has been the cause for many a potential vapor lock or coronary failure around the globe as the excited recipient contemplated the massive achievement displayed before them (before being instantly deflated by reading this FAQ! )

So, in the event that you see a score that is above 15,000rpm on your Powerball, have a quick click here and take a listen to what a Powerball should sound like at 15,000rpm+ and then contemplate your next course of action;

1. Take a snap if the score immediately. You will need to use a camera that can provide us with an image that will be at least 600 x 600 pixels in size.
2. If the score is going to eventually find itself in one of the Top 10 slots on the Top 100 scoreboard then we will need you to also provide us with a video clip of you achieving a score at least 98% or higher of the value of the one you are presenting to us for approval. (For example: if the score in your image was 15000rpm then we would need you to capture a short video clip where the counter has been zeroed and the ball spun up to a minimum 14700rpm and where the counter display is clearly visible with that score.)
3. On receipt of these two items, we will then begin analysis of the score submission and contact you in due course.

Good luck!

Fault: The reed switch on the counter which registers the pulses coming from the magnet in the rotor is faulty or the software in the counter's EPROM has become corrupted.

Solution: Lift the counter from the ball, remove the circuit board from the rear of the counter which effectively resets the EPROM

Detailed Description: Should you power up the counter and discover that it is no longer registering the revolutions of the rotor, there are two possible faults;

1. The little reed switch built into the counter has been damaged from a drop or sudden, hard shock to the body of the sphere. There is no effective repair for this and you will require a new counter.
2. The software which converts the magnetic pulses from the rotor into your score on the display has become temporarily corrupted and as a result, the display will remain at "0" regardless of how fast you spin the ball!

There is a solution to the second fault;

Remove the counter (for details on how to do this, please click here). Remove the 6 little fixing screws and pull the board away from the counters body. This will serve to remove the power from the boards components.

After 30 seconds have elapsed, reattach the board and replace the 6 screws.

Attach the counter to the ball and the fault should be cured. In the event that this solution fails, please request a new counter for your ball.