The accuracy and reliability of the BOLA
machines was greatly
enhanced
in 2005 by the use of a brand new custom
programmed microprocessor system which
controls the speed and spin/swing
functions of the machine. A
microprocessor controller was first
introduced for the BOLA 'Professional'
machine in 1994. This was complimented
in 1999 with a membrane switch panel for
improved reliability and robustness in
use. The switch panel gives you all the
visual information you need to make fast
and positive adjustments. In 2000, the
circuit design was amended again to
include an electronic 'Random Delivery
Mode'. For the latest BOLA the package
retains the panel design which has
become familiar to thousands of
enthusiastic BOLA users but with a
completely new circuit design. The new
circuitry was originally commissioned to
improve battery operation times by
reducing the current consumption of the
control package. One of the benefits of
this has been to reduce the electrical
loading on all parts of the machine
which automatically enhances component
life and reliability. |
Enhanced Control Panel |
| The
BOLA control panel gives the user easy
to interpret visual information confirming
speed, swing or spin settings. The LCD
display gives accurate ball speed in miles
per hour. There is also one extra digit
to indicate (1 to 9) how much swing or
spin is being imparted to the ball. Two
Tricolor LEDs one for each side, change
colour as the bias is adjusted to further
confirm the selected settings. The Random
Delivery Mode is activated by simultaneously
pressing the left and right bias push-buttons. |
28 Ball Automatic Feeder |
An automatic feeder fitted to your BOLA is
the ideal
way
to
make the coach's job easier. It is now
possible to observe batting technique from
any position and make much more educated
assessments of technical flaws and how to
correct them. The automatic feeder helps
to further optimise the time spent
coaching and practising and ensures that a
minimum of deliveries go to waste. The
key-fob remote on/off switch allows the
batsman or coach to interrupt the bowling
sequence whenever required for that
essential coaching tip or just for a well
earned rest. The mechanism and circuitry
was redesigned in 2005. The basic
specification is the same as the feeder
that was introduced in 1999. It holds 28
balls and will feed at 2 selectable time
intervals of 7 or 11 seconds. In order
that the batsman can time his or her shot
correctly both audio and visual cues are
now used. The actuator mechanism has been
improved to give an over-arm feed. When
the sequence is started there is an
audible warning bleeper and ultra bright
LED indicator. A further LED and bleep
gives advance warning of the ball being
released. To start the sequence, press the
key-fob remote control button once. Stop
the sequence the same way. Easy to set up
and very effective in use. |
PLUS updated Random Delivery Mode |
|
Introduced in 2000 and further updated for
2007, the BOLA
'Professional' has a completely unique
'Electronic Random Delivery Mode' to allow batsmen to play against a variety
of deliveries. The microprocessor programme
incorporates a random setting which when
activated by either the automatic feeder,
will alter the speed and swing to achieve
changes of line and length. These parameters
are factory set to ensure that given a
neutral setting on the stumps all deliveries
should be playable but different. This
is particularly useful for solo practice
using the automatic feeder but players
wishing to access the random mode whilst
hand feeding can purchase a plug-in module
which will trigger the random mode in
place of the feeder.
Players of all standards across the world
have become used to the accuracy and consistency
of the BOLA machines. This latest development
combines those tried and tested attributes
with a new dimension of competitive practice.
Glamorgan CCC were one of the first customers
for the BOLA with the random delivery
function for use in the Cricket School
in Cardiff. "The random facility
improves shot selection. Sometimes you
just want to go out and bat and not work
on a specific shot or technique"
explained the Glamorgan grounds manager
Peter Ingram. "If you're playing
a cover drive, the random facility makes
sure that the first movement is not pre-emptive.
The delivery will be shorter or fuller
or swing more than the last one and must
be played on it's merits". Once again
the BOLA has provided the bowling machine
user with that little bit extra! |
The new BOLA Machine Stand on wheels |
|
|
The
new BOLA Stand accepts any BOLA Machine
with no modification required. It enables
the machine to be easily wheeled around
without dismantling and so maximises the
time in use. It also addresses the Health
and Safety issues which arise from operating
a Bowling Machine. It offers the operator
almost complete protection from the ball
hit back by the batsman and a stable standing
platform for safe operation. If there
is space to 'park' the machine and stand
together there is a drastic saving in
set-up time and less potential for the
machine to be damaged by mishandling. |
Fine Control for Total Accuracy |
All
BOLA machines are fitted with a large
ball joint for major
alterations to line
and length settings. The BOLA 'Professional'
is unique in complimenting this with 'vernier
adjusters' for positive fine adjustment.
These enable the operator to alter the
line and length with a simple turn of
a screw. Combining this with adjustment
of speed one mph at a time allows you
to bowl a quicker or slower ball on the
same spot. This saves valuable time in
setting up and maximises the batting time
in those all too short indoor net sessions.
Simple to use and extremely effective. |
Battery Operation for Total Portability |
BOLA machines are designed to be used
anywhere and are very
portable.
The machine can be carried by one person
and set up in a few minutes. The BOLA can
run from the mains with the optional BOLA
Power Pack or alternatively, from a 12
volt battery. Battery operation allows
convenient and safe operation at all
outdoor locations where mains electricity
is not readily available. The new BOLA
control circuitry has drastically improved
battery operation times ensuring that your
practice sessions never go flat! |
Retention of Accuracy |
The
ball throwing wheels fitted to the BOLA
Cricket M achines have evolved considerably
over the past 20 years. The first BOLAs
were
fitted
with pneumatic wheels which were replaced
by a concave solid moulded rubber section
wheel (still fitted to the BOLA Hockey
Ball Machine). These were in turn
superseded on the cricket and baseball
machines by a concave section urethane
tyre bonded to a cast aluminium wheel. The
profile of the wheel is a vital part of
the machines accuracy and the hard wearing
urethane has shown no appreciable signs of
wear in extensive testing and should
retain its accuracy for over five years
regardless of how hard the machine is
used. |
Dimpled Practice Balls |
The BOLA is happy to deliver almost any
ball of about the righ t
size
including real cricket balls which will
not damage the wheels in any
way. Best accuracy is obtained using the
BOLA dimpled practice balls. The dimples
stabilise the ball in flight like a golf
ball and keep the flight of the ball
consistent. |
Long Term Reliability |
|
Two
decades of use in a wide variety of environments
has proved the BOLA's ability to stand
the test of time. Whilst the BOLA has
improved immeasurably since its launch,
many of the machines built in the first
few years of production are still in regular
use. The new BOLAs are designed and built
in such a way that in the unlikely event
of on site repairs being necessary, the
machines can be quickly dismantled without
specialist tools for the fitting of replacement
parts which can be easily obtained from
the factory. Today's BOLA user can expect
excellent long term reliability and great
value for money wherever they are in the
world. The latest generation of innovations
and improvements have further enhanced
the life expectancy of the BOLA machine
and ensure that it remains the best machine
of it's type in the world. |