Online: Tech Talk -- Lane Machines
Review FAQs below. If you have a specific question, please fill in the form, then press send button. Click "Menu" to return to Tech Talk Menu.

For Equipment Service And Technical Support
contact DBA's Toll Free 24 Hour Technical Service and Support Line at 1-888-DBA-4110.

Can I program my DBA Phoenix lane machine from my laptop computer?
  No, it is not necessary to have a laptop. The programming in the DBA Phoenix and DBA Phoenix-S was developed in "bowlers language" – easy to understand prompts that lead the operator through simple steps to adjust a pattern’s profile. The advantage is (1) no added expense for a laptop computer, and (2) fewer steps to alter a program.
How should a lane machine be stored?
  It is best to store a lane machine in it’s upright, or "non-wicking" position when being stored for long periods of time.

At about 30 minutes prior to usage, the machine should be moved to a down, or "wicking" position, to generate better wick flow.

If possible, lane machines should also be stored in a controlled environment – a location that is as near the temperature of the bowling lane area as possible. Even minor temperature changes could greatly affect the flow of lane conditioner through wick material. A cold storage area will raise the viscosity (thicken) of the conditioner and decrease wick flow. A warm location will lower the viscosity (thin) causing increased wick flow.
How can you tell when a buffing brush in a lane machine is wearing out?
  Under normal usage on a good lane surface, a DBA lane machine buffing brush should last about 18 months in a 32 lane center that conditions twice daily (that’s about 35,000 lanes).

If you suspect brush wear, there are a few signs to look for. If the taper of the pattern has been greatly reduced, it can indicate a worn brush. Another sign is sudden inconsistencies in the pattern. If the brush tips begin to split, chances are the brush is wearing beyond it’s useful life.

(NOTE: The more abrasive the surface, the quicker the brush wear. Synthetic lanes also wear out the brush more quickly than coated wood lanes.)
If I change lane conditioners, should the wick material be also changed?
  In DBA lane equipment, the thicker wick material allows for a change in conditioner WITHOUT the need to change wicks. Simply take a CLEAN, DRY towel and wring the wick material as dry as possible, being careful not to damage the wick. Drain the old conditioner from the tank, and refill with the new. Place the wick plates in a shallow pan filled with enough of the new conditioner to cover the wicks. Allow the pads to soak until fully saturated, then reinstall into the lane machine.
What should be used to clean wick material, and how often should it be done?
  Wick material should be WIPED with a clean dry rag, or a clean rag dampened with the same lane conditioner that is in the lane machine. NEVER use lane cleaners, solvents or wire brushes to clean wick material!

Wicks should be cleaned before AND after each use of the lane machine.
How long should the wicks last in a DBA lane conditioning machine?
  The life of wick material is dependent mainly on two factors: type of conditioner used and wick maintenance. Some conditioners contain contaminants which will eventually clog the wick material and shorten their useful life. If wick material is not cleaned regularly, dirt particles will also eventually build up and restrict wick flow.
What should be used to clean the buffing brush, and how often should it be done.
  Just like with wick material, the buffing brush should be WIPED with a clean dry rag, or a clean rag dampened with the same lane conditioner that is in the lane machine. NEVER use lane cleaners, solvents or wire brushes to clean a buffing brush!
When I engage my inside wicking pads for 24 feet down the lane, I get a reading of 17 units of conditioner at 37 feet. When I engage these same pads for 32 feet, the end graph doesn’t change much. Why?
  The DBA buffing brush tapers extremely well. Much of this "non change" is due to what is called "brush memory" – the ability of the buffing brush to hold conditioner.
I’ve noticed that my DBA machine slows down for a brief moment as it travels down the lane. This usually happens around the distance where the center wicking pads engage. I also hear a buzzing sound occasionally. What is the cause of this?
  The buzzing sound that is heard is a solenoid.
What are the recommended spare parts for a center that has DBA lane equipment?
  For DBA lane conditioning machines, a spare sensor, fuses, solenoid and wick cable are a must. For DBA lane cleaning machines, a sensor, fuses and solenoid should be a minimum that is kept on hand. DBA has spare parts kits for all DBA lane equipment which include these parts and others.
Can I use regular lane dusting cloth instead of #8460 Lane Cleaning Cloth in my DBA cleaning machine?
  This is NOT recommended. Regular DBA Red Edge® Duster Cloth is about 50% lighter than DBA #8460 Lane Cleaning Cloth, and is not able to absorb as much dirt and liquid.

We're sorry! DBA Products Company is closed!


E-mail: dbaproducts@dbaproducts.com
© Copyright