FAQ'S Model Characteristics/Upgrading

Q What are the differences between the older, discontinued Model 1929/2900/6900/Triten robots and the current model, Robo-Pong 2000?

A There are numerous differences between the old model 1929 robot and the new model 2000. Newgy quit manufacturing the 1929 model in approximately June 1994. It was replaced with Robo-Pong 2000 in September 1994. We started producing the 1929 in November 1988 and it went through numerous design changes in the 5+ years it was in production. When they were last sold, their MSRP was $295.00.

Major differences include:

(1) The net now includes two side panels to prevent your returns from going off the side of the table. In addition the net system includes another net that is attached in front of the main net to prevent balls from rebounding off the net and landing back on the table. These extra nets increase ball capture efficiency from about 50% to better than 80%.

(2) The 2000 is "ready to go" right out of the box, no assembly required. The 1929 required @ 1 1/2 to 2 hours of assembly.

(3) The 2000 control box has a special electronic sensing circuit to detect and warn the user when the ball feed gears have become clogged by dirt or some other object is jamming the ball feed mechanism. This prevents the stripping of the ball feed gears. Also the 2000 box has circuitry for interfacing with the Pong-Master scoreboard. The 1929 box does not have either of these circuits.

(4) The robot body on the current robot is mounted at the back of the center trough instead of at the front as was the old model. This permits the front net to hang in front of the robot body and capture any balls hit directly at the robot. If balls were hit directly at the Model 1929 robot, they would hit the hard plastic and bounce out of play. Also, the more rearward mounting of the robot body gives a more realistic trajectory to the ball because the ball is delivered from in back of the table instead of being directly over the table. And lastly, this change permitted us to change the ball feed cover to a clear plastic so the user could actually see the balls being pushed up the ball feed channel. When you used the Model 1929 robot, you couldn't see the ball until it was actually shot out of the hole in the robot's head.

(5) The gearing mechanisms for the ball feed and oscillation are now reinforced with brass. This change made these parts much stronger and at the same time, much quieter. It has virtually eliminated the necessity to ever replace these parts. Whereas, with the old robot these parts were made entirely out of plastic and would eventually warp (making for lots of noise) or break (making the robot unusable).

(6) The Ball Speed Motor, Ball Discharge Wheel, and Friction Block were all changed so that they produce a much more consistent trajectory and landing pattern than the Model 1929. The new robot produces a spray pattern of approximately 6" in diameter. The old robot's spray pattern was 12" or more.

(7) The 2000 is more compact when folded up and can be placed into the Robo-Tote, a carrying case. The 1929 was more cumbersome and did not have a carrying case.

(8) The Control Lever Adapter on the 2000 has a guard on it to prevent the control levers from becoming entangled in the net.

Q What is the difference between Robo-Pong 2000 and Robo-Pong 1000?

A The 1000 is basically the 2000 without the 2000's net system. The ball bucket of the 1000 holds approximately 100 balls. After the bucket is empty, you will have to stop, pick up the balls and reload the bucket. It sits on top of the table instead of attaching to the end of the table. Since RP1000 is not attached to the table, you will be able to place it anywhere on the top of the table and twist it at any angle. You may also place RP1000 on a chair or small table at various depths in back of the table for an even larger range of delivery possibilities.

There is an inexpensive ($50) Ball Catch Net available for the 1000 that will catch balls hit off the end of the table. It doesn't recycle the balls and it has no side nets. Also we highly recommend getting a Pong-Pal to make ball pickup easier and quicker. We do have RP1000's in stock, ready for immediate shipment.

Q Can I upgrade my Robo-Pong 1000 to a Robo-Pong 2000?

A You can upgrade the 1000 to a 2000 by buying the net system and a ball collector plate. The upgrade price will be in the range of $330-350 (we don't have it packaged as a kit right now, although individual parts are available). You may order the necessary parts by ordering all the separate pieces, then putting it together yourself. Go to Figure M: Ball Collection Net System. Print out this page, then click on the link to transfer over to our Parts List page. You can now look at Figure M and look up each part on the Parts List to get a total price of the entire collection system. Plus, you will need to order the Ball Collector Plate (part #2000-144 and 3 screws, 2000-328 to attach it.