The MEC 500E ATA is an automatic clay target throwing machine designed for shooting sports, specifically for trap shooting. It is manufactured by MEC Outdoors, a division of Mayville Engineering Company (MEC). The manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, adjusting, and troubleshooting the machine.

Function Description:

The primary function of the MEC 500E ATA is to launch clay targets for trap shooting. It is designed to be securely installed in a trap house and can throw targets with adjustable distance, elevation, tilt, and flight angle. The machine features an oscillation motor that randomly starts and stops, preventing shooters from predicting the target's direction, thereby enhancing the challenge of the sport. It includes a control box with various switches and buttons for operation, safety, and testing.

Important Technical Specifications (Derived from the manual):

Target Type: Factory set for White Flyer standard targets, but adjustable for other brands or styles.
Power: Requires a battery connection (battery not included, but implied by "battery disconnected" instructions).
Breakers:
- Left breaker: For the oscillation motor.
- Right breaker: For the cocking motor.
Fuses:
- Inline fuse: 7.5 amp automotive type, 2-prong fuse (located inside the electrical box).
- Relay: 60 amp or 70 amp (automotive type, found inside the electrical box).
Control Box Components:
- Rotation Toggle Switch: Controls oscillation motor (down for on, up for nudge/check angle).
- OSC. Breaker: Oscillation motor breaker.
- Remote Disarm Socket: For connecting a remote disarm box assembly (10ft cable supplied).
- Fire Button: For test firing from inside the trap house.
- Disarm/Off/Arm Switch: Main safety and operation switch (down for arm, up for fire/disarm when released).
- Main Breaker: Cocking motor breaker.
- Counter: Records the number of targets thrown (non-resettable).
Adjustments:
- Knife-edges: Adjustable with a 7/16" open-ended wrench to ensure proper clay clearance (approx. business card thickness).
- Elevation: Adjustable by loosening a ¼" nut and extending/retracting a turnbuckle.
- Tilt/Angle: Adjustable by loosening (2) ¼” nuts on the rear and (2) ¾” nuts on the front upright, then adjusting a turnbuckle. Requires a ¾” wrench for the turnbuckle.
- Centering the Field: Achieved by adjusting the turnbuckle after loosening nuts.
- Flight Angle (Spread): Adjustable by loosening a 3/8" allen bolt on the clamp block and sliding it in or out on the slot.
- Throwing Distance (Spring Tension): Adjustable by winding tension on or off the main spring using a ¼" wrench or an optional ¾" extended socket with an impact drive.
Dimensions (for trap house installation):
- Base Weldment: 10.500" width (approx.), 28.024" length (approx., 3X dimension), 7.000" (2X dimension), 6.000" (2X dimension), 15.000" (2X dimension). These are likely center-to-center or edge-to-edge measurements for mounting.
- Winchester Style Pedestal Stand: Indicated in the trap house diagram.

Usage Features:

Safety First: Emphasizes that the machine must be in the DISARMED state with the battery disconnected before any adjustments, loading, or transportation. Users are warned to operate the machine from behind and keep hands/body parts away when arming or releasing.
Installation: Requires secure fastening in the trap house to prevent injury or damage.
Carousel Loading: Clays should be loaded evenly and carefully, removing any damaged targets. Overloading is discouraged.
Remote Disarm: A remote disarm box with a 10ft cable allows users to disarm the machine before entering the trap house, enhancing safety.
Oscillation: The random start/stop of the oscillation motor provides a more challenging and unpredictable target presentation.
Test Firing: A fire button on the control box allows for testing from inside the trap house. The machine can also be continuously fired by holding the disarm toggle.
ATA Compliance: The manual refers to ATA rules and guidelines for proper usage, linking to the official ATA rulebook.

Maintenance Features (Implied by troubleshooting and adjustment instructions):

Regular Checks:
- Inspect clays for chips or cracks before loading.
- Check knife-edge clearance regularly.
- Ensure all nuts and bolts (e.g., on turnbuckles, clamp block, arm) are securely tightened after adjustments.
- Inspect the throwing arm rubber for damage and replace if necessary.
- Check the throwing plate for dents, bends, burrs, or obstructions.
- Verify the height of the arm over the plate.
- Check for debris on the throwing plate or issues with the front rail movement.
- Ensure the carousel pusher arm is free from jams and its return spring is intact.
- Verify carousel free rotation and proper pusher timing.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
- Check battery charge and connections.
- Verify toggle switch position and ARM indicator light.
- Inspect breakers, relay, and inline fuse.
- Troubleshoot pull cord/wireless release connections and switches.
Cleaning: Implied by instructions to check for debris on the throwing plate.
Lubrication: Suggested for the carousel shaft if no grease is present during initial assembly. Light oil may be needed for the front rail if it's not moving freely.

The MEC 500E ATA is a robust and adjustable machine designed for serious trap shooting enthusiasts and clubs, with a strong emphasis on safety and precise target presentation.

Mec 500E ATA - Page 18

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