I have just received my Powerball and I can’t get it started. Is it my fault or is something wrong with my Powerball?

This is how you can find out whether your device is working properly:

1. Hold the Powerball with the opening pointing upwards. Spin the rotor with your hand. It should continue spinning a few times on its own (from 5-20 times depending on how hard you spin it ).

2. Hold the Powerball with the opening facing downwards. Press the rotor upwards. There should be about one millimetre of movement so that the rotor rattles slightly when you push it up or let it down.

3. Hold the Powerball with the opening facing upwards. Stick a coin in the rotor groove along the spot where the cord hole is, then press the coin a little harder. Using the coin as a screwdriver, slowly start to twist the rotor inside the casing. You will feel the rotor resisting, because the second axle is pressed into the casing. Now ease up slightly on the pressure, and continue twisting the rotor slowly using the coin. The rotor will turn much more easily, and ou will feel the second axle rub on the inside of the casing.

If nothing seems wrong during these tests, then your Powerball is ok.

How long does a Powerball last?

This question is often asked. You need not worry about damaging the Powerball, as long as you watch out for the following:

1. The Powerball must be used in a coordinated way. You can hear and feel whether it's moving in the right way or not. If the Powerball is making a smooth whirring noise whilst in use, then it is being moved correctly.
If it rattles like crazy, this means that the inner axle is not being guided properly, and is being spun back and forth inside the casing. To operate a Powerball correctly, a smooth rotation action is required. Because the permanent rolling action is lacking and the power is being concentrated into one point, the casing and the rotor are being stressed enormously. If you just jerk your hand back and forth, then the Powerball is not being smoothly guided through the rotations. There is a phase when the rotor moves freely followed immediately by a phase when the rotor is under pressure.
You will know this is happening when you hear a loud “clacking” sound. At high speeds, this kind of activity can really stress the Powerball rotor and casing. The 15 kg of gyro power is not being used to train you, it is being used against the device itself. At high speeds, just “letting go” could cause damage to the Powerball. It is better to slow down gradually, or place your other palm lightly against the rotor to increase friction and slow the rotor down (always use your palm, not your fingers).

2. You should prevent foreign objects from entering the internal body. For example, If cigarette ash enters the internal mechanism, then the Powerball become a grinder. The foreign material is spun around the controlling guiders and creates wear on the plastic.
For this reason you should never start the Powerball by dragging it over the carpet. Normally, carpets contain dust which inevitably get into the Powerball's internal mechanisms.

3. Dropping the Powerball can cause irreparable damage to the rotor or casing. Always take care not to drop the Powerball, and don’t place it down heavily on hard surface such as tabletops.

As long as you follow these guidelines, and the important notes in your manual, you shouldn't see any noticeable wear.

Since the rotor moves more slowly in this start technique compared to using the cord or entire palm, you have to start the movement with more feeling. For this reason, it is advisable to be familiar with the Powerball movement before attempting the thumb start.

Please do not be disappointed if it doesn't work right away. Most people find it impossible to perform a one-handed thumb start.

The Powerball is not completely silent of course. A whirring noise and a very slight rattling is normal. A strong, jerky rattling occurs when the Powerball is not being used 100% correctly. The rotor should be guided under "pressure" along every point of the rotation. For example, if you jerk your hand from right to left, the Powerball is not being guided along every point. A phase occurs where the rotor moves freely followed by a phase where the rotor is under pressure (against the inner side of the casing). If this occurs then you will hear a loud rattling. Reducing the speed and try to guide the Powerball properly will usually stop the rattling.

Good luck!

Oil reduces the friction of the inner mechanisms. The rotor axle can no longer roll.
Here is a short explanation on the physical principles behind it:
When smoothly rotated, the rotor builds up a stable movement, as the user tilts the plastic casing away from the axles.. The rotor wants to move into an upright position, but can do so only within the plastic casing. An equal force acts on the axles from both above and below, forcing the axles to roll away (as they cannot get through the casing). If oil enters the inner mechanisms, then the axle can no longer roll. Instead, it would skid. The rolling process is totally fundamental, because it allows the rotor to build up speed. If the axles skid, they never get a chance to build up any speed.

This is completely normal, but it should be avoided.
If you reduce speed without keeping the rotor under pressure (this happens when you let the Powerball rotate in your palm without really holding on tight to it), then the rotor is not being guided, but moves back and forth in an uncoordinated manner.
For this reason you should reduce speed by keeping the Powerball held tightly, but do not provide it with additional energy, and gradually decrease the rotation speed. You will maintain your Powerball better, because a rolling to a stop does not stress and wear out the material. In contrast, during uncoordinated movements of the rotor the wear is higher since the axle no longer rolls but smashes back and forth inside the casing.

Always try and ensure that no foreign particles of any kind enter the inner mechanism. If this occurs, you have two options:

1.Washing with methylated spirits.
This is the best way to remove dirt, since spirits not only cleanse, but remove grease. Oil and grease are the Powerball's biggest enemies. They cause the axle to skid and no longer be guided properly.
In addition, spirits do not leave any residue; water for example leaves calcium traces.
Fill the Powerball with spirits and turn the rotor intensively in both directions, ensuring a thorough cleansing.
Be careful when turning the rotor. You should wear eye protection, and perform this operation over a sink, as the methylated spirits may splash out of the Powerball.

2. Washing with Water.
Wash out the Powerball with soapy water and rinse it more than once so that no soap residue remains in the inner mechanisms.
Turn the rotor in all directions while washing, so that dirt caught between the outer case and plastic ring is removed.
Whilst the Powerball is not completely dry it will not run very well. It is possible that it will not run perfectly even after some time (especially if you have hard water). Ideally, you should do the final rinse with distilled water so that any calcium is removed.

Good luck with cleaning!