Help would be appreciated

[SoggySog]

Hello, my name is Jason and I'm relatively new to golf simulator. I've been stalking the site for a couple yrs now and have the funds to make a purchase. I'm in the market for GC2 that has club head data. I already have the setup in a 600 sq foot workshop that's located on my property, where I have the mat, netting, etc...where I've been hitting balls for the past couple winters. I'm not looking to setup a projector screen, but possibly, set up a flat screen on the wall (is that possible?). I have a few questions and if anyone could help, I appreciate it very much:

- Does the serial number make a difference if I buy used
- Other than the GC2 unit + HMT, what else would I need?.....does the HMT data show on the GC2 unit or do you need a computer?
- GSX - is this for playing courses online
- Do you need internet if you're not looking to play online courses
- Does GC2 have bluetooth and link to an Ipad
- If I buy used, do I have to play a registration fee with Foresight

I'm SURE, I'm not asking all the right questions, so if anyone can give further guidance, I can use a helping hand.

Thanks again!!

Jason

[Kent]

The higher the serial number, the newer it is. The GC2 has bluetooth and the "A" in the serial number shows it is Apple compatible. You don't have to have a computer and you don't have to have internet. GSX is an interface that allows you to transmit data from the GC2 to a simulator software (The Golf Club). If you buy used and need to send the unit in to Foresight for repairs, then you have to pay a $500 fee. I bought a refurbished unit from Foresight, but that is because I couldn't find any used ones at the time. I have seen many since come available and would have probably gone that route if I found one that was in the $4K range. The HMT unit is harder to come by, but is also available refurbished from Foresight. I would definitely put up a projector and impact screen if you have the room, which it sounds like you do. A screen without a projector doesn't really make any sense.

[SoggySog]

Thanks for the info Kent. Are you able to run a cable from the GC2 to a TV? What is considered a newer serial number?

[Kent]

The GC2 communicates via bluetooth, so you need a computer with a bluetooth adapter that is connected to the TV. You then need software of some sort. That would be Foresight's FS1 or FSX or something like TGC or JNPG. A10000 would be about 18 months old for a reference on the serial numbers.

[inorkuo]

you cannot connect a gc2 to a tv. you connect it to a computer or tablet. the computer/tablet could be connected to a tv.

[andygg1986]

There is no video output from the GC2 to run to a TV. If you just want raw data like ball speed, carry distance, spin, etc, you can just read those right off the GC2. It isn't really intuitive to interpret them though. You can get an idea of the shot shape (hook spin vs slice spin) but you won't know where it lands left or right of the target line. All units have had Apple compatibility for a while, so "newer" ones would start with an A in their serial number. The iPad app is free and from what I have heard more stable than the Android app. Either way, the cheapest option is to bluetooth to a tablet and see the ball flight there.

If you are getting the HMT too, you will probably want FR1 or FSX software from Foresight because that also shows club data. FR1 is the older one and people occasionally sell their USB license keys. Fewer people are selling their FSX license. You can use TGC but the club data doesn't show up when you play the game, and without internet you only get about 15 courses. You really need internet to get the most out of TGC (120k courses and online tournaments). Either way, you will need a computer to run the software. FR1 is least demanding (could get by with a $300 computer) and TGC is most demanding (plan on $800).

[SoggySog]

Ok, that makes sense. Then the software you puchase from FSI/FSX provides all the club data info, driving range, etc.....? Is it only connected by bluetooth or can you hard wire to computer/tablet?