SkyTrak questions

[dmoore9003]

I am looking at moving up from an Optishot to a Skytrak this month. My sim area is in my detached garage. I built an 8 foot screen, connect an older Windows laptop via HDMI to an overhead projector--and connect the Opti via the USB from the laptop. It works well. I take to for what it is---fun and somewhat helpful.

I typically use foam balls in the garage but just for noise. I also rarely hit driver. I have the Optishot set to read my 4-iron as a driver. The reason again is noise. A driver hit with my door closed sounds like a gunshot.

I have a few questions:

How far from the Skytrak can the screen be set? Mine is just 10 feet or so. Is that enough room for the unit to pick up everything?

For the best graphics---iPad or new laptop?

Anyway to dampen the noise? My neighbors bedroom is the one closest to our garage---so anything would help.

Finally---any chance Skytrak will ever discount the units again?

[Yrrdead81]

1. Distance from screen for a photometric launch monitor isn't really a factor (Skytrak,GC2) The unit only needs inches of flight. Now safety of personnel and sheet rock is another story .
2. Dedicated PC imo. Best bang for your buck.
3. Acoustic foam and sound dampening wool. Other options , more information required.
4. Yep multiple times I would guess. Next guess is spring time, as weather warms up , secondary market prices drop as well as retail prices.

[penrose]

fathers day I bet they discount them again but that is only a few hundred dollars. Not saying I am a rich man but a few hundred dollars is not going to change your wealth or net worth in the long run. 10 feet is fine - the distance from screen can be less even.

As far as noise - no suggestions really. I guess instead of hitting into a screen hit into a net - not as fun but noise free.

[Lgnir]

I have my Net Return set up 6-7 feet from where I hit. Someday I'll get a projector, but for now, I have a 43" flat screen on a stand that I can pick my head up and look at after hitting a shot. I had bought a new laptop thinking I might take my SkyTrak out to the range sometime, but I really doubt I'll ever do that, so now I wish I would have invested in a dedicated tower. Currently, my laptop runs SkyTrak and TGC fine, so I will count myself lucky.

As far as the noise issue goes, the acoustic foam sounds like the cheapest way to go. I would assume there will be another discount next year around the holidays again...that's when I purchased mine.

[frackh]

I used to have a 'screen' set up in front, about 6 feet from where the ball impact took place. It was made up of a couple of bed sheets and a window curtain. Got a Net Return Pro a few weeks ago and boy what a difference that made in regards to noise. There's basically no noise with the net, the loudest thing is the driver impact. The front of the net is about 4 feet from ball impact, with the curved design, my driver swing through the open part of the net w/o any issue.

[miwamc]

I also use Skytrak with Net Return. When I am trying to be extra quiet (i.e. not wake up the wife and kid early in the morning) I use "almost golf balls" There are a lot of posts about using those balls in the forum, I like them just fine as I feel like I am getting a decent idea of shot curvature and I just factor about 10% loss in distance.