Your experience with Skytrak and iPad

[DrStrangelove]

I just purchased a Skytrak and can't wait to get started. I am going to wait before setting up a projector and TGC isn't happening any time soon.

My current focus is on something to run the Game Improvement Package and WGT.

For those that are using an iPad, I'd appreciate your "real world feedback" on how well it works with Game Improvement and WGT? Which iPad model are you using? Do you find it great, sufficient, or dismal?

Thanks so much.

[CHansen157]

I used a standard iPad (2018 model, I believe), and it worked great with the ST. WGT is another story, I didn't enjoy it very much and after a few rounds pretty much just used the ST for range practice until I got TGC (which will require a PC).

[DrStrangelove]

I used a standard iPad (2018 model, I believe), and it worked great with the ST. WGT is another story, I didn't enjoy it very much and after a few rounds pretty much just used the ST for range practice until I got TGC (which will require a PC).

WGT stunk or was it the iPad and WGT combo that didn't cut it?

[Wizard of Coz]

I exclusively used skytrak, skypro, skytrak range, wgt and IPAD for 3 years hitting into a net. My outdoor game improved immensely. The iPad I used an adapter that ran hdmi to a tv. WGT I mainly used for a game where you hit approaches to different pin distances and it kept your total distance from the pin tallied. I don't remember the name of that. The whole experience improved my ball striking and I learned my exact carry distances.


progression
pc/tgc
enclosure/ projector/impact screen
gc2

enjoy the process,

Wizard

[CHansen157]

WGT, I believe, is iOS only, so it's the only way to play it. I don't know if I would say it stunk, but it is clearly an iOS app that has been retrofitted to work with your simulator rather than something built specifically for it. Honestly I don't even remember most of my frustrations with it other than it felt hard to orient yourself on the courses and if you got off the fairways a lot of times the game wouldn't give you a behind the ball view. It felt more like you were just trying to hit yardages with some graphics rather than really simulating a golf game.

It is considerably cheaper than better options like TGC2019 or E6 though so it still may be worth a try for you. I'm sure some people out there have enjoyed it.

Like Wizard I inched my way into the sim world, starting with a Skytrak, a net and an iPad. It worked great for me for a long time and I have no qualms about recommending it even if you plan to upgrade down the road.

[DrStrangelove]

I exclusively used skytrak, skypro, skytrak range, wgt and IPAD for 3 years hitting into a net. My outdoor game improved immensely. The iPad I used an adapter that ran hdmi to a tv. WGT I mainly used for a game where you hit approaches to different pin distances and it kept your total distance from the pin tallied. I don't remember the name of that. The whole experience improved my ball striking and I learned my exact carry distances.


progression
pc/tgc
enclosure/ projector/impact screen
gc2

enjoy the process,

Wizard

Thanks much. I have a feeling this is the start to an audiophile like hobby. I will be endlessly searching for better.

[Fhacker]

Yep I echo all of the above. Started with skytrak, net return (still have), iPad and range software. I tried demo of WGT, it’s photo based, similar to HD golf but IMO terrible. Upgraded to gaming computer n TGC. Enjoy the journey

[Burtgolf]

I just came back in from the garage where I was out "testing" my iPad 5th generation with WGT. Worked great with the SkyTrak in network mode and iPad connected to the same WiFi network. The shot delay was a bit longer than when I am in USB mode to my laptop but not huge enough to make that big of a difference. I am used to using my laptop and the SkyTrak range projected into my impact screen so having a small iPad screen to look at was my only complaint. I tried a Lightning to Digital AV Adapter but it would freeze in mid flight and I would have to look at the iPad to see the rest of the flight.. its a cheap adapter so maybe the apple one will be better

[CHansen157]

I just came back in from the garage where I was out "testing" my iPad 5th generation with WGT. Worked great with the SkyTrak in network mode and iPad connected to the same WiFi network. The shot delay was a bit longer than when I am in USB mode to my laptop but not huge enough to make that big of a difference. I am used to using my laptop and the SkyTrak range projected into my impact screen so having a small iPad screen to look at was my only complaint. I tried a Lightning to Digital AV Adapter but it would freeze in mid flight and I would have to look at the iPad to see the rest of the flight.. its a cheap adapter so maybe the apple one will be better

Yeah, unfortunately Apple has done a really good job of making third party adapters not work well. I had to go with an official Apple one despite the outrageous price, relative to what most AV adapters cost.

[Burtgolf]

CHansen157 I see you have moved on to Uneekor and TGC2019 .. so what are you doing with your apple one now and did it work well for projecting into the impact screen from the iPad with TGC? If your not using yours anymore let me know before I order one

[maxxym]

So I just bought SK few months ago. I bought it without any packages. For the first week, I would just use it's driving range, but I quickly found out that I need to buy additional subscription if I even want some options to work such as dispersion or different settings in driving range mode. I took a plunge and went with the $199 plan to get WGT on iOS. I figured, this year, I would get familiar with the unit and maybe next year, I would graduate to something different. So here is my review.

In order for WGT to work you will have to have your unit connected via your Network. Now, hoping that your network is solid, you might run into some problems. My first problem was that I couldn't connect my ST to WGT. It took some patience. Finally, after I got it all connected, my iPad would CONSTANTLY try to reconnect to the ST unit. Imagine after every 2 shots, having to wait about a minute while the unit "Looks for devices" and then attempts to connect. I was told by one of the ST guys to make sure that I actually exit the ST app if I have WGT app running. I did that and it seemed to help a little. I still get the "Looking for device' issue though.

To be honest, I rarely use the WGT. I just go straight to the driving range, setup a nice green on there and aim for that. WGT experience is OK in my view., One of the problems for example is maybe my setup. I really can't use wedges because my ball would hit the ceiling. Putting is alright, but I always skip it anyways. Maybe I should give WGT a chance and commit to it a little more. I mean, it is nice to have availability to play at Pebble Beach....but I tend to exit the game after 3 holes because of constant "Looking for device" issues.

As far as iPad and ST performance, it works. I have no issues with my 6th gen iPad....besides the "Looking for device" problem lol, but again, that might be caused by my network.

Either way, you will have fun.