Sky trak faults and fixes

[ray chap]

Hello. Everyone. I am having a lot of trouble with Sky Trak not recording shots sometimes it will record 1 shot and stop then I have to delete that shot and it will record the next it is all over the place sometimes it will record 2 , 10 , 18 , 50 , 78 and so on , at times I have to exit the practice and reenter the practice and away it goes. I have tried putting the ball in front of the dot behind the dot on the dot and having the dot on the ball , no difference , I have also noticed at times when I place the club behind the ball the red dot will turn off and back on in about 5 seconds Can anyone help with Thank. You.

[OtisDaKilla]

So, I’ve had my used SkyTrak for a few months now. I only have about 3-4% missed reads.
As far as the red light going out when you set up to the ball: this happens to me somewhat regularly (maybe 10% of the time). I don’t see it as an issue because it comes back on a couple seconds later.

[RAB_74]

This is a recurring issue on the forum because using a skytrak can be a bit finicky and there are some important things to do around setup and usage for it to work properly.
I've used mine for about 1.5 years and like a lot of people have had some frustrating sessions with many no-reads, especially in the beginning.
But over time and getting to know the unit, reading feedback from other users in here and getting experience with using it, I almost never have any trouble nowadays.

In my last three sessions I have had 6 or 7 shots in total that weren't read (out of probably around 300), and all those can be put down to very poor hits on my side (a couple of real shanks),
and poor ball placements on the others.

Here is a list of the things I think are most important to check or do to avoid no-reads.
Note: this is if you are not having network or connection issues between your skytrak and computer. If so, resolve those first.

• Make sure the skytrak is water-levelled and that the bottom of the unit is at same level, or (even better in my experience) very slightly above the surface of your mat.
• Make sure the skytrak is aligned to wherever you're aiming.
• Cover any white surfaces in the background with something dark (Over winter I play inside a white party-tent, I cover the bottom of the wall behind me where the skytrak faces with dark material, a black towel or similar)
• Make sure you have light coming from behind or above the unit, avoid lightsources placed in front of it
• Make sure the ball and hitting area is free of any leaves, dirt, grass etc. that can potentially disrupt readings
• Put extra markings on the ball and in non-uniform lines/patterns. Since most golfballs only have 2 brand logos on opposite sides and maybe 2 short straight lines there are big 'empty' areas, which could potentially cause no-reads or misreads. I always use a black or red sharpie and mark some dimples in the blank areas so they make up curved lines and different patterns.
  • This one is crucial, I saw a big improvement once I started doing this.
  • Note: I hit into a net, not a screen. I realise you could have issues with markings rubbing off a screen, I don't know if there are pens with permanent ink that can be used without it rubbing off. Might help to mark the ball long time in advance and let it dry thoroughly?
• Don't wear white shoes or pants
• Don't use all white hybrids, woods or drivers
• Ball placement, this is what I've found works for me with best results:
  • wedges/very high launching shots, flop/pitch, chips: place the ball an inch in front of dot (towards target) and half an inch closer to the Skytrak
  • irons, hybrids and woods: place the ball on the dot
  • when teeing up, short tees: same as above but 1/2 inch closer to you (away from skytrak).
  • driver/long tees: put the tee an inch behind the dot (away from target) and an inch closer to yourself (away from skytrak).
  • putting: place the ball about 15 cm (6 inches) behind the dot. (I never have no-reads on putts as long as the ball rolls relatively parallell past the Skytrak and over the laser dot)

Note: I am a 24 handicapper, only played golf for a couple of years and do not have a high swing speed, maybe 95 mph at most with a driver.
On a good strike with my 30.5 degree 7 iron I carry the ball 125 - 130 metres, or a little over 140 yards. A good drive for me is 210 metres carry, about 230 yards.
I don't know if these ball placements work for someone with high swing speeds. You might have to put your ball slightly more away from the target than I do if you have high swing speeds.
Hope this helps.

[pcascio]

Great info, RAB. Thank you.

[Morini]

Second that, great info, RAB_74!

Ray, sounds like you are triggering the laser curtain. Most likely culprit is movement near the curtain. That could be your left foot, or maybe the club if you waggle. If you use a protective case, you could take it out and try without, just be careful. Given the ST a wipe as well to make sure sensors are clear.

[ray chap]

ok thank you I will give that a go

[Joegolfguy]

Ray , You can also try resetting the skytrak with a paperclip on the bottom where the bigger screw hole is. hold it in until all three lights turn yellow.