Alignment Issues and not ‘reading’ chips as straight

[GTASOL]

Hi there. New skytrack user here and I’m hoping I can get some advice and help. I initially set up my unit with skytrack’s in-built alignment system but when aligned ‘straight’ using a laser level bisecting the 2 skytrack alignment dot, EVERYTHING on the ST app read as left.

I came across GungHo’s web article giving instruction on how to correctly align and I followed his instructions (unit level with the hitting mat but not on the mat; unit levelled in terms of tilt and roll; using a laser level and a plumb line to get an accurate centre line on the screen/net). This now means the ST unit points left. But when I hit 7 iron chips to the centre line I’m getting mixed results on the ST app on the iPad. Some chips show as straight (with zero degrees side angle) others show left and other right. This is with the shots hitting the centre line on my screen/net (I discount shots that don’t hit the centre line).

I’ve tried adjusting the alignment of my unit as per Gungho’s instruction but don’t seem to get to a point where a chip hitting the screen centre line is reliably shown as straight on the app. I am getting side spin on my shots but I assume for alignment purposed I should be focusing on the zero degree side angle (number on the bottom hand corner of the shy track display).Is this likely to be something I’m doing wrong with setting up the unit or do you think I have a faulty unit?

When I’ve tried on full shots, I’m getting constant draws and pulls on ST (with every club, so it’s not just the impact of the mat on iron shots which I know can promote a draw). A draw is not my shot (unfortunately) - in my 17 years of golfing I’ve always had differing degrees of a fade (always struggled to achieve the illusive draw!).

ST UK support we’re not very helpful, just saying that it will be a set-up issue, which I’m actually hoping it is. But after following both ST own instructions and the alternate advice on this forum (incl. Gungho’s useful set-up guide) I just can’t get a straight shot to register and I’m starting to lose faith in the ST unit.

[3on3putt]

It looks way too high. There's a huge gap between the wood and the skytrak. The bottom of the skytrak (not the case but the skytrak itself) needs to be at the same height as the hitting surface. It's clear in those last 2 picturs (especially the 4th picture) that it's not even close.

[Morini]

I think the word "level" is ambiguous. Skytrak should be same height as mat, and level with the horizon. Telling people that it should be same level, may lead some to conclude that the slope of skytrak and mat should be the same. Not sure if that is what happened here. Anyhow, 99% chance that HLA will go back to normal tolerances after he lowers it to same height as mat.

[3on3putt]

Correct, although I never used the word "level."

Like I said, put it at the same height. Its way too high .

[Morini]

Sorry, wasn't talking about you, should have been more clear. Just referring to the wording that is used by 95% of people explaining how to set up skytrak to correct height. Here is what the OP wrote before posting the pics

"- remove a section of the mat and use that for the unit so it’s level with the hitting strip".
"I have mine completely parallel to the target line, level to the mat,"

Clearly he is using the slope definition of level.

[3on3putt]

Morini -- lol no worries and yes you are correct and that does raise a good point about "level" vs. "same height." I think that is exactly what happened with his setup. I can see how the confusion can happen with those terms.

[Morini]

Just checked Ron's set up guide, and it is super clear:

"Adjust the height of your unit so the bottom of the SkyTrak is even with the top of your hitting surface. "

[GTASOL]

Thanks for the advice. So yes, my unit was set higher than my mat surface (like a fool I’d used a laser level without thinking about it being on the same horizontal plane). I’ve corrected that and I can get to a stage where straight chips (hitting my plumb line) are registered as straight, chips hitting left are registered as left etc.

However taking my 7 iron and hitting full shots that strike the plumb line are showing as starting up to 4 degrees left. Is there something else I’m doing wrong?

As an example, I hit a poor full shot that was at least 6 inches to the right of my plumb line and the app read it as a centre line shot. I then hit another which hit bang on the plumb line and the app read it as 4 degrees left. I went back to the chipping and it was back to how it should be (plumb line strike = straight). I’m confused as to why the alignment I have works for chipping but not for full shots. Should I be setting the alignment based on full shots? Does the unit need to go back to skytrack?

[Morini]

No, alignment is universal. Still sounds like a height issue. Since 7 iron is mid trajectory, it reads best of all clubs. How high are your "chips"? And just to make sure, bottom of Skytrak is same height as mat? Honestly, I'd put away the leveler. Leads to more trouble than it helps. Don't overthink it. Use Skytraks internal gyro to zero tilt and roll. Skytrak auto corrects these anyways. Alignment is best dialed in trial and error.

[Morini]

The other "reasonability check" is that dot should be roughly 12 inches from edge of unit.

[3on3putt]

I would second Morini's advice about ditching the level. You should be able to get the bottom of the Skytrak at the same height as the hitting surface with just your eyeballs. Once you get those two things at the same height, check the tilt and roll in the Skytrak app. Zero it out and then check the heights again.

[kirkemg]

I'm going through the same process and would love info on your laser level setup. Which one are you using? There are lots of options and vary in cost. Then just a plumb line? Appreciate your guidance.

ALso, i'm struggling with the same issue. ST not giving consistent feedback on the calibrated shots.