Protecting Skytrak

[Csarran]

So I received my ST today and love the accuracy/ease of use. However, it makes me nervous having it so close and slightly in front. Anyone have any protection ideas until the protective case is released? I was planning on using it with our First Tee kids but I am holding off until the unit can be protected.

[TWiG]

I seen someplace that the lexan did not affect the readings. But I have not tried it. I am going to get busy on that soon.

Thanks for the fast reply, I have seen Lexan on eBay in A5 sheet sizes, perfect width for Skytrak and available in 1mm upto 6mm.

Do you know what thickness was tested ? Sure 1mm would be fine as this is unbreakable isn't it ?

[Hoosierdaddy]

Well unbreakable is a stretch. I used to use it on my race car and it would get broke. None of it on the inside of the car ever got broke. But we used it for building spoilers on the back of the car and they got broke. sometimes a rock would put a hole in it and sometimes another racer thought he was going to win the race before they dropped the green and smashed it up on the pace lap. But if you look at the post about the Japan models of SkyTrak they have one for sale made of Lexan. If you look there you might be able to see how thick it is. Personally I would think 1/8" would be strong enough but don't take my word for it. I am going to use 3/16" just to make sure. But the thinner it is the more clarity you will gain so it's all trial and error til someone gets it right. Personally I am not a fan of the metal ones with a hole. My luck would be the first one would go right in the hole and break it anyway. I want total coverage.

[wbond]

Is anyone certain that lexan allows correct readings of the ball? I thought someone did some testing but it didn't work. I can't remember though which thread it was in or which product was actually tested.

[TWiG]

I've ordered some 6mm mdf sheets and 1mm Lexan so I will give it a go when I get time to build. think 1mm will be fine would have to be a clean hit in the middle and the original screen and cameras are set back. Hopefully have materials next week and see what time I get.

[closedclubface]

I have fabricated a wooden box with an acrylic panel that can slide to accomodate LH/RH, the unit seems to measure if the front half of the camera area is covered by acrylic. Really interested in the results with Lexan but it is not readily available in my area.

[TWiG]

closedclubface any pics ?

[closedclubface]

I'll get some this week. It is just a prototype to see if it worked, it makes the exposed area smaller but still bigger than a golf ball. My thought was perhaps only the back half is used for any one shot (the shot is definitely read with one half covered, but I need more testing to be confident that it is accurate) - then logic would follow that the other half mirrors this data for LH play. As I say, I have no idea if I am losing data this way, if not then the risk of damage could be halved!

[TWiG]

closedclubface not sure if you have seen this ?

[closedclubface]

yes, I was looking at that yesterday, seems I may be on the right trak (pun intended)!

[TWiG]

Haha maybe they both work together ? The app has the option to tell it what handed you are.

[wbond]

Par2Pro , I noticed that Par2pro posted a video at the Edmonton golf show and they had an enclosure around the skytrak. They didn't have a face on shot of the enclosure so i don't know whether or not they have anything protecting the lens.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v59qihnLoDE

Par2Pro, can you comment. Is the lens protected from the enclosure? If so, what material are you using?

[doublebogey]

wow wbond, great observation!

yes, Par2Pro, please do share - and is this available for sale?

[Hoosierdaddy]

LOL that looks to me like a display case for a football or something on that order. The bottom looks like a average cutting board under. But you know that might be a good place to look for something that can be purchased. Collectible's shop. Sports memorabilia. But most of them things are net very strong. But the video proves the camera can see through what ever it is made out of.

[TWiG]

LOL that looks to me like a display case for a football or something on that order. The bottom looks like a average cutting board under. But you know that might be a good place to look for something that can be purchased. Collectible's shop. Sports memorabilia. But most of them things are net very strong. But the video proves the camera can see through what ever it is made out of.

Unless they cut a hole in the front.


My 1mm Lexan has arrived and although very think when mounted against the mdf and the skytrak should be enough to to protect the lense, may also order some 2mm if the 1mm works. I'll post pics when I get chance to build something.

[Rcush88]

twig, make sure you post some photos or your process and progress.