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.

[Rcush88]

i placed rubber pads in mine. the base is adustable and wood, the upper is all hard plastic lined with foam from my goalie helmet.

[Wev]

Wev - I've it happen a few times where the ball bounces back and hits the top of the unit. It doesn't hit hard, but it's something you may want to consider, putting a top cover on your protective case.

I'll see how it pans out with the plates once it's made. I've ordered three base plates and three front plates so can have a mess around. It's literally going to be about 5 minutes assemble time

I've had the odd ball come back when using a wedge as the loft has made it roll up the sheet, I'm getting quite good at catching it now haha!

[Sullyberger]

Wev,

Looks great. Any way I could purchase a set for my Skytrak?

[hnguy]

I too would like to make my own protective case since the one offered by Skytrak does not provide adequate protection. Any chance you could post the dimensions of your drawing?

[bennyg211]

The next step is to integrate an arduino and 6dof accelerometer with some small motors and have the thing auto level and maybe be able to raise and lower it depending on the mat, etc. Who's up for the challenge?


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[Wev]

The next step is to integrate an arduino and 6dof accelerometer with some small motors and have the thing auto level and maybe be able to raise and lower it depending on the mat, etc. Who's up for the challenge?


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A floating base contained in liquid base would auto level it, may just be a tad over engineering though

[davray666]

With all these discussions going on about leveling. I must say that Skytrak's marketing department has done a poor job in selling the built in accelerometer function that supposedly will remove the need to level the unit. I am not saying that it works but perception is always much more important than facts when it comes to generating revenue. Especially for features that the average golfer can't verify anyway

[bennyg211]

A floating base contained in liquid base would auto level it, may just be a tad over engineering though

Not very transportable really though, plus you need to get seals or gaskets, etc.


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[Wev]

Sullyberger commented
Wev,
Looks great. Any way I could purchase a set for my Skytrak


hnguy commented
I too would like to make my own protective case since the one offered by Skytrak does not provide adequate protection. Any chance you could post the dimensions of your drawing?


I'll see how it looks/ works/ feels when I get my set and then we can sort something out. I'll probably alter it in some way and then I'll send something out to you guys if it covers the cost of the material/ profiling and postage. We get steel profiles cut all the time at work so we would likely get it much cheaper than anyone else could. I imagine it would be about £30-£40 for the material and profiling + £10 postage. This would be bomb proof and the gap isn't large enough for a ball.

I'm in the UK though, so bare that in mind if anyone wants one.

Davray provided me the dimensions and I've altered it to suit the profiling so it will need some testing first. If he's happy for me to send them out I can.

[davray666]

No problem sharing the drawings or using it for the purpose you described above. One golfer helping out another golfer is what this is about.
The enclosure you are making is probably the only one (including the one I made) I have seen that will protect the unit against anything including a direct hit with a driver shot. For that you would probably have to screw the base down on a concrete floor so it does not move.
For the driver scenario you would probably end up in the hospital but the ST unit will be fine:-)
On a more serious note. I think this solution could be interesting for a golf center/range where the enclosure is enhanced a bit so you can lock it and prevent theft.
If I decide to keep my Skytrak I am definitely going to buy one from you. Live in Sweden so shipping should be reasonable.

One more thing that just came to mind. The WiFi module and antenna is at the bottom of the ST unit. Since the base plate is solid metal that may be a problem or it could amplify the signal. I have no idea but keep that in mind if you get any WiFI connect issues.

[hnguy]

I live across the pond therefore shipping probably is not a good option. Appreciate all the effort that has gone into developing the protective case thus far. Please let me know how I can get a copy of the drawing. Looking forward to building a case for my unit. Thank you in advance!

[sambking]

Wev, If you have your steel protective case for sale would like to buy one. I live near Philadelphia in the states. Let me know if you are selling them. Thanks! -- Sam

[JohnMeyer]

Wev, if and when I get my unit Ill be in touch for sure as does look a decent solution. Wondering if could apply some kind of foam to the front of it to soften the impact and reduce bounce, although the angle of impact should hopefully deflect the ball away rather than straight back at you.

Good work. Coul dyou send me a PM where abouts in UK you are as would be good if could possibly see the Skytrak in action one day

[Wev]

Davray - Yeah will be interesting regarding with WIFI as this may act like a shield but the signal should bounce around enough, we'll soon see. The plates are ready to pick up now, so I'll get them on Monday. I only use it in WIFI mode but imagine direct connect would still work ok.

John Meyer - Foam would thicken it and effect the FOV I imagine and don't really want to go less than 6mm for the steel. If I had to put foam on I would need to widen the gap which would then fit a ball in. Nothing stopping putting foam around the top or most of the front of it though, just not around the border of the gap. Floor underlay foam might work well but to be honest the angle the ball would be heading to the unit it's only going to reflect off and into the net or down range anywya, so would be kind of pointless?

I'm in Middlesbrough, would be glad to meet you at a range to show you what it's like. I've never actually used it at the range mind, so might be interesting haha!

[JohnMeyer]

Haha, Nothing planned for the north east in the near future pal but if anything brings me your way Ill drop you a message.

Be good to see how your shield works and if OL will def be after one once I get myself setup before Xmas.

[apljb]

JohnMeyer, I'm in the Ipswich area, if you want to see the unit, if that's closer.

[Wev]

Got the plates, now just need to weld it and sort the leveling bolts out today, then it's testing time.

Each plate set weighs about 0.7kg and to be honest I could have probably got away with 3mm or 4mm steel, instead of 6mm, but suppose the weight is pretty good as it is.

[dubbeles]

Hi Wev,
Are you willing to share your CAD files for this?

Regards,
Hans Janssen

[JohnMeyer]

That looks some pretty beefy protection, as before very interested how you get on. Are you concerned regarding ensuring the weld makes the plates align vertically and perfectly upright or are you pretty handy in that regard.

be great if you could post some videos once youre up and running with it

[Wev]

That looks some pretty beefy protection, as before very interested how you get on. Are you concerned regarding ensuring the weld makes the plates align vertically and perfectly upright or are you pretty handy in that regard.

be great if you could post some videos once youre up and running with it

Yeah that's easy, just stick it in a vice/ jig and tac weld it initially.

[doublebogey]

Wev, love to see and hear how this works and would like to see how I can order one as well. Looks like mighty good protection - better than the SkyTrak one.