Skytrak strange behavior in direct mode connection

[davray666]

I have had the device for 5 months. The ST software runs on an ipad air2. Initially I had it connected in network mode, worked kind of OK (I don't care for data sync to the SkyGolf server so I never checked if that works) Then it started missing shots and loosing connection. The conclusion was that it was a WiFi router issue so I switched to direct mode.
Now in direct mode it works fine for several h on one day and not at all on other days. Totally unpredictable.
The issue is like this.
Connecting to the iPad by finding the Skytrak WiFi access point always works fine (with 1 or 2 exceptions that required a Skytrak reset via the hidden reset button)

When the ST app is started it randomly has issues connecting to the ST unit. Bottom 2 LED's are Green but the top one stays RED. After reset & restart both app and ST unit it does normally connect after a while. But then after first shot the top LED goes RED, iPad does not pick up the shot and it stays like that for ever.
Some days I can do up to 10 shots and then it freezes.
But now it gets really spooky.
After having the described problem I normally give up after 30min or so. Come back the day after with the exact same procedure, same untouched iPad (the iPad is mounted in the sim and only used for that). All works fine for several h that day.
The problem frequency has gone from not at all in the first months, to once in a while and now to every third attempt or so. I try to use it at least 4 times / week.
The main suspect here is WiFi, but I live in an area with few houses that are at least 100m apart and there are not that many WiFi devices close by outside of those we have in our household.
I plan to buy a powerful new router and give that a try but before I start throwing money on this ...
Has anybody experienced something similar and if so. Did you figure out a way to make it better or worse?

[doublebogey]

I have a somewhat similar Direct Mode connection issue - see this other thread I've started: http://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/...ng-direct-mode.

I've had my SkyTrak for almost 3 months now. Like you, no problem before now problems occurring more frequently. I am wondering should I send back for new unit before the 6-month warranty expires.

[Wev]

I set this up with my iPad 3 and now I have an iPad Air 2 I want to use that, I don't think the skytrak want's to "forget" my other iPad though so probably need the "secret reset button", where is it located?

[davray666]

bottom of the unit, center position there is a brass hole with threads. Push in a paper clip or similar and hold the button in there pressed while the unit is on. When the 3 LED lights change color release it and wait until they change color again back to the default turn on behavior.

[davray666]

doublebogey the most probable outcome if you send the unit back with that problem description is that they test it and then return the same unit with a "no trouble found" verdict.
I am an electronics engineer and deal with this type of hardware on a daily basis. This problem makes no sense. Will be interesting to see if anyone else has the same issue.

[Ronsc1985]

First I don't have a Skytrak, I have a GC2, so I have not experienced your problem.

That said I would go to your router and try using different channels. The problem you describe sounds to me like interference from some other wifi system. Usually people congregate on the same channels (something like 1,3 and 11 if I remember correctly). When several systems come on at once it creates a real mess and your useful bandwidth goes down a lot. Take the router out of auto channel assignment and try to get on a channel others in your area are not using.

These kinds of problems are exactly why internet speeds are only guaranteed when connected by hard wire to the router by ISP's selling internet service. .

[davray666]

Yeah but when in direct mode you can't choose channels. Since the ST is the access point. that is why I plan to borrow a professional WiFi spectrum analyzer to check where there is most room and then run the traffic thru a router where you can select channel. The WiFi module in ST is probably one of those low cost crappy ones. We will see ...