Skytrak Armour

[DirtyGarry24]

Ok, I'm starting this thread to see if protecting the Skytrak box is still a must for some people.

I have read countless posts on this subject and generally feel that this is a need for users. I have owned the Skytrak for a couple of months and agree for the most part. Honestly, it doesn't seem an issue for myself, however I couldn't possibly let my kids, favorite friends, or even a touring pro use it without completely freaking out!!!

My question is this. Is this a need for users that still exists for a reasonable enough amount of people?

I am a manufacturing engineer and have all the available information and software to develop a legit protective case that can make the Skytrak bulletproof. I can integrate leveling devices, locating devices, and alignment aids into the case. Basically whatever a user wants.

I can have these produced at a reasonable cost and shipped to a user. This is what I can do.

I have a desire to this, have started on a prototype for myself, but am really looking for more interest than personal use. Time is a huge motivator for me as I'd rather be hacking away on the TGC. LOL!

If you are interested, please PM me or just reply to this thread so I can get an idea of the need.

Disclaimer: yes I have the Davray sketch and will use some of that information in whatever design I come up with. My plan would be to optimize and improve overall function of whatever case I come up with. I see location, leveling, protection, and consistency of setup being the utmost importance.

[Thinman]

Ok, I'll help get this off the ground too...

$$ & info sent.

[DirtyGarry24]

Thanks Thinman! 10 sold.

[DirtyGarry24]

Ok guys, this is the hardware suggestion. Optimized to ensure alignment with possible sloppy ST tolerances. As well as weldment deviations.

McMaster Carr Part Numbers:

6mm machine screw - 92005A422
4mm machine screw - 92005A220
5mm washer - 90965A160
7mm washer - 90965A180

Type those part numbers into the website and you should get full dimensions. Please don't buy screws that are too long and crank them into the bottom of the ST. Treat the ST like the baby that it is when applying hold downs. If anything doesn't look right let me know as I have officially looked at this stuff for too long for one day. In no way am I suggesting to buy hardware from McMaster Carr. Those part numbers just give a great reference of what hardware will give the max adjustability. Local hardware store should have equivalent.

I've applied that hardware with a lot of thought on how to ensure that the window will work for everyone. I think engineers will appreciate the work that I have done here. Oversized holes with oversized washers to get the max adjustability. And still able to bury the heads. The pic below shows this.

Lastly, I've opened up the window just because I felt I had the room. Also, please don't think that 4 screws are needed to hold this thing into place. Wayyy overkill. I actually think that the 6mm in the middle is sufficient if you are comfortable with adjusting your alignment. With that said, I don't feel that locking all 4 screws will be an issue.

Anyway, looks like Skytrak Armour is starting to build some momentum and I am stoked that we might be able to get an order started this week. Can't wait to get these tanks out to people and let them try it out!!!

[kevin1889]

(Excuse my ignorance, I'm far from an engineer) you said that you opened the window a bit. I assume, but can you confirm that a ball would still not be able to fit through the window and touch the glass on the ST unit?

[DirtyGarry24]

Yes sir. I have a ball modeled in to make sure. I've got about .125 gap with my prototype case. I'm "using" some of that to open some spots. I'm talking about minor changes. The changes aid in any misalignment that could arise between different ST's.

[DirtyGarry24]

I've decided to switch gears on hardware for hold downs guys. I'll be supplying these. Please disregard the advice on hold downs above. Refer to post below.

[DirtyGarry24]

11 cases sold. I'd like to get 14 sold before placing an order, but I'm flexible on that. We'll see how it goes...

[Toolman6000]

Sent payment

[DirtyGarry24]

Awesome! 12 cases sold.

[Shardak]

Wow..I ordered the leveling feet from McMaster Carr today at 11am...they were delivered around 4pm. The payment form didnt show what they will charge for shipping....I suspect its going to cost more than the $6 for a 10-pack of feet!

[DirtyGarry24]

Wow, that's awesome Shardak. I'm curious about the shipping too. The company that I work for uses Mcarr all the time and quick delivery is common, but I don't know what we pay for that. LOL! If that is reasonable, you'll be good. You'd have paid $6+ for 3 at a hardware store if they sold them. Which they don't so it's a mute point.

Any luck on machine screws and washers?

[DirtyGarry24]

More optimization coming guys. I'll explain tomorrow.

[DirtyGarry24]

N54TT - I will not be building another prototype as the recent design changes do not warrant it. Have you seen the prototype pics that I posted within the last week or so? I'm not sure now, they could be a couple pages back.

The difference between the prototype and what you'd be receiving are black oxide coating, minor adjustments to the window, and tabs for holding the enclosure to the base.

[N54TT]

How do these tabs work? Is the enclosed secured to the base? Or just basically sits on top of the base?

[DirtyGarry24]

Hey N54, the tabs are to replace the welding. Enclosure will be bolted to the base. Gives a lot more flexibility in setup and gets rid of hard to manage welding. One of the main reasons why I've decided to supply hardware as well.

[paschmann]

Hi DirtyGarry24 - please let me know how much the case is, I will take one too. Thanks

[DirtyGarry24]

@paschmann

$149 + shipping/handling

New Shipping Charges via USPS

US - $13.45
Canada - $45.95
UK - $66.50
Netherlands - $66.50
Australia - $75.95

[paschmann]

Thanks - payment sent

[DirtyGarry24]

I've reimbursed the people that had over paid for shipping. Let me know if you didn't get reimbursed.

[93civiccpe]

Do we have enough orders placed for the first shipment? I've lost track of the count.

[DirtyGarry24]

Yes. I'm waiting on a quote update from the manufacturer now and am confident I'll get an order started Monday.

[DirtyGarry24]

I just confirmed with the manufacturer that the project will be started on Monday (01/09/2017).

[DirtyGarry24]

Another round up on TGC tourney shot tracker. Had 2 no reads and zero bad reads. Pretty disappointed in the +8, 81 but is what it is. Can't blame it on Skytrak Armour. I actually hit the ball really good for the very big track, just didn't make one putt the entire round. Such is the game of golf. Two more rounds on the weekend to come...

[DirtyGarry24]

Something I've been wanting to say for awhile about no reads especially while playing TGC. I still consider myself a newbie to all of this. However, I do have a couple months under my belt with all of it. Have played 4 or 5 tourneys in TGC.

I used to have 4 to 6 no read shots every round in TGC. Very frustrating! Until I went network mode with the ST. Have had about 4 no reads in the last 7 or 8 rounds. A few rounds with 0 no reads. Incredible!

Vincent_Vega has mentioned this before and I simply didn't believe it. I'm a firm believer at this point.

I only bring this up for newbies like me that may have the same thinking as I did. Go unplugged!!! It works!

None of this is Skytrak Armour related. Just think that it should be mentioned periodically for newbies. It's a phenomenon that everyone should experience with Skytrak.

Maybe it needs its own thread???

[Anhit]

Been following this and now finally got accepted to the forums. Just picked up the SkyTrak and very excited to get better! Thanks Gary for developing this, payment sent.

[DirtyGarry24]

Awesome! Got ya down.

[DirtyGarry24]

I've decided to supply the hardware for hold downs at no extra cost. It's the right thing to do. I can get them in bulk and save users from having to hunt them down. I'm keeping my same stance on levelers.