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.

[ruefy]

Interested as well!

[kits013]

Sounds good. I'm in

[raido31]

I would be interested

[Misike]

Interested to see what you come up with.

[FirGir]

I’m interested either way, but yeah I can’t think of a better way to start off a night of Sim golf with friends than shooting the SkyTrak and it not showing any damage!

[DirtyGarry24]

Lol! I like it. I'll make it out of AR500 and you'll be good to go. Between you and the wife as far as indoor/outdoor!

[Jwheels9876]

I'd also be interested, I have a wife, a 6 and a 10 year old that I hope to have using the machine at some point. I bought the
protective case but it's a plastic piece of junk honestly.

[DirtyGarry24]

I'm with you all the way Jwheels9876. They missed the boat with that protective case.

[DirtyGarry24]

What's the best way to upload pictures to this forum? I'm new...

[Bubba22]

Just upload as an attachment.

[DirtyGarry24]

Guys, I'm not finding a good solution for a laser alignment device with built in power that would integrate well. I'm open for suggestions. Send me a link if you have one. It's also possible that I'm not thinking of the correct utilization as well. My interpretation was a line projection onto the hitting surface parallel with the front of the Skytrak box. Basically an alignment stick projected at or about the Skytrak laser alignment feature. I'm seeing some stuff that could work but requires an external battery source. I'm thinking that may be a bit much for this design, but others could have different opinions. Also, they get real pricey in a hurry. Again, shoot me an option if you have one.

[DirtyGarry24]

I guess everyone is at home playing TGC now? LOL!

I'm looking to upload some pics if someone can tell me the proper way to upload pics to the forum. Don't want to do it the wrong way and have everyone squinting and bending their necks at right angles. :-)

[DirtyGarry24]

Ok folks, here is a concept of the protective case that I'm thinking about. It's not a lot different than some of the stuff that you have seen. However, the case shall do all of the things that I am expecting. 3 leveling feet. That can't be improved on. I have a cutout in the top of the case to allow sight to a round bubble level that you will attach to your Skytrak box. Full protection of the camera screen from a golf ball. Davray sketch optimized. I plan on fully testing a prototype to ensure all shots are captured. To me, if this thing blocks any percentage of shots then it is useless. The Skytrak is always gonna miss a shot here and there, that is acceptable. However, the protective case should not add to that frustration. The alignment aid function is not resolved at this point.

So, what this design will do that I have not yet seen. I'm using the 4 threaded holes in the bottom, along with a boss in my case base that will locate, orient, and hold the Skytrak box in the same position every time. This is what I am most excited about. If the Skytrak will read thru my window today, it will always read thru my window because it is always in the case the same way. You may be able to get an idea of what I'm talking about with my transparent pic below.

The case will be a 2 piece design. Doweled and screwed together to ensure the aforementioned orientation/location integrity. Easy to assemble to and disassemble with consistent results. I'm unsure on the material at this point. I'm thinking aluminum at the moment, however the heavier steel option (15 lbs.) could be preferred. At this point, the top part of the case would be fully machined from a billet. This could prove too costly, but we'll find out.

So, you guys kick rocks at it, you can't hurt my feelings (used to it). Let me know what you think.

[FaultyClubs]

The GC2 shield just has a holder for an alignment rod. That's all I've needed. Just a suggestion.

[DirtyGarry24]

Could you post a pic? I appreciate your input.

[awisnia]

Is that the two small hooks at the front of the GC2 protective case? I assume you lay the rod in there and it's visually enough to confirm alignment?

[FaultyClubs]

So is the case hard mounted to the Skytrak? That will transmit the impact shock directly into the Skytrak. Shock loading probably kills as many units as does blunt force trauma denting or scratching things. Just another suggestion.

Try Google for the shield picture. I don't have one since I made my own.

[DirtyGarry24]

I've taken nothing personally Faulty. I've done nothing but agree with your observation.

[awisnia]

@faulty - I'm with you - I think it needs to be somehow mechanically isolated from the skytrak itself. That, or have sufficient mass to attenuate the shock.

[DirtyGarry24]

awisnia - I'm open for options to mechanically isolate the case from the skytrak box and ensure accurate alignment of the cameras to the optimized case window. A case window that will not allow a ball thru, yet not cause misread shots. A solution to that has not been found as of yet.

Again, the case is supposed to offer full protection, alignment, and leveling. This may be at the risk of transferring shock into the ST box if impacted.

I have a question for you. If I'm not mistaken, you have broken a ST due to either ball or club impact. If I'm wrong then please disregard. My question is this, in your opinion would my concept case have saved your ST?

[Ahusing]

I am in


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[Sledge0001]

I'm interested but would like to see how this all pans out before committing to buying one (or two).

[rmyoung88]

Question, with your design, will a ball fit through that front window therefore damaging the screen?

[DirtyGarry24]

A ball will not fit thru the opening.

[awisnia]

Important to note - a ball will not fit through, but some part of the ball will, and coul impact the SkyTrak. I suppose it depends on the spacing of the Skytrak and case, tho.

[DirtyGarry24]

awisnia - agreed that the spacing of the ST box and the edge of the case is very critical. In my opinion, not allowing a ball to impact the case includes all parts of the sphere. This will definitely be taken into consideration at testing.

I must add here that this goes hand in hand with the location and orientation of the ST box within the case. I point this out in reference to the post above about not hard mounting the ST box to the case.