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.

[snowiain]

Interested!

[DirtyGarry24]

Added to the list.

[DirtyGarry24]

Ok guys, I'm sending my concept design out for a prototype quote today. I hope to get something going this week. I will keep this thread updated on how the prototype is going. Once I get the prototype proven, I'll be able to get price and delivery numbers out to the group.

There is one issue that hasn't been resolved yet. I'd like to hear what others think. An additional target alignment device. First off, I've not found a good device that would easily integrate with the case (still looking for suggestions). Second, I don't know where the best place to attach a device if I find one. There is an alignment issue that I have and others have with the SkyTrak box. You can read about that in the thread.

Basically, some people say that their alignment lasers don't align with the SkyTrak box. I have this issue. Therefore, my box has to be turned open to the target line to get my alignment lasers to be straight with my target line. Now, I have read that the SkyTrak rep has said (a link in this thread) to align the box with the target line regardless. I don't find this to be true.

This makes integrating an additional alignment aid very challenging. Do you attach it to the case or the SkyTrak box? It seems that either way could be misaligned. Therefore, it would be my recommendation to scrap the additional alignment aid feature. However, I'm open for suggestions on this.

Lastly, I want to be clear that the Skytrak box will properly align with the case. That is what I wanted to create from the beginning. When the box is in the case, it is properly aligned with the window every time to ensure that the box is protected and will allow all types of shots to be read. That part of the alignment will not change.

[wbond]

What about just putting in two cradles to hold an alignment stick? I think the GC2 protection device has this.

[DirtyGarry24]

I could do that wbond. I'd have to make them adjustable though, per my reasoning above. This would be a manual adjustment that each user would have to set on their own. How does that sound to you?

[GmanJeff]

Seems to me that the alignment issue needs to be better identified before you could address it. Is the incoherence between the ST box and the laser indicators a quality control failure which is consistent from ST to ST, in which case you could correct for it with an external alignment aid, or do some ST cases align correctly with the lasers, so that there is a sample-to-sample variation which cannot easily be accommodated? If users have their STs in the ST protective case, it's also possible that the ST itself is secured at a slight angle within the case, so that when the case is aligned, the ST inside is not, and the lasers projecting from inside the case may reflect that.

[DirtyGarry24]

You are correct on all accounts GmanJeff. I believe that each individual case is different. This based on what I've read. This makes me very weary of adding the feature. My SkyTrak box appears to need to be open to the target line by 10 degrees (that's a guess). The next guy may be square. I've also read that some people need the box closed to the target line. Very frustrating. All of this being needed to align the built in laser dots in line with target.

Then you have the SkyTrak rep saying to align the box with the target. I disagree with this, but it's a whole different deal. I can't make each case individual based on each SkyTrak box that is out there with differing alignment issues. I'm very reluctant to add this feature because I see it as almost impossible to not have some unhappy people.

I also feel that rotationally offsetting the box with the case could produce undesirable results when thinking about camera to window placement. It brings in another element for possible missed reads.

[wbond]

MIght be easier to just do away with an alignment feature based on so much different feedback on the issue. If your design always has the box aligned to the protection device in the same manner, then people can align it once for their system and then mark the ground somehow where the feet need to be placed. Agree with the post above, if you can't definitively define the problem, you can't have a full proof solution.

[DirtyGarry24]

That's what I'm thinking wbond. That's a bummer, but I don't see a way around it that makes everyone happy.

[nickm52]

I'm interested as well.

[DirtyGarry24]

I've got ya down nickm52.

[N54TT]

It would be best to keep the unit aligned with the case and not offset it in the case. That way people who use the lasers can use the lasers.....AND people that use the unit to align can still do it with the case/unit. If anything maybe integrate a groove on top of the case or on The base in front, that can allow people to snap an alignment stick into...doesn't affect those who use the lasers. For everyone else in between (neither unit nor lasers are aligned with displayed shots)....they have a bigger problem that a case won't help with.

[DirtyGarry24]

I agree with most of what you say here. However, I can't put something on the case that will not work for all. For instance, I can't put the alignment rod holders on the case and have it work for my skytrak box unless I make them adjustable to be able to take out the error. At that point, I might as well put the alignment rod on the ground/floor and back measure from the alignment dots as someone mentioned earlier.

Hopefully I can end up finding an add on laser that is adjustable, but haven't found anything close so far.

[Dan McWhirter]

I'd be interested. I have the plastic protective case. It saved me a week ago. Somehow I shanked a 7 iron right into it, flipped the SkyTrak all the way over and lost a piece of the protective case. It worked! The case is still good too. But, now that even I screwed up, there are several friends I just don't invite over.

[DirtyGarry24]

LOL! It happens to us all Dan. I'm putting you on the list.

[Thinman]

would really like to see the alignment slick holders incorporated.

also, how much higher than the turf will the skytrak sit when placed in the case, with the case sitting on the turf?

[wbond]

DirtyGarry24

What range are you considering for your height adjustment? Looks like from the images at a minimum the ST would be about 1/2" or so off the ground at it's lowest setting.

[DirtyGarry24]

It's two separate pieces Thinman so you will know where the ST box is sitting. You will be able to see the line where the enclosure meets the base. Basically the base of the case needs to be level with your hitting area.

Also, I didn't list a range as wbond asked earlier. As far as max height, I'm not really sure either. I was thinking 2 inches of threads which would give 2 inches of max height. Does this sound adequate?

By the way Thinman, I'm not ruling out the alignment stick holder yet. Still thinking of a way to make it useful to all and make it reasonably manufacturable.

[wbond]

I would try 3" if you can. Reason is someone could have made a base and then put something like a CCE turf on top. I think a 1/2" above should be fine. Haven't tried though. Wonder who has one continuous level hitting area and what they are doing now? Is ST sitting on that surface or inside some type of protection where the base is higher than the surface.

[DirtyGarry24]

I'll see what I can do about the 3" height adjustment wbond. So are you saying 1/2" above the playing surface would be ok?

[wbond]

Yes, i think 1/2" above the surface would be ok, but it would be better to hear from someone who is doing this now and how they think the ST performs. For me it won't be an issue because my ST sits on the ground and is raised up to the level of my hitting surface.

[DirtyGarry24]

Ok. I'm interested in hearing about this. Could change some things up because I'd rather not have to machine leveling feet as that is expensive vs. purchasing off the shelf.

[Brandon]

Count me in for one too. I think the alignment feature may more trouble than it's worth also.

[DirtyGarry24]

I've added you to the list branover.

[Brandon]

Thanks, great concept and I'd like to see it come to fruition.
Brandon

[N54TT]

For what it's worth...the plastic skytrak case can be adjusted from surface level to about 2 1/4". My personal preference would be max height of at least 2 1/2". The 2 1/4 is just barely tall enough to make it level with my fiberbuilt mat system...and that's with just a few threads screwed in, making it a bit wobbly.

BTW in case I haven't mentioned it...put me on the list. Definitely interested. More so for the kids and others.

[DirtyGarry24]

Good deal N54TT. You've been added to the list. I've got it noted about the adjustment height. I believe wbond suggested 3", so that is what I'm going to try and do.

[DirtyGarry24]

Thanks to a recommendation from CintiGolfer, I may have a solution for shock dampening. I'm getting with their engineers to see if they can provide an affordable solution. Fist bump for CintiGolfer!

[DirtyGarry24]

Hey guys, I talked to the company that was recommended for shock dampening and they confirmed what I suspected. With the hard mounting thru pins and screws, their products will have little impact in lessening the shock being transferred to the ST box.

I stand firm that the need for hard mounting the box to the case is a must to ensure proper camera to window alignment. Others may disagree.