July 26, 2021 Team PlayBetter

SkyTrak Golf Launch Monitor and Simulator FAQ

Golfers playing on the SkyTrak home golf simulator in a garage

Everything You Want to Know About the SkyTrak Launch Monitor and Golf Simulator!

Why did we create this hefty SkyTrak golf launch monitor and simulator FAQ? Because it's a big investment in golf technology with a lot to wrap you head around. And whether you've already pulled the trigger or you're thinking about purchasing a SkyTrak system, you are bound to have questions. From setup to data to features to indoor vs outdoor to simulator software and so on—fill in the gaps with this SkyTrak FAQ and get on with having fun and playing better golf with one of the best golf launch monitors and simulators around!

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SHOP THE SKYTRAK GOLF LAUNCH MONITOR AND SIMULATOR ON THE PLAYBETTER GOLF STORE

Golfers using the SkyTrak launch monitor at the range

SkyTrak Unit and Setup Questions

What's in the SkyTrak box?

- SkyTrak Launch Monitor
- USB Cable
- Wall Charger
- User Guide
- Software (via download)

What are the parts to the SkyTrak unit?

Laser: Provides a red dot so you know exactly where to put the ball during use.
Optics Lens: Reads your golf shot using photometric (camera-based) technology.
Ready LED: Displays a green light when ready for shot.
Wi-Fi LED: Lights up when Wi-Fi is successfully connected.
Power LED: Displays a light when power is on.
Power Button: The power switch for turning your SkyTrak Launch Monitor on and off.
USB Port: Offers easy connection to your device for Wi-Fi connection.

What are the steps for setting up my SkyTrak?

You can set up SkyTrak in just 4 steps!

1. Charge your SkyTrak

Connect the Micro-USB charging cable to the charging port on the side of the SkyTrak; the bottom LED light will illuminate yellow indicating the unit is charging. Make sure to charge your SkyTrak for at least 6 hours prior to first use.

When the unit is fully charged and ready to operate, the bottom LED light will turn off.

SkyTrak's Lithium-Polymer rechargeable battery can operate for up to 5 hours after being fully charged.
It's a good idea to keep your SkyTrak unit charged. Fully draining it can reduce the long-term life of the battery.
Three red LED lights indicates that the battery is critically low and should be charged immediately.
The SkyTrak may be connected to a PC via full USB to Micro USB cable (Included). This allows the computer to run a constant charge to the unit for all day use.

2. Download the SkyTrak App to Your Device

iOS users—download the free SkyTrak App Software in the Apple App Store
Android users—download the free SkyTrak App in Google Play
PC users—download the SkyTrak PC application here

3. Register your SkyTrak launch monitor

Your new SkyTrak includes a 30-day trial in order to play with your SkyTrak right out of the box. The complimentary trial period gives access to practice sessions and basic settings. After the trial period you will need to complete the registration process and sign up for a SkyTrak membership plan that best suits your needs.

Open the SkyTrak app and sign in with your SkyGolf account username and password. If you do not already have a SkyGolf account, choose the “Create Account” option.
Your SkyTrak will need to be in Network Mode in order to complete the registration.
Select the profile menu from the top right corner.
Select “About.”
Select “Register Device” button.
Select “Yes, Register My Device.
After receiving the message that your device is successfully registered, select done.

Note: Once SkyTrak has been connected with the software on your device, all 3 LED's will turn green and you will see the red laser dot appear on your desired hitting surface.

4. Pair SkyTrak with your Device (iPad or PC)

iPad Users:

You can pair your SkyTrak to your iPad in one of two ways:

1. Through a Direct Wi-Fi connection

Follow the instructions in the SkyTrak software application to pair your iPad directly to SkyTrak via its Wi-Fi signal. Your iPad will NOT have an internet connection when connected like this.

2. Through a Home Network Connection

SkyTrak can use your Wi-Fi home network to pair with your iPad by connecting to your wireless network router, just like your other devices do. The SkyTrak unit will communicate with the software on your iPad through the router. And you will still be able to access to the internet on your iPad.

PC Users:

You can pair SkyTrak with PC in one of three ways:

1. Via a Direct Wi-Fi Connection on PC

Click on the Wi-Fi signal icon on your PC and select SkyTrak from the drop-down menu, click connect.

2. Via a Direct USB Cable Connection

Connect the micro USB cable to the SkyTrak device and a USB port on your PC

3. Via a Home Network Connection

SkyTrak can use your Wi-Fi home network to pair with your PC by connecting to your wireless network router, just like your other devices do. SkyTrak will communicate with the software on your PC through the router. And you'll still have access to the internet on your PC.

What accessories will I need to use my SkyTrak golf launch monitor and simulator?

If hitting inside, you will need a hitting mat and net.

- iOS: You will need to use an iPad Air, iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 2 (with Retina Display), iPad Mini 3, or newer models.
- PC: You will need a PC running Windows 7, 8, or 10, Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.0GHz or higher, 2GB RAM or higher.
- An optional laptop or tablet stand is recommended for convenience.
- Golf simulation add-on requirements vary by provider. See golf simulation plans for details.

What are the requirements to run SkyTrak software?

- SkyTrak for iOS: iPad Air and newer, iPad Mini 2 (with Retina Display) and newer, iPad Pro and iPhone 6 and newer
- SkyTrak for Android: Google Pixel C, Samsung Galaxy Tab S3, Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, Samsung Galaxy S8. In general, we have seen best results with newer Android devices containing Octa-core (or dual quad-core) processors.
- SkyTrak for Windows: Windows 7/8/10, Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.0GHz or higher, 2GB RAM or higher
- Third-party golf simulation software requirements vary by provider

How do I connect my SkyTrak to a projector?

For iPad:

Use a Lightning Digital AV Adapter with HDMI cable to connect your iPad directly to your TV or projector
Use an Apple TV or another AirPlay capable device. On your iPad, open the Control Center and choose AirPlay. Then select Apple TV and the iPad display will be transferred to the TV or Projector

For PC:

Use an HDMI cable to connect from your PC directly to your TV or Projector

How much space do I need to use my SkyTrak golf launch monitor?

These are the recommended minimum unobstructed dimensions for using your SkyTrak:

Ceiling height: Safe ceiling height varies and depends on your physical height and the length of your club.

Length: 10 feet (3,35m)

Width: 10 feet (3,35m)

Where should I place or how do I align my golf ball?

Make sure SkyTrak is raised level with the hitting surface.
Place SkyTrak parallel to your intended line of play. Depending on your set up, this may mean your target is not the center of the net.
Once SkyTrak is properly connected to the app on your mobile device, it will display a red laser dot on your hitting surface. Place a clean, white golf ball on the red dot.
The intended target line should be parallel to the SkyTrak for accurate shot simulation. Recommend using alignment mode to check the target line. Either mark your line of target on the ground or the net you are hitting into.

Tip: Use of alignment sticks/ golf clubs increases the accuracy of intended line of play.

Tip: Being too far above or below the hitting surface can affect consistent shot capture and ball flight data. Recommended laser distance 11 ½” to 12 ½”.

Tip: For optimum spin results, place the ball on the laser dot with some kind of marking on the golf ball, such as its brand logo, facing toward SkyTrak’s lens prior to hitting.

Can I clean the lens on the SkyTrak unit?

SkyTrak uses advanced optics that are located behind its lens. Scratches and dust or other issues that impact the lens quality may interfere with SkyTrak’s operation. Keeping the lens clean and scratch-free will ensure the measurement accuracy and longevity of your SkyTrak system.

Use a clean, damp cotton cloth to clean the lens in a single wipe. Do not use any chemicals to clean the lens.

Is the SkyTrak golf launch monitor and simulator waterproof?

No. Do not let it get wet.

What kind of balls can I use with the SkyTrak launch monitor?

It is recommended that you use a clean, white ball with a logo or a marked line. Set the ball up with the logo or line facing SkyTrak for better spin readings, whether indoors or outside.

What are the dimensions of the SkyTrak unit?

Dimensions: 5.75in L x 6.75in H x 2.5in W

How much does the SkyTrak unit weigh?

Weight – 1.7lbs

What kind of golf mat and net should I use with my SkyTrak golf launch monitor?

It is strongly recommended that you hit off of a mat or hitting area that is meant for golf. If you intend to use a net, use a durable net that is designed to handle the speeds of full speed golf shots.

Can I get a protective case for my SkyTrak golf launch monitor and simulator?

Yes! In fact, it is recommended that you buy a SkyTrak Protective Case for your SkyTrak unit.

The SkyTrak golf launch monitor and simulator unit

SHOP THE SKYTRAK LAUNCH MONITOR ON THE PLAYBETTER GOLF STORE

Using the SkyTrak Golf Launch Monitor Features

What technology does the SkyTrak golf launch monitor use?

The SkyTrak is a camera-based, or photometric, launch monitor. (Most are either camera-based Doppler-based.) Using photometric technology, SkyTrak captures high-speed images of the ball immediately after impact. The images captured are used to measure parameters necessary to render shot shape and carry distance.

How accurate is the SkyTrak launch monitor?

SkyTrak’s accuracy has been proven against the leading commercial launch monitors with excellent results for all 5 measured data parameters. SkyTrak ball flight model has been tested thoroughly through robot and human hit testing for measured carry/total and offline distances and again the results are very comparable to other leading launch monitors. SkyTrak ball flight is not affected by atmospheric elements like wind (unless selected in settings) as compared to other monitors outdoors, so there could be some slight differences based on different flight models and variables that would affect the final distance and yards offline. SkyTrak is extremely accurate and provides a realistic depiction of actual ball flight within close proximity to other leading launch monitors and real world results.

What launch data parameters are measured?

SkyTrak measures:

- Ball Speed
- Launch angle
- Back Spin
- Side Spin
- Side Angle

With this data, SkyTrak software is also able to accurately provide:

- Carry/Total Distance
- Offline
- Roll
- Flight path
- Club Head Speed
- Angle of Descent

How can I use the SkyTrak to improve my game?

SkyTrak provides the ability to see your shot data and track your progress over time. By understanding how your swing produces different ball data and ball flights, golfers can see how making swing changes or practicing various shots affects results. It is this feedback (positive or negative) that is necessary for improvement.

What features does the SkyTrak launch monitor have?

Driving Range—hit and view live shots
Multi-Color Shot Tracers—separates different clubs by unique shot-tracer color, allowing you to easily see shot dispersions with different clubs
Numeric Display—option to view session data as a numeric table
Competitions—long drive and closest to the pin contests
Session History—lets you save and review past sessions
Environmental Control—allows you to change environmental factors such as elevation or temperature
Club Compare—a club fitting assessment to help compare two clubs
Skills Assessment—a variety of skills tests to help benchmark performance
Bag Mapping—an assessment to help dial in your distances and discover poor club gaps in your bag
Wedge Matrix—an assessment to help dial in your wedge distances and half swings
Golf Simulation—the ability to integrate with golf simulation software

How should SkyTrak be used outside?

We recommend hitting off a mat designed specifically for golf. Place the ball or the base of the tee on the red dot projected by the laser. If a mat is not available, we suggest hitting off a tee from the grass. Irons and wedges hit directly off the grass create dirt and grass particles from the divots that can make for inconsistent shot capture. Avoid direct sunlight into the system during use. Direct sun into the optic lens of SkyTrak can create problems for consistent shot capture. If available, please hit from a covered area . Use a clean, white ball with a logo or a marked line. Set the ball up with the logo or line facing SkyTrak for better spin readings, whether indoors or outside.

Will direct sunlight affect my SkyTrack unit?

SkyTrak performs well in overhead sun. Avoid direct sunlight into the system during use. Direct sun into the optic lens of SkyTrak can create problems for consistent shot capture. If available, please hit from a covered area.

How should the SkyTrak be placed on the hitting surface?

Make sure SkyTrak is positioned on the hitting surface or at the same height as the hitting surface. Make sure the unit is as level as possible.

How much space do I need to set up a Skytrak indoors?

Technically, as long as you have enough room to safely swing a golf club, you have enough room to use your SkyTrak system. This is an advantage over some other professional devices that require more space.

An open space that is about 10 feet wide and 9 feet high is recommended.

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SkyTrak Home Golf Simulator FAQs

Can I play actual golf courses on SkyTrak?

Yes. In addition to the practice and game improvement system, SkyTrak has partnered with some of the leading golf game developers in the industry to provide you with a realistic golf simulation experience.

Currently, SkyTrak offers these simulation plans for iOS:

TrueGolf E6 Connect
WGT Golf

And the following simulation plans for PC:

The Golf Club 2019
TrueGolf E6 Connect
Creative Golf
Fitness Golf
ProTee Play

What is the lowest cost option for SkyTrak simulator software?

If you have an iPad and don't need multi-player, WGT is only $199/year. If you have a PC, E6 Connect is $299/year. TGC 2019 is a better value for PC if you pay the one-time payment of $895. Otherwise, it is $479/year.

What is the best simulation software for the SkyTrak?

The top 3 are:

WGT (iPad only)—$199/year
E6 Connect (iPad and PC)—$299/year or $2500 one-time payment
TGC 2019 (PC)—$479/year or $879 one-time payment

What are the pros/cons of WGT?

WGT pros:

provide helpful game-play settings such as multiple tee boxes, pin locations, green speeds, and wind conditions
driving range
closest to the pin challenges
lowest cost

WGT cons:

iPad only compatible
not multiplayer
no extra game/skill challenges

What are the pros/cons of E6 Connect with SkyTrak?

E6 Connect pros:

most game modes
multiple game play formats
multiplayer

Cons:

not as many courses as TGC 2019

What are the pros/cons of TGC 2019?

TGC 2019 pros:

design your own course
online events
large course library
multiplayer

TGC cons:

no mini-games
PC compatible only

How many courses do you get with WGT on SkyTrak?

WGT has the least amount of courses, 18. But they are some of the best, including Pebble Beach, Olympic Club, St. Andrews, Bethpage Black, Pinehurst #2, and Chambers Bay.