FlightScope FAQs

General

A: FlightScope is a 3D Doppler tracking radar for Golf and other sports. It accurately measures the launch and flight of balls and clubs and provides quantitative data about player and equipment performance. A: FlightScope creates a low level electromagnetic field through which the golf ball and the golf club move. The movement creates a disturbance that is detected and processed to extract position and speed data. The measured launch and flight data is sent to a PC program where it is displayed in various views, and stored. Measurements include: ball and clubhead speeds, launch angles, spin, carry distance, smash factor, and more. A: FlightScope is fundamentally different from most other launch monitors because it measures ball speed, position and direction continuously along the ball’s flight path using FlightScope measures what the ball is actually doing, and is much more accurate than camera or light beam methods that take only single launch data points and estimate what the ball will do. This is even important in short flight situations e.g. in a hitting cage. FlightScope is not dependent on ambient lighting conditions (it can work in complete darkness), nor does it create blinding flashes of light. A: FlightScope represents the state of the art in measuring technology for projectiles in flight. It is in a different class to launch-only monitors, and is able to track speeds extremely accurately and determine ball positions to within single yards. A: The best lights to use are solid state or incandescent lighting, or certain halogen types. Fluorescent lights for example can influence Doppler measurements. This can however be effectively screened if it occurs. Consult your FlightScope representative for assistance with lighting problems.

Product Use

A: The sensor is typically placed approx 2.4-3.7 metres (8-12 feet) behind the tee. The ball is hit away from the sensor along its pointing direction. A: FlightScope measures the performance (launch conditions and launch results) of golf shots and provides data to a player or club fitter to make scientifically justified decisions about the right clubs and balls. A: The sensor has been calibrated to be placed or mounted on the floor or ground. To measure accurately, the sensor must be carefully aligned with the tee and the ground. Follow the prescribed setup procedures. A: No. FlightScope is a versatile instrument that can be used both indoors and outdoors (e.g. at a driving range or golf course). A: Typically at least 14 feet of ball flight is required. A: A good practical distance is between 2.4m and 3.7m (8 to 12ft). There is no perfect distance, although best results will be achieved around 3m/10 ft. With the Flightscope X2, there is an auto leveling function. For other Flightscopes: A: In order to get accurate club and ball measurements, always align the sensor mechanically using a measuring tape and a set square so that the distance and pointing direction are accurate. Also adjust the sensor mounting (using additional spacers and props if necessary) to level the sensor (the bubble must be inside the circle). Once this is done, use the software Alignment Wizard to complete the alignment. A: A trained user can set up and align the FlightScope within the time it takes to start up his computer. A base plate (supplied) can be used for permanent marking/installation of the sensor. In such cases the unit is only aligned once, and never again. A: FlightScope measures any ball that is used. Even non-standard balls are measured accurately. To measures the actual flight of every specific ball, making no assumptions about the type or quality of the ball. However, for accurate measurement of ball spin during a short distance indoor shot, it is recommended that a ball be marked with a small metal foil disk/patch. A marked ball enhances the ability of the system to measure spin accurately. A: The actual path of the ball is determined by various factors like spin, lift, drag, aerodynamic coefficient, air pressure, humidity, etc. By measuring the actual ball flight, FlightScope can determine the type of shot (fade, draw, slice, etc.) A: FlightScope discriminates against too low swing speeds, to reject false measurements from other movements in the area. For weak golfers and children who are not able to swing a club powerfully, the system can however be set to “wedge” mode, enabling the detection of shots.

Product Support

A: FlightScope is sold with a standard 12-month warranty on hardware and software. In addition though, you can subscribe to a software license support agreement for a nominal fee, enabling you to receive functional upgrades to your version of the software when they become available. A: Although the FlightScope sensor is sealed and will not suffer ingress of water it is not intended to be used in rain when/if it is powered from a mains electrical supply. For safety reasons power down and cover the system, or move it indoors when it rains. A: FlightScope is a brand name for a range of sports tracking technology products and services, but it is currently well known in the golf market. FlightScope technology is also used in cricket, tennis and other sports. The various sports however use different software, and a system for Golf cannot be used directly for example for Tennis. A: Contact our support team support@golftechnologies.co.nz