SkyCaddie Adding Three New Models
Posted October 9th, 2006 by Jack Waddell
The current most popular GPS-based rangefinder is growing into a full-fledged product line to give golfers more choices in price, capability, and size.
As a SkyCaddie owner and user this season, I've come to both love and hate my little black box and all that goes with it. Based on my own experience, the detailed review Erik did on the device back in May 2005 is dead on. It's great, but not without its frustrations.
Some of the niggles that irk me are being addressed as SkyGolf makes a big leap forward introducing not one, but three new models. The result is a product lineup with a lot more options and a lot more affordable range of prices.
The new models won't be officially launched until the PGA Merchandise Show in January. However, SkyGolf will begin shipping limited quantities to retailers around November 1, presumably to take advantage of some holiday sales. So here's an exclusive first look at what's in store…
The SG1
Ever wonder why SkyGolf's first product was labeled a "2"? Neither did I. But now we know because the company has filled in the missing model number with the SG1. It's basically a dumbed-down version of the original SG2. Think of it as "SkyCaddie Lite."
The SG1 is identical in appearance to the SG2, except that it's grey instead of black. It thus shares all the same hardware attributes like the display, battery, and belt clip.
There is one hardware difference and it's a definite plus. The SG1 will come standard with a USB cable to connect to your computer instead of that archaic serial cable that shipped with the early batches of SkyCaddies.
But what truly makes it different is the software. Instead of being able to display all the yardage options available on courses that have been professionally mapped, the SG1 will only reveal yardage to the front, center and back of the green.
The trade off is price. SkyGolf's entry-level unit will launch with a suggested retail price of $249.95 and a MAP (minimum advertised price) of $229.95. At discount, that's about $120 less than the original price for the SG2.
The new pricing scheme is going to impact the original SG2. The price is likely to drop from its current $349.95 to a MAP of $279.95 after November 1. Strangely, though, it looks like it's still going to carry a MSRP of $349.95.
The SG3 and SG4
The SG3 and SG4 represent a total redesign of the SkyCaddie. Both feature a larger screen that will show more targets and menu items in four levels of grey at 122x160 resolution. The screen is supposed to be easier to see in bright sunshine and will include a backlight for low-light conditions.
SkyGolf has also added a couple of new buttons. One is a "help" button to provide additional information on a screen or feature. The other is an "info" button that will display more data on a course or hole. And both are fully functional to display all available yardage data.
The biggest improvement I see, however, is the case itself. While bigger than the original SG2 (3.5" x 2.2" x 1.1" vs. 4.7" x 2.2" x 1.3"), it's advertised as impact-resistant and water-resistant. That's a huge plus as you'll no longer have to pop for their $24.99 waterproof case or fuss with a Ziplock bag as I do.
Both new units also will come with USB drivers on a CD as well as a USB cable that will plug into a water-resistant USB connector on the case.
Another improvement is the battery scheme, and this is what begins to differentiate the SG3 from the SG4.
The SG3 (solid black, to oppose the silver/grey color scheme of the SG4) is powered by two AA batteries that are supposed to last up to 12 hours instead of the 10 listed for the SG1 and SG2. This might be handy if you travel a lot since you won't have to lug around a charger. Plus you can always reload batteries during a round if the power dies.
The SG4, on the other hand, comes with a built-in lithium-ion battery also good for up to about 12 hours after a full charge.
While all four models have enough memory to hold 10 courses at a time, the SG4 has an SD card slot so you can boost the memory to a degree that would presumably allow you to carry around as many courses as you want.
I'm guessing that because they're bigger and heavier (4.8 ounces vs. 5.8 and 5.4), SkyGolf has chosen to make a belt clip an optional accessory.
As you might expect, these two new models are going to be pricier. The SG3 will carry a MSRP of $329 and a MAP of $299.95. The SG4 will go at a MSRP of $379.95 and a MAP of $349.95.
In the End…
Once the USGA approved use of distance measuring devices subject to a local rule permitting them, it seems the golfing world immediately divided itself into two warring camps pitting laser users against GPS users.
While I find my SkyCaddie more than adequate for my needs, I can appreciate the several advantages laser range finders deliver. Still, three or four times this season I played with different range finder users who, by the end of the round, gave up on their device and were using my SkyCaddie.
Hopefully, we'll have detailed review of these new units in the future. But in the meantime, we can also hope that this new product line will mean the end of that annoying and over-used Peter Jacobsen/Natalie Gulbis infomercial.
When these products hit, you can find them at Edwin Watts.
Feedback
We'd love to hear from you! Comment below or join our forum.
Posted 09 Oct 2006 at 9:38am #
these look really cool... I used to play with the PDA (PalmPilot) version of the SkyCaddy and my only problem with them is the courses maps availability. Further their process of posting GPS maps is quite long - I created a GPS map for my home course and I didn't see it posted on their website even 2 months later.It's been couple of years, I'm sure there are more maps out there - but I don't think I'll spend $400 to find out
Posted 09 Oct 2006 at 1:41pm #
Sky Caddie is rediculas, ...the idea that it speeds up the game is false. There are no redeeming qualities about this type of device. So boo to the USGA for selling out to allow this moronic tool onto the golf course. Even the GPS in golf carts are an abomination to the game of golf.
No wonder the Euros beat us in the Ryder Cup. They understand the spirit of the game. We think if you throw enough money and technology at a situation, we will conquer. Let's ask the Yankees how that's working for them.
Walk when you play get out of the cart and be the ball.
hitt'em straight,
b.
Posted 09 Oct 2006 at 7:52pm #
Brad, I think you've offered a short-sighted opinion with no solid foundation. "Walk when you play get out of the cart and be the ball?"
I walk when I play. I have a laser range finder. It's both faster and more accurate than pacing off yardages.
Range finders have nothing to do with the Ryder Cup. Don't be silly.
Posted 10 Oct 2006 at 12:22am #
Well yes Erik, I guess you can call hundreds of years of solid golf history lacking foundation. But perhaps your silly little laser range finder isn't really in the best intrest of the game. You may be the guy who also has a ball retriever, a chipper club, and brush tees for all I know. Conspicuous consumerism has always been a part of golf. Allowing the game to be compromised, so that companies can make a few bucks is unacceptable. I absolutly abhore the USGA's ruling to allow these devices. There was no reason to do this except for somebody to cash in.
As to the referance to the Ryder Cup, you know what I mean, so don't you be silly.
b.
Posted 10 Oct 2006 at 6:55am #
Brad, hundreds of years of solid golf history don't apply to your case (and not just for the simple reason that the USGA hasn't existed for "hundreds" of years). And as a low single digit handicapper, it would be a safe guess to vote "no" on the chipper, ball retriever, and brush tees.
You may believe the USGA is caving to consumerism, but that's a baseless opinion having nothing to do with "history." They allowed the rule change because pros have yardages marked, because almost every course has yardages marked, because for $5 I can buy a yardage book, and because yardage is a matter of "public information" on the golf course. It's information that doesn't count as "advice" and that everyone can get… but which often takes a great deal of time to get (by pacing it off).
Range finders were always legal for handicap play. I used mine last year before they were put under the purvey of "local rules," and was within the rules to do so. Markets operate by supply and demand. Companies can't "make a buck" if they didn't sell products, and they wouldn't sell products if people didn't buy them. Companies were "making a buck" on range finders before it was put under "local rules" and they'll make bucks after.
And as I said, my range finder helps me play more quickly. One would hope that speeding up play is something you support.
As for what I abhor, bad spelling is right up there…
Posted 10 Oct 2006 at 12:07pm #
Erik, it's obvious you are a little sensitive about the issue of changeing rules around to whore out golf -- Whitch you seem to spuprot. But your "baseless" assumption that I suggested the USAG has been around hundreds of years, shows you feel threatened by my oppinion. In that case lets just agree we disagree.
And as for spilling, ...who gives a carp?
b.
Posted 24 Oct 2006 at 9:51pm #
I really like the sureshotGPS device as it has a color screen and is really clever - how many people these days have a Black & White Screen. Its much easier to read and allows me to improve my game of golf..have a look http://www.sureshotgps.com ..thanks Gina
Posted 10 Nov 2006 at 11:00pm #
It's pretty clear good old Brad is just that - one of the good old boys. Probably still playing rusted 30-year old blades and whining about the kids who are knocking it 100 yards past him off the tee. Some people just hate progress, period.
Making yardage information available via GPS or laser devices is just plain common sense. It requires very little thought to understand how it speeds up play, but such consideration is something some people are incapable of. Fortunately the USGA is governed by more intelligent types (most of the time :)).
Anyway, back to reality - I have been using the SG2 for quite a while now and used the PDA model before that. I found the switch over to the SG2 to be a very nice upgrade and I'm hoping the SG4 will deliver some more improvements. I'm looking forward to some more detailed reviews before pulling the trigger.
Posted 15 Nov 2006 at 2:57pm #
Gosh why the product bashing? We come here to find great reviews on the latest and greatest in golf. If you're not looking for something new then why make a fuss about it.
After all, golf is a target game that requires accurate shots to targets hundreds of yards away. For us weekend guys we have only guesswork to determine yardage. The pros have had accurate yardage for years and would never give it up. Why shouldn't we get the same advantage. I think the whole GPS idea is wonderful. I can't wait to get my hands on one... once the price goes down.
Posted 17 Nov 2006 at 11:30pm #
Skygolf has just launched their updated website with lots more info about these new models. Fortunately they are also offering an accessory I was hoping for - a conversion kit for the SG2 cartmount so I can use it with the SG4. There is a downloadable user guide on the new website for the new models which gives more details about the new features. After a quick scan the items that jumped out for me were the ability to tell the SG4 when to display targets versus the intelligreen graphics - ie. how far from the green to switch over to intelligreen automatically. Very useful. There are also multiple different ways to display the target lists which is another nice upgrade from the SG2 target list. There are other good changes in there too - I'm sold ! Anyone want a used SG2 ??
Posted 05 Jan 2007 at 9:59pm #
hello, anyone with the SG3 or SG4, can you tell me what color the backlight is? from pictures, i see a green backlight which is alright. but someone had a SG3 and the backlight was an ugly orange color. are all of the backlights orange? or is it green?
Posted 07 Jan 2007 at 8:42pm #
Hi. Lots of posts on other websites about hardware/software problems with the Sky Caddie 2, anyone here having any hardware or software issues? Do these problems seem to be resolved by the newer Sky Caddie 3 and 4? Did you find customer support useful or poor?
Posted 09 Jan 2007 at 10:44pm #
Brad,
I agree totally with you, why I can't believe that we have allowed the total abomination of all that is right to change to all that is wrong with golf! Why the idea that we should allow technology to invade our lives is preposterous! I wish I could find a real leather grip and a sleeve of club specials! But what I really want is for someone to let me know where I can find steel spikes! Mine are worn to the leather!
Posted 23 Jan 2007 at 2:00am #
The SG-4 back light is Orange the normal display is green with black lettering/graphics. I never use the backlight under normal playing conditions. Hope that helped!
Posted 31 Jan 2007 at 9:50pm #
It's funny how some people think that they are traditionalists when it comes to the game of golf. You might agree or disagree with Brad but have a look in your own golf bag. Do you see any hickory shafted clubs or a feather stuffed golf ball???
As a member of the PGA myself, I have seen first hand some of these devices help to improve with the speed of play.
Posted 04 Feb 2007 at 7:43pm #
Geez I play cart golf. I do not have an option of asking my caddie for the yardage. Although all the tour pro's always confer with their caddies, they must not be playing the true game of golf because they are getting information that is a guess from a person and not a guess from a machine. I do not want to wander around looking for a yardage marker than counting off the steps. If you want to stay living in the past and not using new tools that are available that is up to you, don't buy it. The game of golf is played for enjoyment. To tell me or anyone what we are doing lacks the sprit of the game is ludicrous. The evolution of human intelligence is based on using tools. This is a tool. I know that a GPS unit allows me to select my club faster than looking around for yard markers or indicators. I like everyone else have watched people walk back and forth counting yardage from markers. Golf and life are full of choices. I choose to ride a cart, use Gps, hit a 460cc driver, use a 4 piece ball, and embrace technology and to enjoy the age/ era I was born in and not live in the past. The good ole days are behind us were they belong. Start moving forward and embrace change as the USGA and PGA try to grow the game of golf.
Oh and my Sg4 works great in Europe.
The sprit of Golf is what we make it.
Tools and technology are a choice we all must make.
I choose to use the tools at my disposal.
Such as spell checking.
rediculas, intrest ,absolutly, abhore, referance ,changeing ,Whitch , spuprot,oppinion. spilling
I do not know what the USAG has to do with golf? What do gymnasts have to do with a Gps rangefinder?
Intelligence is using the tools we have available.
I give a crap at how words are spelled. Lacking the basic skills in communication by not being able to spell is probably why the Euros beat us. Nope, I read it right here that it was them damn handicappers who don't have caddies and didn't play in the Ryder cup that made the USA lose the Ryder. Nope, it was because the Yankees didn't play in the Ryder cup, Yep that’s what it was. If the Yankees had played in the Ryder cup things would have been different.
One way to live in the past is to be buried.
Posted 05 Feb 2007 at 9:29pm #
Good shot Glenn, right down the middle!
Posted 12 Feb 2007 at 8:43pm #
Do not buy the SG4, Sky Caddie is advertising the feature that allows you to use an SD card for more memory. This is completely false and untrue. I talked to Sky Caddie after purchasing my SG4 on how to make the memory work. they do not have the software written and have no date as to when it will be ready. I plan to purchase another manufactures product becuase thes guys are false advertising.
American manufacturing at its finest....not!!!!!
Posted 27 Feb 2007 at 7:11pm #
Joe said on January 5, 2007:
To answer the question above:
It is Orange. Not Green.
Also:
I just got my SG4 and the battery will not charge. customer service will ship me a new battery to see if that is the case.
Posted 09 Mar 2007 at 10:09pm #
Choker said on February 12, 2007:
Choker,
What other product/products are you considering to buy and how do they compare.
Posted 10 Mar 2007 at 1:40pm #
It's people like Brad that create minds like that of the Unabomber! Haha! Bunch of morons!
TECHNOLOGY RULES!!!
Posted 12 Mar 2007 at 10:45pm #
Choker,
I have the SG 4 and have also talked with their customer service about the SD slot. The fact that you can store 10 courses at a time is very nice. How may courses can you possibly play in a week? Did you know that by going back to the website you can keep your software up to date, not to mention get the latest course updates. With any new technology there will be features that you may have to wait on. I hope you buy VISTA for your PC! HA!
Try working on your game.
Posted 28 Mar 2007 at 6:52pm #
I play in the Hudson Valley, State of New York. Played Mansion Ridge today, March 28th, and it was very playable! I'm a 9, and there were alot of places I was in that I had no idea how far, not only from the green, but from the the pin I was today. Of course we were playing cart path only, which only made the problem worse. The markings are horrible for a Jack Nicklaus Signature course, but still a great test of golf. I decided I must have a Sky Caddie, to spend some of my tax return. Which model would best suit my needs? The posts I have read here are not helping. I thought that GOLFERS, might have some insight to help me in the choice. Are these things worth the money? Are they accurate? Do they help your score? Which model is best? Seems like everyone just wants to bash each other instead of help each other. I don't want to debate the spirit of the game, tech or no, etc., just want real opinions on the subject. Thanks.
Posted 28 Mar 2007 at 8:36pm #
John,
I have the original SG2. I played yesterday at my home course with two guys who weren't that familiar with the layout. I caddied (yardages) for both during the round. One guy, in particular, said it saved him strokes.
On the plus side, it works. The yardages, even those entered by owners, are accurate enough. Even better than those on sprinklers at the site. It works at its most basic level.
On the down side, working with the interface to download courses to use is a hassle. Maybe it's because I'm on a Mac running Virtual PC, but, still, I find their web-based interface a pain.
Were I to do it again, I would. But I would buy the cheapest version available. And I would anticipate frustration downloading courses. Will it work in the Hudson Valley? Absolutely. But if you make the jump, understand the gain comes with a little pain.
Posted 28 Mar 2007 at 9:53pm #
John,
We did a comparison of the SG3 and SG2. I have the SG3, a good friend has the SG2. We have compared the two side by side. The distances given are identical. Here in rainy Seattle, he plays with the SG2 in a baggy. The water resistant SG3 has had no problems in light-moderate rain. The graphics on screen of the SG3 are more entertaining than the pure text of the SG2, but the data is the same. I keep a spare set of AA batteries in my bag, his SG2 ran out of juice during the second round of a weekend. I tend to use rechargeables, he likes the idea of a second rechargeable battery from SkyCaddie. The cost is cheaper for the SG2, the data given is the same, but I think the weather resistance is important. Whichever you choose, you'll be happy with. My friend is now buying an SG3. I don't know how dialed in your short game is, but knowing the difference between a 60 yard pitch shot and a 45 yard pitch shot has helped me quite a bit in my scores. Ijust wish there was a way SkyCaddie could give you the distance to the pin, and not just front, middle, and back. The laser rangefinders are better in this respect, but useless if you can't see the pin. Hope this helps.
Posted 11 Apr 2007 at 11:00pm #
I've just purchased an SG4. I know the SD slot is unable to work at this time but does anyone know where it is located on the unit. I looked and looked and find no slot.
Posted 13 Apr 2007 at 12:53am #
Played my first round with my SG2 yesterday, on a 1 star rated course, and found I loved it! My partner and my opponents found it very helpful as well. By the way, I, (we) won $13.00!!! Not bad for a 2-2-4 nausau with dollar junks. Shot a 2 birdie 78 with the help of my Sky Caddie. Can't wait to play a 4 star course and see the other features. I am very pleased with the product, and found it very easy to use, even the course downloads, and I am not a computer geek. I encourage anyone who thinks they might want one to pull the triggger and do it. It was especially helpful if you get out of position with no line of sight to the pin. You still have to guess the line, but knowing the yardage is better than guessing both! Hit em' straight and long...........
Posted 13 Apr 2007 at 11:53am #
Bud said on April 11, 2007:
Look under the battery. there is a little cover, and on the end of that push gently and it flips open. that's where it goes.
Posted 13 Apr 2007 at 11:57am #
John Straw said on April 13, 2007:
I played a 3 star course (on my SG4) and the next time I downloaded another course it told me there was an update available for my previous course, since it recently chagned to a 4 star mapping. cool! Now I can't keep my friends from looking in my cart before each shot - get away people! buy your own!
Posted 21 Apr 2007 at 7:04pm #
Posted 22 Apr 2007 at 10:17am #
have owned the sg4 since xmas 2006. The unit is a must have but it has battery issues. I only use it about twice a week and now I can't charge it. I have contacted customer service and I hope I don't have the horrible experience with them that I have heard about
Posted 02 May 2007 at 12:22pm #
Very laughable...so Brad you are saying the use of a caddie is rediculous....its the same thing...the only thing I see is your "rediculas" (sic) comment.
Posted 04 May 2007 at 1:11am #
Has anyone experienced a problem where the SG4 will not connect to the website because the modem drivers fail to load? It is happening on a Dell laptop and I read a thread last month on another site where a person complained that they had the same problem on their IBM Thinkpad.
Thanks,
CRM
Posted 09 May 2007 at 12:15pm #
Posted 14 May 2007 at 9:14pm #
Skygolf says they are Vista ready. Has anyone downloaded the software and if so from which site?
Posted 17 May 2007 at 8:59pm #
Choker said on February 12, 2007:
I'm glad someone other than me realize that this was false avertisment with the sg4 sd card slot, and once you get the membership with the unit you cann't transpher it the sg3 if you trade it in because of the false avertisement.
Posted 18 May 2007 at 12:16am #
Posted 18 May 2007 at 12:18am #
Oops. My apologies to the group for answering my own problem. The laughs on me. Anyway, that ws my experience and maybe it will be helpful to someone else down the road
Posted 03 Jun 2007 at 2:04pm #
Looking for upgraded software to be able to preprogram the unit before play starts for all 18 Pin Placements by whole prior to teeing off. Then would not have to make adjustmnets when on the course.
Should be simple routine to preprogram, but product development is playing with this issue.
Need anyoner maifacturer to make the change and then all will jump to the change.
- end -
Posted 11 Jun 2007 at 2:02pm #
I have a Windows Vista Operating System. Today is 6/11/2007 and I just downloaded the most current version of the skycaddie software. My skycaddie unit (an SG3) would not connect. I don't care what the Sky Golf people are saying. They still do not have compatable software for the Windows Vista OS.
Posted 11 Jun 2007 at 5:55pm #
Has anyone experienced any obvious inaccurate yardage readings from any model sky caddie? A friend of mine told me he was 50 yards from the green, and it was telling him he was over a 100. Is that possible? Could it be a low battery?
I'm stuck between buying the pinseeker 1500 range finders for $400 (yardage to the pin, 9 volt battery that last a long time, no recharging, no downloads, no annaul fee AND useful at the range), or the SG3 (AA batteries, never run out if you keep extras in the bag) or SG4 (lithium, which can run out on the course). It would be ideal to have both, but I can't afford that. I know Sky Caddie yardages are quicker, and if you're way left or right, and have trees blocking you, you can still get a yardage, which you can't with the range finders if you can't see the flag. I'm in need of suggestions. HELP HELP HELP
Posted 11 Jun 2007 at 8:59pm #
Had I, as a Sky Caddie owner, to do it over, I would opt for a different GPS device or a range finder like the Bushnell. SkyGolf, the parent of Sky Caddie doesn't get it. The device is wonderful, although not as wonderful as a Garmin GPS unit. What sucks appears to be the company. The interface you are forced to use is, even by Windows standards, abysmal. It just sucks.
They've spent so much money on Peter Jacobsen and Natalie Gulbis infomercials they apparently had nothing left to spend on software/internet development.
It appears to me like they are a company in serious cash flow problems. The cost to add an extra state to your membership level has doubled from $5 to $10. Their business model seems focused on not so much selling the units at an outrageous price (which they're doing), but also locking in owners for a continuing yearly subscription.
This company was supposed to make a formal presentation to the Metropolitan (New York) Golf Writers Association a few weeks ago. They bailed. They claimed "management restructuring" or something like that. Jeesh. I hope so.
Here's my official take: It works on courses that have been well mapped. But that's not every course they have in their database. If you are a skilled and patient Windows user, you have a chance at navigating their obtuse web site. Otherwise, prepare for pain.
It's a great idea that works most of the time on the courses they have listed. But it's my opinion somebody else is going to do it better. I wish I'd have bought a Bushnell.
Posted 11 Jun 2007 at 9:40pm #
I was hoping to get some real help from this site. I am probably bent on getting a SkyCaddie, although it appears that all is not wonderful with the device and the company.
I have a question about the SG3 and SG4 - is the only real differnce the recharable batteries vs. the replaceable ?
Is there a waterproof advantage to the SG3?
Would appreciate any constructive help...
Thanks
Posted 12 Jun 2007 at 5:54pm #
The only difference between the SG3 and SG4 is the battery. Unless you like to buy batteries every other round, and travel all over the place without an outlet, get the SG4 so you can re-charge in the hotel room at night. It's not a big deal. As for the waterproof - neither are "submersable" they are water "resistant" but I'd keep it out of the rain. some people use a ziploc bag over it, but eh - for $350 use it when it's not raining.
And the detachable cart clip is a must. Just keep an eye on it!
and you can take out when you go on the green in case you don't trust anyone "playing through" and taking your new toy!
Posted 18 Jun 2007 at 1:31am #
Anyone used one or can comapre it to skycaddie?
Posted 18 Jun 2007 at 12:26pm #
Has anyone been able to connect using the Windows Vista OS. I have a GS3 and really like it, but I just got a new laptop with Windows Vista and the Direct Connect option says it cannot connect to my unit. Anyone else having the same problem?
Posted 21 Jun 2007 at 6:05pm #
Got mine working on Vista today. I have the SG4. You need some new software, see below for the support mail I received and for the link. It asked me 5 or 6 times to install if I trusted the software, jsut keep saying yes or install.
IN addition, in the device manager it listed the sky caddie as invalid drivers. So you have to right-click on the sky caddie in device manager and choose update drivers... From here browse to the folder C:\Program Files\SkyGolf\SkyCaddie Desktop\Drivers, then hit next. It will install the drivers although there is no folder for Vista. After I did this it moved the sky caddie up into the modem section in the device manager and no londer has the warning icon on it.
From here, I just logged in to the site, no rebooting, and downloaded my courses. If you have issues call tech support.
Support mail:
SkyGolf is pleased to inform you that we now offer Vista Support! We have launched a new WebSite and you will be prompted to download the new desktop as you Direct Connect. The layout is slightly different but the majority of what you are used to seeing is the same.
If you have any problems, please complete the following instructions.
Type in this link in order to download the drivers properly:
skygolfgps.com/software/SkyCaddie Drivers Setup.exe
For more assistance, please contact us via the support request form on our WebSite or by phone @ 1-866-759-4653 between the hours of 7 AM-7 PM CST,Monday through Friday and 10am- 3 pm on Saturday.
Posted 24 Jun 2007 at 10:32am #
I just purchased the SG4 yesterday afternoon (6/23/07). I had absolutely no problem installing the drivers and connecting the website on my Vista machine. One thing to note is that you must install the software before connecting the device to your computer. If you connect the device before the drivers are installed on your computer, then you may end up with problems trying to get the right driver working.
I don't know about upgrading the software from previous "non-vista" versions but as for a fresh install, as long as you follow the directions, you should have no trouble with Vista.
Posted 27 Jun 2007 at 11:08am #
I don't know what all the trouble is about the SkyCaddie. I recently purchased the GS-3 and yes some courses aren't in the database, and there is a slight problem with downloading courses, and yes it was slightly expensive, but it does a great job and it definitely speeds up the pace of play. It also more accurate than the sprinkler heads/yardage markers at most courses. The only drawback is the other three guys in the foursome always asking for yardage. I am a walker and sometimes it is frustrating walking to the other guys ball to give him yardage.
Posted 27 Jun 2007 at 10:36pm #
Hi Bill:
Here's what I do when I'm in a group that wants their yardages given to them. I tell them the yardage from where I am standing, and let them figure it out relative to their distance from me. All yardages are given to the center. Two others in my regular foursome have since bought their own Skycaddies.
Duane
Bill said on June 27, 2007:
Posted 30 Jun 2007 at 11:25am #
Brad Chapman said on October 9, 2006:
I think you are stubborn and don't understand technology. This is the first negative comment I have ever heard and I know many guys using them on the pga tour in practice rounds and don't have anything bad to say about the product. After all, almost every course in the country like the product and is having their course mapped fo the product because the pros like it. The problem you have is that you hve been beat by someone who has the product. If you think that the product gives someone an advantage, then the tour pros have an advantage over you because all the caddies know exactly what the yardage is, even if they don't use a SkyCaddie. Also, you still have to hit the ball straight.
Posted 05 Jul 2007 at 11:06am #
I just purchased the SG4--registered it, downloaded my courses-went to one of them and powered up the unit. It continued searching for a satalite the entire round but never found one. Got home went on line and decided to reset the unit. It says to go to a course and push menu. I did that but I don't get to the menu screen. eamiled SkyCaddie but have not heard back from them
Does anyone know a tech help number you can call? I don't see one on their site.I
Posted 06 Jul 2007 at 3:26pm #
I have a SG3, and a friend has an SG4. My SG3 consistently gives yardages that are five yards shorter than his SG4 on shots 150+ yards out. Another SG4 does the same thing. I compared mine with a friend's Bushnell laser rangefinder, and our yardages match.
Does anyone have any reasons why the units would be different?
Posted 06 Jul 2007 at 7:47pm #
Burt,
If you go to this URL it will open a form that if you complete it and send it to them they will give you an toll free number to call for assistance. I haven't actually tried it since I haven't had any real issues with my GS-3. Hope this gets you in the right direction.
Bill
Posted 06 Jul 2007 at 7:48pm #
Burt,
Sorry about that. I inavertently hit the wrong key before I could provide the URL. Try this:
http://www.skygolfgps.com/SG_Company_ContactUs_RequestSupport.aspx
Posted 09 Jul 2007 at 10:12pm #
I have an original serial connection SG2 that has served me well for two years, until a week ago. Although the interface (both hardware and software) is challenging, I've eventually, with patience, made it work. Not long after I bought my SG2, I got an aftermarket connector that converted my serial plug to a USB plug and it works great. (I might also add that I use an old Timex Ironman Velcro watchband around the windshield post of my golf cart and then use the belt hook for my SG2 – it’s a heck of a lot cheaper that $70 for their removable mount.) Here’s my issue: a few weeks ago, my GPS started occasionally going blank before I finished my round and I thought maybe I forgot to charge it well enough. Then, last week, I noticed a message on the screen that said “Power Reset Required†– so I did. Then it told me to wait 10 seconds before restarting – so I did. After I turned it back on, the same thing happened again. It happened again the next day so I finally called SkyGolf at their 866-759-4653 toll-free tech support number on Thursday. I talked to Mike who allowed that it was probably a battery issue and he would send me a new one and I would have it by Monday (they still had my old address, but supposedly corrected it). I asked if that was all I needed to do and Mike said yes. Late Friday afternoon, Nicole called and told my wife, she needed to talk to me about my battery. By the time I got home from work and got the message, Nicole was gone and I left a voicemail for her. Monday morning I called Nicole at the number she gave me five times and left two more messages. I finally called the main SkyGolf number and eventually talked to Mark who put me on hold for ten minutes before I hung up. A little later, I called back again and talked to Betsy, who explained to me that I needed to pay for the battery. I told Betsy that I had talked to their agent, Mike, and he had never asked for a credit card number, but if he had, I would have gladly paid. Will they overnight it to me? Only if I pay for it (I have my club championship starting Friday) even though it was their error that they d