Golf GPS Devices and Programs

[Ned]

Went looking for some GPS gadget threads a little while ago and apart from Grunts which had a fair bit of centralised detail, there was a lot spread over a heap of individual threads.


So as a suggestion, have one thread where a document is attached to the OP that is regularly updated with feedback on two areas of GPS's:

Dedicated GPS Devices
Smartphone/PDA gadgets with GPS Capabilities.
Anyone can then post feedback/suggestions/shortcuts/websites etc for either area that everyone can then use to either fix a problem or when looking at buying or upgrading.

Basically a GPS FAQ but answers, no questions.


Dedicated Devices as an example:

SonaCaddie, SkyCaddie, Callaway uPro, IZZO Swami, Garmin Golflogix, Golf Buddy Pro, Bushnell, OnPar Touch Screen, GolfPlanet Mars 100, iGolf Handheld, TOUCHMaster PRO for Golf, QuickRange GPS, GPS Golf Color Guru.

There are a number of models and program versions for the above.

Smartphone/PDA gadgets with GPS Capabilities.

iPhone, GolfLogix, FreeCaddie, MasterGolfGPS, GPS-Caddy, Pocket Golf Pro, GolfTraxx, GolfPS, Pocket Caddie, IntelliGolf, iGolfScorer, Caddy Aid PDA, GreenFinder.

There are a number of program versions for the above.

Anyway what say you all ?

[AndyP]

Any what say you all ?
Good luck.

[Grunt]

I like intelligolf.

[markTHEblake]

i have been doing some accuracy experiments with mine. Not too impressed so far.
Does anyone know if there are any guaranteed and published way points that we could use to check accuracy? ie stand on the exact spot and see what coordinates you get.

I know i can use google earth to identify a landmark, but their laying of photos is not necessarily accurate enough.

[henno]

Why not stand on a front pin location, plot it, then walk to a sprinker head and check the distance? Or take one of those rolley-measuring thingers to get a distance from the plotted point.

[adlo]

Or get a guy with a rangefinder to help you.

[markTHEblake]

Why not stand on a front pin location, plot it, then walk to a sprinker head and check the distance?


Or get a guy with a rangefinder to help you.

neither can tell you if the GPS has given a correct coordinate

[mike]

Ned, what's with the weird font?

My igolf was 40 metres out last week at Paradise Palms.

Whoever plotted and submitted it to igolf must be having a good old laugh.


i have been doing some accuracy experiments with mine. Not too impressed so far.
Mark, which one have you got?

[markTHEblake]

My igolf was 40 metres out last week at Paradise Palms. well thats the issue innit - if yours has only 10m accuracy and so was the guy that plotted it, you could be 20m out. 40 is a lot though.

I tested on one of my greens last night, using intelligolfs map. the muppet had the front and back of the green done fairly accurately but the centre was nowhere near the centre. I plotted his coordinates into google earth, the offsets were pretty much reflected my readings as more accurate

i have one of these babies
http://www.navitek.com.au/bg200.html

[AndyP]

My running GPS watch usually states around +-10m accuracy, sometimes better, sometimes worse. Why are the golf units any different?

[Daves]

My running GPS watch usually states +-10m accuracy. Why are the golf units any different?

Different GPS chips, there are cheap ones and good ones.

[AndyP]

Are you saying mine is cheap?

[markTHEblake]

My running GPS watch usually states around +-10m accuracy, sometimes better, sometimes worse. Why are the golf units any different?

do you use mapmytracks.com?

i am gunna do this for golf one day, just for the fun of it.

[AndyP]

I used to use mapmyrun manually before I got the GPS watch. The watch does the mapping automatically now in the same manner. I could wear it during a round for interest's sake, but it might get a bit annoying on the wrist.

[Ned]

I used to use mapmyrun manually before I got the GPS watch. The watch does the mapping automatically now in the same manner. I could wear it during a round for interest's sake, but it might get a bit annoying on the wrist.

http://www.gizmag.com/go/2583/

[mint]

i dont rate any of them.. nothing is a better judge that pacing it out from the markers

[Hux]

Are you saying mine is cheap?

Not if it is the same as the one I bought the bride for her birthday. Garmin 305CX...all the bells and whistles and not cheap...not even remotely.

So here is something else I know just a little about. GPS in australia uses standard positional fixing to calculate location. IE 3 to triangulate, 4th for which side of the globe essentially. Add in more and you get improved accuracy down to @ 4m. If you add in a differential system you can half that or better.
WAAS gives up to +/- 1m by using a ground based reference point. There are WAAS stations in the USA but not here.

The issue Mike experienced is probably as a result of mapping the course by Google points rather than physically walking the course. We found at the champs that I had the old Pelican Waters file on my Neo whilst Just had the correct version. End result...Nudgee was out by up to 40 metres with it...I was fine as I was in a cart with Just :mrgreen: It is highly likely that the original PW mapping was off Google maps...which is how most OS suppliers do a place in OZ.
The Geo referencing of many electronic maps is not that good - not just Google but some of the NATMAP raster sets and also some early Hema maps I have used.
So ultimately if you play a course frequently you need to remap it yourself to get the correct references. You should then get +/- 4 metres accurancy consistently. If this is a real issue to you then you should be on tour :mrgreen:

[mike]

well thats the issue innit - if yours has only 10m accuracy and so was the guy that plotted it, you could be 20m out. 40 is a lot though.

That was a downloaded file btw.

The ones I've mapped myself (Mareeba, HalfMoonBay,Millaa) are spot on.

[AndyP]

http://www.gizmag.com/go/2583/$1625. Ouch!


Not if it is the same as the one I bought the bride for her birthday. Garmin 305CX...all the bells and whistles and not cheap...not even remotely.405CX? I've got the 310XT, as does Goughy. They are similarly priced.

[markTHEblake]

Ned, you might be interested in this test of several GPS receivers and how they perform. Of most interest to us golfers is the pedestrian test, so i have linked to that first.

http://www.gpspassion.com/fr/articles.asp?id=143&page=5

click on the pics, the Yellow line is actually where he walked, the other calls are the GPS tracks made at the same time.

As I have always understood it, GPS is more accurate when moving fast - like driving, dont know why though, but this review confirms that. In any case i have now found a free Track application, so i am going to map my drive to work tomorrow, shall see how accurate it seems to be.

[Hux]

$1625. Ouch!

405CX? I've got the 310XT, as does Goughy. They are similarly priced.

Yes thats it the 405CX....she is only a wee thing. Small is good for her.

[markTHEblake]

Hux you seem to know what you are talking about...

Do you think that getting an external antenna will improve accuracy, given a scenario where you already get 9-10 birds and no obstructions like on a golf course. I am thinking no, cos its just the nature of the beast?

I put my GPS in the back yard for 15 mins and plotted it. It moved around only a bit- only a little more than a metre, however i did wait until i got 8 before i started. The axis in the pic is pretty much where the unit was.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/5792/gpsl.png

[AndyP]

A couple of weeks ago, I did a few laps around the Botanical Gardens. Here's the GPS mapping on the corner near the Riverstage.

[henno]

It's obviously not getting a great signal behind the building, hence all of the straight lines.

[Veefore]

I have the Upro GPS. I have found it to be pretty good giving readings to within +-2m or so. The Pro Mode maps are excellent and give a very acurate guideline. The basic maps, without the overhead view are still very useable for courses that you know your way around as they give distance to front, middle, back as well as to front and back of all hazards along the way.

I did have a problem with it at Kwinana though being out by about 30m. I should have taken a reading while I was there and notified Upro so that they could correct their maps but was preoccupied and didn't.

Upro say that their maps are done using aerial photos, not Google Maps but that is a lie. The map for Hartfield country club definitely used the Google Maps images.
It is presently very hard to get a course mapped for Australia as the demand in the US is so strong. This is also the reason that the units haven't been officially released here yet. I have about 12 Pro Mode courses on my request list and have done for nearly 6 months and they still haven't been done.

In using the units I have found that I especially find the front/back distance measurements usefull. Generally I can see if the flag is in the back or front portion of the green and if for example the flag is at the back I look at the distance to the back of the green, take a couple of metres off then choose a club that will NOT let me go beyond it. For a front flag I just choose a club that will easily carry the front measurement. I find I rarely use the middle measurment unless I can't see the relative position of the flag.

[solarman]

I use a ruler and 2 tees so I get it exactly right.

[virge666]

Repeat after me...

Bushnell Range Finder, no 2nd guessing, no satellites - just Doppler radar accurate to a single meter. US$200-250 gets you a decent one. Why do you people keep trying to get GPS to work, it is too hard and not accurate enough.

Lastly - you cannot use a GPS at the range or when practicing pitching/wedge shots.

GPS is just a fad - like Hip Hop, please let it die.

[Captain Nemo]

SonaCaddie v300

[IanO]

The only problem with the Rangefinder is that I get so far off line that I can't see the pin through the trees and hills to get a measurement :smt013

[henno]

Plus you look like a tosser holding a rangefinder up to your eye to work out that 63m pitch shot, only to flub it 10m.

[haysey]

I use a ruler and 2 tees so I get it exactly right.


Been measuring your drives again?:D




I'm a fan of the sureshot as I'm not good enough to need to know exact distances. Mind you I use a bushnell for getting yardages on the range8)

[IanO]

I keep my el-cheapo range finder for practice and the GPS for the golf course. The accuracy of the GPS is no worse than mine with a club (usually much better)

[Iain]

I tend to use the gps while comparing to the on course markers, especially if I haven't used the map before. As long as it similar, I'm not yet good enough to require exact distances.

[Ned]

Heres a GPS Techno Gadget (http://www.cnet.com.au/gps-torch-shines-directions-in-a-new-light-339301351.htm?ocid=nl_d_25022010_lat_l5&omnRef=http%3A%2F%2Fau.mg1.mail.yahoo.com%2Fdc%2Fl aunch%3F.gx%3D1%26.rand%3Dd0ltnef2ko6n2) for the Guru's!!!!:roll:

[markTHEblake]

Why do you people keep trying to get GPS to work, it is too hard and not accurate enough..

A few reasons;

1. A laser would costs me $250, the GPS is free. (cos i already have one)

2. I am a bit of a fan of the technology and i like maps. If i had my life over again i would have probably been a cartographer :-)

3. I'd like to really find out exactly how accurate my gear is, and whether it can be improved upon, and i aint just talking about golf.

The Sirfstar IV chip is coming out this year, that might help a lot.

p.s. where can I find a rangefinder for $200 US?

[Hux]

Mark

An antennae will definitely help with the overall accuracy particularly on the move. I have a relatively low gain unit that plugs into my Magellan Meridian that I run for mapping in the 4WD. Generally it will resolve quicker and more accurately and of course in tree'd areas. In vehicle an antennae is the only solution to accurate readings as the tin can kills signal quickly.

However a differential setup which is what surveyors seem to use is the only way to go...albeit very expensive.

Interestingly with real handheld GPS units (not specialised golf products) I have not seen much difference in accuracy in later units. EG Magellan vs Garmin 12 channel units all come up with the same position.

Lets put a GPS into its basic form. A sensitive radio receiver that is capable of resolving multiple radio signals and calculating the length of time each signal is taking to reach it. It then uses basic calculations against a table of know GPS satelittes to calculate location through triangulation. It requires 3 sats to get a 2 dimensional location, the 4th essentially gives it the 3rd dimension (height) as otherwise it wouldn't know whether you were above or below the crust and hence why a GPS gives a basic reading of HASL. It downloads the table regularly which is why it can take ages to get location if you have not had the unit on for a whileor have moved distances since the last switch on.

MTB - geocaching may be for you. Never done it but its a great way of building map reading/gps using skills with general knowledge. I use both NATMAP raster images and Hema maps on my Asus Eeepc when we go offroad. Excellent for route planning or for the occassion when we have been truely off the beaten track in the northern Simpson Desert. Just select a waypoint on the map and then drive towards it across virgin dunes.

[AndyP]

This is my GPS mapping of today's round from my running watch (it stayed in my bag the whole time). Have a look at the Satellite version of the map.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/25602174

[markTHEblake]

How did it get a signal when it was in your bag?

[idgolfguy]

A few reasons;

1. A laser would costs me $250, the GPS is free. (cos i already have

p.s. where can I find a rangefinder for $200 US?

http://www.opticsale.com/range-finders-28-ctg_3.html
http://www.opticsplanet.net/rangefinders1-by-price-1.html

walmart have them starting at around $120. Use www.shopito.com to get it to you.

[virge666]

http://www.opticsale.com/range-finders-28-ctg_3.html
http://www.opticsplanet.net/rangefinders1-by-price-1.html

walmart have them starting at around $120. Use www.shopito.com (http://www.shopito.com) to get it to you.


Check ... and ... Mate.

[AndyP]

How did it get a signal when it was in your bag?
I've never thought about it. Maybe because my bag isn't lead lined.

[virge666]

I've never thought about it. Maybe because my bag isn't lead lined.

That is rather funny, in a Superman I sort of way.

[kingslayer33]

However a differential setup which is what surveyors seem to use is the only way to go...albeit very expensive.

Hux,

you are spot on with the accuracy attainable with a differential setup. And the cost associated with it too.

We can achieve +/- 20 to 30mm (realistically) solutions in real time using a fixed base network (as long as we are within approx 25km of the base station) and receiving the correction signals through a data stream published on the internet and received at the rover via a mobile phone. Pretty impressive compared to the capabities of the technology even 10 years ago when I finshed uni.

However I haven't yet seen a golf-style gps that uses a diferential type solution to the known accuracy limitations of gps receivers. I'm sure in time they will come and the price will come down too.

Back on topic, I used a uPro, with pro mode course, for the first time yesterday on my home track and was very impressed with the results. The ability to re-position the marker to get a distance is handy for lay-ups and to get more exact position to the pin location too. I would estimate the accuracy yesterday at about 2m. My brother and I compared the results to his self-mapped course (not sure of program) on his iPhone and were within 2m of each other all the time also.

I reckon something like this would be a huge advantage playing on an unfamiliar, or less familiar, course. Well it would for me anyway. :)

[markTHEblake]

However I haven't yet seen a golf-style gps that uses a diferential type solution to the known accuracy limitations of gps receivers. I'm sure in time they will come and the price will come down too.

Differential is when the receiver gets a reading from a terrestrial station as well right? I read somewhere that doesnt exist in Australia for the public - USA only.

I am gunna get an external antenna and mount it to me golf bag, and compare results. Cheap ones only cost $15.

[Hux]

Kingslayer may correct me but there are differential setups that use base feed and then those that use a dual GPS setup to half the resolution.

WAAS is what the yanks have...base station feed. Nice but with out population density very expensive. The surveyors would have a system that would be a proprietary feed through a subscription service I suspect.
In a marine environment they also use a landbase feed. I have been on a boat that is used for marine surveying in the GBR and the setup is amazing and well within 1 metre accuracy.

I would suggest that unless we are golfing gods we will never seriously challenge a normal GPS for repeatable distance hitting so the 2 m variation is probably not a big one.

I had both the new iPhone side by side with my iGolf Neo today at Nudgee...the Freecaddy Pro (which cost $17 !!!) software was great and although it was reporting 17 metres accuracy it was no different than my iGolf for front and back of green measurements. I suspect it reports 17 metres but is substantially better. I will try at the home course against sprinkler heads next Sunday.

[Ned]

the Freecaddy Pro (which cost $17 !!!) software was great.


In all of the research so far, this program is the best for a Mobile telephone.

They have just upgraded the firmware and also added the use of a couple of extra Satellites to feed off.

It doesn't require a fone with an internet connection to work (unlike Golflogix's Smartphone app).

And there is a heap of courses to load (either directly on the fone if you have WAP or via your PC and syncing).

Tossing up whether to sell my Garmin now or not, but as Ive loaded up some GPS software on the Blackberry I may see about updating weigh points and sending to Golflogix).

[just]

Repeat after me...

Bushnell Range Finder, no 2nd guessing, no satellites - just Doppler radar accurate to a single meter. US$200-250 gets you a decent one. Why do you people keep trying to get GPS to work, it is too hard and not accurate enough.

Lastly - you cannot use a GPS at the range or when practicing pitching/wedge shots.

GPS is just a fad - like Hip Hop, please let it die.
Some of this inaccurate. With the right antennas and the right chips any GPS will be accurate under a metre. The fact is most units don't have either, but they are still accurate enough for the need. Both antennas and chips are just going to get better.
Bushnell's don't use doppler radar, and you are relying on their initial calibration remaining accurate over time, especially when they are getting knocked about in day to day use.
Both systems have their benefits and uses.

[markTHEblake]

With the right antennas and the right chips any GPS will be accurate under a metre.

which chips?

Sirf Star III gets all the wraps, but i have a Nemerix one which is supposedly just as good and uses 1/10th of the power. But i suspect that both these are classed as consumer grade and you are probably thinking about something else.

[mike]

How did it get a signal when it was in your bag?
I carry mine in my bag all the time. I don't use it every hole and only drag it out when needed.

[virge666]

Don't all the phone GPS's use the telephone towers... so therefore it doesn't;t matter what software you use... the internal GPS is rubbish and not accurate at all.

If any of the phones actually had a Sirf chip in them - then it would be a whole different matter... but they don't and hence are rubbish. 12m on a golf shot is not "accuracy".

So you have to buy a proper Golf GPS for $300-$500 anyway.

Sure we can all get antenna and new chip sets and new firmware... but $129 for rangefinder... how can you go wrong ?

A proper Bushnell tour is only $229... I am really lost on this one.

[MegaWatty]

iPhone and many others have their own GPS receiver. The aGPS part means that it uses the towers to help it get a lock faster.

I believe it uses a Hammerhead chipset.

http://www.phonewreck.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Logic11.jpg

[markTHEblake]

Don't all the phone GPS's use the telephone towers...

no, not all. Pretty sure that is called aGPS (i had always thought that didnt enhance accuracy anyway)

[virge666]

iPhone and many others have their own GPS receiver. The aGPS part means that it uses the towers to help it get a lock faster.

I believe it uses a Hammerhead chipset.



I take it back - I thought my iPhone had some sort of "Clayton's" GPS which was why it was so rubbish.

It has a real chip - albeit, not a very good one, but at least it is running off satelites.

Is there software you can get that gives you sat status like my Magellian ?

Also why doesn;t the iPhone GPS work when I am out of Network coverage ?

[markTHEblake]

Is there software you can get that gives you sat status like my Magellian ?

There should be heaps of them, i have a few on my Nokia. There seems to be a lot of basic plotting apps where you can just import your own maps, plot waypoints and tracks. Then i found a windows app that gets the direct raw data from the gps live - i almost got a woody over that seeing all the data flying across the screen, its just like opening the hood of a car. (ie know nothing about whats happening but it looks good)

In any case doesnt the vanilla iphone give you the satellite info anyway, like proper lats/longs and how many birds you locked onto?

[virge666]

In any case doesnt the vanilla iphone give you the satellite info anyway, like proper lats/longs and how many birds you locked onto?

Nope - hence the reason I thought it was a WAN app. not to mention no GPS coverage when no radio coverage.

?????

[markTHEblake]

I give up then, get a real phone!

I was shocked to discover that my boys Itouch wont work with a bluetooth GPS. Apple have crippled everything out of BT except audio headsets.

[virge666]

I give up then, get a real phone!

I was shocked to discover that my boys Itouch wont work with a bluetooth GPS. Apple have crippled everything out of BT except audio headsets.

Yeah - have you seen my rant in the Apple thread... same sort of deal.

Come on Google and Microsoft - Apple shit me to tears. They always make a great product and then cripple the crap out of it.

[MegaWatty]

The GPS will work with no network coverage. I've driven using Navigon software with no issues when I'm in and out of coverage. It won't work in Airplane Mode though. The accuracy is down to a few metres from memory.

[Baudwalker]

SO..how many of you 'accuracy pundits' are supplied a PIN PLACEMENT SHEET for your daily comps. You know the ones with HOLE 3, 22.4 meters ON and 7.35 meters from the left detail recorded when the green staff actually place the holes and measure them.

Hey..don't all talk at once please!

and...........how many GPS users actually WAIT till the unit updates the satellite information before assuming the measurement you have is in fact correct? Like they aren't the fastest things on four rubber pads when getting the updates for exactly where you are standing.

These things are nothing more than another gadget.....like knowing what club your mate hit to 6 inches on the par 3....YOU STILL HAVE TO HIT IT THERE YOURSELF regardless of what you know he did..

always remember......someone else is at work while YOU are on the golf course so being a little wayward is no great shame

[virge666]

SO..how many of you 'accuracy pundits' are supplied a PIN PLACEMENT SHEET for your daily comps. You know the ones with HOLE 3, 22.4 meters ON

...more ranting ....

being a little wayward is no great shame

Which is why you want a range finder...

[razaar]

Agree 100% with Virge on this.

[Daves]

I have a Nokia N95 that has its own GPS chip, a Sirf Star III, the same chip I am lead to believe is in my Bushnell Neo.

I use mScorecard on the Nokia, which gives me GPS plus a very good stats application and free web server storage and support. mScorecard cost me $20 US one off, no ongoing fees.

The Nokia has 4 different options for GPS;

Bluetooth GPS, you would need a BT GPS Dongle I would assume

Assisted GPS - see explanation on this link.

http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/features/item/The_future_of_GPS-equipped_smartphones.php

Integrated GPS (use the onboard GPS chip)

Network based - I assume A GPS

These options are not independent, you can have more than one selected, and I presume all 4 if you wanted to and had the right add ons. I just use the integrated option and it is fine for my purposes.

There are network costs for uploading data or downloading a course etc, but I have had free data built into my phone plan pricing so it costs me nothing additional.

I find the accuracy fine for my purposes, 2 to 3m 99+% of the time would be my estimate. The Neo is my primary device but in need I can map a course via Google Earth with mScorecard if there is no Neo map, and the Nokia is always a back up if I am not convinced on a distance. I compare the Nokia to the Neo occasionally and find them usually pretty close, on my home course they are pretty much the same (as I have mapped/confirmed both myself). I also compare them to the odd sprinkler marking and they are usually within 2 metres in my experience. I have actually been able to identify a couple of course markers that are wrong (confirmed with other members). The Nokia is much slower to start up than the Neo which is pretty much instant, and it chews the battery much faster than the Neo, but still always has enough to make it through a round.

I have not yet tried a rangefinder, Rusty was using one today and they seem straight forward enough to use.

[markTHEblake]

SO..how many of you 'accuracy pundits' are supplied a .....

Thats a strawman argument. The average GPS user is not focused on that kind of distance accuracy at all, but rather more interested in knowing distances to front centre back and other markers like water carries and bunkers, and then working what club to hit within a range.


how many GPS users actually WAIT till the unit updates the satellite information before assuming the measurement you have is in fact correct? Just about all of them, as they would already know by experience and observation that it does take some time. It also says that in the basic operating instructions.

However if you are getting a constant signal as you are walking around the golf course there is no need to wait. In fact a GPS is more likely to be accurate if it has been moving anyway. The only time you would have to wait is when you take the device out of your pocket.

[Captain Nemo]

Thats a strawman argument. The average GPS user is not focused on that kind of distance accuracy at all, but rather more interested in knowing distances to front centre back and other markers like water carries and bunkers, and then working what club to hit within a range.

Just about all of them, as they would already know by experience and observation that it does take some time. It also says that in the basic operating instructions.

However if you are getting a constant signal as you are walking around the golf course there is no need to wait. In fact a GPS is more likely to be accurate if it has been moving anyway. The only time you would have to wait is when you take the device out of your pocket.

Thats why i have the Sonocaddie v300.
It gives an overlay of the hole.
I have gone and put lay-up points on all par 5's, and put extra markers to creek edges etc...
Unlike the Sureshot's the aeriel view is beneficial imo.
I'm not debating the pro\s and con's, yeh its a gadget that i can afford so i choose to have it.;)

[Ned]

Here are couple of pages and websites worth considering.

http://www.gps-practice-and-fun.com/golf-gps.html

This gadget has a two fold benefit.

http://www.onpin.com.au/

[markTHEblake]

Thanks NK - most people are not aware that the GPS hardware is as cheap as chips. The money in these things is how much the companies charge for software, and I have no doubt that the basic OS on these devices are much the same.

A resourceful chappy could probably create a GPS device for $50 plus some time, But i guess if he did, then he would want to charge a fortune for it to get his Woftam back :-)

[Ned]

A GPS general article (http://www.cnet.com.au/gps-buying-guide-240061991.htm)!

[Ned]

http://www.cnet.com.au/best-gps-enabled-mobile-phones-339283391.htm

[AndyP]

Spam!

[Daves]

Some new devices on offer in Oz, that will hopefully shake the market up a bit.

No annual subs, detailed pre load maps and seem to have most courses mapped;

http://www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au/index.asp
http://www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au/searchcourses.asp

Multi functional GPS, large screen and free course downloads;

http://www.onpin.com.au/

[Dcanto]

Anyone use a phone app called WeGolf? It appears primarily designed to work on Nokia N series and similar phones. I've only recently gotten it but so far it seems alright. Interested to hear if anyone else is using it.

[Veefore]

A friend of mine uses wegolf on nokia and likes it. I tried it on my android phone and didn't. I have a Upro anyway which is far superior.

[Daves]

Anyone use a phone app called WeGolf? It appears primarily designed to work on Nokia N series and similar phones. I've only recently gotten it but so far it seems alright. Interested to hear if anyone else is using it.

I think it depends at lot on the handset you have. I have not used WeGolf, but have mScorecard on my Nokia. It was much better on my old N95, easy to use, fairly accurate etc. On my new N97 Mini it is PITA!, due to the different interface, cheaper chipset etc. I only use it for Stats now after the round, too much trouble entering details during a round!

[MegaWatty]

Some new devices on offer in Oz, that will hopefully shake the market up a bit.

No annual subs, detailed pre load maps and seem to have most courses mapped;

http://www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au/index.asp
http://www.gpsgolfbuddy.com.au/searchcourses.asp

Multi functional GPS, large screen and free course downloads;

http://www.onpin.com.au/

I'm interested to know how they map their courses. A bloke on the ground or via satellite images.

[Daves]

I'm interested to know how they map their courses. A bloke on the ground or via satellite images.

According to the blurb in Inside Golf, both;

GPSGolfBuddy

Courses are mapped on foot - and by aerial photography with GPS-imbedded technology....

On Pin doesn't say, but given the displays they show, would be the same I would think.

[MegaWatty]

According to the blurb in Inside Golf, both;

GPSGolfBuddy

Courses are mapped on foot - and by aerial photography with GPS-imbedded technology....

On Pin doesn't say, but given the displays they show, would be the same I would think.

Hmmmm. Interesting.

Sounds better than paying Sureshot 30 bucks every year. I'd like to see them side by side. Sureshot to date has still been the most accurate, mainly because of the fact they have people on the ground mapping the course.

[Dcanto]

I think it depends at lot on the handset you have. I have not used WeGolf, but have mScorecard on my Nokia. It was much better on my old N95, easy to use, fairly accurate etc. On my new N97 Mini it is PITA!, due to the different interface, cheaper chipset etc. I only use it for Stats now after the round, too much trouble entering details during a round!

Thanks for that Daves. My work supplied phone is an N85 and I haven't had any hassles the few times I have used it. When I start playing more regularly I'd certainly look at getting something more advanced but for the moment WeGolf seems to do an adequate job.

[goughy]

I got golfshot before the champs to give it a go. seemed ok to me, and kept just the stats I was worried about.

[kev]

I got golfshot before the champs to give it a go. seemed ok to me, and kept just the stats I was worried about.

+1

[kwikee]

Sureshot to date has still been the most accurate, mainly because of the fact they have people on the ground mapping the course.

I've compared my Sonocaddie 300 to the Sureshot and found there's nothing between them accuracy wise (+- 2m compared over three courses). In saying that, I have downloaded the most recent mapping and usually an independent version if it's available. I've also found the mapping at my local course to be spot on. Against a front of bunker, for example, it reads me down to 1 or 2m, then --- when I'm standing at the lip. Likewise for green approaches, etc. I haven't had the opportunity to actually measure a distance from the fairway in, but it's certainly accurate enough for my broad range of distances per club. Very happy and would recommend it.

[nickentguy]

I'm looking at the Sureshot (micro and 8850) as well as the golfbuddy (tour and platinum if available here). The sureshot may be a liitle cheaper but continuous fees to pay. Any one how another information that may be beneficial in making selection. Not keen on range finder as inconvience out ways accuracy in may case.

[golfbound]

i use my caddie pro on my i phone its pretty good and it uses google earth images as a option

[LeftyHoges]

SonaCaddie v300

Tell me all about it please, Titleist!!!

About to get one of these for myself and one for my brother, $150 each.

[markTHEblake]

What is the App of choice for the iPhone users?

Mate has an iphone and he is a bit computer and patience illiterate. He downloaded some thing that uses Google earth images so is regularly downloading data to update the image. He really just wants an App like mine that doesnt have course images, just plot points for front, centre, back. etc

[MegaWatty]

Golfshot. Hands down.

[BroKar]

Golfshot is easily the best on Iphone, it doesnt use data when playing, only GPS which isnt an issue.

[hocko]

Golfshot. Hands down.


Golfshot is easily the best on Iphone, it doesnt use data when playing, only GPS which isnt an issue.

I concur and they have most golf courses mapped for Australia.
I have used it a lot a found that my iron choice using Golfshot's yardage seemed to be more accurate than the course distance markers.

[BroKar]

I have had that hocko especially at nudgee

[golfbound]

What is the App of choice for the iPhone users?

Mate has an iphone and he is a bit computer and patience illiterate. He downloaded some thing that uses Google earth images so is regularly downloading data to update the image. He really just wants an App like mine that doesnt have course images, just plot points for front, centre, back. etc

I use my Caddie pro it uses google earth images and you can add all your own markers into it. It also keeps your score cards, you can plot your own courses and its free. Im happy with it

[Outcast]

Golfshot is easily the best on Iphone, it doesnt use data when playing, only GPS which isnt an issue.

+1 for Golf Shot... it's the bees knees although you will need a secondary battery source if you want to get 18 holes out of your Iphone...

[Bucks71]

+2 for golfshot. very easy to use, keeps scores and will provide simple analysis figures at end of round.
if you keep switching it onto battery save using the program, i got 18 holes around dunes in 4.5 hours easily out of it, with around 20% battery life still remaining.

[kingslayer33]

+3 for golfshot.

Easy enough to get a full round in on a battery that went in fully charged Outcast. Just make sure you go to the "Power Save" mode after getting your distance, then fire it back up about 10 seconds before you need the next reading.

[goughy]

At the champs I just used the off button to sleep the phone when it wasn't needed. When I woke it up it picked up gps fast again and caused no delays and plenty of battery left. Delays were caused by me not having a clue what I was doing (with phone and clubs). Not an iphone though.

[Veefore]

At the champs I just used the off button to sleep the phone when it wasn't needed. When I woke it up it picked up gps fast again and caused no delays and plenty of battery left. Delays were caused by me not having a clue what I was doing (with phone and clubs). Not an iphone though.

How did you find the accuracy? I tried Sonocaddie on my Galaxy and it was off quite a lot compared to my upro.

[goughy]

My shots weren't accurate enough to tell ;). At times it was spot on with tee markers/sprinklers, but other times it was as much as 10mtr different. Who to believe.

[markTHEblake]

How did you find the accuracy? I tried Sonocaddie on my Galaxy and it was off quite a lot compared to my upro.

How did you go about comparing the accuracy of each one?

[Veefore]

How did you go about comparing the accuracy of each one?

side by side and on a couple of holes with a laser. The upro has always been spot on at my home course when compared to lasers, within 1-2m difference at most. And once it locked on it stayed the same. The Samsung with Sonocaddie would vary by 10m from the upro and would keep changing by +-10m just standing still.

[Daves]

mScorecard has released a significant update. I downloaded it tonight and first impression is some big improvements with the interface, especially if you have a touch phone. The added GPS functionality also sounds pretty impressive.

http://www.mscorecard.com/mscorecard/index.php

These are the release summary notes;

6.0 (8-Nov-2010)
- New GPS View displaying all GPS point of interests and shot distances for the current hole
- New GPS point of interests including hazards, bunkers, water, markers, etc.
- Shot tracking features, enabling storing details for each shot
- Shot distance tracking via GPS
- Customisable club list
- Improved user interface makes scoring faster and easier, especially on touch devices
- New title bar enabling fast switching between different screens and moving to different holes
- GPS accuracy indicator color and improved GPS algorithm to get more accurate coordinates
- Added full screen mode option on all scoring screens
- Enhanced value popup menu enables faster selecting of values
- New Tools menu on the main screen
- Support for the new South African hcp system
- The icon on the list of courses stored on device shows whether GPS information is stored
- Better font scaling on different devices
- A number of small bug fixes

[markTHEblake]

side by side and on a couple of holes with a laser

i mean how do you know that two different GPS devices are getting a distance from the exact same waypoint?

I just got an Android phone and threw the free version of Sonocaddie on it, and downloaded my course. Compared it to my usual GPS which was just a bluetooth one hooked up to my old phone, for the most part was close enough (considering the waypoints would not be the same) however on the odd occasion, the Android seemed to go off by about 8-10m, yet later on the hole was accurate again. based upon my reckoning it was definitely the android that was inconsistent.

Then my mate with his iphone downloaded Sonocaddie as well, so we could be sure then that the waypoints were identical, and we never matched up, there was always plenty of difference, up to 10m. On Another day when we have more time I am going to take some GPS references from each phone from the exact same spot and compare on the computer. I just got to figure out how to get enough decimal places, the apps i have seem to one or two short. (i think 5 is needed to be accurate to 1M)

Now what i would really like to know, is how the hell my phone can pick up 7 satellites from inside the house?

[Veefore]

i mean how do you know that two different GPS devices are getting a distance from the exact same waypoint?

I just got an Android phone and threw the free version of Sonocaddie on it, and downloaded my course. Compared it to my usual GPS which was just a bluetooth one hooked up to my old phone, for the most part was close enough (considering the waypoints would not be the same) however on the odd occasion, the Android seemed to go off by about 8-10m, yet later on the hole was accurate again. based upon my reckoning it was definitely the android that was

When the waypoint (e.g. Front edge of a bunker) is only 3m wide there shouldn't be a 10m difference between the two. It's a pretty small target!

Even allowing for the different programmers setting slightly different points for things like bunkers and the fronts and backs of greens, there were often as much as 10 or 15m difference between the two. There was also the fact that the Upro locked on in 2 seconds while the android device took substantially longer and constantly jumped around by 10m or more.
I have been told before that the quality and accuracy of the gps chips in the dedicated units is far superior but this test really proved it to me.

When I get a chance I want to go and replot my home course with it so that it matches the Upro and then come back and do another test but I don't expect a different result.

By the way, I also downloaded a gps status program that says that this gps unit is only accurate to +-5m anyway.

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

[goughy]

They're phones after all. The gps is a bonus. But I'd expect any dedicated gps unit to be of greater accuracy.

[Peppas]

Does anyone use or have any feedback on the SkyCaddie SG4? Birdie of the day is going to have them for under $100 tomorrow so I'm thinking about getting one...

[markTHEblake]

Google is your friend.
http://clubsg.skygolf.com/equipment/rangefinders/gps/SkyCaddie_SG4_3347

[Peppas]

Google is your friend.
http://clubsg.skygolf.com/equipment/rangefinders/gps/SkyCaddie_SG4_3347

Thanks MTB, I googled, I swear I did!

[Daves]

I have had my Neo for a bit over a year now and it has been pretty good. Accuracy of mapping is variable but reasonably easy to fix if you play there regularly. Battery life is great. I had my first "malfunction" on the weekend when the rubber button/grommet for the up arrow decided to part company. It is still usable with a tee or similar, just a bit of a pain to have to drag one out each time you want to change the hole etc;

10589

Got me to thinking about what I would ultimately replace it with. I see they have upgraded the Yardage Pro range to now included lots more course capacity (one model comes with 16,000 course loaded), colour screens, distance to any point etc. They have also added a Neo+ model that comes with 16,000 courses loaded, plus a couple of other extra features. Anyone used one of these new models as yet? Haven't looked yet to see what their street price is.

http://www.bushnellgolf.com/gps/yardage_neo_plus.cfm

[Eag's]

You can get the Neo + from places like Rockbottom, Edwinwatts, Golfsmith etc... for $149.00.
I was thinking of getting the original Neo, but not so sure now?

[Daves]

You can get the Neo + from places like Rockbottom, Edwinwatts, Golfsmith etc... for $149.00.
I was thinking of getting the original Neo, but not so sure now?

Just doing a bit more research and it is not obvious to me whether the Neo+ pc interface is the same as the Neo. By that I mean, I am not sure if it allows you to load and share individual files the way we do. Nothing in the manual about it (the Sync application).

Edit: The preloaded 16,000 courses are all in the USA I gather.

[Daves]

Should have also mentioned this latest product from the Bushnell camp;

http://www.bushnellgolf.com/hybrid/laser_gps.cfm

10590

I am not convinced about the merits of a Hybrid device (as distinct from 2 separate devices), but it is unique at present as far as I am aware.

[dave1]

bumpty bump.

Last week i purchased sonocaddie V500 . Used first time yey.

the good: Easy interface..screen is bigger and isn't too sensitive either - can use a golf tee for people with big fingers The satellite image feature is now in with most courses mapped...I found th image be interesting to look but wasn't that useful. It would be a new course though..... The point and see how far to spot was handy too. I bought one because my v300 died a slow death and was out of sadly out of warranty

I found it updated distances quicker than the v300 too. All said and done its not massive leap from the v300 but I scored one for 355 posted from the bay of E so it was a pretty good deal. Having all the courses in Oz uploaded automatically is handy too when you travel.

The calculating distances to balls you hit is good as it does it in the corner not the whole screen like V300 did.

all up if you owned a perfectly good V300 I wouldnt rush out and get a v500 but if youre after new GPS then this is hard to fault I must say8-)

[Grunt]

Anyone using Golf Logix?