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• Is Sureshotgps™ easy to use?
• How many courses are in the database?
• By what process does Sureshot map their courses?
• Will the Sureshotgps™ work with a Mac computer ?
• Can I use the Sureshotgps™ with other applications ?
• How does the Sureshotgps™ know my average driving distance?
• What do I do if my course is not on the database?
• How accurate is the battery indicator?
• What type of USB port is provided on the Sureshotgps™?
• How long is the battery life?
• How long does it take to charge the battery?
• How do you charge the battery in the Sureshotgps™?
• What type of display is used on the Sureshotgps™?
• Can you use the Sureshotgps™ in direct sunlight ?
• How accurate is the Sureshotgps™?
• What is involved in using the Sureshotgps and how long does it take to learn to use?
• Is using a GPS distance device during a round of golf a violation of playing regulations?
• Will I need to change my golf cart?
• What is the advantage of using Sureshotgps™ over a laser rangefinder?
• Do I have to pay for a subscription to use GPS signals?

Is Sureshotgps™ easy to use?

The Sureshotgps™ has been designed specifically for the golfer and is therefore simple in its operation. There are multiple levels of operation and the player decides on the level required. The simplest level gives distances to the pin or recorded hazards and requires the press of one button at the start of each hole. If more information is required or recorded then the player can choose a higher level of operation and this can require the pressing of additional easy to use function keys. Whatever level is chosen, operation is easy.

How many courses are in the database?

We first started mapping courses early 2006. Currently we have over 14,000+ courses available. Everyday new golfers are adding their player mapped courses. Sureshotgps™ is forever continually mapping golf courses around the world.

By what process does Sureshot map their courses?

When we first started mapping courses we only used DGPS (differential GPS). This allowed us to capture information at around 3 feet in accuracy. We would then post process this data, which would then correct the accuracy of the information making the data accurate down to about 8-12 inches. We have trained many professional mappers to map using the DGPS system who still operate throughout different countries. After extensive research and testing we found that for countries other than Australia we are able to get the same or even better accuracy using aerial photography if the pictures had been georeferenced properly. This process can be more accurate than ground mapping and we are no longer at the mercy of the orbiting satellites that drop in and out.

Will the Sureshotgps™ work with a Mac computer ?

The Sureshotgps Original model is Mac compatible under OS X running Parallels Desktop for Mac Release Candidate (Build 3120). The Sureshotgps 8800 and 8850 models are Mac compatible with SureAnalysis Version 3. Background – Parallels Desktop for Mac is the first solution for Intel-Macs that give you the flexibility of running Windows on Mac OS X simultaneously without rebooting. It accomplishes this by allowing a user to run a Virtual machine (Guest OS) inside a windowed environment inside the Parent OS. The Sureanalysis™ Software application for the Sureshotgps™ functions properly in this environment. Please note its only supported under Windows XP. However we have many MAC customers using this environment.

Can I use the Sureshotgps™ with other applications ?

Yes, the serial USB port on Sureshotgps™ is normally used for communicating with Sureanalysis™ and our PC application used to upload / download courses to Sureshotgps™. Communication between Sureanalysis™ and Sureshotgps™ uses a proprietary serial protocol. NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) is a standard for communicating with GPS receivers that uses a simple ASCII serial communications protocol to defines how data is transmitted in a 'sentence' from one 'talker' to one or more 'listeners'. The standard also defines the contents of each sentence (message) type so that all listeners can parse messages accurately. We have included NMEA capability for users who may wish to interface Sureshotgps™ to other PC applications using NMEA such as Fugawi. Sureshotgps™ can only use one protocol at a time on the serial port, so if you enable NMEA you will be unable to talk to Sureanalysis™ until you change the setting back. We recommend you don't touch this setting unless you have a special need to use NMEA output.

How does the Sureshotgps™ know my average driving distance?

Sureshotgps™ can keep a record of your average driving distance for up to 14 clubs. The Original model can then use this distance to make club recommendations during normal play if this feature is enabled under the Features / Clubs / Enable clubs menu. The 8800 model can still record the distance of each club, however the Club Recommendations option has been removed. There are two ways in which you can teach Sureshotgps™ what your average driving distance is for each club. 1) Measure your drive and calibrate on Sureshotgps™. To use this feature, select the Features / Clubs / Measure Clubs option. You will be asked the club you wish to calibrate and can use the left and right arrows to cycle through the various clubs. When your selected club is shown press the left soft key (marked 'Select') and follow the instructions to record the initial ball position, make your shot and record the final ball position. The distance struck will be shown and you can use the centre soft key (marked 'Save') to record this inside Sureshotgps™. You can repeat this procedure for all other clubs by using the arrow keys to select the each successive club and following the calibration procedure. As you calibrate each club the data is automatically stored inside Sureshotgps™. 2) When using the original model, you can enter the distances in the Windows software provided 'Sureanalysis™' and download them to Sureshotgps™. This is the easiest option if you know pretty well what distances you can strike with each club and don't need to measure them on the golf course. Connect Sureshotgps™ to Sureanlysis™ as normal and press the User Setup button. On the right side of the screen you will see a table that allows you to type in distances for up to 14 clubs. Sureanalysis™ can even estimate your club distances and populate each club with distances struck by an average golfer.

What do I do if my course is not on the database?

When we designed the Sureshotgps™, we knew that it would take a while before we could have all the courses mapped that our customers would require. As you can appreciate, there are thousands of courses around the world and getting them mapped and on the database as quickly as we would like is a challenge. Knowing this we designed the Sureshotgps™ with a simple to use mapping capability – a course can be mapped while it is being played or simply by walking to the course prior to a round and mapping the required coordinates. Mapping with the Sureshotgps™ allows the golfer to map not only the front, rear and centre of the green but also up to 15 hazards and a lay up position for each hole. We appreciate that you would prefer to be able to download a course from the database. If you would provide us with the details of the course you require, we will endeavour to get it mapped and on the database as soon as possible. In the meantime, we hope that you are able to map your course with the Sureshotgps™ and begin to enjoy the benefits of playing with the Sureshotgps™. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require further assistance with course mapping or any other aspect of the Sureshotgps™. To register to have your course mapped, please email our friend team at courses@sureshotgps.com

How accurate is the battery indicator?

The Sureshotgps™ uses a battery gauge chip that learns the battery capacity over time as the device is used. To get the best results we recommend the following: 1) Turn Sureshotgps™ off and charge overnight. 2) Use as normal until the battery is completely flat. 3) Recharge. This charge / discharge cycle should allow the device to calibrate itself against the battery and display an accurate indication. The Sureshotgps 8800 and 8850 models display a charging light when the unit is on the off mode. The bottom left hand green key under the screen will flash when the unit is successfully charging.

What type of USB port is provided on the Sureshotgps™?

The USB port is 2.0 compliant.

How long is the battery life?

The battery life is greater than 4.5 hours with the back light on full brightness. Under normal operating conditions (for example, playing a round of golf) the battery life would typically be 7+ hours. The Sureshotgps 8800 and 8850 models will allow up to 36 hole play in one day between charges.

How long does it take to charge the battery?

The battery is rechargeable and it takes about five hours to fully charge a flat battery.

How do you charge the battery in the Sureshotgps™?

The battery can be charged via the USB connector using the supplied AC adaptor, an optional car charger or via a laptop or PC, or alternatively any USB device that supports a powered USB connector.

What type of display is used on the Sureshotgps™?

The LCD is a 2.2" TFT 256K colour LCD module with a direct sunlight film and is protected by a plastic lens.

Can you use the Sureshotgps™ in direct sunlight ?

Yes. There have been major advances in LCD technology, which now enable LCDs to be used in direct sunlight. The display used in the Sureshotgps™ has been optimised to give the best possible results under all conditions. There is a big difference between the display used in Sureshotgps™ and those used in PDAs and laptops. These devices have not been designed to be used in the conditions that are experienced on a golf course.

How accurate is the Sureshotgps™?

All Sureshot professionally mapped courses use a highly sophisticated and accurate DGPS receiver to map the course and hazard points. The accuracy obtained in this mapping process is typically 10 to 20cm. The Sureshotgps™ uses the latest in GPS technology to obtain the best possible accuracy under all conditions. Together with the highly accurate mapping of the courses the typical error is in the order of 1 to 3m. However, there are a number of circumstances that can increase the error. If the Sureshotgps™ does not have a clear view of the sky then accuracy can be degraded. Also there are rare occasions when there is a 'bad' alignment of the GPS satellites. This can also reduce accuracy for a short period of time. In this circumstance, accuracy can degrade by a few metres. So for best possible results, make sure that the Sureshotgps™ has an unrestricted view of the sky and that the user takes out an annual subscription to enable access to the Sureshot professionally mapped courses.

What is involved in using the Sureshotgps and how long does it take to learn to use?

Sureshotgps™ is very simple to use and there is no special training required. The device will need to be registered and this is a simple operation by visiting www.sureshotgps.com, attaching the Sureshotgps™ to the PC using a USB cable (provided with the device) and clicking on the Register icon on the Home page.

Is using a GPS distance device during a round of golf a violation of playing regulations?

Many golf courses already have GPS devices installed in their golf carts. Sureshotgps™ is a handheld GPS device that can be taken by the player to any course. Local rules need to be checked before using the device in competitions.

Will I need to change my golf cart?

No. Sureshotgps™ is not a permanent part of the golf cart. Many users do clip the Sureshotgps™ to the cart as well as to the pull cart and golf bag.

What is the advantage of using Sureshotgps™ over a laser rangefinder?

With the Sureshotgps™, you can determine the distance to objects that are not in your line of sight. GPS can provide you with distances anywhere on the course that may be difficult to get with lasers. With GPS you can see those distances immediately. Also by using Sureshotgps™, you don't have problems with overshooting a target or having to hold the device steady for accurate readings.

Do I have to pay for a subscription to use GPS signals?

No. The GPS satellite signals are free of charge. There is no subscription rate to use these signals.