Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I test if my computer will run 3DD Golf?
- How do I update my OpitShot software?
- How do I update my OptiShot software without an Internet connection?
- If I already own a Dancin' Dogg how can I upgrade to 3DD?
- Can I use the OptiShot outside?
- How much room do I need?
- How accurate is OptiShot?
- Do I have to buy the mat?
- Do I need to use tape on my clubs?
- Can I use my own clubs?
- Can you use OptiShot with a Mac?
- How many players can use OptiShot at the same time?
- My computer only has USB 1.0 ports. Will the product work with my computer?
- Does OptiShot work with game consoles such as PS2 or XBOX?
- Is OptiShot compatible with any of the Linux operating systems?
- Can I use an official golf ball, or just the foam practice ball?
- Do I need to use my TV?
- Do I have to use the rubber tee?
- Can I use a projector?
- Is the ball attached to the unit?
- Do the sensors know what the ball is doing?
- Can the program calculate in Kilometers?
- Can I use OptiShot with a laptop running on batteries?
- Is it possible to break a sensor?
- What if I'm left handed?
- How does this system account for mishits?
- How can I try it out?
- Where are the sensors located?
- What is an OptiShot Premium Course?
- What is an OptiShot Core Course? What courses does OptiShot come with?
- How do I add a Premium Course to my OptiShot?
- I own more than one OptiShot Simulator how do I add a Premium Course to all my systems?
- Where can I locate my OptiShot product key?
- I have a Dancin’Dogg Shot Making Simulator, how can I play my Premium Course?
My question is not answered here. Where can I send my question?
| Common Questions |
How can I test if my computer will run 3DD Golf?
Make sure you must have a Vista or XP computer with the following:
Minimum System Requirements
- Windows® XP, Windows® Vista or Windows® 7
- Memory: 2GB
- Disk space: 3GB
- For 3DD Golf, a high end graphics card is required.
If your computer can run the FurMark benchmark, then you should have no problem running OptiShot 2.0.
Steps
- Update your video driver to the latest
- Download the FurMark benchmark
- Install the FurMark application
- Run the FurMark application.
- If you have any problem running, run the application again and uncheck the 'fullscreen' option.
- If you see a fur donut and it completes the benchmark, your machine will run OptiShot 3DD
- If you get a black screen or an error message, then it is unlikely that your machine will run OptiShot 3DD
How do I update my OpitShot software?
OptiShot updates are automatic as long as you are connected to the Internet. Simply launch the software and if prompted, click yes to begin update.
You can also find the latest OptiShot update here: http://www.dancindogg.com/golf_simulator/downloads
Note: The update requires an Internet connection.
How do I update my OptiShot software without an Internet connection?
You can either connect the machine to the Internet just for the update, or purchase a replacement disk. To purchase a replacement disk visit our online store here: http://store.dancindogg.com
If I already own a Dancin' Dogg how can I upgrade to 3DD?
If you already own an OptiShot then you can simply download the new OptiShot 2.0 release. If you own an earlier Shot Making Simulator then you need to purchase the upgrade.
Can I use the OptiShot outside?
No. OptiShot is designed to be used inside and must have the proper lighting conditions for its infrared sensors to function accurately. If your simulator is reporting inaccurate or non-sensical swing results, the most likely cause is your lighting environment. OptiShot cannot be used in direct sunlight.
To setup a room with optimal lighting conditions, take the following steps:
- Replace any light bulbs with fluorescent or compact fluorescent bulbs. Eliminate incandescent and halogen light.
- Pull the shades on or cover any windows to prevent any outdoor light from entering the room.
- Adjust any furniture that might be causing shadows to cross one or more or the sensors.
- Overhead fluorescent light is generally better that light from the side of the room.
With your room setup properly your simulator should give you accurate and consistent results.
You need to be able to safely swing a golf club. All of that depends on your height, the steepness of your swing and the length of the golf club. You should try taking some swings with a shaft or a stick the length of the club you intend to use to see if a space is suitable. For most people 8 1/2 foot ceilings are sufficient.
OptiShot has been expertly tested under proper operating conditions to have club head speed accuracy of +/- 2.0 miles per hour. Face angle accuracy is within +/- 1.5 degrees and swing path within +/- 2.0 degrees.
These accuracy standards compete favorably with launch monitors costing thousands of dollars.
No. The mat provides a level hitting surface. You can build up your stance to be level with the Optical Swing Pad in a multitude of ways. For more information on the mats we provide visit our online store.
Do I need to use tape on my clubs?
No. OptiShot has been tested to work well with standard irons. Due to the latest materials and shapes, some drivers do not meet our rigid accuracy standards. To solve this, Dancin’ Dogg has designed a special simulation driver that can be purchased in our online store. Reflective tape solutions are messy, error prone, inaccurate, and virtually render your golf club unusable for normal play. For those reasons, we never recommend this method.
Yes. OptiShot had been tested to work well with standard irons and woods.
Can you use OptiShot with a Mac?
No. OptiShot is not officially supported on the Mac.
How many players can use OptiShot at the same time?
OptiShot supports preferences and tracks shot information for up to 4 different players.
My computer only has USB 1.0 ports. Will the product work with my computer?
Officially we support USB 2.0. However, if you can plug a keyboard or mouse into your USB 1.0 port and it works, that port should work fine with OptiShot.
Does OptiShot work with game consoles such as PS2, XBOX or Wii?
At this time our product is only designed for use with a PC running Microsoft Windows XP or Vista. We do not support PS2, XBOX, Wii, or any of the other game consoles.
Is OptiShot compatible with any of the Linux operating systems?
Our simulator does not work with the Linux operating system. Our software is designed for use on the Windows operating system. At this time we support both Windows XP and Windows Vista (32-bit).
Can I use an official golf ball, or just the foam practice ball?
You can use real golf balls, practice balls, or no ball at all when using the simulator. The different types of golf balls have a small impact on the calculation of the club head speed but we account for that via a ball type selection made through the Dancin' Dogg software.
We provide foam balls with the product so that you can use it right away even if you don't have a net to hit into. If you have a hitting net and an area that you can practice with real balls, this is a great way to use the Dancin' Dogg simulator.
The computer screen is all that is needed.
However, you can hook up your computer to your television to provide a larger screen of the golf action. Most computers have an S-Video output that you can plug right into your TV. Many new televisions have a VGA input that you can plug in from the computer.
Do I have to use the rubber tee?
You can hit the ball off the grass pad or use the tee.
If you have a projector that takes a computer video input (VGA) then you can hook your computer up and project it.
Is the ball attached to the unit?
The ball is not attached to the unit. The unit tracks the club head so technically you do not need a ball at all. We ship with a soft foam practice ball that you can hit into anything that it will not bounce off.
Do the sensors know what the ball is doing?
No, the sensors detect the club movement and not the ball.
Can the program calculate in Kilometers?
Yes, the software can be configured to display swing details in metric or standard units of measure.
Can I use OptiShot with a laptop running on batteries?
Yes.
A laptop running on batteries is sufficient to use OptiShot as long as all other system requirements are met.
The Optical Swing Pad connects to your computer through a USB cable and requires no additional power supply.
Is it possible to break a sensor?
We have done extensive durability testing. OptiShot is installed in commercial training facilities and has received thousands of really bad swings without breaking a sensor.
If you somehow find a way to break a sensor the entire unit falls under our 180 day Limited Warranty. If there are any issues beyond that, we offer a replacement for the Optical Swing Pad, so you don't have to buy a whole new OptiShot.
The software has a preference setting for the left handed golfer. Also, if you decide to buy the precision cut mat, it has a cable channel for a left handed setup.
How does this system account for mishits?
The Optical Swing Pad has sensors that detect the club through the hitting zone.
The sensors are able to detect the face angle, path and club head speed.
Fat shots will also tend to be slowed down through the hitting zone shortening the distance traveled.
The infrared sensors are oriented vertically and systems of this type are unable to reliably detect thin shots. (Shots hit low on the club face.)
If you want to try it out then take advantage of our money back guarantee from our online store. Order a unit from the Dancin' Dogg Golf Store and if you are not satisfied then return in within 30 days. Risk free! (A repackaging fee may apply.)
Or contact your local retailer and see if they have a demo.
Where are the infrared sensors located?
There are two rows of sensors. One row is behind the tee and one row is beyond the impact zone. They sit below the hitting mat and are protected by the mat and housing.
What is an OptiShot Premium Course?
Premium Courses are a-la-carte courses that can be purchased as an addition to your existing OptiShot Core Course Library.
What is an OptiShot Core Course? What courses does OptiShot come with?
The OptiShot Core Course Library exists of seven courses currently included with your OptiShot 3DD Golf Software. Current courses include:
- Long Island Black – replication of Beth Page Black in NY
- Torrey White – replication of Torrey Pines North in CA
- Torrey Black – replication of Torrey Pines South in CA
- Palm Dessert Mountains – replication of Bighorn Mountains in CA
- Palm Dessert Canyons – replication of Bighorn Canyons in CA
- Barseback Golf & Country Club – Scandinavian Masters Course
- Black Mountain – Premiere Golf Course in Thailand
How do I add a Premium Course to my OptiShot?
Note: The activation process requires that you have an Internet connection on the same machine you run OptiShot.
- Step 1 – Go to the Dancin’Dogg Store
- Step 2 – Add the Premium Course(s) to your cart
- Step 3 – Check out and go to your email. Follow the email instructions
I own more than one OptiShot Simulator how do I add a Premium Course to all my systems?
If you have more than one OptiShot, you will need to purchase a Premium Course for each system.
Where can I locate my OptiShot product key?
- Update your OptiShot to the latest version
- Your OptiShot product key can be found in the bottom right of the main menu of 3DD Golf and begins with OPT
I have a Dancin’Dogg Shot Making Simulator, how can I play my Premium Course?
Dancin’Dogg Shot Making Simulator users must first update to OptiShot 2010 here. After upgrading to the latest OptiShot software, you can purchase and download Premium Courses here.
My question is not answered here. Where can I send my question?
Please visit our Contact Us page to send your question.
