Overhead-mounted launch monitors like the Foresight Sports
Falcon and GCHawk rely on precise installation, controlled lighting, and
regular calibration. When customers report inconsistent hitting zones, ball
lock concerns or missed shots, these symptoms are almost always caused by
environmental or setup issues, not hardware failure.
This guide outlines best practices for installation,
calibration, lighting, and maintenance to ensure consistent, reliable
performance; and helps distinguish between configuration issues and true device
errors.
Installation & Mounting Tips
Mount
height should be between 9.5 ft and 10.5 ft above the hitting surface.
Verify
the device is perfectly level in both pitch and roll using a carpenter’s
level.
Avoid
mounting on flexible structures or surfaces that can vibrate or shift.
Confirm
the hitting surface is flat and stable; soft or uneven turf can cause
misreads.
After
any move, adjustment, or ceiling modification, recalibrate before use.
Lighting & Environmental Conditions
Remove
or cover reflective surfaces near the hitting area; such as glossy floors,
shoes, metal tees, club heads, calibration wands, or accessories.
Avoid
direct or high-intensity lighting pointed toward the device or turf. Use
diffused, indirect light for consistent tracking.
Eliminate
glare from windows, glass walls, or monitors that can reflect IR light
back into the cameras.
Keep
the background dark, matte, and uniform to minimize interference.
Re-evaluate
lighting whenever changing fixtures or wall materials; even minor changes
can affect detection.
Calibration & Setup
Calibrate
after installation, relocation, or any major environmental change.
During
calibration, clear the hitting zone of all reflective items and movement.
Ensure
calibration tools (such as the calibration wand) are clean and free of
residue.
If
tracking remains inconsistent after calibration, verify installation
height and level before recalibrating again.
Refer
to the official calibration guide:
Interpreting Error Codes vs Performance Symptoms
Fatal
(Assert) Error Codes (C, L, M) indicate internal device failures
and require escalation, can be viewed through the
Hardware Diagnostic Tool.
Non-fatal
or inconsistent hitting-zone issues are almost always
environmental, not hardware-related.
A
device that boots normally and detects intermittently likely needs
recalibration or lighting/environment review, not repair.
Common Symptoms and Solutions
Inconsistent or shifting hitting zone
Verify
installation height and level.
Remove
reflective materials near the turf.
Recalibrate
the device after confirming alignment.
Shots not registering or registering sporadically
Confirm
the IR light path is clear of obstructions.
Reduce
glare or high-contrast lighting around the device.
Check
turf surface and ball position within the detection zone.
Recalibrate
the device after confirming the above.
Device reports an error code but still powers on
Non-fatal
codes can appear without affecting performance.
Only
fatal codes (C, L, M) indicate a true hardware fault.
FAQs
How often should I recalibrate my Falcon or GCHawk?
Recalibrate whenever the environment, lighting, hitting mat, or mounting
changes; or if you see inconsistent hitting zones, ball lock, or missed shots.
Can lighting cause missed or partial reads?
Yes. Direct light, reflections, and even shiny clothing can reflect infrared
light back into the cameras and disrupt tracking.
What surfaces work best for hitting mats?
Use flat, matte turf or non-glossy hitting mats. Avoid polished rubber or damp
turf that can reflect infrared light.
Can the unit be installed higher than 10.5 ft?
No. Installing above the recommended height narrows the detection zone and can
lead to unreliable shot capture.
What should I do if my customer reports inconsistent
reads but no error codes?
Focus on environmental factors first; reflective materials, lighting, or
installation height; before assuming hardware issues.
When do error codes indicate a serious problem?
Only “Fatal Error” codes such as C, L, or M indicate a device
malfunction requiring service.