Science&Motion Sports SAM PuttLab User manual
Installation Guide
Thank you for choosing the SAM PuttLab system!
This Installation describes the hardware and software installation
process and the “Measurement”-feature in a simple way.
For optimal results first read the section “General information” on
page 2.
Based on the “Delivery checklist”on page 4 please check that all
items listed are included in the package.
Follow the sequence of the steps to avoid problems during
installation.
Installation steps:
Hardware installation page 5
Software installation page 9
Start software for the first time page 13
Do your first measurement page 15
General information
page 2 of 24
1. General information
SAM PuttLab is an analysis and training system based on ultrasound
technology. It analyzes more than 40 important parameters of your putting
stroke and displays the results in easy to understand graphic reports.
Minimum hardware requirements: Pentium IV with at least 1.5 GHz, 2 GB RAM, 250 MB free on your hard drive,
free USB port. Software requirements: Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 (32 or 64 Bit). Science & Motion Sports takes no
responsibility if the system does not work properly under lower hardware and software specifications.
This Installation Guide gives you a quick overview for the installation of the SAM
PuttLab. After installation please read the complete operating manual on the
included PuttLab setup stick for further details, or press F1 in the SAM PuttLab
software to open the corresponding page in the manual.
If you want to use the SAM PuttLab indoors, choose a place with a minimum
distance of 1 meter / 3 feet to walls or other objects placed on the ground. Generally
it could be a problem to do measurements in very small rooms with wall distances
of less than 2-3 m (6.5-10 ft).
After positioning the PuttLab base unit please be sure that no other objects like
chairs, boxes etc. are placed inside a range of 1.5 meters / 5 feet from the unit.
Objects close to the Base Unit could lead to interferences of the ultrasonic signals
and may reduce the quality of recordings.
If you use the SAM PuttLab outdoors, protect the system against direct rain. Both
the Triplet and the BaseUnit are not water resistant! If there is a strong or stormy
wind during the recordings this will have impact to the signal quality (noise). Try to
find a place where the system is protected from the wind (maybe use a windshield).
Please note that the automatic stroke recognition, the result data display and rating
of the strokes is optimized for a putt length of 3-5 m (10-16 ft) on a stimp of 10.
To operate the FlexTriplet you need a Lithium battery of type CR2 (photo battery).
The batteries included in this package are not rechargeable. Do not try to recharge
them!
If you have any problem with the SAM PuttLab please contact us via email:
or use the support form online on www.scienceandmotion.de.
Safety warnings
page 3 of 24
2. Safety warnings
2.1 General handling precautions
IDo not take apart/modify the equipment in any manner other than described in the manual.
Fire or electrical shock may result from improper handling of its components.
IIf you hear unusual noises, see smoke, feel excessive heat or smell anything unusual,
immediately unplug the USB cable and contact your retailer.
Continued use may result in fires or electrical shock.
IWhen cleaning the equipment, use a well-wrung, water-moistened cloth. Do not use
flammable liquids, such as alcohol, benzene or thinners.
If a flammable liquid enters the inner electrical parts, fire or electrical shock may result.
ISome of the package components are shipped inside plastic bags.
These bags can be dangerous.
To avoid danger of suffocation, keep the plastic bags away from babies and children!
2.2 Transport and storage
You can easily take the SAM PuttLab wherever you want within the original case. Please
insert the parts into the case as they were shipped. Don’t store it in a damp or wet place!
When not in use for extended periods of time, remove the battery from the Triplet. Also
unplug the USB cable for safety.
2.3 About locations for usage of SAM PuttLab
IDo not place the equipment near flammable liquids such as alcohol or thinners.
If these come in contact with internal electrical parts fire or electrical shock may result.
IDo not place the following objects on top of the equipment:
1. Metallic objects, such as necklaces.
2. Containers with liquid, such as cups, vases, and flower pots.
If the internal electrical parts come in contact with these, fire or electrical shock may result.
If any of these objects or liquids enter the equipment, immediately unplug the USB
cable and contact you retailer.
IDo not place the equipment in the following areas:
1. Areas with high temperatures (higher than 60°).
2. Areas near flame sources.
Fire or electrical shock may result.
Delivery checklist
page 4 of 24
3. Delivery checklist
Tripod
Base Unit
Triplet Calibration Sheet
FlexTriplet with FlexClip
USB cable
Battery
Software License document
with download instructions
Laser Alignment Board
(optional)
Laser with battery charger
(optional)
Hardware installation
page 5 of 24
4. Hardware installation
Needed parts:
Base Unit
FlexTriplet with
FlexClip
Tripod
Triplet Calibration
Sheet
Battery
4.1 Inserting the battery
1. Open the battery case on the backside of
the FlexTriplet.
2. Insert the battery into the inset.
3. Close the battery case.
If you activate the FlexTriplet by pressing the button and the LED on the front
turns red, the battery is empty. You need to replace it. For further information
about battery life, battery type and buying new batteries please see section 8.3
(page 20).
Hardware installation
page 6 of 24
4.2 Mount the FlexTriplet to a putter
1. Position the FlexTriplet at a distance of 25 cm
(10 inch) from the lower edge of putter head.
The Triplet Calibration Sheet helps you to
measure the correct distance.
2. Release both nuts of the FlexClip.
The FlexTriplet can be mounted to putters
with different shaft diameters by adjusting
the two nuts of the FlexClip.
3. Place FlexTriplet on the shaft of the golf club.
4. Flap the red fastener around the shaft.
5. Flap the second screw into the fasteners notch
(blue arrow).
6. Fasten both FlexClip screws evenly until the
FlexTriplet is fixed lightly on the shaft.
7. Fasten the FlexClip as
displayed in the left
picture. Not lock it as
shown in the red box
image.
Hardware installation
page 7 of 24
8. Place the putter head on the Triplet Calibration
Sheet.
The FlexTriplet has to be mounted to the
putter head with an angle of 90°. The
Triplet Calibration Sheet will help you.
9. Adjust the angle between putter head and
FlexTriplet (exactly to 90°) by using the line on
the sheet.
10.Fasten the FlexClip screws.
If you lost the Triplet Calibration Sheet, you
can find a copy on the PuttLab Setup Stick.
4.3 Setting up the BaseUnit with Tripod
1. Unscrew the Tripod.
2. Expand the Tripod to a total height of 30 cm
(12 inch).
3. Tighten the nuts again.
4. Mount the BaseUnit onto the head of the
universal joint.
Be careful not to tighten the tripod screw
too heavy, otherwise the thread in the base
Unit could be damaged..
Hardware installation
page 8 of 24
5. Place the BaseUnit with the tripod on a flat and
stable ground.
Check if the angle of the BaseUnit is
perpendicular to the ground.
6. Arrange the components as shown on the
picture on the left.
The distance between your putter with the
mounted FlexTriplet and the BaseUnit
should be approximately 0.5 m (20 inch).
7. Set up your PC or notebook close to the
position from where you are going to putt.
8. Check the horizontal alignment with the spirit
level on the backside of the BaseUnit.
9. If necessary, adjust the alignment with the
universal joint of the tripod.
Sequence “Hardware installation” is
completed!
Software installation
page 9 of 24
5. Software installation
Needed parts:
Software License document with
download instructions
BaseUnit
USB cable
1. Enter the following link in your browser:
www.scienceandmotion.com/get-
puttlab-software/
The SAM PuttLab software
registration form opens.
2. Fill out the form.
3. Click the “SEND”button.
You will be directed to a webpage
with the information needed for
download and installation of the
SAM PuttLab software.
4. Click the download link and unzip to a
local folder on your computer.
5. Run the included Setup EXE file.
During installation you may be asked
if you want to take over your existing
data from a previous software
version to the new installation. Press
Software installation
page 10 of 24
YES on this question if you want to
transfer all your existing data to the
new installation (this information only
applies if you do an update for an
existing PuttLab).
The setup screen appears.
6. Click the “Next“ button to continue.
7. Accept the license agreement by
checking the box below the agreement.
8. Click the “Next” button.
Software installation
page 11 of 24
A destination folder will be shown.
9. Click the “Install“ button or browse for a
different destination.
After setup procedure has copied all
files to your hard disk, you will be
asked to install the USB driver.
10.Click the “Yes“ button.
Setup will analyze your operating
system.
11.Click “OK“ to continue.
The Windows “Device Driver
Installation Wizard” will appear.
12.Click on the „Next“ button.
Depending on the operating system
you are using, Windows may ask
you if you want to install the driver.
13. Click the “Install driver anyway” button
and continue installation.
Software installation
page 12 of 24
After software installation is finished
you will be prompted to connect the
BaseUnit to your PC using the USB
cable.
14.Connect the BaseUnit now to your pc or
notebook.
After you plug the BaseUnit into the
USB port, your computer will notice
a newly attached device.
Depending on the operating system and security settings you are using,
Windows alerts you with a pop up. Allow the installation process to proceed
when you see one of these alerts. Other commonly used terms to allow a
process to proceed are: “Unblock”, “Yes” and “Permit”.
After the USB driver has been
successfully installed, another
window pops up.
15.Click the “Finish” button.
16.Remove the PuttLab Setup Stick from
USB port.
Sequence “Software installation” is
completed.
Start the software for the first time
page 13 of 24
6. Start the software for the first time
Be sure to have the Base unit connected to a USB port on your
computer before you start the software!
Check if the LED inside the lower grid of the Base Unit is lit green!
Otherwise the USB driver installation has failed. If so, repeat step
“Software installation” of this Installation Guide!
1. Double-click on the desktop icon to start
the SAM PuttLab software. You can also
start the software through the Window
start-menu under “Programs > SAM
PuttLab 6” (6 is the version number).
You will be prompted to enter the
software key printed on the software
key document.
The key which is provided to you is a
unique key for your product. Keep it in
a secure place.
2. Type in the key and press the “Ok” button.
With the input of the software key the
software checks if the correct BaseUnit
is connected to your PC.
If you get an error message press the
“Help” button on the software key
dialog for help with problems during the
registration.
Start the software for the first time
page 14 of 24
The “SAM PuttLab Wizard” will appear.
The data in the software is organized in
projects that contain the corresponding
players. For each player you can have
several measurements.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen and
create a first project and a player.
After you have finished the process the
Wizard will close and you will be re-
directed to the main program window.
If you need help on the input fields
press the "Help" button on the Wizard
pages at any time.
Sequence “Start the software for the
first time” is completed.
Do your first measurement
page 15 of 24
7. Do your first measurement
7.1 Create a measurement
1. Select the “Measure” icon from Main Screen start the
first measurement.
“Start Measurement” screen opens
2. Press the “Start” button.
The measure screen will open.
Please continue on to next steps.
3. Mark the spot from where you will make all your putts
(with chalk or sticky tape).
4. Place a golf ball exactly on the spot.
5. Move in front of the BaseUnit.
6. Shortly press the button on the FlexTriplet.
LED on the FlexTriplet turns green
If you are inside the measuring range the “No
Data Signal” text box will disappear and you can
see the motion of your putter animated with
graphs/corresponding numbers on the screen.
If the LED on the FlexTriplet is green-flashing or
red-flashing, see page 19!
Do your first measurement
page 16 of 24
7.2 Execute the calibration
In this step the system will be calibrated to your putt position and direction.
The calibration will be executed in the “Direct Calibration” mode. This means
that firstly you should find your address position and hold your club stable in
this position, then finally press the “C” button on your keyboard to calibrate.
1. Move to your putt position.
2. Set the putter on the ground like shown in
the picture on the left (ball in sweet spot of
the putter head).
3. Place the Laser Alignment board directly
behind the hole (the black line should be in
the middle of the hole) or target position.
Alternatively, you can place any other
object behind the hole/target to make
the laser beam visible (like the PuttLab
suitcase).
4. Align the putter head exactly to the target
by using the Laser and the Laser Alignment
board.
Place the Laser on the putter like displayed
in the picture on the left. The white line on
the back of the Laser should meet the
marking line or sweet spot of the putter.
Now activate the Laser by pushing the
button on the barrel end.
Align the putter until the laser points to the
target.
Do your first measurement
page 17 of 24
You should now see the Laser beam on the center area of the Laser Alignment
board or on the ball positioned in front of the hole. If this is not the case move the
Laser until the beam is visible on the target object.
Be sure the laser beam still points to the center.
5. Hold your putter stable in the address position.
6. Press the“C” on the keyboard or press the “execute direct calibration” button.
After calibration has finished without an error message the system is
calibrated and ready to record your putts.
If you are only one person working on the system, please use the “countdown
calibration” button (please go to page 22 for more information).
The calibration of the system must be done after every software startup, every
change of the ball position or target position, change of the putter and
repositioning of the FlexTriplet on the golf club.
Do your first measurement
page 18 of 24
7.3 Make your first putt
1. Hold the putter head still for 2 seconds
before executing a stroke until the
“Ready” signal on the top of the screen
turns green.
2. Then putt.
After you have made your putt you
can verify if it has been recorded by
checking the checked-off putts on the
screen.
3. Repeat step 1 and 2 until all strokes are
recorded.
After all putts are recorded you will be
asked to save the recording. Press the
Save button.
Congratulations! You’ve done your
first measurements.
By double clicking on the session in the list or
by clicking on the Reports button you can
now open a result Report to review your
putting results.
Don't forget to check out the help functions in the PuttLab software to get a
maximum of information on all features of the software.
Press the F1 key in the main screen of the SAM PuttLab software to open the help
overview page. Or open the settings and go to the "Program Help" page.
Important Information
page 19 of 24
8. Important Information
8.1 LED Status of the FlexTriplet
Green –
constant
FlexTriplet is activated and sending
signals from the sensor.
You can hear a gentle buzzing
noise.
If you don’t make a measure
the active mode lasts for 90
seconds. Then the FlexTriplet
turns into standby mode.
Strokes can be made in front of
the BaseUnit.
Green –
flashing
FlexTriplet is in standby mode.
The Standby mode lasts for
30 seconds. Then the
FlexTriplet automatically turns
off.
As soon as you move in
front of the BaseUnit the
FlexTriplet activates itself
for measurements.
Red -
flashing
Battery is empty.
Replace battery with a
new one (see section 8.3
on the next page).
Important Information
page 20 of 24
8.2 LED Status of the BaseUnit
After finishing the software and driver installation of the SAM PuttLab and connecting the
BaseUnit for the first time there are two possible LED statuses:
Green
Driver installation is
working correctly.
You can make a measurement.
Black / Off
(does not
light up)
Driver installation is NOT
working correctly.
Re-install the SAM PuttLab software.
Be sure that the driver installation
during the setup is executed (see
page 9 –“Software Installation”).
During the measurement different status will occur:
Red
BaseUnit is in measuring
mode, but receives no
signal from the triplet.
Be sure that the FlexTriplet is
activated an in front of the BaseUnit.
Orange
Infrared connection is
interrupted or the
FlexTriplet is out of range.
Be sure that the FlexTriplet is in front
of the BaseUnit and that there are no
objects/persons between unit and
triplet.
8.3 Batteries for the FlexTriplet
Needed battery type
Lithium battery CR2 (photo battery)
Battery life (constant usage)
> 30 hours
Time until next battery change (daily use of 2 h)
> 30 days
If you have difficulties finding the batteries please contact Science & Motion Sports.
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