Loss of GPS Signal and Yardages

It is often thought that a GPS device like the SkyCaddie should keep constant uninterrupted view and connection to the satellites, thus always giving accurate yardage information. This is true of cellular technology, indoors or out, etc, but not for a GPS device like the SkyCaddie. A clear, unobstructed view of the sky must always be maintained for optimum performance. Here are some other tips:

1. When going to play golf, the SkyCaddie should have a fully charged battery and should be allowed to search and acquire satellites for at least 10-15 minutes, prior to play. During this time, the device should be stationary. Many people power the device on then head straight to the course. From that point on, the yardage info you get may be off or may not show at all.

2. Is the golf course you are playing in need of an update? It's good to plug your SkyCaddie into your computer and allow it to sync with the SkyCaddie desktop software. You will receive updates to the device if you do this periodically and you can view your course list to see if any of your downloaded golf courses should need an update. An unupdated golf course on the device can cause yardage problems.

3. Placing the SkyCaddie in your pocket during the game, placing it in a golf cart cup holder, tall trees or heavy shrubbery, hilly terrain, very overcast cloudy days, etc., all can impede satellite acquisition and yardage accuracy.

4. Internal issues. Most SkyCaddie models may have an outward antennae view, but there is also an inward antennae connection that could be compromised. If this is true, the user will not know this, as this type of issue is internal and will need to be sent in to the company for repair, contact them to have this done. This can also be the source of why a device never seems to acquire satellites and/or give accurate yardage information.