PiTrac - The World’s First Open-Source Golf Launch Monitor
The PiTrac project is a fully-functional golf launch monitor that avoids the need for expensive high-shutter-speed and high frame-rate cameras. We’ve developed techniques for high-speed, infrared, strobe-based image capture and processing using low-cost cameras such as the Pi Global Shutter camera (~US$50 retail) and Raspberry Pi single board computers.
What Does PiTrac Do?
PiTrac determines golf ball launch speed, angles, and spin in 3 axes. Its output is accessible on a stand-alone web-based app, and interfaces to popular golf-course simulators including GsPro and E6/TruGolf are working. [We’ve reached out to 2k/TopGolf, but no response yet.]
Is PiTrac For You?
PiTrac is not a commercial product for sale – the full design is being released as open source on GitHub for folks to build themselves. The two Pi computers and cameras are the most expensive parts, costing around $250 in total. PiTrac uses off-the-shelf hardware with a parts list including supplier links. The only custom part is a small printed circuit board that can be manufactured for a few dollars.
It’s not easy, but if you’re handy with a soldering iron, can figure out how to 3D print the parts, and are willing to burrow into the Linux operating system to compile and install software, you should be able to create your own PiTrac!
Community & Development
We are hoping to inspire a community of developers to help test and continue PiTrac’s development. This is still a young project – the basic features usually work reliably, but the current release needs polish. We’re looking for folks to build their own PiTracs and help us improve the documentation and design.
Resources
- Hackaday Project Page - Project details and development logs
- Reddit Community - Discussion and support
- YouTube Channel - Videos and tutorials
- GitHub Repository - Source code, 3D models, and hardware designs
- Support PiTrac - Help fund continued development
- Project Wish List - Equipment needs
Documentation Sections
- Getting Started - Learn about PiTrac, project status, and roadmap
- Hardware - Parts list, assembly guides, and 3D printing
- Software - Raspberry Pi setup, configuration, and startup
- Integration - Connect to golf simulators and third-party systems
- Troubleshooting - Debugging guides and common issues
Introduction to PiTrac's Enclosure
(*) Raspberry Pi is a trademark of Raspberry Pi Ltd. The PiTrac project is not endorsed, sponsored by or associated with Raspberry Pi or Raspberry Pi products or services.