If your launch monitor isn’t showing club data; or is only displaying Club Head Speed and Smash Factor; your device may not be detecting the club markers correctly or may be operating in 1-Dot Mode.
This guide covers how club data is captured, what each dot mode means, and the most common reasons club data is missing or incomplete. You’ll also learn how to verify your Club Analysis capability and properly set up your club markers for accurate readings.
Understanding Dot Modes
1-Dot Mode (Basic Club Data)
Provides Club Head Speed and Smash Factor only.
Automatically used when a device doesn’t have the Club Analysis add-on or when markers aren’t being detected.
Used by: GC3, GC3s, Launch Pro, and LPi (these devices always use 1-Dot).
Also used by: GCQuad, QuadMAX, Falcon, and GCHawk if Club Analysis is not purchased or activated.
4-Dot Mode (Full Club Data)
Provides detailed metrics such as Path, Face Angle, Loft, Lie, Attack Angle, Closure Rate, and more.
Requires a Club Analysis license or subscription.
Supported by: GCQuad, QuadMAX, Falcon, and GCHawk.
💡 Even 4-Dot capable devices will default to 1-Dot Mode if markers are applied incorrectly, damaged, or not visible to the cameras.
Common Symptoms
Only Club Head Speed and Smash Factor appear in FSX Play, FSX 2020, or FSX Pro.
“Club Data Unavailable” or “Club Not Detected” messages appear.
Some data points register inconsistently or appear as zeros.
Data disappears after a few swings or when switching clubs.
Common Causes
Club Analysis not purchased or activated. Without the add-on, the device will only show basic club metrics.
Improper or worn club markers. Misaligned or damaged markers prevent proper detection.
Poor lighting or glare. Bright light or reflections can wash out the infrared marker signal.
Dirty or reflective club faces. Dust, debris, or high polish can block or distort detection.
Incorrect hitting zone alignment. Club and ball need to be positioned within the valid capture area.
Software mismatch or calibration drift. Older firmware or incorrect software settings can impact club capture.
How to Fix Club Capture or Marker Detection Issues
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Confirm your Club Data capability
GC3 / GC3s / Launch Pro / LPi → Always operate in 1-Dot Mode (Club Head Speed and Smash Factor only).
GCQuad / QuadMAX / Falcon / GCHawk → Require Club Analysis license or subscription for full 4-Dot Mode.
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Check your club markers
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Review our guide:
Ensure markers are clean, flat, and aligned correctly for your club type.
Replace markers if they appear worn or no longer reflective.
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Inspect your lighting and environment
Avoid direct sunlight or bright overhead lighting near the hitting zone.
Remove chrome or reflective surfaces close to the monitor.
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Re-position your hitting zone
Make sure the ball is inside the designated hitting area and both ball and club are visible to the monitor’s cameras.
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Restart your software and device
Relaunch FSX or FSX Pro and verify the device connection.
Re-test with a few swings and check for full club data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my launch monitor only showing Club Head Speed and Smash Factor?
That means your device is in 1-Dot Mode; either Club Analysis isn’t active, or your markers aren’t being detected.
If you own a GCQuad, QuadMAX, Falcon, or GCHawk and have Club Analysis, recheck your markers and lighting.
How do I know if my Club Analysis add-on is active?
In FSX Play or FSX Pro, open your device information panel. Under “Club Data,” it will list Licensed or Active.
If it shows Unavailable, your device is limited to 1-Dot Mode until Club Analysis is added.
Which devices can capture full (4-Dot) club data?
GCQuad, QuadMAX, Falcon, and GCHawk; provided the Club Analysis add-on is active.
GC3, GC3s, Launch Pro, and LPi always capture basic 1-Dot data; that’s normal.
I replaced my markers but still don’t get club data; what now?
Check lighting, ensure you’re within the hitting zone, and confirm your Club Analysis license is active.
If the issue persists after restarting, contact Support for next-step diagnostics.
Do I need separate markers for every club?
You can use one marker sheet for multiple clubs, but each face needs its own clean, aligned markers.
Replace them once they lose reflectivity; they’re consumable accessories.
Can I still play FSX software without Club Analysis?
Yes. You’ll still receive full ball data and basic club-speed metrics.
Club Analysis simply unlocks advanced head data such as path, face angle, and attack angle.
Related Articles
When to Contact Support
If you’ve verified your markers, environment, and Club Analysis status but still have missing or inconsistent data:
GC3 / GC3s / Launch Pro / LPi:
Showing only Club Head Speed and Smash Factor is normal operation.GCQuad / QuadMAX / Falcon / GCHawk:
If Club Analysis is active and markers are correct but data still fails, contact Foresight Sports Support for advanced troubleshooting.