Rainmaker setup best practices (leveling, spacing, interference, and more)Updated a month ago

Correct placement

Getting the position right is the single biggest factor in Rainmaker's performance. Follow these guidelines every time you set up:

Distance: Place Rainmaker approximately 5 feet directly behind the golf ball.
Alignment: The unit must face straight down the target line. Even a few degrees of offset can affect carry distance and spin readings.
Level: Rainmaker should sit completely flat and level with the hitting surface. It uses an internal sensor to confirm this before arming — if the unit is tilted, it will remain on the placement screen until corrected.
Stable surface: Place it on a firm, flat surface. Avoid grass that compresses under the unit or uneven mats that cause tilt.

Indoor setup

Indoor use is one of the most common use cases for Rainmaker. A few extra considerations apply:

Ball flight distance: Allow at least 10 feet of ball flight in front of the hitting area. A net placed too close is the most common reason Rainmaker misses shots indoors — the radar needs enough travel time to capture the ball's data.
Room clearance: Aim for a minimum of 10–14 feet from ball to net for best results across all clubs, especially longer irons and woods.
Metal interference: Large metal objects near the unit — HVAC systems, metal shelving, exercise equipment, golf carts — can reflect radar signals and cause misreads or missed shots. Move the unit away from these sources, or reposition your setup area.
Ceiling and wall reflections: In very small rooms, radar signals can bounce off low ceilings or close side walls. If you notice inconsistent readings in a tight space, try moving the unit slightly or changing the setup angle.

Outdoor setup

Rainmaker works outdoors on a range or in your backyard. The same positioning rules apply — 5 feet behind the ball, aligned down the target line, level.
Wind: In high-wind conditions, spin readings can vary slightly. This is normal for radar-based systems.
Sunlight: Avoid pointing the front of the unit directly into very bright sunlight. If you notice missed shots outdoors, try rotating your setup so the sun is not directly in front of the radar face.
Uneven ground: On grass or a range mat, double-check that the unit hasn't settled into a tilt. Re-level before each session if needed.

Using Rainmaker with a hitting net

Hitting nets are fully supported and are one of the most popular ways to use Rainmaker indoors.
Position the net at least 10 feet from the ball — more if your space allows. Closer than this limits the radar's ability to track the full ball flight.
Make sure the net is taut and stable. A loose, swinging net that crosses back into the radar path between shots can occasionally trigger false readings.

Common mistakes to avoid

Placing the unit at an angle to the target line instead of straight behind the ball.
Setting up on a sloped or soft surface that causes gradual tilt during a session.
Hitting from too far off-center relative to the unit's radar axis.
Starting a session before the placement screen has cleared — always wait for Rainmaker to confirm it's level and armed.
Having another Bluetooth device paired to Rainmaker at the same time as the Launch App.

Keep firmware up to date

Firmware updates often include accuracy improvements and bug fixes. Open Device Settings in the Launch App to check for available updates before starting a session. See our Help Center for firmware update instructions.

Still having issues?

If your setup looks correct but you're still getting missed or inconsistent readings, contact us at [email protected] with details about your setup (indoor or outdoor, distance to net, surface type) and we'll help troubleshoot.

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