How do I set up a FlightScope Mevo Gen2 golf simulator?

What's in the box

FlightScope's manual lists the Mevo Gen2, a carry case, a power supply, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a quickstart guide and aluminium stickers. If you bought our Mevo Gen2 package, the enclosure, Tee Turf switchable mat, rubber base, any side netting you added and the BenQ AH500ST projector with its floor case come in separate boxes, with a setup guide. No HDMI cable is included.

What you need ready

• A phone or tablet (iOS or Android) or a Windows PC for the free FS Golf app.
• An email address for a FlightScope Cloud account. This is a free login made inside the FS Golf app, and you confirm it by email.
• A tape measure. The distance behind the ball matters.
• The supplied power supply and cable. FlightScope says a USB-A cable can't deliver enough current, so the battery slowly drains while you play.
• An HDMI cable (the standard lead that carries picture and sound) to reach the projector.
• A Windows PC or an iPad for course software. GSPro is Windows only, and E6 Connect runs on iOS or Windows.

Where it goes in the room

Our rooms start at 3.0m wide, 2.7m high and 4.2m long. A ceiling of 3m or more is ideal, and I plan on about 2.5m from the ball to the screen.

The Mevo Gen2 is a radar. It sits behind you and watches the ball fly, so it needs a longer room than a camera unit. I plan on 5.2m of length for a Mevo Gen2 bay. From FlightScope's manual:

• Place it on the floor, directly behind the ball, 2.4m (8ft) from the unit to the ball. Measure it, don't guess.
• FlightScope asks for at least 2.4m of ball flight to the screen. Our 2.5m covers it.
• Keep the floor level between the unit and the mat. The hitting surface can be no more than 76mm (3in) higher than the floor the Mevo sits on.
• Keep the space between the unit and the ball clear of objects and people.
• Move noisy electronics behind the unit. FlightScope names air conditioning, fluorescent lights, fans, TVs, laptops, desktop PCs and fridges. In front of it they cause poor tracking.

Step-by-step setup

1. First time only: plug the unit into its power supply to switch off shipping mode, then peel off the shipping-mode sticker.
2. Charge it fully. That takes about 6 hours, and a charge gives up to 6 hours of play.
3. Download the FS Golf app. The QR code on the bottom of the box takes you to it.
4. Create your FlightScope Cloud account in the app and allow the permissions it asks for.
5. In the app, go to Settings, Radar Settings, Radar Type, and choose Mevo Gen2.
6. Hold the power button for 2 seconds until it beeps.
7. Tap Scan QR Code in the app and scan the code on the unit. This joins your phone to the Mevo's own Wi-Fi network. You can also join that network in your phone's Wi-Fi settings, using the serial number (for example MG2-000123) as the password.
8. Follow the prompts to register the device and set up a session.
9. Open the kickstand fully. That sets the 12-degree tilt automatically.
10. On the Radar Setup screen, enter the 2.4m distance and your tee height. Line up the on-screen target with your hitting area using the camera view, and adjust until the roll value turns green.
11. Indoors, stick an aluminium sticker on the ball, facing the target and away from the Mevo. You need it for accurate spin.

Connect to the projector

The picture comes from the device running the golf software, not from the Mevo. With a Windows PC, plug the HDMI cable into the PC and the projector and select that input on the projector. Then press the Windows key and P together and choose Duplicate or Second screen only. The PC or iPad running E6 or GSPro connects to the Mevo over its Wi-Fi.

To claim your free E6 Connect courses:

1. Register your Mevo Gen2 in FS Golf. E6 emails you a product key.
2. Install E6 Connect from the App Store, or for Windows from portal.e6golf.com.
3. Create your E6 profile, choose redeem and enter the key.
4. Download your courses before you connect to the Mevo.

First-shot check

Start a session in FS Golf and wait for the status light to show Armed. Hit a ball with the sticker facing the target. Ball speed, launch and spin should appear in the app, and on the big screen once your course software is connected. FlightScope says very low or very wide shots, and shots where you stand between the unit and the ball, may not register.

Playing courses

FlightScope says there are no ongoing fees for the Mevo Gen2. The FS Golf app is free on iOS, Android and PC. You also own eight E6 Connect courses for life on iOS and PC: Valderrama, Kiawah Ocean, Torrey Pines South, Kapalua Plantation, Sea Island Seaside, Pelican Hill, Chateau Whistler and Latrobe CC.

FlightScope's US store lists more E6 courses at $300 a year (Basic) or $600 a year (Expanded). GSPro is $250 a year on a Windows PC. Awesome Golf is £14.99 a month, £149.99 a year or £349.99 for life, with a 14-day free trial. The Pro Package ($699 on sale, $1,000 normally) adds extra club data, but you don't need it to play.

The three things that most often go wrong

It won't power on or connect out of the box

It's still in shipping mode. Plug it into the supplied power supply, wait for the beeping to stop, and remove the shipping-mode sticker.

Spin numbers look odd indoors

The aluminium sticker is missing or facing the wrong way. It must face the target, directly away from the Mevo. Don't use stickers for putting.

It misses shots

Measure the 2.4m again, check that nothing stands between the unit and the ball, and move the PC, fans and lights behind the Mevo.

Official help from FlightScope

• Mevo Gen2 user manual (PDF)
• How to set up your Mevo Gen2, FlightScope's written quick start
• Firmware and apps and the FlightScope UK FAQ
• All FlightScope user manuals

I couldn't find an official FlightScope setup video for the Mevo Gen2. The YouTube ones are from retailers and reviewers, so use the written guide above.