Swami 1500 FAQ

Please take a moment to read through some popular questions Swami users have found helpful.

Swami Support: (800) 777-7899

Quicklinks

SWAMI 1500 User Manual
SWAMI Quick Start Guide
SWAMI Helpful Hints

Swami Software
Download Swami Map Manager
SWAMI Drivers (2.1mb, download EXE to desktop and run EXE)

Swami FAQ’s

General

Q: What is GPS and how does it work?
A: The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) developed by the United States Department of Defense. It uses a constellation of between 24 and 32 Medium Earth Orbit satellites that transmit precise microwave signals, enabling GPS receivers to determine their current location. Your SWAMI receives these signals from as many as 12 satellites above the horizon to pinpoint your position by calculating, with great accuracy, the distance between you and pre-defined targets (Front, Center, Back of green) via a golf course map uploaded onto your unit. All Golf GPS systems leverage this same satellite network.

Q: Why is SWAMI better than a Laser Rangefinder?
A: SWAMI is easier to use and more accurate. Unlike laser rangefinders, it measures distances without requiring a direct line of sight to the target. Lasers can only measure to the flagstick (or other defined objects that its sights can lock on) and its accuracy is highly dependent on how the unit is held and how far you are from your target. And the SWAMI is half the cost of most laser rangefinders.

Q: How can SWAMI help me play golf better?
A: When you know the exact distance to the Front, Center and Back (FCB) of the green, you can pick the right club for the distance, and do it more quickly. And you don’t have to waste time searching for sprinkler heads"¦so the SWAMI promotes faster play and lower scores!

Q: Why is SWAMI half the cost of other Golf GPS Systems?
A: We have streamlined the latest technology while maintaining only the most vital features in an effort to make the SWAMI more affordable. We’ve built the Swami utilizing the same state-of-the-art GPS technology but eliminated all the costly bells and whistles that most golfers really don’t need or use, and don’t have to pass on the costs associated with expensive endorsements and/or info-commercials. This allows us to offer virtually the same functionality at a much lower price.

Q: Is the SWAMI legal to use for handicaps and tournaments?
A: Both the USGA and the R&A have allowed the use of distance measuring devices when the local governing committee permits it. Essentially, they are permissible everywhere local rules allow. It is a good idea to check with the local golf pro if the event is a USGA sanctioned tournament.

Q: What is INSTA-LOK Technology?
A: Other GPS systems can take a long time to lock-in on a target. INSTA-LOKâ„¢ technology instantly displays yardage to the Front, Center, and Back of the green. There is minimal lag time before the correct yardage is displayed. Even when riding in a cart, the yardage changes instantly.

Product

Q. How do I charge my SWAMI?
A: For optimal charging,we recommend that you charge your SWAMI directly through your computer using the provided USB cable.PLEASE NOTE: When charging through your computer, make sure Swami Map Manager is running before you plug in and make sure that your computer is NOT set on Sleep or Hibernate mode (your Swami will not charge in these modes). When the battery icon (upper right corner) stops blinking your Swami is fully charged.It takes approx. 2 – 4 hours to fully charge your Swami.

Q: How long does the battery charge last?
A: A minimum of 12 hours on a single charge. It is a good idea to charge the SWAMI after every round, but it will always get you through at least two rounds of golf with a fully charged battery.

Q: What functions are performed by the buttons?
A: ENT is the on/off button. To turn the SWAMI on/off hold the ENT button down for approximately 3-5 seconds. When the SWAMI is turned on, it can take up to 90 seconds for the unit to register its location and the distance to the first green. If not the unit will automatically shut down (battery save feature). If so, simply restart the SWAMI by pressing down the ENT button. Once the SWAMI powers up, it will automatically recognize the course it’s on. The Up and *Down arrow *buttons allow you to toggle from hole-to-hole (or course-to-course in Course mode). After completing each hole, you must advance to the next hole via the Up arrow button. The *FCB *button allows you to see distances to the Front, Center, and Back of each green. Refer to the SWAMI User Manual for more info.

Q: Is the SWAMI waterproof?
A: The SWAMI is water-resistant. It will perform during a rain shower, but should not be submerged in water. Water is generally not a friend of electronic devices.

Q: Why is the number display so large?
A: SWAMI was designed to alleviate a common problem among other Golf GPS units – the difficulty to read the display, especially in bright light conditions. SWAMI is the easiest Golf GPS system to read in the industry.

Q: How many courses does the SWAMI hold?
A: The SWAMI can hold up to 10 courses at a time. You can load and unload an unlimited number of courses within the one-year (annual) subscription period.

Q: How do I know what courses are on my SWAMI?
A: Open MapManager and connect your SWAMI to your computer. You will be taken directly to your “MY Course List”. You’ll see at the bottom left corner of MapManager the list of courses already uploaded onto your “SWAMI DEVICE”. Please note that the courses listed under “My Course List” may not always match the list of courses already uploaded onto your SWAMI. When clicking the “Load SWAMI” button located at the bottom of your “My Course List”, you will upload the courses under “My Course List” to your device. Once synchronized, your “My Course List” will match the list of courses on your SWAMI Device (as listed at the bottom left of MapManager).

OPERATION

Q: I just bought a SWAMI. How do I get started?
A: See the Quick Start instructions that came with your SWAMI. You can also visit izzo.com under GPS/SWAMI SUPPORT to find Quick Start and User Manual instructions.

Q: I connected SWAMI before launching MapManager. Is that OK?
A: Yes. When you open MapManager, it will recognize your connected SWAMI, automatically log you in and take you directly to the “Golf Course Selector” page with your personal “My Course List” (assuming you’re connected to the Internet).

Q: What happens when I go to COURSE SEARCH and can’t find a course?
A: Keep in mind that if you misspell a course or city name, your course will not appear even though it may be in the database. To optimize your search, the “less is more” approach works best. We recommend typing in the first 3 letters of the course name. You may need to scroll through a list of courses, but you should find your course.
When searching our golf course database, you’ll experience one of the following result scenarios:

The course is found and you can add it to your course list by clicking the green arrow (note if there is no green arrow your course list already has the maximum of 10 courses and you will need to remove one in order to add a new course).
If you still are unable to find the course you want you may call Swami Support and request the course be mapped. A small mapping fee may apply.

Q: After making a course map request, how will I know when the map is ready for upload to my SWAMI?
A: When requesting a map that is not found in the database, you’ll receive an email indicating that the course map has been added to the database. You’ll be instructed to re-search the database (under "Search for Courses " area), you will find the course name listed. Simply click on the green arrow to add the course to your “my course list” and then click “Update Swami” button to download to your unit.

Q: What operating systems are compatible with the SWAMI?
A: All computers that run Windows 2000, XP or Vista are compatible. You will need 3 MB of hard disc space and Windows Explorer Internet access. At this time SWAMI is not compatible with Macintosh Operating Systems.

Q: How do I check for or obtain software updates?
A: When connecting the unit to your computer, SWAMI MapManager automatically checks the unit and will advise you of updates as they become available. Or you can manually check for updates under the “Tools” menu above.

Q: How long does it take to charge the battery?
A: From a completely depleted state, 2-4 hours. Topping the battery off does not affect the way the battery holds a charge. You may charge SWAMI after every round if you like.

Q: How do I know what hole I’m on?
A: The SWAMI display shows the hole you are on. After completing a hole, if you forget to advance to the next hole via the Up Arrow button, the yardage will look wrong. Simply make a note of the hole you are on and look at the screen hole number. They should be the same. If not, toggle up or down until they match.

Q: How do I toggle to another course on my unit?
A: When standing on the first tee and turning on your unit, SWAMI should automatically locate the course you are on(assuming the course has been downloaded to your unit). However, in case two or more courses are nearby and the SWAMI recognizes the wrong course, you may need to toggle to a different course on your unit. Simply press the “ENT” button to place the SWAMI into “Course” mode (note the word “course” and a course # appearing at the left of your display). In Course mode, toggle between courses by pressing the UP/DOWN arrows (the course #‘s correspond to the order the courses are loaded on the unit). If you’re note sure of the correct course number, simply check the distance that’s being displayed against the scorecard to determine the correct course. Once you’ve found the correct course, press the “ENT” button again to put you back into “HOLE” mode.

Q: Can I connect more than one SWAMI to my computer at the same time?
A: Please only connect and charge one SWAMI at a time. Other USB devices can be used at the same time without interference.

Troubleshooting

Q: I tried to turn on SWAMI while connected to the computer, and the unit froze. What should I do?*
A: As instructed in the Quick Start Guide and User Manual, you should not attempt to turn on your SWAMI while connected to the computer. If you do so, the letters "CHG" will appear in the SWAMI display and the unit will freeze. To reset the SWAMI, disconnect it from the computer and at the same time hold down both Arrow buttons and the FCB button until the unit shuts down. You can now reconnect your SWAMI to the computer (do not turn it on) for charging and/or downloading courses through SWAMI MapManager, as normal.

Q: While playing, my SWAMI is acting strange and doesn’t seem to be performing correctly?
A: Simply reset your SWAMI and reboot. To reset the SWAMI, at the same time hold down both Arrow buttons and the FCB button until your unit shuts down. Restart the SWAMI and allow it time to power up. It should lock on to the course you’re playing (assuming the course has been loaded onto your SWAMI) and display distance to the first green. Depending on what hole you’re on, you may need to advance to the correct hole via the Up or Down Arrow button.

Q: In some instances while playing on the same course, the yardage seems to vary from day-to-day. What causes this and is my SWAMI defective?
A: All GPS systems can be affected by various conditions that can cause interference in receiving signals from the GPS satellites above. Overcast skies, rain, high humidity, large objects (i.e. skyscrapers), dense tree cover, etc. can affect performance on any given day, by minimizing the number of satellites SWAMI is able to receive signals from.

Q: On one or more holes the distance to the green is consistently off by 10+ yards? What should I do?
A: First of all, if a golf course has gone through recent reconstruction – mainly moving a particular green – your SWAMI map may be outdated. You can verify accuracy by standing on the front of the green, pressing the FCB button (select Front) and seeing if your distance reads zero or close to it (note plus or minus 3 yard tolerance is normal). If the SWAMI reads 10+ yards than there may be an issue with the course map. This is a fairly easy fix – simply call Swami Support at 800-777-7899 to report the problem.

Q: My SWAMI is displaying an error message? What does it mean?
A: Please note the following definitions of various error messages:

E1- Current selected hole green is greater than 999 yards away
E2 – No course within SWAMI range (> 999 yards average)
E3- No courses loaded on SWAMI
E4- Low battery on startup (< 30 minutes of battery life expected)
E5- Hardware Issue Call Izzo Golf Support at 1-800-777-7899
E6- Hardware Issue Call Izzo Golf Support at 1-800-777-7899
E7- Hardware Issue Call Izzo Golf Support at 1-800-777-7899

Terms

Q: What’s the cost of the annual subscription?
A: For an annual subscription fee of $9.99, you get access to over 15,000 course maps.

Q: Do my 10 courses get erased if I don’t renew?
A: Other Golf GPS systems may delete the loaded courses when you log in after the subscription expiration date.
With SWAMI, you are not required to renew your annual subscription. You keep the courses loaded in your SWAMI for as long as you want. They will never be deleted. However, once your subscription expires you will no longer receive software updates and will not have access to the course map database.

Q: What is the SWAMI warranty?
A: SWAMI is warranted to be free from defects for up to 90 days from your registration date. Software updates are free of charge.

Q: How do I return a defective SWAMI?
A: Izzo cannot refund your purchase. Izzo will replace any defective unit within the warranty period. Please call Swami Support at 800-777-7899 to request a Return Authorization. All defective product must be returned to:

Izzo Golf
1635 Commons Parkway
Macedon, NY 14502

Please include a note with your name, address, phone # and the Return Authorization #. Your replacement SWAMI will be shipped once we receive and diagnose the returned unit.

Q: How do I return a non-defective SWAMI for full refund?
A: Non-defective units need to being returned to the retailer you purchased from, dependent on the store’s formal refund/return policy.

Q: Who should I call if I have any problems with SWAMI?
A: Swami Support at 800-777-7899, or send an email to sales@izzo.com. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Eastern Time.

Swami 1500 FAQ

Swami 1500 FAQ

Swami Support: (800) 777-7899

Quicklinks

Swami Software Download Swami Map Manager SWAMI Drivers (2.1mb, download EXE to desktop and run EXE)

Swami FAQ’s

General

Product

Operation

Troubleshooting

Terms

General

Product

OPERATION

Troubleshooting

Terms

Swami Software
Download Swami Map Manager
SWAMI Drivers (2.1mb, download EXE to desktop and run EXE)