Electronic Croquet Swing Trainer Tutorial

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🚀 Getting Started

What You Need

• M5StickC Plus2 device - with firmware installed
• M5StickC Plus Speaker HAT (optional but highly recommended)
• Mounting method - strap, tape, or clamp
• Your croquet mallet

Where to Purchase

The M5StickC Plus2 and Speaker HAT can be purchased from:

• M5Stack Official Store - Most reliable source
• AliExpress - Budget option, longer shipping
• Amazon - Fast delivery, higher cost
• Electronics retailers - Check local availability

Why External Speaker is Desirable

The built-in speaker on the M5StickC Plus2 is quite quiet and may be difficult to hear during outdoor practice. The external Speaker HAT provides:

• Much louder volume - audible in windy conditions
• Clearer sound quality - better frequency response
• Adjustable volume - programmable levels
• Professional feedback - suitable for serious training

Sensors and Their Function

The M5StickC Plus2 contains sophisticated motion sensors:

• 6-axis IMU (MPU6886) - Combines accelerometer and gyroscope
• Accelerometer - Detects linear movement and gravity orientation
• Gyroscope - Measures rotational movement and angular velocity

These sensors work together to detect:

• Mallet head rotation (yaw errors)
• Sideways movement off the aiming line
• Lean errors (mallet shaft tilting)
• Timing errors (premature forward swing)
• Impact detection (ball contact and off-center hits)

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🎮 Controls & Interface

Button Layout

The M5StickC Plus2 has three buttons:

• Power Button - Side button below middle of screen
• Button A (M5) - Front button below screen
• Button B - Right side button
• Button C - Left side button (when screen facing you)

Power Management

• Power On: Press power button briefly
• Power Off: Hold power button for 6 seconds
• Screen Timeout: Screen turns off after 1 minute of inactivity
• Deep Sleep: Device sleeps after 3 minutes of inactivity
• Wake Up: Press any button to wake from sleep

Menu Navigation

The device uses a simple menu system:

• Button B: Move down in menus
• Button C: Move up in menus
• Button A (M5): Select highlighted item

Slider Controls

For settings like skill level and volume:

• Button C: Move slider left (decrease value)
• Button B: Move slider right (increase value)
• Button A (M5): Confirm selection

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🔧 Device Mounting

Mounting Position

The device must be mounted vertically on the front of the mallet shaft with:

• Screen facing forwards (toward the target)
• M5 button at the bottom
• Device positioned just above the mallet head

Mounting Methods

Several options for securing the device:

• Velcro straps - Adjustable and reusable
• Elastic bands - Quick and simple
• Cable ties - Secure but single-use
• Double-sided tape - Clean but permanent
• Custom clamp - 3D printed or fabricated

Mounting Considerations

• Secure attachment - Device must not move during swing
• Button access - Ensure M5 button remains accessible
• Screen visibility - Screen should be clearly visible
• Weight balance - Minimal impact on mallet feel
• Shock absorption - Consider padding for impact protection

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🎯 Calibration Process

When to Calibrate

Calibration is required:

• First time setup - Before initial use
• After remounting - When device position changes
• New practice location - Different ground conditions
• When prompted - Device requests recalibration

Calibration Steps

1. Mount the device properly on your mallet
2. Select "Practice" from the main menu
3. Follow the on-screen instructions:
   • Place mallet down on aiming line
   • Ensure shaft is vertical
   • Point mallet at your target
   • Press M5 button when ready
4. Wait for confirmation - Device will beep when calibrated
5. Begin practice - Calibration is complete

What Calibration Records

The calibration process establishes:

• Target direction - Compass heading for aim reference
• Gravity reference - Automatic lean detection baseline
• Device orientation - Confirms vertical mounting

The device does NOT require:

• Perfect ground leveling
• Specific mallet angle
• Complex multi-point calibration

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🔊 Audio Error Guide

Learning the Sounds

After calibration, you can practice recognizing the different error sounds by deliberately making mistakes:

• Twist mallet head left or right - Hear rotation error sounds
• Move device quickly sideways - Trigger sideways movement alerts
• Lean the shaft over - Experience lean error feedback
• Start forward swing early - While head still moving backward

Audio Psychology

The sound design uses intuitive frequency associations:

• Low frequencies = Left (800Hz for left movement/rotation start)
• High frequencies = Right (1200Hz for right movement/rotation end)
• Sweeping tones = Rotation (changing direction)
• Steady tones = Linear movement (fixed direction)
• Very low tones = Slow down (timing errors)

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🏌️ Practice Sessions

Practice Methods

Two main practice approaches are supported:

Method 1: Static Practice

• Start with mallet stationary on ground
• Swing back, then forward as if hitting ball
• Return mallet to ground and stop
• Ideal for technique refinement

Method 2: Continuous Practice

• Swing continuously over the ball position
• Attempt to correct errors with each swing
• Most common method - allows constant correction
• Immediate feedback enables rapid improvement

Effective Practice Tips

• Start slowly - Focus on accuracy over speed
• Listen carefully - Learn to distinguish different error sounds
• One error at a time - Work on specific problems
• Practice regularly - Short, frequent sessions are most effective
• Stay relaxed - Tension leads to more errors

What to Focus On

Common swing problems to address:

• Hand position drift - Causes shaft lean and head drift
• Mallet face alignment - Prevent rotation during swing
• Swing timing - Proper pause at backswing end
• Straight line movement - No sideways wandering
• Consistent technique - Repeatable swing mechanics

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⚙️ Settings & Customization

Available Menu Options

The main menu provides access to:

Skill Level Settings

Five skill levels adjust error sensitivity:

• Level 1 (Amateur): Very tolerant - detects only major errors
• Level 2 (Beginner): Forgiving - good for learning basic technique
• Level 3 (Intermediate): Balanced - suitable for most players
• Level 4 (Advanced): Strict - for players wanting precision
• Level 5 (Expert): Very strict - professional-level accuracy required

Amateur vs Expert Levels

Aspect	Amateur (Level 1)	Expert (Level 5)
Rotation Threshold	8° rotation before alert	2° rotation before alert
Lean Tolerance	6° lean before alert	2° lean before alert
Sideways Movement	3.0 m/s² before alert	1.0 m/s² before alert
Error Frequency	Few alerts, major errors only	Many alerts, precision required

Volume Control

Audio volume can be adjusted from 1-10:

• Low volume (1-3): For quiet indoor practice
• Medium volume (4-7): General outdoor use
• High volume (8-10): Windy conditions or external speaker

Language Support

Currently supported languages:

• English - Default language
• Spanish - Menu items and messages in Spanish
• Additional languages may be added in future firmware updates

Clock Settings

Set the device time for:

• Session timing - Track practice duration
• Display preferences - 12 or 24-hour format
• Sleep scheduling - Time-based power management

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🏆 Advanced Usage

Using for Roquets and Hoop Running

The device can potentially be used for gentle practice shots:

If attempting gentle roquets:

• Install foam padding between shaft and device
• Use only gentle shots - no powerful strikes
• Monitor device condition - check for damage regularly
• Consider using older balls - softer impact
• Practice on grass - avoid hard surfaces

Advanced Training Techniques

Progressive Skill Development:

1. Master Level 1 - Eliminate major errors
2. Advance gradually - Increase one level at a time
3. Focus sessions - Work on specific error types
4. Consistency training - Practice identical swings
5. Speed progression - Gradually increase swing pace

Specific Error Training:

• Rotation errors: Practice keeping mallet face square
• Lean errors: Focus on hand position stability
• Sideways drift: Concentrate on straight-line movement
• Timing errors: Work on pause at backswing end

Multiple Mallet Training

If using multiple mallets:

• Recalibrate when switching mallets
• Check mounting - ensure consistent position
• Consider weight differences - may affect sensitivity
• Practice with your match mallet - most important for competition

Weather Considerations

• Wind: May affect audio clarity - increase volume
• Rain: Device is not waterproof - use protective cover
• Cold: Battery life may be reduced in cold weather
• Sun: Screen may be difficult to see in bright sunlight

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🔍 Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Device Won't Turn On

• Check battery: Connect USB-C charger
• Hold power button: Press and hold for 3 seconds
• Try different cable: Ensure USB-C cable supports data
• Reset device: Hold power button for 10 seconds

No Audio Feedback

• Check volume setting: Increase in Settings menu
• Verify speaker connection: External speaker HAT properly attached
• Test with deliberate errors: Try obvious mistakes to trigger sounds
• Check skill level: Lower levels are more tolerant

Inaccurate Error Detection

• Recalibrate device: Ensure proper target alignment
• Check mounting: Device must be vertical and secure
• Verify orientation: Screen facing forward, M5 button down
• Adjust skill level: May be too sensitive or tolerant

Screen Not Working

• Normal power saving: Screen turns off after 1 minute
• Press any button: Wake screen from timeout
• Check for damage: Inspect screen for cracks
• Restart device: Power off and on again

Device Keeps Sleeping

• Normal behavior: Sleeps after 3 minutes inactivity
• During practice: Movement should prevent sleep
• Press any button: Wake from sleep mode
• Check mounting: Loose mounting may affect motion detection

Performance Issues

Too Many False Alarms

• Lower skill level: Increase error tolerance
• Check mounting stability: Device must not move independently
• Verify calibration: Recalibrate if necessary
• Practice technique: Device may be detecting real errors

Missing Real Errors

• Increase skill level: Higher sensitivity to errors
• Check device position: Must be properly oriented
• Verify mounting: Loose mounting reduces sensitivity
• Test deliberately: Make obvious errors to test detection

When to Contact Support

Contact support if you experience:

• Hardware damage: Cracked screen, broken buttons
• Charging issues: Device won't charge despite trying different cables
• Firmware problems: Device behaves erratically after firmware update
• Persistent calibration failures: Cannot complete calibration process