FAQ’s

(frequently asked questions about Wakeboard and Waterski Video Taping)

Q:What cameras work best/do you recommend to use with the Trakker?

A: Almost all commercially available videocameras will work with the different Trakker models. All have a 1/4" threaded hole in the bottom for mounting on a tripod. Those that have the hole close to the center of the camera work best. For detailed info on different models that we have tested, click   HERE

Q: Why does my video jerk when the rope gets tight?

A: The reason is rope slap. Rope slap is when the skier/wakeboarder hits the wake or completes a jump the rope snaps from no tension to very taught. The skier/wakeboarder has traveled some distance in this amount of time and the TRAKKER has to catch up. When the rope goes taught the arm snaps to the new position and this give rope slap. How you fix it is you have to tighten the nut on the bottom as tight as you can so that when the units snaps back to position it will do so in a smooth motion.

Q: Why does my TRAKKER look different that the picture on the box/website?

A: Here at Ski Pro Accessories we strive to give the customer the best product possible. We are constantly doing research and development on all our products. When we come up with a better part or product we update all the products we ship out. Sometimes it takes a while before the pictures on the packaging and website catch up with our R/D department. Even though your product looks different than the picture you can rest assured that your product is the latest and greatest and will perform the best that it possibly can.

Q: A part on my TRAKKER is missing how do I get a replacement?

A: Sometimes in shipping parts get lost, don’t worry we will make it right. Just send us an email: bryan@wakevideo.com or call us at: 1 (800) 754-7761 and we will ship you a new one right away.

Q: A part on my TRAKKER is broken, how do I get a new one?

A: Most parts we will replace free of charge, some have nominal cost. Just send us an email: bryan@wakevideo.com or call us at: 1 (800) 754-7761 and we will let you know if there is a cost for the replacement part and then we will ship you a new one right away.

Q: My TRAKKER is broken, now what?

A: The best thing to do is just send us an email: bryan@wakevideo.com or call us at: 1 (800) 754-7761 and describe the problem. We stand behind our work 100% and want you to be satisfied. If it is a material or manufacturing defect we will replace the item FREE OF CHARGE. If it is not a material or manufacturing defect, still let us know, we want you to be happy and we will work hard to make it right. We can fix it usually at the lowest possible price and sometimes no cost to you at all. Just let us know so we can make it right.

Q: Can you tell me about your guarantee?

A: We stand behind our product 100%! If we can make it right we will. If you have a problem with one of our products we will replace it. If it was purchased from us we will replace or refund your money if you are not completely satisfied.

Q: I would like to upgrade my older TRAKKER, can I do that?

A: Yes! Happy customers are our best form of advertising, and the better the Trakker works for you, the more you'll spread the word. So if we have made significant improvements from the Trakker model you have, we want you to have the latest model. We will upgrade older models at the wholesale price. Just send us an email: bryan@wakevideo.com or call us at: 1 (800) 754-7761.

Q: How do I adjust the length of the arm on the AIRTRAKKER?

Q: Why is my video shakey?

A: There can be several reasons for this. Lets start with the camera. Some video cameras have Optical stabilization (this is best) leave this option on. If you camera has Digital Stabilization turn this off as it will make the picture bad. Next make sure the foam that your video camera sits on is in good order. Now we need to adjust the tension of the panning. The AIRTRAKKER has three nuts inside the cage that hold the video camera. There are two that adjust the length of the tracking arm (pictured on the top) and one nut and bolt that runs through the cage to the top of the unit (pictured below it is the lowest nut with the black bolt). The bolt that runs all the way through adjusts the panning (or twisting) of the cage. You will need two wrenches to adjust the tension. Basically, this nut should be very tight as it will give the best and smoothest video.

Q: How do I adjust the focus and zoom correctly with the TRAKKER?

A: The auto focus should be turned off as the distance to the skier/wakeboarder doesn’t change. Adjust the focus once when the skier/wakeboarder are at the end of their line then your done with that. As for zoom, ideally you want the person to take up about 1/3 of the frame from top to bottom, and you want to position them so that they are in the lower portion of the frame. See picture below.

Q: Will the AIRTRAKKER fit the tower on my boat?

A: The AIRTRAKKER will fit all tower mounts that have a diameter that are smaller than XX inches. Also the Thingi must be pointed in the upward direction. The AIRTRAKKER will not work on towers that have the Thingi pointed in the downward position. Note: The TRAKKER P3 will fit ALL Wakeboard Towers, but the camera is not easily reached, and the picture quality is not as good as using the AIRTRAKKER . We recommend the TRAKKER P3 be used only on those towers which the AIRTRAKKER will not fit, such as those on Tige Boats.

Q: How do I insert the foam on the AIRTRAKKER to protect my videocamera?

A: There is a foam pad on the bottom of the camera cage that is permanent. There are also two pieces of foam that come in the box with the unit. They are not necessary but sometimes can be helpful to cushion the camera. Place the foam on the sides of the camera as shown in the illustration below.

Q: What type of pylon will the TRAKKER P3 fit.

A: The TRAKKER P3 fits all aftermarket pylons and all new tournament boat pylons except those that are slanted more than 10 degrees from vertical, such as Supra. The TRAKKER P3 works with all commercial videocameras.

The TRAKKER P3 will fit ALL Wakeboard Towers, but the camera is not easily reached, and the picture quality is not as good as using the AIRTRAKKER . We recommend the TRAKKER P3 be used only on those towers which the AIRTRAKKER will not fit, such as those on Tige Boats.

Q: How do I adjust the vertical height on the TRAKKER P3.

A: There are four knobs on the P3, see picture below. The two on the bottom release and adjust the u-bolt that attaches the P3 to the pylon of your boat. The top right knob, in the picture (on the right side of the P3 as you would attach the unit to your boat and be looking towards the skier), locks the vertical adjustment. The knob on the top left, in the picture, increases or decreases the vertical adjustment.

To change the vertical height: loosen the right knob (on the right side of the P3), then tighten or loosen the left knob (in the back of the unit) to raise or lower the angle of the camera. Lastly tighten the right knob (on the right side of the P3) to lock in your adjustment and you are done.

Q: How get my videocamera on the TRAKKER?

A: On both units there is a foam pad that has a slot in it. Inside the slot is a knob with a bolt and nut that are loose and can be moved inside the slot. On the bottom of your video camera there is a threaded hole locate this on your camera. Place the theaded hole so it rests on the foam pad and in the middle of the slot of your TRAKKER. Next move the knob with the bolt on your TRAKKER to line up with the threaded hole on your camera and tighten the knob. Be careful not to cross thread it. Once the screw starts to go in (approximately 2 full turns) move the camera so that it is fully on the foam and pointed in a straight direction. Lastly tighen the knob so that it brings the camera snug into the foam pad. The camera should compress the foam about 1/8 of an inch, then you are ready to film.

Q: How do I get the best video possible?

A: Become familiar with your TRAKKER first before you go out on the water. Make sure the panning is correctly tensioned. Then: put the camera on your TRAKKER. Adjust the focus, turn off Digital Stabilization, turn on Optical stabilization if you have it, Adjust the zoom, adjust the height, hit record and enjoy the video. Do not forget to check the image every so often as it may need adjustment. Your camera will give the best video when the sun is behind the camera or the boat is going towards the sun, this will let you see more detail in the waterskier/wakeboarder.

Q: I can’t see the LCD on my camera, or it doesn’t have one, how can I adjust my camera?

A: If you do not have a flip out LCD monitor you can check our website purchase one of our LCD monitors and mounts.

Q: I already have a TRAKKER P3 for waterskiing, can I use that on my Tower for my wakeboard?

A: The TRAKKER P3 will fit ALL Wakeboard Towers, but the camera is not easily reached, and the picture quality is not as good as using the AIRTRAKKER . We recommend the TRAKKER P3 be used only on those towers which the AIRTRAKKER will not fit, such as those on Tige Boats.

Q: I have a ski eye mount on my ski boat will that work with the TRAKKER?

A: It will work with most ski eyes. It will not work if the ski eye is bigger than a 3 inch diameter.

Q: I have a Supra pylon will that work with the TRAKKER P3?

A: The TRAKKER will not work with the Supra Pylon.

Q: My ISM dosn’t work too well, what can I do to improve it?

A: We can upgrade your unit to a P3 at a modest cost. Please contact us via email: bryan@wakevideo.com or phone: 1 (800) 754-7761.

Q: My video is blurry, how do I fix that?

A: The auto focus should be turned off as the distance to the skier/wakeboarder doesn’t change. Adjust the focus once when the skier/wakeboarder are at the end of their line then your done with that. As for zoom, ideally you want the person to take up about 1/3 of the frame from top to bottom, and you want to position them so that they are in the lower portion of the frame.

See picture

Q: Do I need tools to adjust the TRAKKER?

A: Most of the adjustments can be done with just your hands. There may be some occasions that you will need a wrench or two but that is about it. Check your particular model to see what size wrench works best.

Q: How show my video to my friends?

A: On the left side of our web site will be a Media tag and a “Videos” button, click it. When the page opens click on “upload video” and follow the instruction. When you are done your video will appear in this section and you can share the link with your friends! You will be famous.

Q: How do I use the TRAKKER to improve my skiing/wakeboarding?

A: By using the TRAKKER to film your skiing/wakeboarding you can critique your performance out on the water or at home. With the knowledge you can then begin to see the things you are doing wrong or can improve upon. It is very hard to figure these things out without the TRAKKER video but with it you will improve greatly!

Q: The skier/wakeboarder goes out of frame on my video, how do I correct this?

A: Most likely you are zoomed in too far or the camera is not pointed directly at the skiing/wakeboarding. Repoint the camera and ideally you want the person to take up about 1/3 of the frame from top to bottom, and you want to position them so that they are in the lower portion of the frame. See picture below.

See picture

Q: Do you have any other products available?

A: Check the website for the latest and greatest updates and products available if you have an suggestions please contact us via email: bryan@wakevideo.com or phone: 1 (800) 754-7761.

Q: Can I order the TRAKKER directly?

A: Yep, contact us via email: bryan@wakevideo.com or phone: 1 (800) 754-7761 We stand behind our product 100%.

Q: Where is the nearest store so I can see the TRAKKER?

A: On the left side of our web site will be a Products tag and a “Stores” button, click it. Then locate the store nearest you and give them a call!

Q: Is the product available in any catalogs?

A: On the left side of our web site will be a Products tag and a “Stores” button, click it. Then locate the store nearest you and give them a call!

Q: I have an idea to improve the TRAKKER or for another product what can I do?

A: please contact us via email: bryan@wakevideo.com or phone: 1 (800) 754-7761, we will be glad to hear from you.

Q: I have a question that is not on this list, how can I get an answer?

A: If you do not see the answer to your question here on the FAQ Sheet please contact us via email: bryan@wakevideo.com or phone: 1 (800) 754-7761, and we will be glad to answer all your questions.