Curved Simulator Set up - build thread

[Igor-247-golf]

HI gang, as some may have seen in another thread - I am building a new curved screen set up for my venue at 24-7.golf (new URL). the idea is take up less room (3500mm x 3500mm but the actual hitting area is around 5000mm).

I use a SkyTrak set up with TGC so need to have a good quality projection and I also want to be able to sell the set up like IKEA - flat pack. The other main requirement (commercially speaking) is a way to play right and left handed and for that my team and I have developed a rotating circular hitting mat (1500mm wide).

Here is the first photo of the setup! Early prototype but coming together slowly

[Dalts001]

Sounds like you would be the man to speak to when I do my build.
I'm in south west Vic, where are you based?

[Igor-247-golf]

I am in Elsternwick and sell skytraks too

[shimonko]

I was also thinking of putting a curved screen but was concerned I wouldn't find a projector that could correct for the barrel distortion in the horizontal direction while maintaining the right amount of pincushion correction in the vertical. Have you tried projecting onto your screen yet to see what flexibility you have?

[FaultyClubs]

They use digital warping boxes to correct the image these days so a standard projector can be used.

If you have much curve light bleed/reflection can start to wash out the picture and focus issues can be a problem since projectors are designed to focus on a flat screen. Also if the screen is big then one needs enough resolution. So there is plenty to think about to do it well. Having said that, I've done it poorly and still like the results. My screen is flat in the center and then curves around at the edges to avoid the major problems and still gives good effect.

[shimonko]

I had a look at your site - it's very cheap at $12.95/week for unlimited sim use. I thought the place in Sydney I twice tried were cheap at $20/bay/30 min - I don't think so now because IMO TruGolf simulators aren't worth even using for free. But I'd tolerate a SkyTrak at $12.95/wk no issues (not sure about TGC though).

Good rate for Peter Croker too.

[sb944]

Stunning setup Igor. I can't get my head around the rotating disc. If you put the laser right in the middle, then I'm standing outside the disc sometimes, on it others. If you put the laser closer to the edge, then the target changes from left/right handed.

dalts, don't delay contacting Igor, after pulling the pin on the purchase, I was playing TGC in way under a week (from Sydney), and with plenty of support from Igor.

Shim, I'm with you. Paid $50ish on groupon to get 6x 30 minute sessions at Precision Golf in Sydney, which is TruGolf. The people there are great, but there is something off about the sim. Gives way too much distance on every shot, and get a huge amount of dead straight shots, which I rarely see on ST. I'm not sure if I have much reason to use my last 4 now.

[shimonko]

That's the same place I went to - nice guys. I was hitting drivers going 150-180m @ 110mph clubhead speed, then 7-irons 160m. The sonics do go out of cal it seems but even after recal and some believable distances coming up, there were still too many head scratchers. Also wanted to save session data but it was told it's not allowed because they're aren't enough saving slots. I wasn't impressed with Flightscope either - from memory an xi+. But I do recall they are replacing it with a x3.

However it was better than the FullSwing garbage that (the former) Inner City Golf had at St Leonards if you ever visited. It was so bad, my brother and I left half way through our booked session, which costed in the hundreds.

[Igor-247-golf]

I was also thinking of putting a curved screen but was concerned I wouldn't find a projector that could correct for the barrel distortion in the horizontal direction while maintaining the right amount of pincushion correction in the vertical. Have you tried projecting onto your screen yet to see what flexibility you have?

I am going to use this software to correct the imagE: http://nthusim.com/ and am hoping to get away with a single projector. I am waiting for deliery of a BenQ short throw that should work well (according to the forums) and go from there. the fitout will also look a lot better than what you see in the photo of course but idea is to have screen edge to edge and PC/touch screen mounted on the side pillar. the rotating platform is still a few months away but I have a potential solution to the laser dot pointing away etc - basically it will involve 2 levers which will rotate the angle of the Skytrak from left to right so that the laser is in a sensible position.

[shimonko]

That's good to know about the software. I'll make sure I'll pop in. I haven't seen you other thread - is the rotating platform for swinging the SkyTrak around to the other side for lefties?

[frankiepap39]

Igor-247-golf if there is anyone who can make this work it would be you!

[Igor-247-golf]

Hi guys, Ok after MONTHS of altering the design and making changes... version 21 of the prototype is done!!!

It's not around 25kg for the kit and we are finalising our manufacturing process to fit into a 160cm x 25cm x 25cm box! This means we will be able to drop ship it globally! stay tuned!

[Shifty]

Hi guys, Ok after MONTHS of altering the design and making changes... version 21 of the prototype is done!!!

It's not around 25kg for the kit and we are finalising our manufacturing process to fit into a 160cm x 25cm x 25cm box! This means we will be able to drop ship it globally! stay tuned!

Very nice. Any idea how hard it would be to watch movies/tv on the curved screen. Love the idea for the sim.
Will be following this thread.

[Igor-247-golf]

Very nice. Any idea how hard it would be to watch movies/tv on the curved screen. Love the idea for the sim.
Will be following this thread.

Most big TVs are now going curve due to parallax error in our eyes. It would be very easy to watch - just need a $99 s/w for the PC to curve it and a BenQ projector like 682ST or the new version o it.

[Shifty]

Most big TVs are now going curve due to parallax error in our eyes. It would be very easy to watch - just need a $99 s/w for the PC to curve it and a BenQ projector like 682ST or the new version o it.

I wonder how big of a screen you can go with one projector and get a good picture? Mine image is approx 11.5 x 6.5 using a optoma hd28se with darbee tech. haven't bought a screen yet, and this is intriguing for sure.

[Igor-247-golf]

The photo you see will run off 1 projector . Cost of running 3 is just too high.

[WalksAus]

Hi guys, Ok after MONTHS of altering the design and making changes... version 21 of the prototype is done!!!

It's not around 25kg for the kit and we are finalising our manufacturing process to fit into a 160cm x 25cm x 25cm box! This means we will be able to drop ship it globally! stay tuned!

It looks like it extends quite a way at the back. How far from the middle of the screen to the back of the frame?

do you have a minimum room size in mind?

[Ykaar]

Nice work Igor ! But I am wondering (like WalksAus) if the point was to save room/space, seeing the picture, I dont understand where you have a benefit with a "standard" flat screen.