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I’m taking the plunge and buying a launch monitor. Now the next step will be building a projection sim setup. I have seen some great threads especially from jake and p3eps that have given me lots of ideas. Hoping to get some thoughts regarding my particular setup.
Unlike jake I am starting from a fairly advanced point. I already have a permanent hitting cage setup, pretty solid steel build with fishnet walls and ceiling, hitting mat, etc. The project mainly involves installing a projector and screen, and making the area dark enough. But lots of important details!
Dimensions. Here I think I am in ok shape (which is good because I can’t really change it). The end wall where the screen will go is 390 cm wide and 300cm high (so could translate into a screen up to almost 13x10 feet). The hitting area is ideally about 300 cm from where the screen will hang, but my mat is pretty big so could move in or out a couple of feet. I have room to swing with the ball teed in the center of the cage, though it’s a bit more comfortable if the ball is a little to the right of center (I am right-handed). There will be flexibility on how far the projector will be from the screen, anywhere from about 200-400cm. The ceiling is 300cm. I’m in the process of getting the cage structure extended outward to provide cover and darkness; the whole enclosure will go out from the screen by about 440cm. Again all of this pretty much is what it is – I can’t really change it, but these dimensions may influence other decisions.
Walls. First question: the main purpose the side walls will serve is creating darkness. I will keep the existing fishnet walls, and the new material will just fix to the existing frame. My builder is suggesting to use a type of cloth (I can’t remember what he called it) that is not waterproof. Does this set off any alarm bells? (see also next question) I live in a wet climate.
Roof. My builder has again suggested here making the roof from the same non-waterproof cloth. I’m thinking no – it will be more useful if the structure is waterproof, and it will need to house projector, screen, etc. I think making it as dry as possible inside is going to be important. And if I use a waterproof tarp, putting a slope in the roof and a system for stretching the tarp tight will be important to avoid water accumulation.
Screen. I’d like to get the best screen possible, particularly since light entering the enclosure is inevitably going to be a factor, so brightness of the image will be important. On the other hand, it’s outside. It’s going to get dirty and damp, it’s not going to be possible to always use perfectly clean balls, etc. Thoughts welcome here.
Projector. Have not settled on a particular model yet but my thinking is to get maximum lumens compatible with the dimensions. Also, even with a waterproof ceiling it will inevitably get damp. I’m wondering if people have ideas for enclosing the projector in some kind of Rubbermaid container, etc. as insurance against this.
I will no doubt have more questions as I get started in earnest working on this, but would be most grateful for thoughts and advice. Cheers.
Unlike jake I am starting from a fairly advanced point. I already have a permanent hitting cage setup, pretty solid steel build with fishnet walls and ceiling, hitting mat, etc. The project mainly involves installing a projector and screen, and making the area dark enough. But lots of important details!
Dimensions. Here I think I am in ok shape (which is good because I can’t really change it). The end wall where the screen will go is 390 cm wide and 300cm high (so could translate into a screen up to almost 13x10 feet). The hitting area is ideally about 300 cm from where the screen will hang, but my mat is pretty big so could move in or out a couple of feet. I have room to swing with the ball teed in the center of the cage, though it’s a bit more comfortable if the ball is a little to the right of center (I am right-handed). There will be flexibility on how far the projector will be from the screen, anywhere from about 200-400cm. The ceiling is 300cm. I’m in the process of getting the cage structure extended outward to provide cover and darkness; the whole enclosure will go out from the screen by about 440cm. Again all of this pretty much is what it is – I can’t really change it, but these dimensions may influence other decisions.
Walls. First question: the main purpose the side walls will serve is creating darkness. I will keep the existing fishnet walls, and the new material will just fix to the existing frame. My builder is suggesting to use a type of cloth (I can’t remember what he called it) that is not waterproof. Does this set off any alarm bells? (see also next question) I live in a wet climate.
Roof. My builder has again suggested here making the roof from the same non-waterproof cloth. I’m thinking no – it will be more useful if the structure is waterproof, and it will need to house projector, screen, etc. I think making it as dry as possible inside is going to be important. And if I use a waterproof tarp, putting a slope in the roof and a system for stretching the tarp tight will be important to avoid water accumulation.
Screen. I’d like to get the best screen possible, particularly since light entering the enclosure is inevitably going to be a factor, so brightness of the image will be important. On the other hand, it’s outside. It’s going to get dirty and damp, it’s not going to be possible to always use perfectly clean balls, etc. Thoughts welcome here.
Projector. Have not settled on a particular model yet but my thinking is to get maximum lumens compatible with the dimensions. Also, even with a waterproof ceiling it will inevitably get damp. I’m wondering if people have ideas for enclosing the projector in some kind of Rubbermaid container, etc. as insurance against this.
I will no doubt have more questions as I get started in earnest working on this, but would be most grateful for thoughts and advice. Cheers.
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