New Simulator Build Advice

[Josh Pendolphia]

Hi guys, just want to say what a great forum you have built here!
I'm in the early stages of a new simulator build and was wondering if I could get some input/feedback/advice!
I'm putting this in a new structure I just built, dimensions are 11' High, 15' wide and 20' deep, interior is insulated with wood paneling sides and ceilings (no drywall), new concrete floor.
I already have a new Skytrack system in addition to hitting mat and I intend on ordering a Carl Premium screen (14' x 10') so I can project at 16:9.
I intended on building a 1"EMT frame with about 18" of back wall gap for the screen, but I've been seeing a lot of guys using slotted angle iron. Besides cost are there any advantages?
I'm going to custom build a valence around the sides and top for a clean look and foam the walls and ceiling out 8 feet around to deaden any bad mishits. Since the walls are wood, I'm not too concerned with stray ball damage (not a curtain fan).
Where I'm stuck at is projector selection and distances. What is the consensus on distance from mat to screen? 9' - 10'?
If so it puts the original projector I was looking at (Optoma GT1080) around 7' from the screen and level with the ceiling. Do you think that would be in the way of the swing?
Is anyone running a similar sized screen and has had success with another projector? The GT1080 would leave an image full side to side but only 8' top to bottom of the 10' screen.

Thanks again for listening! I'll make sure I post pics as I progress!

Josh

[Bigmean]

Hi josh, I am in same process with a lot less space. Just got my Carl's screen today, super happy with it. I am making an emt frame and just putting foam on the metal facing hitter.

i am also struggling with projector, but will hit from 9-10ft. I am going for like 8-12" off wall because of space. I am also looking at the benq 2150 as I like the 4:3 for sim (my screen is 10x8) and I will have it able to slide for HD movies. I also looked at optima, but was worried the throw is too short and the benq reviews are solid and it should finish for me about 100-110" from screen, so above hitter.

[Kent]

I have a similar sized room...14wx24lx10h. I used slotted angle iron and would do so again. You don't need 18" behind the screen. You can cut that down to at least 12". Hitting distance can range anywhere from 7'-12'+. I think the majority of people are around 9'-10'. I hit from 9'. I have the Optoma GT1080Darbee and am pleased with it. I would consider it or the BenQ 2150ST. The Optoma is cheaper and has a bigger offset, which would probably be good with your 11' ceilings. My projector is just shy of 7' from the screen and it is pretty much impossible to hit.

[Josh Pendolphia]

Bigmean and Kent thanks!
Kent that's what I was worrying about, I assumed the Optoma would be around 7' from the screen. What size screen are you using? Are you projecting16:9? Any reason you went with the Darbee over the GT1080 other than it's a newer model? I also thought about angle iron but i didn't want to build the ceiling down from 11' to 10' to mount it, figured EMT would be easier.

[Kent]

My screen is 14'x10' and I project at 16:9. I have about 5-6" on the sides and a little over 2' on top of area that will be covered by black felt/carpet when I get my screen from dbgolf. I went with the Darbee because it is the newer model and it is supposed to be better for video games. There are a couple of things you could do besides building the ceiling down. You could run an EMT pipe across the top or you could mount the angle iron on the ceiling and use a little longer bungees or zip ties.

[gene438]

I too have the Optoma and love it. I hit around 8. feet from the screen and the unit is basically about 1 feet behind.over my head. Never have had a problem with anyone hitting it.

You can see it it this video.

The info on the projector is at the 6:00 mark.

[Josh Pendolphia]

Gene thanks! Great setup by the way!! How far from the ceiling is your Optima? It looks like almost 18" so it's sitting at around 8' 1/2 from the floor?

[gene438]

You are correct.