My Portable Simulator Enclosure

[Topcat]

I took some pics of my semi-portable enclosure. I say semi because it does come down for storage but you wouldn’t want to do it every day. I wanted something to protect my movie screen that I could hit real balls into (when friends are over we use qolf or point 5) and take down for when we have guests or wanna watch a big game or movie. I keep it stored during the outdoor season.

The uprights are a pipe and drape system where the crossbar slides through the sleeve on the top of the 9h x 11w supertex screen. I secure with the 4 Velcro straps on each side (stiched into screen) and tarp clips and bungees to create additional tension...I had two four foot aluminum pipes cut and got some studio lighting swivel clamps which I attached to the crossbars so arms would swing closed. I had net custom made so it wraps around behind screen and then is wider in front. I hang 2 moving blankets behind with stretch cords off the uprights. A third stretch cord keeps the net up in the middle and is hooked into a hole at the top of my projector hanging pole. I get maybe 3-4 inches movement behind. It sits 8 inches in front of movie screen. I don’t have a high ball speed so your results may vary. Probably a big hitter might want to weight or support the uprights but I've never had a problem.

it takes approx. 35 minutes to put up/take down but worth it to me as it keeps everyone happy. I leave up as much as possible and just watch games, etc on the screen. I’m not particularly handy(maybe a little creative/obsessive) but this has evolved to a point that’s workable. I think my wife thinks I’m a little nuts....she may be right! But Michigan winters are too long. I'm very happy with how it turned out considering it's a homemade solution. Think I have about $650 into the enclosure. If you are interested in any details let me know as I appreciate all the help I've received from this forum.

[GolfGuy72_2000]

Great setup, and very smart use of your home theater space, especially being able to use the same projector for two purposes. Very cool!

[wbond]

Topcat Your base plates that hold the upright poles, where did you get those from? How does the upright attach to it?

[Topcat]

The bases have a 6 inch pipe that the pole slips over. I got the 2 inch gorilla pipe and drape set that includes crossbar 2 uprights and 2 bases. Sturdy....not like cheap ones on amazon.u can also buy 20–40 lb rubber weights that sit on top of bases.

i got the pipe set at https://www.eventdecordirect.com/cat...c7089cc165c9ed

[abenjami]

Topcat can you post a link to the studio lighting swivel clamps you used?

Great design BTW.

[Topcat]

Thanks....here you go. FYI I had to wrap a rubber strip around the telescoping side of the crossbar as it is a bit narrower. Also the slots in the upright will start to bend if you get too much weight on the crossbar. Something to be aware of.https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_...SABEgIfcfD_BwE

[abenjami]

Thanks....here you go. FYI I had to wrap a rubber strip around the telescoping side of the crossbar as it is a bit narrower. Also the slots in the upright will start to bend if you get too much weight on the crossbar. Something to be aware of.https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_...SABEgIfcfD_BwE

Good to know, thanks.

I am actually going to try a somewhat different setup. Instead of using the pipe and drape system, I am going to mount an EMT pipe on the wall for the crossbar. These swivel clamps should be perfect for mounting swivel arms on each side of the crossbar and then being able to fold them up.

[Topcat]

Sounds like a good plan. I think if I had it to do over again I would have done that and then run some black drapes that I could close over the enclosure and then do a motorized drop-down movie screen in front. That may be the next project!

[abenjami]

Sounds like a good plan. I think if I had it to do over again I would have done that and then run some black drapes that I could close over the enclosure and then do a motorized drop-down movie screen in front. That may be the next project!

What if you just ditched the uprights/crossbar that came with the pipe and drape system, and replaced them with EMT or some other piping that would silde over the pins on the bases you already have?