Simulator Basement Buildout 2

[MIFA]

Hi,
I'm working on finishing my basement for a golf simulator and putting area. I wanted to get some advice on what to make sure I plan for:
1. Design:
A. Overhead Projector location (how far back from hitting screen?) What's the best type of projector to get?
B. Hitting Screen how far from back wall, should I put any padding or is just doubling the screen with a net suffice? What's the best type to get?
C. Computer/Analysis - I know this will depend on the simulator I get, but I wanted to be able to plan for most simulators. Do most simulators plug in using usb?
D. Putting green - any suggestions as to best type for realistic putting. I was going to line most of the basement with this surface and put a hitting mat where the simulator would go. That way I can put all around my basement. I was going to cut/drill out the putting holes from the cement floor (any ideas on how to do this would be great). Is this a good/bad idea? Do you have place to purchase putting turf, Is it advisable to install by myself or have pro do it?

I attached a grid of my basement with size. The simulator would go in the area just below where it shows the number 253". The simulator area is approximately 21' x 12'. I plan on leaving it an open concept and put some retractable/removable netting on the one side. This way, I can putt and maybe even chip to some putting holes. The screen is going to double as a home theater area too.The height of the basement is 8'7" I know it is kind of low. But it I'm 5'7" and can swing most of my clubs. I'm a little hesitant on swing the driver, but that's not going to stop me from building my simulator.

As far as the simulator is concerned, I'm thinking of waiting for the new SkyTrak LM that Zmax has been talking about.

I have most walls framed out and rough electric in (see photos), but since it's not drywalled yet, so I still have time to make minor modifications. I'm doing most of the work myself.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice.
James

[Maverick]

James, please check out the sticky topics above and the simulator pictures thread.

You're not going to be able to swing a driver in there. Is 12' the width? If so, you'll be off centered and can't support both lefts/rights. Which is fine if your Ok with it.

[Brettster]

That's awesome James.

You're at about the exact dimensions I will have when I build out my upstairs simulator. 21'x12'. From what I've heard, that's fine, as long as you only allow right-handers (or left-handers) to swing, otherwise you have to re-configure the setup every time you have a lefty in the house!

I plan on leaving it off-center, as I doubt I'll be entertaining many lefties, even though I write left-handed, I still play right handed.

Keep us posted on what you find out. I'm not sure about drilling out the cups, but it should probably be ok, as long as they are spaced out even, you don't want to risk losing some of your foundation strength by drilling too many. Check with a contractor that specializes in things like installing basement toilets, they should have a good enough idea.

Good luck, and keep us posted with more pictures as you move forward. I'm also hoping that the new SkyTrak LM will work for me, but we'll see...
-Brett

[Richard_Askren]

First, what's your budget? You'll want to plan on spending at least $8000-$10000 for any ProTee or GC2 based simulator. ProTee will give you a bit more swing data for about the same price, but I've heard GC2 is a bit more accurate. GC2 only reads ball data. You need the HMT add-on to get clubhead data. ProTee has to calculate spin rates, but reads data on pretty much all other aspects of your swing and ball flight. ProTee is harder to set-up and GC2 couldn't be any simpler. I couldn't tell you anything about other types of simulators. Most of my experience is with ProTee or GC2 systems. Both are excellent, fun to use, and useful for helping improve your swing.

[MIFA]

12' is the width. My lefty friends are out of luck. I good with off-centered to fit a right handed golfer.

I'm getting close to putting up drywall, that's why I want to see what you and others have as ideas I need to incorporate into studs before I do. I'm not sure if I need to put some sort of protection for the projector. Is there a certain distance I should make sure it is behind the golfer (1-2 feet)?

Thanks

[Maverick]

Protee connects via USB or serial. GC2 uses USB or Bluetooth. SkyTrak uses Wifi. Screen needs to be 1.5 ft from back wall. Must have a black net behind screen. You should carpet the back wall, so no need to drywall. Also need protection on sides and ceiling. Again, no need to drywall these areas.

You need to first decide on the simulator. ProTee or LM such as GC2. Your choice here will dictate other requirements. i.e. hitting location, projector location, etc...

While you're off-centered, the projector will be in the center of the width. A short throw projector might require protection while a normal projector might not. To do both sim and hometheater, you'll want 1080p at minimum and a either the ProTee screen(which is a double screen and can be turned around) or the HQ screen from Par2Pro.

Read the Projector's thread.

[Bubba22]

Good advice ZMax.

[Maverick]

Attachments fixed

[MIFA]

Hi guys,
I've been busy on the carpentry for my simulator. I'm going to wrap up my framing today and wanted to see if you have any special preference to screen between HQ & Protee:
Protee Screen Swingsense double screen
HQ Screen at par2pro www.par2pro.com/shop/index.php?cPath=23_35

Also, how much space should I put between the screen and the wall? Is it 3" or does it have to be 6" minimum?
Thanks,
James

[HWoods]

Hey James,

I put 16 inches behind my screen, but I think some have done alot less. 3" sounds a bit low to me though. For the screens, I haven't tried to Protee double screen but its my next purchase. I've tried the HQ screen and it looks great, but I've been blowing through them fast.

[Maverick]

I've seen the HQ in action. Nice looking screen. I prefer the Protee becasue it's a double screen. No less than 1 foot from wall and use a net behind it. also use memory foam or matteress foam on back wall.

[Maverick]

MIFA, you need to edit your profile to allow PM to be received.

[MIFA]

Sorry about that. I thought I did allow. Can you see if it works now?

[MIFA]

Have you guys seen where the golf simulator doubled as home theater too? I was wondering how center speaker was mounted/placed so it was protected from golf balls.

[Maverick]

My is hooked up to a surround sound system. The center channel speaker sites on a stand when watching movies. Then the stand and speaker are removed for golfing. The speakers wires are there but put away and separate while golfing.