Curved Screen Sim experiences

[Ryan5508]

I am about to pay off my house and I am currently starting planning on an addition for a simulator room. I am currently using my garage parking spot for my sim.

I am interested in possibly doing a a curved screen / 3 projector setup. I was wondering if anyone here has any first hand experience on something similar and if they would recommend it vs say a 18ft screen with 4k projector.

My new office/Sim room would be approximately 25ft by 30ft finished addition above my current garage. I plan on currently keeping the GC2 as it fits my needs perfectly.

My idea was to basically turn the entire 25ft wall into a curved screen area with a little storage space on each side. similar to the attached image

[aja]

Wondering what you are asking? Sounds like an FYI!

Do you currently have a golf sim?

[cooke23]

If I remember right, you will for sure need multiple projectors.

[Ryan5508]

I am just trying to get feedback from anyone who has used or been around a curved sim setup. I want to know if its worth the cost and work vs just doing a larger single screen/projector.

My room will be a dedicated golf/game room once built. looking at starting it next summer.

I am currently using a 10x9 screen with FSX and TGC2 on the gc2.

[mgunner0331]

I had done a brief research and was going to do a curved screen but opted out do to the size of my space. It sounds like you have more that ample room for it to curve properly. The link below is for software that will help with alignment and blending of all three screens. olav@warpalizer.com was my contact for the consumer version. Sounds like an awesome project.

http://warpalizer.com/en/

[Ryan5508]

thanks for the link.

I was originally thinking you could more than likely get away with using a Nvidia surround setup for the simulator. I have used it in the past with a 3 x 30" pc setup and it was something else for racing/flight sims. the issue with it was bezels. in this setup with projectors that problem is eliminated.

I was testing out a curve in my current garage and it looks like I would end up with around 6-8 ft of curve away from the center on the impact screen. This is with using a 30 foot by 10 foot screen. I still intend to keep the hitting mat around the 10 ft point to keep it as immersive as possible.

Alot if the issues with this setup will come down to measuring out the mounting points for the screen. I dont want to be forced into buying a screen mount cage/support if I can get away with using eye bolts or a L channel homemade mount. I am hoping to chalk line it out and go from there.

I also intend to build a ball return under the floor using pvc pipe. As long as i keep the collection point relatively centered I can probably make it work with the curved screen

[Ryan5508]

Its been a while since this original post. House is now paid off and I have a builder coming over hopefully next week to quote building the room and remodeling a lot of the house.

Played in a curved sim last week and knew right away I didn't want to go back to a flat setup.

This is what I threw together for a starting plan.
Room is 21'6" by 25'3" It will be an addition above my garage with the same dimensions. Ceiling will be between 10-12 feet.

Waiting on a quote from carls for a 10 by 31.5 screen. Currently planning on picking up three Sony VPL-PHZ50 laser projectors.

Will end up making my own mounting setup for the screen. Currently looking at pixelwarp for overlapping the projector images. (anyone with advice/experience here?)

Does anyone have experience with these setups? looking for advice on proper projector placement. Otherwise I will be going back to the sim with a laser measure to figure everything out. Still sticking with GC2 for time being but interested in a GC hawk type upgrade down the road.

[Ryan5508]

Video from the sim's they put in near me. basically what I am basing my setup on currently.

this one is a 30ft screen
20 ft opening side to side
12ft from hitting area to center of screen

https://youtu.be/qkNxOJwWN6o

[Alan PC]

This is very cool Ryan for a lot of reasons. Do you have a recommendation for a tool I could use to size a curved screen for a sim I am adding to my house? The room is 18'W x 28'D x 10'H.

[Ryan5508]

I used a circle calculator online to find dimensions that would fit into my space. just remember to leave yourself at least 18' from the wall.

for your room I would say it would be a 15' opening and you would need a 22-23' screen. 7.5' to the center of the circle all around.

[jasonreg]

Wish I could offer input but I abandoned curve screens early due to my space limitations. Following thread though as this is a really interesting project - already trying to design Sim 2.0 in my minds eye. Please keep posting - really cool concept.

[Ryan5508]

We have a tee time over there this coming Friday. I just picked up a lazer measure as well.

I will try and grab every measurement I can think off while there for my self and anyone else interested.

Let me know if I am missing anything important to measure while there.

[bradsea]

I am looking to do the same with my Sim set up. I am also using the GC2 but currently am on flat screen. I am going to make this a project for this summer so its done when winter roles around next year. I have the general idea but I would love to see how you are securing the screen and the frame for it.

[Huskyhippo]

Just looking at the space and drawing (left and right stance mats) it makes no sense that you wouldn't go with an eyexo to make it a walk up and hit scenario for you and guests.

Regardless of mof launch monitor choice, this is going to be amazing to follow!

[teamsamco]

Ryan5508 How is this project going? I am about to start my own smaller-scaled version build at my house soon. Keep us posted on your progress. I'll do the same.

[Ryan5508]

project has its own separate build post now. It will officially start in May as we just hired a builder.

[Ryan5508]

build post here

https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/golf-simulator-forum/simulator-builds/313772-home-curved-sim-build-in-planning-phase