Home install just getting started...

[Viperdriver]

I want to install a home golf simulator and thought I'd ask some questions from the experts before I get started. I apologize if these questions are basic knowledge... First lets start with my limitation - a 9' ceiling. So my framed dimensions are 17' W x 20' Deep x 9' Tall (Picture attached). With these dimensions in mind, what aspect ratio projector and screen size should I be looking for? I figure if the ceiling is only 9' you can only go so wide.. This setup will double as my bigscreen TV for sports so I want to make sure the screen and projector are sufficient for both. In regards to what system I should go with, I want lefties and righties to be able to play without moving/altering any of the equipment. It seems ProTee might meet this requirement? If so, I have two possible concerns. First, it seems the ProTee sensor mat is quite tall and was wondering if I would have to 'build up' the surrounding carpet so the tee area isn't artificially rising out of the floor. Second, do you have to tell the software what club you are hitting each swing? This would seem to get old quick. Any suggestions/comments/experiences would be greatly appreciated!

[wbond]

With any mat based system you will have to make the stance mat/floor the same level as the height of the mat. Protee sounds like it may be your best option for both R and L and it has quite good reviews from users. If this is going to double as a movie theater, where will you be putting places to sit? I know 20' sounds like a lot, but if you add furniture behind you for people to sit and watch the golfers as well, it will eat up a good amount of space. Make sure to keep that in mind. You will probably need a short throw projector with 9' ceilings otherwise you will probably be creating shadows on the screen.

[drewpac]

The sensor is only 2.7 inch thick so that all the height u'd be losing

[Viperdriver]

Thanks for the replies. To be more clear the 20' depth is what I was thinking would be the swing depth only (screen to back swing distance). Viewing area would start after that. Can anyone speak to the requirement of telling the software which club I'm swinging or not? If it's required do you consider it a hassle?

[aja]

ProTee software is fairly straightforward. Get a touchscreen monitor and specifying a club is no issue. Also, you only have to do this if you want to change the default club offerred by the software. If you are in the tee box of a par 4 or 5, default is obviously "Driver". Within a certain range of the pin, default is PW.

I would be a little concerned about your space's height. Try swinging a driver - gently, to see if you have enough room. Then factor in the height of a raised floor or mat.

[Viperdriver]

Thanks aja. Yes I am concerned about the height as well. I'm only 5'8" and can swing driver but I realize the taller player may have issues. I was considering covering thin plywood with carpet and attaching it to the joists above to minimize damage of a glancing blow. Has anybody tried this?