DIY Sim Enclosure

[Pgetzen]

I finally built out my sim enclosure, which was a DIY kit from Carl’s, which was pretty easy to put together. Going to put some side netting and some Astro turf on the ground in the sim enclosure. Had a couple of questions for the group, should I put a black sheet behind the screen since my enclosure is in front of windows in the garage? And how far should the sim enclosure be from the wall behind it?

Thanks!

[Sixmudd]

I finally built out my sim enclosure, which was a DIY kit from Carl’s, which was pretty easy to put together. Going to put some side netting and some Astro turf on the ground in the sim enclosure. Had a couple of questions for the group, should I put a black sheet behind the screen since my enclosure is in front of windows in the garage? And how far should the sim enclosure be from the wall behind it?

Thanks!

I would definitely black out those windows. There’s a lot of light coming through. I have about 12 inches from screen to wall - no issues.

[Pgetzen]

Thanks, that is what I thought as well. There’s a lot of sun here all the time, so will need to do something about that for sure

[Dax]

Definitely need something back there to not only control the light, but more importantly protect your windows for when the screen fails.

[Pgetzen]

I have several of the tie downs that came with the kit still, any suggestions for a black sheet type material that has grommets so I could just tie it down and keep it on top when I am not using, but drop it when I am? Thanks

[underwaterDMS]

Interesting. I have a DIY kit from Carl's ordered and should be delivered within a week or so. I had assumed (wrongly it seems) that there would be the same black cloth material behind the screen that there is on the top and sides. I also have two windows behind where I will be setting the enclosure up. I had planned on getting blackout curtains to reduce the light come through, but will also be looking to put something else back there to block light and to protect the wall/windows. I will be curious to hear what you come up with...

[underwaterDMS]

It looks like Carl's sells all sorts of material, including blackout cloth that can be made with grommets for hanging. Perhaps this can be mounted in the same fashion as the impact/projection screen just behind it?

[GullLakeMi]

I used black denim from fabric store and had family member so it into a panel. ~$50.

[underwaterDMS]

Thanks for the suggestion. Did you hang it directly behind the impact screen?

[GullLakeMi]

I have a DIY EMT cage. When I had the fabric sewn, we put 4 button holes in it. I simply zip tied it to the cross bar from the top and it hangs behind the screen. I also have sides and a top that wrap around a bit on the back and overlaps so no gaps or way for light to get through.

[Pgetzen]

I did a little research on this site and found some black curtains on Amazon somebody was using for the sides, but think I can buy two for relatively low cost with grommets on top. Think I might just buy those, attach to the back, throw them up on top when I am not using the simulator and pull back down when I am. Any thoughts on that?