Build Starts This Week!

[Gashirk]

Step one completed today, cleaned out the basement and set up the frame (10' wide by 7'9" high). I'll frame out a wall where the rug ends to keep an unfinished section for basement stuff (18" - 24" behind screen/net).

My room is 13 feet wide so I'm building a right hand only setup. I plan to build an enclosure with 2x4's and OSB covered with carpet. Ceilings are 10' high and will taper to 8' by the screen. Walls will also taper towards the screen. Front of mat is 10' from screen and mat hitting area will be centered on the screen. System will be determined after build out but I'm leaning towards Skytrak or Protee (hopefully their potential new launch monitor).

I saw where someone wrapped the 4x8 OSB panels with black carpet and then installed them. Another option is carpet tile, it would be a lot easier to install, just staple them in place, could be applied after the OSB is installed. Not sure if I need and padding on the walls /ceiling or just put the carpet directly on the OSB, Key purpose of the carpet is a clean look and to deflect wild shots into the screen (my brothers middle name is "shank"!).

Any comments on this build technique?

Thanks!

[Maverick]

The part of the ceiling directly above your target line takes the most beating. Check zip's build thread to get an idea of what he did for his ceiling if you want it to look nice.

[DougieMn]

I thought the same about the ease of using carpet tile but decided to go with carpet. It installed very easily and looks really good. I even had to do some splicing with it and you can't tell where the splice is. Pull tight and staple, goes quickly.

[Gashirk]

Thanks for the input guys! I saw some marine carpet at HD that could work. Same stuff used on boat decks, it has a very pliable backing and its thick enough where the staples would be hidden. I'll keep posting pictures of the build as I go so others can learn from my experience. Keep passing along suggestions as you see opportunities...

[DougieMn]

I used very inexpensive black carpet from Menards. It is plush enough to provide some cushioning, minimal backing to provide workability and you can't see any of the staples. It was VERY easy to work with. Used a hammer stapler to avoid carpel tunnel(sp?). I looked at all the big box stores for suitable carpet but could only find this stuff at Menards. (Rarely shop there)

[Gashirk]

Making progress on my room build out. A few pics at various stages...

[Gashirk]

Sitting area in back of room. Next steps: Bead board, trim and paint this week.

[Gashirk]

Then I'll staple the padding and carpet tiles onto the plywood enclosure walls and ceiling. Built a small ramp at bottom to deflect worm burners into the screen...

[Gashirk]

My current shopping list includes:

Projector
- looking for WXGA native, 3,000+ lumens, 1080, want to run high-end graphic software
- any suggestions?

Launch Monitor
- going back and forth on GC2 or Skytrak
- GC2: +'s: accuracy, ease of use, established, partners with ProTee/TGC software, -'s: cost
- Skytrak: +'s: cost, accuracy, ease of use, IPad (vs computer), -'s: new product, no simulation yet
- for guys that have used both, should I just bite the bullet and get the GC2?

Computer
- I'll use the recommended specs for TGC software

Final steps in room will be carpet in seating area, turf & mat for enclosure...

[Bubba22]

Many options for projectors. Use projector central to figure out image size etc. Skytrak is nice at a much better price than GC2. Can't go wrong with either. If you have patience then get a Skytrak otherwise go GC2 as the software options are there ready to go.

[Gashirk]

Thanks Bubba, I'll get the Skytrak. I'm an Apple guy and like that it works with an IPad. There is an adapter that plugs the projector's HDMI cable into the IPad (easy to get up and running). I can definitely wait on golf simulator software, it looks like they have plans to interface with a couple of options soon.

Getting close...

[Gashirk]

More progress, beadboard up and wallboard primed in the sitting area. Painting this week then I can finally install the carpet / padding on the hitting enclosure walls and ceiling!

I'm ordering Skytrak tonight. I played the WGT game on my computer, very nice courses & graphics, looking forward to the full simulation version. Will definitely order a 1080 projector to take full advantage of the optics...

[Gashirk]

Latest build photo... Back seating area is finished! Still need to put carpet / padding on the enclosure walls & ceiling, then put grass astro turf down on the entire floor. I did get Skytrak going this week and used Apple TV to run it through a TV monitor, really cool!

Need to finalize projector soon. Figured out I need a 4:3 aspect ratio to fill my screen, would like a throw distance of 13 - 15 feet for a 138" diagonal screen. Looks like my HD projector options are limited with these specs...

[Gashirk]

Here are a few more photos on build out progress... Attached padding and carpet tiles to enclosure walls using staples, looks great! Built the net and screen and attached to the backside of the enclosure opening. Just a few wrinkles in the screen to sort out using bungee cords. My room is now functional using Skytrak, iPad and Apple TV through a monitor. Ordered an Optoma EH200ST projector and floor protection box from the golf simulator guys, should be in next week. Last item is bent grass putting turf on the whole floor area.

It's great to finally be using the simulator room!

[Dax]

Room looks great!