Projector Recommendations?

[Chris101582]

Have a new Skytrak simulator build in my garage and I am starting to look into projectors. I wish I would have looked into first, as I would have changed the aspect ratio of my screen and thought about the ceiling mount distance- I was thinking about filling the space rather than how I would project the image...anyway, I have a 9x9 screen. I have been reading and most posts say that it is quite hard to fill a square screen and most projectors would project a 4:3 aspect ratio which would still leave a few feet of blank space on the top and bottom if I fill the screen horizontally. But I think that I saw somewhere that you can get some sort of lens apparatus that will project a square. Any recommendations to fit the screen and to get the best picture possible? Also, the enclosure that I built is 8 feet deep but I have about 15-20 feet of space in my garage on the ceiling (in front of the enclosure) to mount it. Recommendations on the best projectors for this to center and mount about 8-8.5 feet from the screen? I have looked at the link below, and actually tried to put in a few models, but not that helpful as most recommend mounting closer than 8ft away from the screen and nowhere really addresses the square screen issue. Picture of enclosure below. Taken a few weeks ago when I had finished. Got the skytrak and it is amazing. Looking forward to completing the project. Thanks in advance!

https://www.projectorcentral.com/projection-calculator-pro.cfm

[sixmcnuggetz]

I have a very similar set up with a 9x9 screen. I ordered a panasonic vz580 projector as I understand zoom and keystone features available on this unit will allow me to fill the screen. It is still in transit so I can't comment on how things look yet, but am interested to hear what others think.

[Chris101582]

Thanks for the reply! The "keystone features" (I think?) were what I was referring to in my initial post that would allow it to project onto a square and fill the screen hopefully. Do you know how far away from the screen you will need to mount with your VZ580? Looks like a nice projector and best of luck with the install!

If there is anyone else that reads this post who has experience with projectors that will work well to fill the screen with this set-up, any feedback would be appreciated.

[Alan]

I would suggest something like this link/ a projector place should be able to point you in the right direction

[sixmcnuggetz]

I'm having some difficulty with projector central as it won't allow you to select a square projection area. If I select the diagonal of 153in (approx 9x9ft screen), it shows the closest position the projector can be is 13ft 5 in. If you use a 9ft measurement for width only, the closest the projector can be is 11ft 10 inches away. Not sure what implications this has for shadows etc. It seems like there might have to be some trial and error involved to find the best spot. My projector arrives this week- I'll let you know how I make out

[sixmcnuggetz]

just an update- I mounted about 14 ft away and used some zoom and keystone/corner functions at 4:3 and it worked super well. Perfect fit and filled the screen. I'm hitting from 10-11 ft away and not close to making any shadows. super happy with it overall so far

[Chris101582]

Thanks for the update! Good to know that it worked well for you. Do you have any pictures? Would love to see it. I have still not decided on a projector. If anyone else has any recommendations that is reading this please let me know!