Projectors for Golf Simulators 101

[Maverick]

Great site to compare projectors and check throw distances.

https://Www.projectorcentral.com

[Crusty]

Thanks Mike, Acer does look good on paper and will work with my room size based on the PJcental calc.
I'll be picking up the Acer today to give it a try, hopefully it does the job. I am suspicous why it's considerably cheaper that it's competition.
My local pj outlet kept pushing 4000 lumen units with prices to match so I gave up there...

I unpacked the Protee screen today to get an idea of size, man it's huge! The look on my kids faces when I told them they could game and watch movies on it... priceless.

[Maverick]

It's cheaper due lower contrast ratio and maybe missing some features. Which might not make a difference when it comes to displaying golf simulation. For movies it might make a difference.

Let us know how you like it.

[bcgc0918]

It's ok to have some dimmed lights near the back of the room for a table, clubs, chairs, etc... They just need to be focused only in those areas and pointed towards the back so they don't interfere with club shadows.

The Protee needs to two halogen lights but they're focused downward on the sensors. And the image from the screen will light up the room also.

I have found that rope lights above the clubs works great. just enough to see the club and dont shed much into the room. If you fabricate a shade to point the light down it would be better. Once I get mine in a permanent location tha is what I will do.

[Maverick]

Using the search feature at Projector Central, I've come with a nice list bright 3D projectors. Some good ones at around $800!

http://www.projectorcentral.com/projectors.cfm?g=1&hide=0&st=1&mfg=&p=700-1000&w=&r=13&br=2000-3000&ll=&ltg=&t=&db=&dt=&c=&ar=&dvi=&wr=&pjl=&pjw=&pjh=&td=&i=d&is=&sort=%24&sz=15

[Hoona]

This maybe a duplicate question. I realize that I can not use my regular projector as it is not compatible with the simulator - fixed and too far away/shadows and I need a short throw. What are you using? I did buy the pro Tee system and have a 14x10 screen coming. I assume I am looking for a 16:10 ratio, 3000+ lumen short throw projector and looking for something up to $1400. Do you put the projector behind the recommended 11 1/4'of the sensor - closer? farther?

[Maverick]

The projector mount location will depend on the screen size and the projector itself. Every brand and type has an optimal mounting location.

[Maverick]

Bottom line - best short throw projector for pro tee - $900 to 1300? I finally realized my regular projector wasn't bright enough and didn't have a short enough throw for golf. I assume I want a 1080, 3000+ lumens, and a throw ratio that will work. I generally understand the lumens concept, but it seems that they are all over the lot - is there a true standard???? Do you guys put the projector high, in front of the tee and behind the putt sensor? - On the ProTee graphic, that puts it out between 7 and 11 feet? Thoughts........?

[Maverick]

Attachments fixed

[zip]

Trying to figure out why I wouldn't buy this: http://www.projectorcentral.com/Optoma-HD141X.htm

[Maverick]

Specs look good. Throw distance can be long so make sure it fits your room. And top of image will start 11" down from middle of lens. Great price.

[zip]

I've got 60 feet. It will fit. :-) How did you get that 11" number?

[Maverick]

11" for a 10ft wide screen. This will get bigger as the screen gets wider, so keep that in mind.

[zip]

Shit I always overlook that. I'm going to have to reevaluate, as my screen will be about 15 wide.

[Sullyberger]

New member, starting to build out room now after I preordered the Skytrak. Would of bought the GC2 if funds allowed. My screen is going to be 13'-6" wide by 9'-0" high. Finished dimensions of room to be 14'-0" wide by 9'-4" high by 24' deep. I plan to install impact screen with net behind hoping to use driving range function of Skytrak app thru a projector. Need some advise on projector: looking at Benq W1080st and Optoma GT1080. Do not know much about projectors. If Skytrak does not come out with online play I will buy the GC2 w/ protee software. So projector will need to work for current setup and future setup. Any help will be great.

[zip]

Do you need a short throw projector?