Building a custom simulator, need some advice (GC2 / TGC / E6)

[sharbel]

Hello all, I've read quite a lot in these forums, and the information is great! I'm in the planning phase of building a golf simulator in my basement, which is a complicated process since I will need to cut existing flooring/concrete to excavate down to achieve a 10' ceiling. I plan on having a stepped-down area for the simulator of 15' wide by 16' long, with 10' high ceilings. I plan on having a seating area behind it, and finished comparable to the attached image.

My goal for the simulator is skill improvement (I am currently a high handicap (24 handicap)), as well as having fun, playing a realistic simulator in the winter months when I cannot golf. I've been researching launch monitors, software and other components that I will need. I'm really liking what I've read about the GC2, I find that people really love their GC2 and from what I am reading it is very accurate. I considered the HMT add-on, but I've read that it is overpriced, and it really isn't a necessity.

I have some questions that I would really appreciate some guidance on:

1) Am I correct in my assumption regarding the HMT add-on not being a necessity? I totally understand the benefits of it mind you, but if I just want to simulate a driving range and figure out why I am slicing or hooking on my own, or better still get more lessons, I shouldn't really need the HMT right?

2) I really like TGC, but I've read that E6 is much better from a skill development perspective because the range is better. I've also read people reply in older threads that this would be coming 'really soon' to TGC. Has this been added to bring TGC up to par with E6?

3) I've read conflicting reports on the the compatibility between GC2 and TGC/E6. Can I use a GC2 with TGC and/or E6? Again, I've read older threads that elude to an interface that is needed, is this still the case? Also, I read that some GC2s do not have bluetooth, which would prevent communication? I am just not sure if this is old information, or if this is still the case?

4) Should I just keep it simple and use Foresight's software (FSX)? From my research so far, TGC has better graphics and more course availability than FSX on the simulator side but is FSX comparable to E6 (or better?) from the skill improvement side?

5) Assuming I am getting a GC2, is my room length of 16 feet OK? The longer I go, the more I have to excavate, so I'm obviously trying to keep the excavation to as little as I need. I intend on having additional seating behind in the steppped-up area (see attached image), but is 16' OK?

I really appreciate any feedback on the above questions.

Thanks!

[legendsfan]

I don't have TGC so refrain from commenting on that. I'm a GCQuad owner, first launch monitor I've owned, but a longtime user of Trackman/E6 at a training facility.
1. I'm also a mid high handicap. If you are most focussed on training I think the HMT (Club Data) is invaluable and you should purchase considering how much you are investing in that room already.
4. FSX and E6 are both great for training. FSX graphics isn't the best but in some respects I like it more for training than E6. I like the ability to drop anywhere on a course and just practice hitting from there.
5. I think you could even do a couple feet less than 16' given you will have plenty of room behind that but just not sunken. I figure most people are 8' - 10' from screen + 2' - 3' behind screen needed. Basically 16' should be plenty.

My only concern with going the HMT route is you are now in the GCQuad price range and it is a nice improvement over the quad. No flash replacements, bigger zone to hit from which is great as I like to take mine to the range, and the alignment stick is also great for taking to the range. Unfortunately the limitation of not being able to play TGC or E6 does bother me but training is my main reason for having the device. Since I'm a lefty the GCQuad/GC2 isn't the greatest for having people over to play as moving the device around is a pain but easier with the Quad than the GC2/HMT.

[bk1106]

If you put the ball at 10 ft (a comfortable distance) from screen, the screen is 1 ft from back wall, your arm is ~2 ft, driver is ~4 ft, that is 17 ft. You might like some space between the driver swing arc to the rear of the sunken area (say 1 ft). The seating area is not placed in the sunken area. So, probably plan for 17 or 18 ft depending on the actual setup.

[Tonyd9366]

I have gc2 and tgc. That's all you need. Gc2 reads the ball. And tgc does have ranges to choose from. I'm at work right now and can't go into detail. But when I have time I'll continue the thread. Tgc works with gc2.via a blue tooth connection. It uses the protee interface along with gsx interface. When you buy tgc 1000 bucks you get the software and a license key and their interface. The gsx interface is down loaded from the internet. There is a thread on GSF here with directions on the whole set up including blue tooth. Just type it in the search engine here. Best of luck.. I'll continue later, I've been through it all... lol.. talk soon

[gene438]

I'm going to jump in here as you have asked some great questions and looks like you are putting a lot of thought into your system.

Just my opinion, but here goes:

1)Because you are having a permanent system and doing it with new construction, I would suggest the ProTee. The great advantages of the GC2 are it's ease of setup and mobility. Not sure these are paramount in your case. The big benefits are the ProTee is 1) great for right/left players, 2) safe for guests (nothing to hit) 3)no shot delay with TGC or connection issues, etc.4) no taping or putting dots on clubs.... and 5) much less expensive.

2)I recently demo'd the E6 software and I did enjoy the range. I don't think the graphics are on par with TGC, but that is open to individual interpretation. If the E6 was selling for $200 or $300, I would buy it for the range but at $1800, I will pass. Honestly, some of the ranges on TGC look better, but the E6 presents the data like shot dispersion, etc. which TGC does not at this time. Also the multiple tee boxes, guest tracking, alternative scoring games available in E6 may have some value for you but they don't for me.....

I do think it is an overstatement to say the E6 is better for training development. Both E6 and TGC give the same data, it's just how it is presented.

Anyway you go, I know you will be thrilled with your simulator.....one of the best investments I made in my home....I use it everyday.....enjoy.

[shank12u]

Wow Sharbel !! Your idea sounds awesome!! Also sounds like a LOT of work to do before you'll be enjoying your new setup/system! But if you have a goal, determination and obviously deeeeep pockets you should go for it. My wife just gave me the green light two months ago to turn our extra bedroom into GOLF CENTRAL so I won't be driving her crazy this winter when deer season ends. The room is 11' x 12' and for whatever reason has a 12' ceiling where none of the other rooms in the house do (yay me)....man I have JUST enough room to swing my ass off wit the driver...but I have it non the less. For the space/money issues I have the Skytrak was the right choice for me...and in just a months time I am seeing improvements in my game (8 handicap)...by next season I hope to be a 4 or better.
I don't expect to be hosting friends for golf nights or anything because all of my drunken buddies are untrustworthy next to my $1700 machine with a club in hand...but if I did I could have everything out to the garage and setup inside of 20 minutes.

I did a WHOLE lot of studying up before I pulled the credit card out and went to town. BUT GLAD I DID!!! Man DON'T SKIMP ON A GOOD HITTING SURFACE!! You'll end up with elbow issues and unable to enjoy your expensive toys!!!

It was my understanding from what what I read that all of the radar based systems had to have 10' of ball flight to correctly give you the info you need.... Skytrak doesn't because it is photo based algorithms...which I am fine with for the price---everything I do on the course seems to be what happens on Skytrak.

I may be wrong about needing that much distance but it's something I think you should be 100% on before you purchase and break ground on this endeavor. Some of these more experienced guys may have better info on that.

As far as your high handicap --- YOU TUBE bro. Free lessons and info on drills you WILL HAVE TO DO to ever get your game tightened up!!! No need to pay some guy to stand back and help you slowly improve so he can keep you coming back. Watch the videos...do the drills.... video your swing with your phone with the Golf Channel app....and work your issues out with your new launch monitor of choice...your game will improve!!!

[LEO MODE]

I am a TrackMan owner but I am also in the process of setting up a simulator and I researched a lot about GC2 before getting TrackMan, so I think I can throw out some of my thoughts.

1) If I were you, I would get an HMT. I was a high handicapper too but because I was able to see my club information, for every swing I was able to adjust differently to maximize my numbers in a good way and saved at least 10 strokes. Now I take mine out to the grass range too so GC2+HMT's not going to be as portable as TrackMan but I feel club information provides so much information as far as game improvement aspect goes. If you just want to enjoy the ball flight and simulator game you wouldn't need one (even Skytrak will do the job). Having a simulator at home would still improve you whether you have club data or not. Do you want more info or not is the question of your own to figure out.

2) TrackMan only supports e6 officially at the moment but good thing about e6 vs current TGC is that it supports multiple colored tees. So if you just want to play by yourself TGC will be better in my opinion as you will have your FR1 or FSX range software, or even user made TGC range along with better graphics, more courses and online tournament features on TGC. FSX has no online players as I heard.

3) Foresight doesn't support e6 nor TGC officially but they work using 3rd party software (GSX) so either way it's the same thing. For Bluetooth version it just enables iPad usability for the range software and that 3rd party (GSX) as I believe so having one will be better than having none.

4) i think it's really up to you. FSX is more geared towards practice it seems like.

5) As long as you have about 8' of distance between the impact and screen however you want to design the rear side is up to you.

Hope this helps.

[sharbel]

Thanks everyone for their comments so far! I'm definitely taking it slow and getting as much information as I can in order to proceed correctly. I'm also working with an architect to make sure it looks nice with the existing basement (in other words, to keep my wife happy!). I'm still on the fence about HMT. The point about the GC Quad is a good one. Does the Quad work with TGC?

[wbond]

At this time the quad does not work with TGC or any other 3rd party software.