Skytrak range use only?? Are many of you out there?

[Fran M]

I've taken the plunge, ordered a Skytrak and game improvement package. Ordered an SQ Raw screen and a remote controlled sportscreen to attach it to. Ordered a garage heater and a Fiberbuilt station. The only thing left is the projector.

I am a golf range addict, love hitting balls. I really don't see me playing SIM golf, I see myself improving my swing and hitting targets. With that in mind, are there others out there like me? I'm thinking that if I won't be using the courses, how good of a projector do I really need. Would the driving range look that much different from a 720P projector versus a 1080P on a 10x10 screen? This is the last piece of my puzzle.

The setup will be in my two car garage if that helps any

[Alex Gorodetsky]

Well, I thought I was exactly like you. I bought a super cheap 720p projector off Amazon. The image quality is OK, but after a few months of use it's fan is dying so I'm upgrading to a better quality BenQ1080p projector. 720p is totally fine for the range, and if you don't have an HD quality impact screen it just doesn't matter. Just get a good quality projector you can count on.

I ended up getting an e6 simulation yearly subscription a couple of months in. It's a good way to practice because you are forced to use all the clubs you normally use on the course. I bet you'll get there too eventually.

I too put a heater in the garage after having to finish insulating it to prevent ice damming on the roof. That was a huge project.

[triplebogeysrbetter]

I would recommend a 1080p just in case you change your mind. Honestly, I got tried of the range after a couple of weeks. Skytrak range is good, but once I got a taste of TGC it was over.

Just talking TGC they have range options as well. I usually fire up a range there before starting my round.

[Mdsypher]

Fran M I am the same. Love going to the range. I bought my Skytrak two years ago. I have had only the range to practice with. I just finished my room to the point where I can use it this winter. (Still a work in progress). Before this I hit into a net. I also am testing out TruGolf, 30 day demo. So here are my thoughts.
Skytrak range is great! You can set fairways, greens and have competitions with your friends. They just came out with an update where the software will automatically change distances of the greens. So each shot, you have to change clubs. Fantastic for practice.
I am happy with the range. In saying that. I am enjoying the demo of TruGolf. Putting and chipping leave a lot to be desired but overall I like it. It is also more fun with friends. I think I will get it for a year. I also like that I can practice a shot on the course over and over. You do need a decent computer to run TruGolf though.

[Fran M]

Fran M I am the same. Love going to the range. I bought my Skytrak two years ago. I have had only the range to practice with. I just finished my room to the point where I can use it this winter. (Still a work in progress). Before this I hit into a net. I also am testing out TruGolf, 30 day demo. So here are my thoughts.
Skytrak range is great! You can set fairways, greens and have competitions with your friends. They just came out with an update where the software will automatically change distances of the greens. So each shot, you have to change clubs. Fantastic for practice.
I am happy with the range. In saying that. I am enjoying the demo of TruGolf. Putting and chipping leave a lot to be desired but overall I like it. It is also more fun with friends. I think I will get it for a year. I also like that I can practice a shot on the course over and over. You do need a decent computer to run TruGolf though.

Thanks for the input. With the SIM, can you default it never have to putt? Also, if my laptop is putting out a 1920x1080 image to my projector and I put my projector in 4:3 mode to fit my 10x10 screen, does the projector scale the image accordingly? My laptop doesn't look like its able to project a 4:3 imaage

[Mdsypher]

I didn’t go with a 1080 projector. Was trying to save a little money. I went with the BenQ WXGA 1280x800. For the most part it is really good. I went with it because of the zoom and different aspect ratio options. It fills my 10’x8’ screen at approximately 15’ away. There are parts of me that wish I had gone with the 1080 but I think this is fine. I also bought a gaming laptop from Best Buy for $500

[Supraracer]

You can set a gimme for putting. You will want to set a 4:3 resolution on the laptop or put the projector in a 4:3 mode which will compress the image and make it look funny. The first is the better option. I would go with a 1080p projector myself since you will effectively be using 25% less of your projector lens (resolution). A native 4:3 projector would be the best option if you can find one that will fit your room. If you like the driving range, I think you will like the Skytrak software just fine. It also has target practice, closest to pin, longest drive, etc. I use it more than TGC myself and when my friends are over, we like the target comps over TGC. Just my .02.

[Mdsypher]

Fran M Here is a pic. Like I said. Still a work in progress Actually it looks better now. I will post an updated pic later

[triplebogeysrbetter]

Mdsypher it's a constant work in progress. Almost freezing to dead in the garage.

[triplebogeysrbetter]

Then after insulating the garage and putting some carpet down it's so much better so much. Even the heat wasnt that bad.

[Fran M]

Then after insulating the garage and putting some carpet down it's so much better so much. Even the heat wasnt that bad.

My first step is HEAT! That has been more troublesome than the rest. I bought a gas heater but finding that it will cost me a small fortune to install. Looking at 240V electric heaters as I type....

[triplebogeysrbetter]

Sorry meant the heat of summer. Before it was ungodly hot in the garage. In August, without the AC it would average around 85-90.

Right now, its been between 35-40 everyday for a few days. I checked the temp last night in the garage and it was 50 without no heat running.

I have only a little 110v heater from walmart. I start it about 20 before and its warm enough for me to play in a polo.

Yes, proper golf attire in the garage.

[Mdsypher]

triplebogeysrbetter Have you looked into a mini split for cooling and heating? I installed one in my out building which is 20’x25’ (at least the part I am heating and cooling) and it works great. Mine is a 24000 BTU. My brother in-law has a single car garage that he turned into a music studio and installed a smaller unit. I think he said he paid $400-$500. Mine cost around $800 but I also installed it myself. Just had to have an HVAC person vacuum the lines out. The brand is called Innova. And your right. Always a work in progress. I spent several hours last night moving and rewiring my projector because it was an inch or so off.

[triplebogeysrbetter]

Mdsypher Thank you for the info. TBH other than what I have is out of the budget. If my current heater breaks I might buy a better one from home depot. It suits my needs. Insulating the and putting up OSD boards over the summer has made a huge difference. I purchased a 400 sq ft portable AC unit and it could get the area down to 72.

I am always tinkering the simulator as well. I think within two weeks I moved the screen 3 or 4 times. I purchased a piece of EMT for the bottom of the screen and padded it.

Next time I need to bring it down so I can pad the top EMT. Waiting for some funds now, so I can buy my fiberbuilt strip.

[Wizard of Coz]

Bought my skytrak a couple years ago. I worked on my swing with skypro and did the work on the skytrak range. Most of my work was done with 7 iron on the range. Other improvements made on the range that translated into better golf outdoors was wedge work and learning specific carry yardages. After doing that my outdoor hdcp dropped to as low as 0.4 this year. In the past I couldn't ever break past a 2.3 hdcp. With that said, I just entered simulation a few weeks ago with TGC. I'm sure glad I did!!

[Fran M]

Thanks for the tips on the mini spilt! That's the way I am going now. Heat/AC, this is going to be my year round sanctuary!

[Mdsypher]

Thats great! I love mine. Spent several hours on Sunday watching football and hitting balls. It was 25 degrees(f) outide and I was inside sweating! It is truly my happy place! Happy hitting!