Newbie and overwhelmed with choices -

[khalespace]

I am a first time poster here. I know many questions I ask here have been posted and answered many times. I went through them for a few days and I am overwhelmed. I want to build a golf simulator for my 20' x 20' garage. Ideally, I want a set up where when I am not playing, I can park 1 car. I have a few questions:

1) My budget is around $4k for everything (mat+net+tablet or computer). Is Mevo+ and Skytrak are my best choice?I am leaning toward Skytrak right now because my garage is not that big and I want to have a small loveseat for my buddies if possible. As far as I understand, Skytrak requires less room.
2) With Skytrak, do I need a tablet or computer for the interface? If either one is fine, which type is better?
3) I have a projector with 1920*1080 resolution that I am currently use with my 16:9 ratio 80 inch screen. Does this projector works?
4) I prefer a square golf impact screen, is this OK compares to a rectangular screen? I am looking for something around 8'x8' or 9'x9' size.
4) Is it better to hit directly to the projector screen or is it better to have a net in front of it?
5) For the hitting cage. Is it better to have netting for the sides and top or can I use plastic tarps?
6) Please review my plan and let me know what you think.

[3on3putt]

1.) Skytrak or Mevo+ are definitely your options for that budget. You are correct in that Skytrak requires less room. If you have any left-handed friends, you may want to consider Mevo+ though as Skytrak is not ideal for righties and lefties playing at the same time.

2.) Yes, you need something to run the software. This can be a computer, tablet or even just your phone. With your budget, I recommend just using your phone or a cheap tablet to run the software and then project the display onto your impact screen through the projector. Check out ebay for refurbished iPads from reputable sellers. (First check the Skytrak website to see which iPad models are compatible with the Skytrak). I found a used iPad for less than 100 bucks and it looks and works like it's brand new. Have you tried hooking up your phone to your projector? If you are able to do that, you can just use your phone to run the software and send the image through your projector and onto the screen. The only disadvantage to using your phone is just the smaller touch space for all your controls. A tablet gives your fingers a little more real estate.

3.) I'm not sure how to answer this question. You're asking if the projector works? Only you would know if it works or not lol. Have you turned it on?

4.) The only issue with a square impact screen is that you can't really fill up the entire screen with your image. 16:9, 16:10 and 4:3 are all rectangular aspect ratios. With a square screen, your best option is to run it in a 4:3 aspect ratio because that's the closest to square and will leave you with the least amount of blank space on the screen. For example, a 9x9 screen can have an image that fills the screen completely from left to right and would be 6.75 feet top to bottom. In a 16:9 ratio, that image still fills the screen entirely from left to right but is now only 5 feet tall, leaving you with 4 feet of empty space on top or bottom. Most projectors are capable of displaying more than one aspect ratio. Have you checked out the menu settings on yours to see if it can do 4:3? That would be your better option for a square screen. But if you have the space to do a rectangular screen, that's your better option overall because then you can utilize a 16:9 or 16:10 display.

Hit directly into the screen. No need to have a net in front as that's only going to take away from the quality of your image. You can hang a net behind the screen for reinforcement, but keep the front of it clear.

5.) Netting is better than a tarp for the enclosure as it's better equipped to catch balls. However, there are some cloth materials that people use that are perfectly suited for catching balls and give the enclosure a cleaner look (and help to block out some light as well). Many people use black curtains that seem to work fine.

6.) The loveseat might make things a bit cramped. I know it looks roomy on paper but when you have someone in there swinging the space gets a lot smaller. Maybe a bench?

With a 4k budget, you're losing a little more than half of that with the Skytrak (or Mevo+). For the rest, you can estimate:

-- Mat = $200 to $300 (check out Rawhide mats. Excellent budget mat)

-- Tablet = $100 to $200 used / refurbished. (Or free with your phone).

-- Impact screen = $150 to $250. Check out Supertex screens. Good low budget but high quality screen. I paid $130 for a 9x9 Supertex and it's great.

-- Enclosure = $150 to $250. Build your own using 1-inch EMT piping from Home Depot. It's not rocket science. Enclose with netting / curtains / whatever.

You already have the projector. Just make sure you hang the projector at the right distance for its throw ratio.

That puts you at around $3,000 total. At that point you should strongly consider getting some sim software so you can actually play golf courses and not just beat balls on the range. If you go with a Mevo+ you can get 5 courses that come with it (although you may have to make an upgrade on the tablet). I recommend TGC2019 for sim software ($900 for a lifetime purchase). That will require a gaming PC to run, which will put you a little bit over your 4k budget. If your budget has some wiggle room --- and if you are able to stay on the low end on the estimates above -- go for it. You will not regret it.

[RoMax]

https://onthegreen.golf/

https://gunghogolf.com/articles/skytrak-vs-mevo-plus

Lots of great articles and how tos on both these websites

[khalespace]

3on3putt ,

Many thanks for your detailed explanation.

2) I will get an Ipad for ease of use - do you use an USB-C to HDMI converter to connect to the projector?
3) I have been using my projector with 16:9 ratio only, I will check if I can use it for 4:3 ratio
4) I will use 4:3 ratio
5) I will use netting - I think it feels more spacious with netting
6) I will store the loveseat on the right but move it to the left (with sliders) when practicing
-- Mat = $200 to $300 (check out Rawhide mats. Excellent budget mat)
Is this from Rawhide Golf Ball company? Can you provide me a link?
-- Tablet = $100 to $200 used / refurbished. (Or free with your phone).
I will use a 10 inch Ipad.
-- Impact screen = $150 to $250. Check out Supertex screens. Good low budget but high quality screen. I paid $130 for a 9x9 Supertex and it's great.
I searched but only see a 9'x8' Supertex screen
-- Enclosure = $150 to $250. Build your own using 1-inch EMT piping from Home Depot. It's not rocket science. Enclose with netting / curtains / whatever.
I will mount four 2x4 beams on the ceiling and then mount the screen and netting from here. I will most likely need PVC piping to provide rigidity on the bottom.
You already have the projector. Just make sure you hang the projector at the right distance for its throw ratio.
Yes

1.) Skytrak or Mevo+ are definitely your options for that budget. You are correct in that Skytrak requires less room. If you have any left-handed friends, you may want to consider Mevo+ though as Skytrak is not ideal for righties and lefties playing at the same time.

2.) Yes, you need something to run the software. This can be a computer, tablet or even just your phone. With your budget, I recommend just using your phone or a cheap tablet to run the software and then project the display onto your impact screen through the projector. Check out ebay for refurbished iPads from reputable sellers. (First check the Skytrak website to see which iPad models are compatible with the Skytrak). I found a used iPad for less than 100 bucks and it looks and works like it's brand new. Have you tried hooking up your phone to your projector? If you are able to do that, you can just use your phone to run the software and send the image through your projector and onto the screen. The only disadvantage to using your phone is just the smaller touch space for all your controls. A tablet gives your fingers a little more real estate.

3.) I'm not sure how to answer this question. You're asking if the projector works? Only you would know if it works or not lol. Have you turned it on?

4.) The only issue with a square impact screen is that you can't really fill up the entire screen with your image. 16:9, 16:10 and 4:3 are all rectangular aspect ratios. With a square screen, your best option is to run it in a 4:3 aspect ratio because that's the closest to square and will leave you with the least amount of blank space on the screen. For example, a 9x9 screen can have an image that fills the screen completely from left to right and would be 6.75 feet top to bottom. In a 16:9 ratio, that image still fills the screen entirely from left to right but is now only 5 feet tall, leaving you with 4 feet of empty space on top or bottom. Most projectors are capable of displaying more than one aspect ratio. Have you checked out the menu settings on yours to see if it can do 4:3? That would be your better option for a square screen. But if you have the space to do a rectangular screen, that's your better option overall because then you can utilize a 16:9 or 16:10 display.

Hit directly into the screen. No need to have a net in front as that's only going to take away from the quality of your image. You can hang a net behind the screen for reinforcement, but keep the front of it clear.

5.) Netting is better than a tarp for the enclosure as it's better equipped to catch balls. However, there are some cloth materials that people use that are perfectly suited for catching balls and give the enclosure a cleaner look (and help to block out some light as well). Many people use black curtains that seem to work fine.

6.) The loveseat might make things a bit cramped. I know it looks roomy on paper but when you have someone in there swinging the space gets a lot smaller. Maybe a bench?

With a 4k budget, you're losing a little more than half of that with the Skytrak (or Mevo+). For the rest, you can estimate:

-- Mat = $200 to $300 (check out Rawhide mats. Excellent budget mat)

-- Tablet = $100 to $200 used / refurbished. (Or free with your phone).

-- Impact screen = $150 to $250. Check out Supertex screens. Good low budget but high quality screen. I paid $130 for a 9x9 Supertex and it's great.

-- Enclosure = $150 to $250. Build your own using 1-inch EMT piping from Home Depot. It's not rocket science. Enclose with netting / curtains / whatever.

You already have the projector. Just make sure you hang the projector at the right distance for its throw ratio.

That puts you at around $3,000 total. At that point you should strongly consider getting some sim software so you can actually play golf courses and not just beat balls on the range. If you go with a Mevo+ you can get 5 courses that come with it (although you may have to make an upgrade on the tablet). I recommend TGC2019 for sim software ($900 for a lifetime purchase). That will require a gaming PC to run, which will put you a little bit over your 4k budget. If your budget has some wiggle room --- and if you are able to stay on the low end on the estimates above -- go for it. You will not regret it.

[3on3putt]

3on3putt ,

Many thanks for your detailed explanation.

2) I will get an Ipad for ease of use -
3) I have been using my projector with 16:9 ratio only, I will check if I can use it for 4:3 ratio
4) I will use 4:3 ratio
5) I will use netting - I think it feels more spacious with netting
6) I will store the loveseat on the right but move it to the left (with sliders) when practicing
-- Mat = $200 to $300 (check out Rawhide mats. Excellent budget mat)
Is this from Rawhide Golf Ball company? Can you provide me a link?
-- Tablet = $100 to $200 used / refurbished. (Or free with your phone).
I will use a 10 inch Ipad.
-- Impact screen = $150 to $250. Check out Supertex screens. Good low budget but high quality screen. I paid $130 for a 9x9 Supertex and it's great.
I searched but only see a 9'x8' Supertex screen
-- Enclosure = $150 to $250. Build your own using 1-inch EMT piping from Home Depot. It's not rocket science. Enclose with netting / curtains / whatever.
I will mount four 2x4 beams on the ceiling and then mount the screen and netting from here. I will most likely need PVC piping to provide rigidity on the bottom.
You already have the projector. Just make sure you hang the projector at the right distance for its throw ratio.
Yes

Here is the link for Rawhide mats. They are actually the mats that are at Top Golf that get changed out after a year and then sold off by this place. I got the A grade and it looks practically brand new. Also, you can use real tees with these as they stick right in just like on grass. There are several good mat options out there that won't break the bank too much. Obviously you can do your own research but this is just my recommendation for a good quality budget mat. I've been using it for several months with no joint pain or anything.

https://rawhidegolfball.com/product/golf-mat/

(Of course as luck would have it, it looks like they are out of stock of all of them except the brand new ones lol). Check out some other threads on mats.

Check eBay for the Supertex screens. That's where I got mine. I bought it about a year and a half ago so maybe the 9x9 square size is no longer an option(?). Not sure. As with mats, there are a handful of good screen options that can be had for under $200.

For the bottom of the screen, stay away from PVC because it will just shatter if it gets hit (and it will get hit). If you get an impact screen with a sleeve sewn into it, fill up a hose or some sort of cloth material with sand and thread it through the sleeve. Or some metal pipe (heavier than PVC) wrapped in foam to deaden the blow if it gets hit. If you're just free hanging the screen you'll need some weight at the bottom to produce a flat image. I'm not sure how well a free hanging screen works but I'm sure it's been done. Most people secure the sides with bungee cords for side tension.

Skytraks are currently about a month out on backorders so go ahead and put your order in now while you work on the rest of the setup. Good luck!

[khalespace]

I ordered Skytrak, lead time is 8 to 12 weeks. I need to add drywall, insulation and paint my garage walls anyway.

[mikemcd22]

Just happened in on this... I skimmed 3on3putt s extensive answer which will be invaluable information for you. A couple of quick observations from your sketch:

1, looks like you have the screen right up against the cabinets. You will need at least 10" (preferably a foot) between the impact screen and anything solid.
2, It is very unlikely you will be able to place a skytrak on the matt with you and still be able to hit driver on a 5' X 5' mat. Just not enough room. The likely scenario is you will set it on the ground next to the mat.
3, If the beer fridge is behind the extended line of the skytrak, it should be fine.
4, what is the height of your garage and do you have any obstructions?
5, The love seat in the first diagram should be fine!

[khalespace]

Hi mikemcd22 ,

I moved the impact screen to 1 foot from the hanging cabinets in the new sketch.

Garage is 10 feet high to the ceiling joists. Right now they are bare but I will put up drywall and insulation. The cage top netting can be 9 feet high. The garage door motor is just outside the cage.

The floor inside the cage will have inexpensive artificial grass.

Thanks,

Just happened in on this... I skimmed 3on3putt s extensive answer which will be invaluable information for you. A couple of quick observations from your sketch:

1, looks like you have the screen right up against the cabinets. You will need at least 10" (preferably a foot) between the impact screen and anything solid.
2, It is very unlikely you will be able to place a skytrak on the matt with you and still be able to hit driver on a 5' X 5' mat. Just not enough room. The likely scenario is you will set it on the ground next to the mat.
3, If the beer fridge is behind the extended line of the skytrak, it should be fine.
4, what is the height of your garage and do you have any obstructions?
5, The love seat in the first diagram should be fine!

[khalespace]

What do you think about 10' x 9' black curtains for the sides of the swingbay? With this, I can slide the curtain when I need to park my car. Is 9' height enough for the swingbay, can I hit my driver without worrying about hitting the top? I am 5'7" but two of my friends are 5'10".

[Adrenaline]

I think that is pretty common. Where did you find those? I think as long as they are thick enough it should be fine.

[chicub15]

9ft should be enough... unless you're 6'5" or have a follow through that points the club upright

[khalespace]

Adrenaline these 10x9 LORDTEX Black Room curtains are on Amazon for $60 and the description says that these are thick, blackout type curtain. It also claims soundproof which I am not entirely sure. It would be a plus if it can reduce some of the sound. Some other brands are around $30 to $40.

I think that is pretty common. Where did you find those? I think as long as they are thick enough it should be fine.

[Adrenaline]

Nice, sounds good.

[khalespace]

I updated my plan slightly. I need some suggestion on setting up the putting mat in relation to the hitting mat and Skytrak so that it can read. Is what I am showing for the putting mat will work with Skytrak?

I have ordered:
1) Skytrak
2) Skytrak Protective Case
3) Fiberbuilt 5' x 4' Single Hitting Performance Mat - I tried but couldn't buy a used mat from Rawhide
4) Desktop

Need:
5) Need Putting Mat - Any suggestion?
6) Landing Mat - May be buy cheap fake grass from Lowes/HomeDepot - $2 per square feet?
7) Impact Screen - Most likely Supertex 108 X 108
8) 50" 4K TV, there are some under $300
9) 3 Heavy Duty Tarps or Curtains for Top and Sides

[mikemcd22]

Honestly I don't think it will matter much (the putting mat). Skytrak is going to read the impact and then interpolate the rest. It only maters if you want the visual of putting down the line. That said, with Skytrak, you'll be putting from your Mat which is kind of like putting on the fairway or light rough so either way, you are going to have a change in surface. With Skytrak, you get a single dot (laser) where you place the ball (as I'm sure you're aware). I guess my larger point is I consider Sim putting a completely different animal than putting IRL.

On another note, it looks like you're on your way to an awesome set up that you and your family and friends will enjoy for years! Congrats!