Need help with new projector for my simulator room

[Joe M]

Hi, I built my simulator room 2 years ago and had a lot of support from this site. My room is 16 feet wide by 15 deep. I attached a picture below so you can see my dilemma. I went with an optima gt1080hdr. Because the diagonal on my screen is 137” ( 109 wide by 90 in high) I have to use 4:3 aspect ratio. I set the projector above my head approximately 7 ‘ from screen. I built a tray ceiling in the only bay that did not involve a lot of relocation of pipes so I’m limited to where I can stand. The height in the tray ceiling is 9 ft -3 inches and for me (5’10”) I can swing a driver. My problem is that I have had quite a few people hit the projector with a club. I built an enclosure which has protected it so far. I have not invited anyone over because of fear that they will damage my projector. I made provisions when I built the room to also have electric and hdmi in the ceiling at both 6 ft and 12 feet. I’m thinking of changing out the short throw optoma and placing a projector back around 14 feet. Here are my concerns:

1) my ceiling height is 8’8”” . Would I cast a shadow on the screen? I cannot move my position because I need the tray ceiling to use a driver.

2) can anyone recommend a projector? I put a call into projector superstore a few days ago and never heard back yet. They seem to be short staffed and the person who answered my call appeared to not be familiar.

I’m surprised that standing under the current projector that someone can actually hit the projector but it has happened at least a half dozen times.

[Stetson]

Hi, I built my simulator room 2 years ago and had a lot of support from this site. My room is 16 feet wide by 15 deep. I attached a picture below so you can see my dilemma. I went with an optima gt1080hdr. Because the diagonal on my screen is 137” ( 109 wide by 90 in high) I have to use 4:3 aspect ratio. I set the projector above my head approximately 7 ‘ from screen. I built a tray ceiling in the only bay that did not involve a lot of relocation of pipes so I’m limited to where I can stand. The height in the tray ceiling is 9 ft -3 inches and for me (5’10”) I can swing a driver. My problem is that I have had quite a few people hit the projector with a club. I built an enclosure which has protected it so far. I have not invited anyone over because of fear that they will damage my projector. I made provisions when I built the room to also have electric and hdmi in the ceiling at both 6 ft and 12 feet. I’m thinking of changing out the short throw optoma and placing a projector back around 14 feet. Here are my concerns:

1) my ceiling height is 8’8”” . Would I cast a shadow on the screen? I cannot move my position because I need the tray ceiling to use a driver.

2) can anyone recommend a projector? I put a call into projector superstore a few days ago and never heard back yet. They seem to be short staffed and the person who answered my call appeared to not be familiar.

I’m surprised that standing under the current projector that someone can actually hit the projector but it has happened at least a half dozen times.

So your projector is not centered over your hitting area, which puts it in harms way?

1) Yes it will cast a shadow. If your new projector has a 12" offset (current is 13" btw) than your maximum distance from screen would be 9' (5'10")
2) I cannot unfortunately, but I suggest the projector central website. If I were in your position I would try to maintain my projector's distance from the screen but put it over the ball (not your head). Then shift the image to account for the offset. But which projector to buy to accomplish this goal is completely for your to decide

[Joe M]

Thanks. I took your advice and relocated the projector 9 inches closer to being over the ball than my head. I also shifted the screen 9 inches in the same direction. I kept the mat in the same place so now the projector is almost over the ball instead of being over my head. I think it would be almost impossible to hit the enclosure now. Good advice

[Stetson]

Thanks. I took your advice and relocated the projector 9 inches closer to being over the ball than my head. I also shifted the screen 9 inches in the same direction. I kept the mat in the same place so now the projector is almost over the ball instead of being over my head. I think it would be almost impossible to hit the enclosure now. Good advice

Happy to help. Whatever your budget was for a new projector, just send 10% of that my way via a prepaid VISA