Wondering what I have room for...

[BMan]

I work from home and I have an unused 13'x16' room next to my office. It's empty except for some shelves.

I'd like to put in a mat and net at a minimum. And ideally I'd like some sort of launch monitor and the ability to video my swing. I don't think I'll have the space for a projector.

So, I'm just starting to do some research on two topics that I know nothing about; launch monitors and cameras.

Just from lurking and reading, it seems as though something like a Flightscope or GC2 is out due to space restrictions. It looks like a Skytrak would work. Not sure what other options are feasible.

And I realize this isn't a camera forum, but I assume some of the folks here also do some video recording in their simulators.

So, just thought I would go ahead and register and start asking some questions.

[Ck33]

I read on here as long as you can swing a club you can have a GC2

[A.West]

Room height is the key question. SkyTrak would fit if you can fit your swing and a net and mat into the room. I'd expect GC2 to fit as well, as both it and Skytrak capture the initial ball movement.
Some people with lower ceilings only hit irons, but I wouldn't enjoy that. Keep in mind that the mat will lift you at least 2 more inches toward the ceiling.
I use skytrak hitting into a NetReturn in a smaller square footage in my garage, but key is my ceiling being high enough to swing a driver. Ceiling height drove me from my basement to my garage.

[BMan]

They're 10' ceilings, so I think I'm good there

[mthunt]

As long as you can compfortably swing a club, you have room for sim. 13x16 is enough is the ceiling height is enough.

[BMan]

I thought I'd read that I needed a 22'x16' space for a GC2

[FaultyClubs]

The GC2 captures everything in 2 to 3 feet so if you can swing the club you're golden.

Lots of people hit in smaller spaces than yours even using a projector.

[mthunt]

I thought I'd read that I needed a 22'x16' space for a GC2

22x16 is an amazing amount of space but not necessary. If you can get 22x16 go for it. You won't be disappointed. I'm 19.5x16 and it's a ton of room. I'd like to go to 22.

[BMan]

Sorry, I meant that I thought that's what was *needed* for the GC2. I have a 16'x13' space.

[mthunt]

You have enough.

[wbond]

You can get it so that your net/screen is 1' away from the wall which leaves you with 15'. Have your hitting position in the middle of that. The 13' width means you will more than likely be hitting a little off center which will then make it so you can probably only use this for either right or left handed. You can easily still do a projector and with the right software also be able to offset your target line. You have enough room go for it.

[BMan]

With a standard short throw projector, how far does it need to be from the screen?

[wbond]

There are no standards, they all have their own throw ratio. The two that get mentioned quite a bit are the Benq 1085st and the optoma gt1080. You can look them up on projectorcentral and see the image size using the throw distance calculator.

[mthunt]

I have the BenQ. It projects 15 feet wide 14 feet from the screen.

[BMan]

And that's a short throw?

[mthunt]

Yes. It's short throw

[Joko]

My space in the garage that is 'necessary' is probably 9 1/2' tall x 12' deep x 10' wide .... short throw PJ.

[BMan]

an

There are no standards, they all have their own throw ratio. The two that get mentioned quite a bit are the Benq 1085st and the optoma gt1080. You can look them up on projectorcentral and see the image size using the throw distance calculator.

Thanks, that helps quite a bit. It looks like I could put the Optoma projector about 6' from the screen and get a 6'x8' image, which seems fine.

Any issues with putting the projector on the ground as opposed to the ceiling?

[wbond]

I have the optoma. Be careful with the image offset. Meaning that the top of the image projected sits quite a bit below the centerline of the lens. Assuming it's ceiling mounted, opposite if it's on the ground. Not sure if that's a problem for you. As far as being on the ground, as long as it's protected, then no. Some do have theirs on the ground. If you do put it on the ground, it will be easier to get the size adjusted exactly as you want it since this projector does not have a zoom lens.

[BMan]

I have the optoma. Be careful with the image offset. Meaning that the top of the image projected sits quite a bit below the centerline of the lens. Assuming it's ceiling mounted, opposite if it's on the ground.

Sorry, not sure I follow. If the projector is on the ground, the bottom of the image will be quite a bit higher than ground level?