Plotting on a Sim Build in Oregon

[Mekongmike]

Hello All,

As with many Members, I have been lurking for quite sometime. There is so much information on this GS Forum that's it's almost daunting. However, I'm willing to dive in with some much needed assistance from you all.

I have one major obstacle. My wife. We live in Oregon where it rains a lot from October through April. Probably similar to Scotland. I ran a price by her for a complete out-of-the-package purchase. She balked. Now I'm faced with reducing the price to satisfy her. Sound familiar? The plus is that over the past 4 years she has caught the golf bug and enjoys the game like I never figured that she would. I need to convince her that a SIM will be used year around, not just during the winter months.

A little about myself: I am a soon to be 70 year old Vietnam Veteran who is in pretty darned good shape for my age. I served on Navy riverboats that ferried infantry troops around in the jungles of the Mekong Delta using small rivers and canals. I retired as a General Building Contractor so I have the skills for the construction portion of a SIM. Although I have been using a computer since 1988, I'm not as adept on the latest technology that I am reading about here on this site.

1) After a lot of research I TEST ran the price of the TruGolf Vista 8 Pro package of $12K + past the wife. DING...! No go. Now I have to begin whittling down the pricing for re-submittal. The lower the better, but I do not want to sacrifice Quality.

2) Here are the dimensions of the space that I am considering. It is a single bay garage. I am willing to remove the garage door tracks while leaving the door in place. It's easier than removing the door and framing/siding/painting the outside:

- 12' wide
- 10' high
- 19' long
- (1) 3' x 4' window on the right side
- (2) doors that enter from either side at the rear away from the garage door
- Concrete floor. I am plotting on a 2x4 deck with OSB plywood on top in the key area. Or could I do the rubber squares that lock together?

What would be a good size SIM to fit in this area?

3) I got excited about possibly having a laptop for iMac to run the project. After checking it does not look possible.

- 2010 Dell Inspiron 1564 laptop. Found out that graphics are tied directly to motherboard so it is a no go.

- Late 2011 Mac with 27" screen that River Rat buddy gave me when he purchased a new one. I am seeing that Macs are not supported much by the SIM softwares out there.

It has an Intel Core i5 with 1 TB HDD. Appears that I would need an i7, but that upgrade is very iffy. More power and more ventilation needed. Plus it is tough to get into Macs to do the work. It has an AMD Radeon HD 6770M GPU - 512 VRAM

- Late 2013 Mac with 27" screen that is my primary. It has i5 with 1 TB HDD - NVIDIA GeForce GT 755M - 1024 VRAM (All pretty much "Greek" to me) If I were to consider it then I would have to transfer all data over to the older iMac.

4) We live in the country so cells are pretty weak. I checked the potential area and I have (2) bars out there most of the time. I have a NetGear Router. Would this be enough to run the system and play online? I have one Sprint Booster that has helped a little with the signal towards the back of the house. Perhaps another one out by my build would help? We have 10 Mpbs fiber optic cable to the house. Could I split that and run a cable out to the SIM area?

5) Without hands-on experience all of the talk about SkyTrak, TruGolf E6 1.6, etc. has my head spinning. Note: I underwent not one, but two craniotomies in mid-2015, which hasn't helped matters. Fortunately I came out ok when 40-60% do not make it. It was a fall in my Shop while shooting baskets at my 10' hoop. My skull was no match for the concrete floor.

Ok...this is a start. I'm sure with all of your coaching that I can come up with the pieces of the DIY Sim Build for much less cost. I want to THANK all of you in advance for your generous assistance!!! I've seen you help others here and know that I'm in good hands.

Warm Regards,
Mekongmike

[Mekongmike]

Hahaha....buy her a diamond...! I'm trying to save money to please her, not spend it to please her. Boy I hope she's not reading over my shoulder.

Aha...I found your Notification. It was rather obvious, but I just didn't look up there. Thanks, but I wasn't ready to make any purchases yet for the above reason. No affirmation yet.

Good on the projector location and the screen distance.

Great info on the hitting mat and DivotAction. It could save about $100.00. That could go towards the diamond. I can't seem to find the thread on the DIY DivotAction with list. Can you share a link?

If I build the 2x4 base with plywood on top would I need to cut down into the base for the DivotAction to work properly or will it work right off the surface?

Black out curtain would be no problem on the window. It's good that it's the only window in the room.

I'm getting close. If I can get approval from the wifey then I could start ordering soon. Sure would be nice to have the SkyTrak would go on sale, but at this time of the year I don't see why they would. Valentines Day? Doubtful...

Thanks,
Mekongmike

[kalcormier]

That's it! Baby, look at all this money I just saved you. Instead of 11,000 I only spent 5,000. LOL

I figured you weren't quite ready to pull the trigger yet but now you know you can get a good deal on one if you play your cards right.

This is what I went off to build mine. Mostly just looked at the pictures. Had the lexan here at work. But I've seen guys say they get it from Home Depot.
https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum...vot-action-mat

You would want it to sit flush with your stance area. So you need to frame it so you could just drop it in there. Check out this thread. You can see how he built the stance mat and left a section for the hitting area.
https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum...itting-station

Yeah. I was thinking about protecting the window too but remembered you will do a cage with netting.

It would be nice for V-day but I think a Fathers Day sale is more probable.

Here's another link to a thread I've been looking at. May give you a few more ideas on what to do with your build and you can see where some of the projectors are mounted and what not.
https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum...lator-pictures

[wbond]

Make sure to get a thick enough piece of lexan, the stuff at Home Depot that i saw was too thin and it would sag.

[Mekongmike]

I've made note of that wbond. I'm a former Builder, but had to look up "Lexan". Now I know. I truly appreciate your experimental efforts and your willingness to share with all of us!

Thanks to kalcormier I sat up reading those threads until after midnight. Building your own hitting mat can get involved. The Magstrike seems like the way to go. The big key is that you can build several for the price of one. I wasn't quite clear on the various types that you have experimented with though. It appears that they are interchangeable in one hitting slot. Is that correct? I'm a bit perplexed on whether to tackle the hitting mat build vs purchasing a DA to begin with. I guess it's because I don't have the entire concept in my brain yet.

More great links kalcormier! I costed me some sleep, but was all worth it. There sure are a lot of concepts to get into your head before you dive off the SIM cliff.

Bolstered by your confidence I hit the wifey with the new number. She just looked at me and then said, "That's a lot of money for a toy!" I told her what you said about a "diamond" as part of my strategy. She got a kick out of it, but she didn't commit. YET...!

IF we make the leap then it will be tough to wait around for any bargains. Will have to try to search some out though at the time.

Thanks again guys...!

Mekongmike

[kalcormier]

It can be overwhelming because you don't know exactly what you're looking for. I think once you get it built and usable then you will you will discover what you like about it and what you might want to do a little differently. For example try a different insert or add a putting green (don't tell the wife this part!).

I guess it can be looked at as a toy or a hobby. She didn't mind if you spent that much on a diamond for her, did she? I was nervous about it at first too. I didn't have to get wife approval but I sold my motorcycle to pay for my golf sim. One of my thoughts was what if the novelty of having a sim wears off and I don't use it much at all. I figured I could probably put if up for sale. But that has not been the case. I've had it for almost 9 months. I hit balls just about daily. I just joined the online tour a couple weeks ago and I don't know why I didn't do it sooner.

You're right. I don't know if I would wait around for bargains once I got the green light either. Buy it before she changes her mind LOL.

[Mekongmike]

Great way to look at it. It certainly has been overwhelming because you cannot see the actual components and how the puzzle goes together. So many on this forum, you included, have stepped forward to give us newbies so much help!

I've had that thought to of it all being a "novelty", but if it did happen then many component are certainly could be resold. I truly believe that, like you, my wife and I will both receive a lot of enjoyment out of the SIM. Thanks for the encouragement.

I tried a different tack tonight. She said, "Well you already have a regulation basketball hoop in the shop." Grooooan...! I might have to just commit and let the SIM convince her. We'll see. Standby. She is very supportive of me in other areas like hunting. One problem right now is that I'm trying to set up an Idaho Elk/Deer hunt too. Cha Ching...! Get this. I assisted a fellow Veteran for a dozen years now. It has all been through volunteerism. Got him a nice large sum retro payment. He committed yesterday to bless me with a check for $5K...! I thought might seal the deal, but it's still hanging.

Will keep you posted.

Mekongmike

[kalcormier]

If she likes to play golf she will love the simulator.

That awesome! I'm a hunter too. I hunt for ducks and doves the most. Every now and then I'll sit in a deer stand. I know guided hunts can be expensive.

Isn't weird how things can come in to your life and it almost seems like a sign from above.

Definitely let us know how you come along and if you have any more questions.

[Mekongmike]

Oh she likes to play golf. That's why I'm perplexed on her hesitation. I wish I could take her somewhere to see a good SIM in action. That might convince her.

I sat here until 12:30 am reading the RAW screen thread. I only got through 17 of the 55 pages. I see that you jumped in on a 17x10. If I could convince the wife right away then do you think I could still get in? Pant...pant...pant...

Good on the hunting! I'm not a bird hunter. Just big game. I truly enjoy the quality of the meat and honor the animals from field to frying pan.

Yep, those "signs" are very interesting. We are Believers so we are certainly appreciative. I learned a long time ago that we must not only be cheerful givers, but cheerful receivers too or we might rob the giver of a blessing.

I sent you a PM regarding your question.

I cannot thank you enough for all of the help that you are providing....!

Mekongmike

[kalcormier]

That's what sealed the deal for me. I went to a business in Lafayette that had 4 or 5 SIMs and played a couple rounds. I'm sure you've already did a google search for one in your area.

I did jump in on that. The cost for a direct from mill screen is unbelievable! And supposedly comparable to a Carl's Premium Screen.
You can definitely get in on it. Just add your name and size to the bottom of the list. I don't think the material will be ordered or cut until April or so. Depending on when you get the green light, maybe you could get a cheap screen just to get you up and running then wait for the Raw screen to be available. That's the only downside to the Raw is you will be waiting for a while.

I killed an Elk once and that was some of the best meat I've had.

That's so true about being a cheerful giver and receiver.

Helping out is no problem at all. There are guys that have more experience with more systems but I figured I could share what I have done and what has worked for me and the many different ways you could go about setting up your sim and what other guys have done.

[kalcormier]

What part of Oregon are you from Mike? I see Trails End Golf Center in Oregon CIty has an XGolf Simulator.

Here is another link to another stance mat build for the Divot Action Insert

https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/build-your-own/mats-turf-and-flooring/134696-stance-mat-for-divot-action-insert

[Mekongmike]

Howdy,

GREEN LIGHT is shining brightly...! I got the go ahead mid-morning after some back and forth chatter. It comes with some "Honey Do's", but I can handle it as they have been on my "To Do" list for awhile. Nice trade-off. I'll get started on my first on in the morning. Then finish the rest while I'm waiting for all of the components to come in.

Thanks for the research on a SIM in Oregon. Oregon City is probably 2 hours north of us. Yes, I did research around our area, but haven't found any yet.

Our son and his family live in Lafayette. We were just down there in December. I wish I would have thought to check a SIM out down that way. Of course I wasn't hot after the idea at that time.

I think that I'll jump on that RAW screen. Hope that I can figure out how to make the payment. Sounds a bit out of my league, but I'll figure it out. Any suggestions on a cheaper screen until it comes in?

Thanks for the link to another stance mat. I'm in a quandary over building items like this and the DivotAction facsimile vs purchasing new. There's definitely a lot of savings, but I'd like to get the SIM up and running as soon as I can. We'll see...

Yep, Elk meat is so very delicious! I'm often asked which big game meat is better. I tell them "None". They all have their own special flavor.

Mekongmike

[wbond]

Supertex may be the best short term value. You can then use it to back up the permanent screen.

[kalcormier]

SCORE!!!!!

I'm from a little town about 30 minutes South of Lafayette called Erath. Been in Monroe a little over 4 years.

Just copy the list and add your name to the bottom of it with a size and then paste it. He will let you know when he starts accepting payments.

Looks like the cheap screens are still around 300 I looked at Carls entry level and some Par2Pro screens. May be best to spend the extra 100 for the Carls Preferred and then get on the RAW list. Then you can put up the RAW when it eventually comes in and have your Carls as a backup.

It is definitely easier to just get the mat and not have to build anything. Then you can always build a subfloor later on if you want to sink your mat in.

That's true. I ate at a burger joint last weekend that had Kangaroo and Ostrich burgers. I wasn't brave enough to try either of them.

Let the fun begin!

[Mekongmike]

Yes, I recall seeing the sign for Erath when we were down there in December.

I got on the list. Thanks! Good advice on screen.

Now I need help on determining a good quality computer to run the SkyTrak and TGC software. I tried to find a thread that was specifically chatting about this, but couldn't. Could be SIM-itis.

I was a Costco the other day and jotted down these units/specs. Do any fit the bill?:

=====

1) Acer Nitro 5 - $699.99

- 7th generation Intel Core i5 - 7300 processor
- 8 GB DDR4 Dual Ch Membory
- Storage - 256 GB SSD
- Nvidia Geforce GTX 1050 with 4 GB GDDR5 VRAM
- 15.6” - 1920 x 1080
- 802.11zc Wifi featuring 2x2 MIMO Technology

2) Lenovo Flex 5 15 - $999.99

- 8th generation i7 - 8550U
- 16 GB DDR4
512 GB PCLe SSD
- Nvidia Geforce 940mx
- 15.6”
- Wifi 802.11ac

3) HP Pavilion - $549.99

- 8th generation i5 - 8250U processor
- 12 GB DDR4 2400 SDRAM
- 1 TB 5400 rpm Sata
- Intel UHD Graphics 620
- 802.11ac WLan

4) HP Pavilion 15-cc 183cl - $899.99

- 8th generation i7 - 8550U Processor
- 12 GB DR4 SDram
- 1 TB5400 rpm Sata HD
- Nvidia Geforce 940 MX Graphics w/ 4GB DDR3 of dedicated memory
- 15.6” - 1920 x 1080
- 108.11ac WLan & Bluetooth

5) HP Pavillion - 24” AIO PC - $799.99

- i5-7400T
- 12 GB DDR 4
- 1 TB 7200 rpm HD
- 1920 x 1080
- Intell Graphics 630
- 802.11ac
- (2) USB 2.0
- (1) USB 3.0
- DVR

6) HP 24” - G237C All in One - $549.99

- AMD A8-7410 processor
- 8 GB DDR3L
- 1 TB 7200 HD
- AMD Radeon graphics
- 802-11bgn
- DVD

=====

Aaaargh...! It's almost midnight again...

Mekongmike

[Mdsypher]

Mekongmike. I commented in a couple places but I am new to this site. So I am not sure if you are notified or not. I have the Skytrak and I really like it. My friend has GC2. He really likes it but he also has money to burn. Skytrak has updates that are free. Whereas GC2 software updates cost $$. GC2 has club data which is really nice. With Skytrak you use R-motion which attaches to your shaft that gives club head data. Around $300. If you go to Utube and look up Skytrak at the 2018 PGA show, par2pro has video with Skytrak. That have a new update coming out soon with club head data and some really cool new features. Like. Like I said. I am really happy with my Skytrak and with the money you would be saving you can invest in a nice screen and computer.

[Mekongmike]

Thanks for the boost of confidence Mdsypher...! I'm glad that I changed to ST.

Mekongmike

[Mekongmike]

Thanks on the SuperTex screen info wbond. I didn't see you post right away. Still getting used to all of the forum stuff.

Any ideas on a PC? I think that I'd like to go with a Desktop with a nice large monitor.

Mekongmike

[kalcormier]

I think the first CPU you listed was probably the best. I had a Toshiba Satellite C55t-C5300 laying around that didn't meet the recommended specs but I thought I would try running TGC on it before springing for a new CPU. To my surprise, it worked and that is what I am still using today. I haven't tried to run it in super high graphics mode. I know you have a few computers laying around. May give them a try. Or if a new CPU is in your budget, the main thing is a really good graphics card.

[wbond]

Desktop with more money spent on a gaming graphics card like a 1060(or higher) with 6gb.

[Mekongmike]

Thanks for the info guys! This is one area that I have no clue. Is there a bare basics Desktop out there that would be sufficient at a lower price? How about i5. Is it still ok? I Google the GeForce 1060 and here are some examples from Best Buy and there were several. I'd add the link here, but it's very long. If someone could recommend some PCs that would be sufficient then I would sure appreciate it. I know the basic components of a computer, but sure do not want to make a mistake and order the wrong unit. Thanks!

Mekongmike

[kalcormier]

I looked at them a while back. I think this is the one I was thinking of getting.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/cyberpowerpc-gamer-xtreme-vr-desktop-intel-core-i5-7400-8gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-gtx-1060-1tb-hard-drive-black-blue/5712949.p?skuId=5712949&ref=212&loc=1&ksid=bc1e8381-0902-4efb-8a08-645f34a07c8c&ksprof_id=8&ksaffcode=pg199028&ksdevice=c&lsft=ref:212,loc:2