Motorized Sportscreen Skytrak Garage Build

[Fran M]

Thanks for all the tips on the forum. Started my build this week.

Step 1, get heat in the garage! Being in CT, this was first and foremost! I purchased this gas heater for $400 https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...7749_200577749

I thought it wouldn't be too costly to have it installed. Man was I wrong! Had two quotes at $4000 and one at $2600!

Then I got a reasonable quote at $1500 for installation. As we started talking, he suggested installing a mini-split instead for the benefit on AC in the summer. When I asked how much he replied with $2900 installed, equipment included! I figured for $1000 more in total, this made the most sense as my garage is unbearable in the summer and I like working on my cars too. This is the unit I went with https://www.ecomfort.com/Fujitsu-15RLS3Y/p65509.html

This is my progress thus far. I built a mount to kitty-corner the Heat/AC unit. That will be installed next week.
I bought a few carwash mat clips to hang my mat on the wall. My sportscreen will be mounted from the ceiling directly in front of where my mat is hanging.



I ran some wiring for a separate spotlight, trying to determine exactly where to mount it. Ran power and a 35FT HDMI cable out the wall to the right of the mat on the wall. Picked up an Optoma 1080Darbee off craigslist for $425 which was less than a week old with 2 hours on it. Kid who sold it to me gave me an Amazon gift receipt so I returned it for a $649 credit. As this projector is a bit fickle to install, I decided on getting a Benq TH671ST instead for the same price.

My 10' sportscreen and impact screen both arrived today so once I have that mounted, I'll add another outlet in the ceiling to keep it clean looking. I also moved my garage door opener up to the ceiling with an extension arm for my opener. Thought about using a jackshaft opener and a highlift track but this looks like it may work perfect and save me a few dollars. Hopefully I won't get a shadow on the screen from the opener...



Progress, can't wait for some heat!

[wbond]

Please update after the minisplit goes in. I'm very interested to hear how well it works this winter. I see that it says it can still produce heat at -5F. I have a garage sim as well and was considering installing one. Part of our house wraps around behind the garage and that room is always too hot in summer and too cold in winter. I am thinking about getting a mini split with two indoor units and single outdoor. My main concern is how well it will actually work in the cold weather. I'm in Mi and it can get quite cold here.

This part is a little confusing though on actual operating temperature.

• Fujitsu's low temperature heating technology allows this condenser to safely maintain its rated capacity in outdoor temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The AOU15RLS3 can operate in heating mode in conditions as low as -5 degrees Fahrenheit.

[Fran M]

Please update after the minisplit goes in. I'm very interested to hear how well it works this winter. I see that it says it can still produce heat at -5F. I have a garage sim as well and was considering installing one. Part of our house wraps around behind the garage and that room is always too hot in summer and too cold in winter. I am thinking about getting a mini split with two indoor units and single outdoor. My main concern is how well it will actually work in the cold weather. I'm in Mi and it can get quite cold here.

This part is a little confusing though on actual operating temperature.

• Fujitsu's low temperature heating technology allows this condenser to safely maintain its rated capacity in outdoor temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The AOU15RLS3 can operate in heating mode in conditions as low as -5 degrees Fahrenheit.

They do have a version that is rated to -15F which is $300 more.

My installer provided that as an option and suggested the -5 version as those super low temps typically are at night. On the rare occasion it gets that cold and I don't have heat, I can just skip the SIM as it is not living quarters

https://www.ecomfort.com/Fujitsu-15RLS3YH/p79844.html

They way I understand it, the 18K heat output rating is good to 20 degrees. As it gets colder, it's not going to put out 18K, it would be less. If it can keep my garage at 60-63 when it's that low, that's plenty warm to be hammering balls. I will certainly update on both the heating and cooling part. Going in, I knew that forgoing the 50K heater for a mini split had its tradeoffs. AC needs seemed to had been forgotten my me in the middle of December. Glad I was reminded!

[Mdsypher]

Fran M. I like your idea with corner mini split! I didn’t need to do that but I a great idea! I am so glad I installed a mini split. I haven’t been out there in less than 20 degrees but I am nice and toasty on 30 degree days.

I have plenty of lights in my sim area but I have to dim them to get a good picture on the screen. In doing this my Skytrak doesn’t always pick up the ball after hitting it. I need to install some sort of lighting that brightens the hitting area but doesn’t take away from picture quality. Any ideas?

[Fran M]

Fran M. I like your idea with corner mini split! I didn’t need to do that but I a great idea! I am so glad I installed a mini split. I haven’t been out there in less than 20 degrees but I am nice and toasty on 30 degree days.

I have plenty of lights in my sim area but I have to dim them to get a good picture on the screen. In doing this my Skytrak doesn’t always pick up the ball after hitting it. I need to install some sort of lighting that brightens the hitting area but doesn’t take away from picture quality. Any ideas?

my plan is to block the windows in the garage and use this little light above the mat. I will let you know how it works

Lithonia Lighting LTKMSBK... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EZHA79C?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

[Fran M]

Hung the motorized Sportscreen. Suggestion, get a helper, it's awkward to install it with one person

Heat is being installed on Saturday.....

[Ttime65]

Hi Fran, Great build you put together! Did you not use the black sportscreen and just attach the stealth screen directly to the roller? how is it holding up? I have both attached but it seems like the sportscreen adds too much weight to the roller.

[Fran M]

Installed recessed lights throughout the garage today

[dmsimm69]

Thanks for all the tips on the forum. Started my build this week.

My 10' sportscreen and impact screen both arrived today so once I have that mounted, I'll add another outlet in the ceiling to keep it clean looking. I also moved my garage door opener up to the ceiling with an extension arm for my opener. Thought about using a jackshaft opener and a highlift track but this looks like it may work perfect and save me a few dollars. Hopefully I won't get a shadow on the screen from the opener...

What is the make and model of the motorized sportscreen?

[Fran M]

What is the make and model of the motorized sportscreen?

I bought this and I will then be adding an impact screen to it

https://www.thesportscreen.com/

[Fran M]

Mini Split installed today...super happy! 70 degrees in the garage in no time

[Fran M]

Found a great way to block the light from the windows in the garage. Cut some exercise puzzle mats to size

[wbond]

Fran M Do the foam pieces stay in when you open and close the door? How are they held in place, just friction fit? I bought blackout material larger than the window opening and use magnets to hold them. I like the looks of yours much better.

[Fran M]

Fran M Do the foam pieces stay in when you open and close the door? How are they held in place, just friction fit? I bought blackout material larger than the window opening and use magnets to hold them. I like the looks of yours much better.

Yes, mine hold in by simply friction. I cut them an 1/8" larger. Only way to get them out is to wedge a screwdriver to pop them off.

What's nice is that I don't have to worry about a stray ball hitting the glass and I also get a little R-Value by covering them.

I bought these local at Home Depot. Cheaper on Amazon I would guess:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/TrafficMASTER-Black-Gray-24-in-x-24-in-x-0-47-in-Dual-Sided-Gym-Floor-4-Pack-24120HDUS/301152506

[Dbigstick]

I just picked up a couple of packs of the foam flooring from harbor freight for $8.00 each

https://m.harborfreight.com/anti-fatigue-foam-mat-set-4-pc-62389.html

that along with my used driving range mat brought the finished height to 2" which is the same height of my optishot2 with the jagman joe xl matzilla turf top.

[Fran M]

Up and running! BenQ TH671ST looks good in 4:3

Added some D-Rings to the garage floor with some concrete screws and attached tarp clips and bungees. Literally nil for bounce back. Hit a lot of balls today, absolutely love the FIberbuilt Station