Blank Canvas - Here we go!

[RicoSuave]

Hello Fellow Sim Jims:
I’ve taken the first step and gotten myself in the queue. Our good folks at Par2Pro are bust’n it big time with everyone wanting their simulator yesterday so while I patiently wait for my spot I thought I’d reach out for some assistance with my build. I have a room pretty much dedicated to my simulator, dimensions 21’ 8” wide 20’ 5” long and 10’ 8” high. I picked up a TrackMan 4 and have a rendering of my space I’ll attach here. I’ll be talking with Shane about the screen but not sure what else will be in the discussion and I know there’s much more to figure out.
Best projector for the job? I hear laser is a good new technology. I don’t mind spending some money but certainly don’t need to go crazy.
For the right wall I thought about some colored panels but not sure what they should be made of.
Netting for the ceiling and a curtain for the left side? Again, I’m not sure if these are items I can buy through Par2Pro but I hope to and go Canadian all the way if possible.
The more I think about this the more things come up like a hitting mat that is also good for the putts up to 10’ or more?
How about the computer? Is that a Best Buy purchase, I have no idea?
Any and all help from your mistakes, er um ‘experience’ is highly appreciated.
Cheers!

[Dax]

Congrats on the TM4 and welcome to the "family" (both TM and the sim family here). In my view, I would speak to par2pro and ask them about all the things you are thinking about as I believe they can supply you with everything you need (including the protection things you are asking about). I can't remember the number, but a number of people have had good success with a Panasonic projector that is about 6000 lumens (I think it is the VZ580U, but search the site as I know it has been written on).

Hope we can one day see you in a Virtual Golf 2 tournament online!

[Dax]

PS, good luck with your build!

[GoldenSim]

That's a great room size! I agree with Dax. Unless you are willing to invest a load of time to save a few dollars, I would highly recommend getting Par2Pro to source all the items for you. Par2Pro can help you with ceiling baffles, side netting as well as stance and hitting mats. They have a lot of experience and access to the right "tools for the job". I did a combo of sourcing items direct and some items from Par2Pro, but if I had the funds I would have got everything from them. I also had time on my side and was keen to self build a few elements. As Dax said, the Panasonic PT-VZ580 is a great projector. I have had one for the last 18 months and have been very happy with it.

[RicoSuave]

Thank you Dax & GoldenSim!
That sure takes a load off big time! I wasn’t sure what to expect so now I’m super excited.
I had a look at the projector and it looks good to me. The price is decent and a good review goes a long way.
Thanks again!

[abirdie4me]

I had the Panasonic VZ580 that died just after the warranty expired. Took it to a repair shop and they said it has a non standard motherboard that is soldered from underneath, and fixing it would cost at least $600 usd. Not worth it so I'm going all in with a very expensive epson L1300ULD laser projector with 8000 lumens.

The Panasonic did throw an excellent picture until it died, but I had shadow issues since it is not a short throw projector.

[Dax]

Sorry for not stating this earlier, but I had not set up my ez580 that I bout at a great deal. The image looks really good and it is much better for my bright room in daylight. I find that I will need to adjust the colours a bit to get the image more in line with what I am looking for, but overall pretty happy with the projector. Sorry for not mentioning this earlier but I had not had a change to get the projector set up yet.

[RicoSuave]

The ball is rolling! I’ve put my deposit down on a full simulator but I need to research a bit more on the shank board.

Does anyone have or can direct me to some good quality pictures of Par2Pro shank board? Preferably ones where the ball has hit it a few times or at least a year or 2 old.