Simulator build help

[Saylor1322]

I am building a house and have a place for a simulator but it needs to double as a movie theater for the family. I really want to do the simulator but cant justify 40k or more for a simulator through HD, About Golf, or Full Swing. I looked into Uneekor as well and liked it other than you have multiple software platforms you have to use to go between the range and the course play and it seems somewhat limited for some reason on number of users but I could be wrong with that. The other issue I have with Uneekor is you apparently cant do picture in picture with their program and since this is going to wind up also an entertaining area Id like to be able to play golf with friends and also utilize the projector for watching events like football or golf, although this may not be a deal breaker. Also I found a company in Indiana that does simulator builds with / for Uneekor but it pushes the price point north of 30k.

So where I really need help is I want to build my own but dont know where to start. I have looked around here for a long time and still seem so confused on how to build my own simulator and enclosure. Also since I need to use the space and screen for a theater and simulator I dont know where to start on projectors, screen size, etc. Any help would be appreciated Id really like to get this started later this year so it is done when we move in next spring.

Thanks in advance.

[3on3putt]

Start with this ...... what is your overall budget? (for the entire project) That will really determine the best starting point for the conversation.

[Saylor1322]

Id like to stay as close to 20k as I can.

[3on3putt]

Id like to stay as close to 20k as I can.

With a budget like that, I would plan on (ballpark of course):

Mat + additional turf for floor space = $1,000

Computer = $1,500

Projector = $1,000

Enclosure = $300 (DIY; very easy to do)

Screen = $500 (screen prices vary a lot so this is a very rough number)

That puts you at a little over $4,000 for all the basic components other than the launch monitor and simulator software.

With a ton of room to spare in your budget, you could look at a Trackman. Or if you wanted to save a little more coin you could check out the GC2 / GCquad. If playing golf is going to be more of a priority than practice, I would recommend choosing which simulator software you'd like to run and then picking a compatible launch monitor.

You also have the option of just buying an "all in one" simulator setup where you get all of the pieces listed above all together. It will cost a little bit more than piecing it all out individually. But if you just want to make things as easy as possible, the "golf in a box" option does just that.

As far as also making it a home theater, there isn't a whole lot to consider other than throwing in some furniture for seating. Golf impact screens don't produce quite the same picture quality as a dedicated movie screen so you may want to consider having a movie screen that you can throw up real quick for movie time. These aren't very expensive and you can even get one that retracts up into the ceiling so it's out of the way for golf.

What is the size of the room that you will be able to dedicate to this?

[Shiggidy112]

I think that this is a good high level look at how to understand the costs for components of a build. I think it's also the right order of operations in determining your decision making process. I'd also encourage you to consider the costs for sound proofing the area and any additional building costs that you might have if that's to be included in the $20k budget. If you want a subfloor, putting holes, sound baffling, electrician to hide wiring or add capacity, furniture, heating/cooling if not already zoned you should itemize those costs. These are relatively easy to price out, but you'd be wise to consider prior to build. I agree with 3on3putt's summation of how to consider your thought process, though.

When considering the launch monitor, you may also want to consider if having it be mobile is important to you, and if righties and lefties will be playing. Many launch monitors are static pieces of equipment, where others are made so that you can bring them onto the range. Also, some LMs are conducive to righties and lefties playing at the same time, where others make it challenging to switch back and forth.

[Dax]

I would suggest reading the Uneekor threads as there is great info there for you to consider. If lefty righty not a big deal for you, then the sim in a box solution discussed above would be a good alternative.

[Saylor1322]

The room is big Ive got 16 wide by 50' deep but my wife does intend to use the other half the room for the kids play area, rec room / TV space so I think I can use about 25' of it. My wife is concerned though on the distance that we would need to put the furniture back though because she wants to put some sort of sectional couch in there for the theatre area.

I did do a demo on the Uneekor and liked it just not confident in putting the whole thing together myself but Ill check out the threads in there.

Also I did forget to mention that the left and right use is an absolute must for me so I am limited to an overhead unit. My son is really into the game and he is a lefty so I cant justify doing it if we cant seamlessly play / practice at the same time.

[3on3putt]

A Trackman will work for both righties and lefties. Trackman seems to have some sort of issue with spin or spin axis when used indoors, but still a top of the line product.

As far as the furniture, you figure you'll be hitting 8-10 feet from the screen. So you really only need to place the furniture just out of harm's way for anyone who is swinging. And given how big the screen will be, being seated 15-20 feet or so away will not be too far at all.

[Saylor1322]

Ive been reading more and more and Im thoroughly confused now. This room is really going to be the focal point of our basement so I want it to turn out really well but Im a little concerned with never doing this before that it wont look right if I do it myself. also I want to be able to get the best data possible for both ball and club information. Honestly if my son wasnt as into golf I probably wouldnt consider it but he is obsessed and if were going to put it in then we should ultimately be able to get feedback to improve our games.

I really do like the balance plates as well and would like to get an option that we can utilize that as well. I know Full Swing and HD have one but Im not sure about the others. Anyone want to design the perfect system for me to make it dummy proof on what to order, how to install it, and how to setup all the software?

[Dax]

I would read LEO MODE 's testing of his TM4 and the results he has seen re spin axis when compared with the Quad.

With that said and As another comment, the sim in a box from Foresight that a few others have done might be the solution you are looking for.

[Dax]

Sorry missed your right to left comment. TM4 would be a consideration here or if you can wait, perhaps a TM5.

[Saylor1322]

I was originally looking at the Foresight Hawk but I though they told me that the Hawk does not pick up club data. Does anyone have experience with the Hawk?

[Dax]

I think you will need to ask one of those that have one or with FS, but I had thought this was the case at the beginning when it just came out and that an update was expected to bring on club data?