New Backyard Build: Studio & Golf Sim

[ACgolfer]

Hi Everyone. I started building a backyard studio on January 19th that will house a new golf simulator, small office and entertainment area. I decided to build the structure myself, which is a big deal since I am not a builder or tradesperson. However, it has been going well so far. Below are pics of my build and planning diagram of the interior. The structure is 16'x28' with the side walls at 9' and the center of the ceiling being 11' (using scissor trusses). I am installing the following:

1. Uneekor QED with TGC 2019
2. 12x9 impact screen with 5' enclosure.
3. BenQ TH671ST projector.
4. Putting turf with impact/stance mat (not purchased yet but leaning towards T-line turf).

Looking ahead, I am asking most of the experienced sim builders here the following:

1. What potential mistakes might I encounter with this build? (with respect to the golf sim components)
2. Suggested lighting options. I am thinking of running 2 rows of pot lights on 2 different switches (in case there is too much light, I can turn off some of the lights).
3. Suggested wiring options. e.g. lighting, speakers, etc.
4. Any suggestions or options I should look into?

Thanks in advance!!

[SkeetShooter]

Hard to tell with your description but what will be your hitting surface? I really like my fiberbuilt, but I know some other guys who like the Divot-action strips. That would be first recommendation.
regarding lighting, definitely try to get lights that are extremely focused and directional. As for audio... If you wire in speakers, you will likely also need an AVR and that might be a bit much depending on what your want to actually accomplish. A lot of guys are very happy with the sound bars out there. Many of them are smart capable and interface really well.

Last thing. I don't see anything regarding your computer setup... If you don't have one yet, you really need to factor that into your budgeting and plans as that can be a very important purchase regarding future upgradability, etc.

[ACgolfer]

I was looking at installing a putting turf with 2 cups attached to the t-line hitting mat. The t-line mat is used at driving ranges and can hold a tee. I am looking at using dricore panels installed beneath the putting turf so that it lines up with the hitting mat. (like the pics below).


I was debating about installing a hitting strip vs full 10'x4' hitting mat. Spec sheets attached.

I am going to wire speakers along with the required HDMI cables. I will look into the AVR - thanks. I am also running an ethernet cable from the house to the structure to plug directly into the pc.

I have a gaming computer built but have been waiting for a graphics card for almost 2 months now. Not sure when they will come in?? Apparently there is a huge shortage (along with car chips). I gave the computer guy all the specs, so there shouldn't be an issue there. The only item missing is the monitor. Touchscreen or regular monitor??

I guess I am looking for feedback and recommendations on the sim build by others that have been through it so that I can avoid mistakes before the structure is insulated and finished.

[SkeetShooter]

Speaking directly to your PC and HDMI input... Go with cat 6 or higher when you wire. HDMI cables should also be high bandwidth versions, i.e. the ability to distribute 18gbps signal. This will be crucial in the future with 4K signals and eventually 8K. Again, futureproof as much as you can.

Regarding your computer and the graphics card. If you bought the card already, and are on a waiting list good luck getting it, unless you somehow got it at retail price. Right now all 3000 Series GPU's are being sold at a ridiculous price. There is a company VRLA, that is selling gaming computers/pre-built with a 3070 in them for around $1800. I would say that's a relative deal if the GPU's do not become available. Also this is dependent on whether or not they are able to distribute. I'd recommend contacting them and seeing what their timeline is on those shipping out.

Monitor. I would say that touchscreen is nice for probably the Uneekor interface, but for TGC, its basically a fluff item. You would be better off taking your savings and buying a ROXOR golf simulator control box as an item.

Audio... The amount of money to wire up multiple speakers and coordinate with an AVR, is going to be greater than a lot of nice sound bars out there, you really need to think about that one because sound bars today are really really good in sound reproduction in an unconditioned (audio) space.

[ACgolfer]

One of my biggest concerns is lighting.
1. Type? (LED, pot light vs track light)
2. Number of lights?
3. Location? Over the ball, offset from the ball, 1-row of lights vs 2-rows?

[pwade3]

The reason I am going with three rows on separate switch’s is that the row that is above the simulator area won’t be used much as you don’t want that light to effect your projection. The other two rows would be for one above the hitting area and one at the end for chairs etc. The row above the simulator will be covered by a ceiling curtain and thus will be off all the time, but want that row to future proof the building for anyone using it for something other then a simulator. In my office, which is about 26 x 28 I have 12 pot lights. Not the large ones. I have them on two switch’s and they work very well and don’t spread the light to the other zone if its not required. Your ceiling will not be level so you would need directional pot lights, which I also have in our house and work well.
One other thing, you have the QED, and I don’t know if its the same as my Eyexo in that the power switch to it is on the sensor and thus if you want to turn it off, you need a switched plug. Not required to turn it off, but I turn mine off when not in use so not to leave the power brick on all the time.

[pwade3]

Well, this will be interesting to follow you on this one. I am in the preliminary stages of designing and building a detached sim in our back yard. At the moment, I have it at 16 x 26 so very similar to yours.
As for lighting, I plan on using LED pot lights, but they will be the adjustable type so that I can direct the light better to the hitting area and away from the impact screen. I will probably use about three rows of 4 lights all on separate dimmer switches. I have about 150 pot lights in my house, so lots of testing with those. lol 😂
Where do you live? Canada by chance.

[ACgolfer]

pwade3 - so you are going to go with 3 rows of 4 lights across the entire room (26x16)? I was thinking of something similar and also on different switches in case there is too much light. Yes, I am also looking at directional pot lights but was contemplating flattening the ceiling over the sim area, which would make it easier to install the projector and QED. I am going to put the QED and projector on a separate switch also.

I will update with progression pics. Shingles being installed today, so hope to begin wiring later this week.

Yes, pwade3, I am located in Kitchener ON (an hour SW of Toronto). I see you are located in BC. Nice.

If anyone has a lighting schematic/drawing that I can look at - that would be great. Thanks!

[SkeetShooter]

Also recommend that you install dimmer switches, and possibly spend a bit extra for Lutron or Z-wave compatible lights, that way you have the ability to program scenes for lighting.

[pwade3]

ACgolfer These are the directional pot lights I have in the house. You can see the two of them on the left side. Right one is our standard pot light. You want your impact screen to not be influenced by ambient light so having these above or slightly in front of your hitting area will allow you to direct them towards the golfer and away from the impact screen. As mentioned by Skeeter dimmers are a must. I don’t have a wiring schematic as I have a friend who is a retired electrician and I will get him to wire it. The reason I asked where you live is I was wondering about the hurtles with your building permit?
Your doing an amazing job for someone who is not a tradesperson. Well done. I hope I can do as well as you. Hoping to break ground in about a month. I am waiting on have 5 fir trees removed so $3000 before I even start. Lol 😂

[cmckelvmi]

This will be an amazing sim room! I have the BenQ 671ST and have been happy with it. One thing that might not be a priority for you is the room for a billiards and ping pong tables. Do you plan to have the floor the same height throughout? I recommend at least five feet of space around your billiard table to make sure nothing is in the way of rail shots. If the floor will have the same height you will have the luxury of moving the ping pong table into the golf area for plenty of room.

[ACgolfer]

Thanks cmckelvmi. Still deciding on the flooring. I do want the putting turf and strike/stance mat at the same height. I may install a laminate or vinyl floor for the other half of the room.

Great idea of moving games tables onto the turf when the sim is not in use. It was going to be a gym area but decided that a games area would be more fun. Plus there will be a small office space in the corner (the only way I could convince my wife into letting me build this thing)...

[ACgolfer]

Thanks SkeetShooter. I will look into those.

Thanks pwade3. The building permit wasn't too bad - I had to change the original glass doors but that was all. I ended up using helical piles instead of a concrete slab because:

1. Most concrete companies had shut down for the winter.
2. The concrete companies that I could get to come out wanted over $20K for the slab.
3. The helical piles were a lot cheaper (cost $5000 with engineered drawings/letter and I didn't have to remove 2-trees - that I would of had to with the concrete slab).

Thanks for the compliment. I went from researching the sim to constant research of the build. It has come out really well but building it by myself was tough - especially installing the 18' trusses.

Attached is a schematic for lighting. It might be overkill but I will put them on their own dimmer switch to control the lighting. I will run it by my electrician when I see him. Any feedback regarding this drawing would be great! Thanks!

[pwade3]

Just a thought on your lighting. If your going to have swing cameras, they take a bit of light on the player, so might want to consider that. Need light both from the face on and down the line or at least in that direction anyway. If you turn on or turn up your pot lights, that will work fine, but then your projection gets muted from all the ambient light. Just a thought.

[pwade3]

ACgolfer Just checking in to see how you are progressing. I have not started mine yet but will be applying for a building permit in in a week or so. Just curious where your at now.

[meverett]

I'm new to the forum, but this sort of thread is exactly why I created an account.

I have the golf simulator bug....problem is I don't have anywhere to put it in the house to include the garage due to height restrictions.

I'm in the explore mode of what options I have to create a detached structure in the backyard in order to accommodate the simulator....

So far I've really been focusing more on the enclosed carport idea (Versatube DIY, 10k total for structure + concrete slab).....never really considered doing what you are up to, but now you have me thinking. What is the overall cost to build your structure?

Kudos to you for having the gumption to go do this.....very inspiring. I'm still in the research mode on what my county will require with regards to offset from the property line/walls, etc.

[pwade3]

meverett I have been thinking of building an out building for about a year, but I have to admit that ACgolfer has me inspired. I have a sim in the garage at the moment and its great, but get complaints of noise from the family so outbuilding it will be. I plan on having mind done by the early fall. Hoping to break ground in about a month. I don’t know the cost unfortunately as I will be building it myself with the help of a carpenter that build my house. I have changed my size from what I stated earlier. I will be putting a bathroom in it so I will be going to 16 x 30. My setbacks are easy as its only required to be 3ft from side and back property lines. Electrical will be a bit of work as I need to run underground power and its 120 ft of cable plus I have to drill through my concrete forms to access the electrical panel. I also will be running a water line, cat 6 cable for internet and coxal for TV. I also have to run a black water pipe of bathroom but luckily all those items will be in the same trench as the electrical. Air exchange is another thing to consider. Small area, but it will need air exchange. I plan on a mini split for heat and AC. Insulation will be sound dampening as will drywall that will be 5/8 quiet sheet as I want to sound proof as best I can. I don’t want to go to all this trouble and have a neighbor complain. I’m still researching windows to figure out what will dampen the sound the most. Sound dampening curtains will help. Lots to consider.

[meverett]

That is awesome! Look forward to monitoring your project.

[ACgolfer]

Hi again. Had a hiccup with the building department. Resolved now but caused a delay. See attached for progress pics. In terms of budget, I was thinking of a total cost of ~ $50K for everything (building materials, golf simulator components, lighting, furnishings, etc.). I think I am still on track for this budget but I haven't added everything up yet so that I don't have an answer when my wife asks!

[meverett]

Looking good....appreciate the rough estimate to give me an idea.

[ACgolfer]

Latest update. Taping and mudding has started. Progressing slowly but coming along. I hope to have the taping, mudding and sanding completed by the end of the weekend.

[jerry3]

Looking good, going to be done before you know it!