New Sim Build Noob, help!

[IUseIronCoversIronically]

Hey everyone, I've finally scratched together enough for my first build and have a few questions on projectors and their mounting locations. I intend on using the Carl's Pro Kit 4:3 10' x 13' (https://www.carlofet.com/shop/golf-s...22+%2810x13%29) enclosure kit.

1. Is an off-center floor mounted projector with a horizontal lens shift projector a viable option to project TGC to my screen? What projector would you recommend for this?
2. What projector would you recommend if I chose to go with the Carl's projector mount that extends off the top of the golf enclosure?
3. What are some good 1920 x 1080 4:3 projectors that I can use with a max 10' throw distance with this screen?

Thanks and hope you are enjoying your weekend.

[3on3putt]

1. Yes, but projectors with horizontal lens shift are more limited (and pricey) in selection. A floor mount should be a last resort.

2. Did you choose the 5 foot enclosure depth or the 10 foot? The link goes to the 5 foot so I assume that's what you went with but that will make a big difference in projector selection.

3. What is your ceiling height? BenQ 671, Optoma 1080 and 1090 and InFocus HD138ST are all popular choices but will depend on your ceiling height as vertical offset is an important consideration.

Just my 2 cents here .... if budget is a concern (and you indicated it kind of was) you can build something just as nice as that carls setup for a grand or less. They make nice products and they make things easy with the all-in-one package deal. But 3 grand for a screen and enclosure? And you still have to buy the metal pipes separate anyway. You can save at least 2 grand by piecing things together separately and it's really no extra labor. Just my take on it. Not criticizing carls or anyone who buys these kits but just letting you know in case you're squeezing your budget for this thing. Most people assume the all-inclusive kit saves money but it's actually far more expensive. If money is no thing, go nuts. They are very clean and professional looks. But if the budget is a consideration, there's far better options.

[IUseIronCoversIronically]

First, thanks for the help!

2. I will likely be going with the 10 foot enclosure
3. I would say the ceiling height (I am restricted by the garage opener) is about 12 ft. conservatively

Only reason I selected the pro was because of the Carl's projector mount compatibility. If I can save the money on the pro by doing a floor mount with lens shift and buying the DIY, that would be ideal. Unfortunately, the DIY is not compatible with the mount and I don't think ceiling mounting with the garage will work as it is a single car garage (the metal garage opener beam will be in the way).

[RandomHero]

I agree that floor mount should be last resort. Less things on the floor in the Sim room the better. If you have room to do the 10 foot deep enclosure, then the opener can't be in the way too much right? I'd go with the DIY Carls 10x13, 5 foot depth and buy and cut the EMT yourself. Get a short throw projector (I have the BenQ617ST its great) and mount it on the ceiling. Just my thoughts hard to know exactly what would work without seeing the space. Here's my set up thats the Carls DIY 8x8 screen with a ceiling mount projector.

[Scano13]

I have a question about what I assume is an electric heater on your wall. What heater is that? I think that's the one I was considering getting for my garage build I am working on. (Heat Storm HS-1500-PHX-WIFI ) How do you like it and is that the only source of heat you have? Where are you located? I am in Michigan so my garage gets pretty cold, I just put up some insulation this weekend. I am looking for someone to do my drywall next. I will also be insulating the attic above the garage.

[3on3putt]

I agree with random hero -- if you can fit a 10 foot high by 10 foot deep enclosure in there, you should be able to ceiling mount a projector no problem. Would probably actually be less cumbersome that way.

Personally, I would buy the screen and then build the enclosure myself and ceiling mount a projector.

[IUseIronCoversIronically]

Update: this is what I'm working with. My actual ceiling is quite high up - maybe another 10-15 ft from the top of my enclosure. I have space on the right side to maybe do a horizontal (coming from the wall out to center), or above/behind the enclosure with a long arm projector mount, or space behind me to put a projector. It is quite bright in that room.

Where/what kind of projector would you recommend? I had tried the Optoma GT1080HDR, but the room was too bright for it. I will be adding cheap magnetic blackout curtains to the accessible windows, but am unsure if the projector will still fit the bill as the room is naturally pretty bright.

Thanks again for all the help.