Another simulator build

[luckypete72]

First time poster here...

Been reading this forum for a long long time getting ideas and learning. So first and foremost a HUGE THANK YOU to this site and community for sharing all your great ideas and builds.

I was going to build my sim in my Garage but the cost to remove the lollycolumns was over 12 grand, so I figured I would build my own golf simulator/pool house.

Took a long time to get someone to do the concrete pad which is 16 X 24.

The rest I have been doing myself.

I'm nearing the end (currently taping and mudding, and boy do I hate that...)

Here are the plans for the sim:

• The simulator itself will be a Carl's enclosure (Custom size) of 113.43 X 175 X 60 which gets me the 9X14 screen I am looking for.
• The sensor I'm going with is the Uneekor eye XO
• I am one of the many waiting on the BenQ LK936ST project.
• The PC I built is an I7 with RTX3080 (can double as a racing/flight simulator also)
• I am also putting speakers in the space (wired for 7.1.4) but have speakers right now for 5.1.4

Questions I have for you fantastic people,

1. I am building my putting/stance and hitting area. I plan to use either 3/8 pile height (Money Putt, NP45 or Precision Putt) are they all the same or is there one of the 3 which you find is better?
2. Another option is 1/2 pile height (NP50, Perfect Putt) same question, are they the same or is one better than the other...
3. For the hitting strip, I am going to do the DIY Divot action, I'm lucky that I have Acme plastics not to far away and can pickup 4X8 sheets of polycarbonate pretty cheap and they sometimes have sales on cutoffs...
   1. Can I use the same putting turf for the hitting strip or should I look for a different material?
4. Lastly, and the most important piece for me anyway, what do you view to be the best software for actual golf (I plan to use Uneekor for the range). I am looking to play the best courses in the highest resolution so any recommendations would be much appreciated...

[Surfthing Computers]

I have been following this thread and it looks like a cool build. Congrats, I wanted to inform you that if you are still waiting on your BenQ LK936ST. I have them in stock with no waiting.
You could get yours now and cancel the other order if it is delayed. We waited 6 months for this order to come in. If you want to get it now I wouldn't wait. Here is the link. https://surfthing.com/products/lk936...aser-projector
Otherwise let me know if you need anything technology related for your build. Glad to help!

952.960.0220 Direct Number

[Brettster]

Surfthing Computers - wow! That's one sweet projector, thank you.... I've been posting up here a while looking for side x side comparison pics and since it seems this is your business, maybe you could take a few? I'm looking for 1080p vs. 4K (projected onto an Impact Screen - something like a 501, or 801 - three layer screen would be best).

I would really like to see that, if it's possible and you can... thank you.

[luckypete72]

Thought I would post an update...finished the flooring, the DIY divot action, installing the projector, 90% of the trim...played about 7 rounds this past week...loving it so far...


Photos are of the MSI GTX3080 video card and motherboard,
The computer tower including the water cooler and LED lighting
the mess in the back as I am still finishing some of the trim work
my workstation for work and play
The hitting enclosure along with the DIY Divot action
My bag in front of the screen for perspective...

[Brettster]

luckypete72 - looks great! I really like how you included all the windows/glass in the doors and how they are far enough behind the screen as to where they do not impact (washout) the screen that much. How far is it from screen to those double doors exactly?

I don't have anywhere near that much space - only 15'5" total depth. My Window is somewhere in the middle of that, so probably 6'-7' from screen.

Keep on playing!
-Brett

[luckypete72]

Thanks!!

The doors are centered on the structure so middle of the doors is 12ft. From the screen the center of the doors is 11ft, so the door closest to the screen is about 8ft.

The picture with the golf bag in front of the screen is before I had my blackout shades installed on the 3 windows and you could see the washout. The doors face directly south so when the sun would be hitting them the light doesn't get to the screen so much.

I would say there's a 90 minute window (between 10 and 11:30 where the sun is just coming in at an angle where the light is causing too much washout...but during the week I am working so I play during lunch or in the evening so no glare.

On the weekends, I usually play real golf early in the morning (6AM) and am home by 11 so the sim would be used after lunch...

so far it's working out great!

A huge thanks to all the folks on these forums who have shared their builds and opinions, I could not have gotten this far without stealing many of the great ideas I saw on this site!!!

[Brettster]

luckypete72 , you've done excellent work and very fast too....

The picture with the golf bag in front of the screen is before I had my blackout shades installed on the 3 windows and you could see the washout. The doors face directly south so when the sun would be hitting them the light doesn't get to the screen so much.

I would say there's a 90 minute window (between 10 and 11:30 where the sun is just coming in at an angle where the light is causing too much washout...but during the week I am working so I play during lunch or in the evening so no glare.

On the weekends, I usually play real golf early in the morning (6AM) and am home by 11 so the sim would be used after lunch...

Those are the little things that make a huge difference.... I guess you could have used design software to make that determination ahead of time, but it's often easier to get the job done first, and see what modifications need to be made so that it fits your requirements.

A huge thanks to all the folks on these forums who have shared their builds and opinions, I could not have gotten this far without stealing many of the great ideas I saw on this site!!!

You've made others that have provided ideas - proud of your work.... And, you've been able to add to some tips, and provide additional information that helps others - Thank you Lucky Pete!