Another simulator build

[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!

[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 - 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]

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]

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.

[Brettster]

PapaKlix - great, I'm looking forward to how those might look, especially the 4K up close... I'm trying to get an idea if it's worth dropping the money to do it... I assume it's short throw? Do you have to do any Keystone Adjustment? One problem I'm having with a long-throw mounted 14' back from screen, keystone can barely handle it.

[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

[PapaKlix]

Brettster I don't have any side by side pictures, didn't really take many of the old projector but will try and grab some closer pictures of the 4K one. My screen is fresh Par2Pro, I forget what it's called but it was the best one they sell.

[Brettster]

PapaKlix - that's great on the 4K. Do you have some pics of the projected image? Really would be cool if you had pics of 1080p, and then 4K side x side to see the difference. I also know that the screen has something to do with it as well. Which Impact Screen are you using?

Also, that's cool with the TV/PC Monitor. likely what I'll be doing, as soon as I move my mess of a desktop and install a high-powered Gaming Laptop and mount it on a wall-mount desk. Seems the only way to get back more floor space as I don't have any space behind the wall.

[luckypete72]

Yup, I plan to do exactly that...

1) Projector - Main display for the sim
2) 55 - 65 inch TV for ball data or club impact from Uneekor (plus can watch sports while playing golf)
3) Computer Monitor for club data etc when using the TV for other stuff...

as for Software...thanks for the feedback...

I purchased TGC2019 specifically for the number of courses available...

Can't wait to get the projector...

[PapaKlix]

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...

Chiming in on #4 - I use TGC2019, the course variety was my reason for choosing it and it has not disappointed. There are thousands of courses and there's no subscription/recurring fee. A good friend is a member at a local course and the version on TGC2019 is spot on. I have the same projector you're waiting on (mine took 5 months to get 😣) and while I was waiting borrowed a friend's 1080p projector. When I got the 4k BenQ and dialed in the resolution in the TGC2019 settings, it was incredible! The detail is just amazing. Several people have tried to tell me 4K doesn't matter for golf sims, not sure what those people are smoking because it's night and day.

When you get it up and running, if you have a TV connected to your PC you can pop out a few windows from View to your TV and PC monitor for club/ball data, club details, swing video, etc.

[Tigerbass]

Sub-flooring is in I used Drycore which is pretty easy and offers some insulation on the concrete flooring....

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DRICORE-...68405-23-12140

Enclosure is assembled it's a lot bigger than I thought it would be....Still waiting on the turf and vinyl flooring to put the enclosure in it's final location...

Question for the group...

I have the padding that comes with the enclosure from Carl's, but I was wondering if anyone has also covered the front facing EMT (shown with the red arrows)...

I know some people put pipe insulation (dark grey/black) over the front EMT for safety. That is what I plan on doing since I will have some beginners taking hacks.

[luckypete72]

Sub-flooring is in I used Drycore which is pretty easy and offers some insulation on the concrete flooring....

https://www.homedepot.com/p/DRICORE-...68405-23-12140

Enclosure is assembled it's a lot bigger than I thought it would be....Still waiting on the turf and vinyl flooring to put the enclosure in it's final location...

Question for the group...

I have the padding that comes with the enclosure from Carl's, but I was wondering if anyone has also covered the front facing EMT (shown with the red arrows)...

[Brettster]

Looks good luckypete72 - great job. Mini Split looks fine... I don't see a hump...

[Brettster]

Hey luckypete72, thanks for the tip on the Buddy Tool, I never knew that existed.

Still, I feel the tape I bought and outlet covers/switch covers was easier...as you know, no sanding. I was just so fed up with the idea of sanding, especially with my turf being already down that I had to find a way to do it without any sanding.

Wow, you did some fast work, to complete the whole thing in a little over 3 months is amazing! Mine took 6 months and already had a structure in place, though I did have to remove a garage door and build a wall on one end. The hardest part of my job was the odd angles of the Gambrel Roof, sure takes a lot of cutting/measuring and triangulating to finish gable ends with insulation and cover them up with Luann board. wow... Also, hanging fabric baffles was an all day task - using Chicago Canvas cloth. You can see that at my post here:

https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/golf-simulator-forum/simulator-builds/348365-golf-sim-shed-build-finally

I never thought about the amount of hours, but I'm sure I was close to the 300 number you mentioned... as I was not working during that time, I spent many entire days building, but did take weekends off... man, it's a job that's for sure!