Projector protection

[David W]

Hi guys, I am building a simulator and will be hanging the projector from a ceiling mount. Then I will drop down a 2x4 frame around it and install a 3/4" plywood on the back (towards tee), and the bottom to protect the projector from thinned shots. I am wondering about what to wrap it with it to cushion it so balls don't ricochet and hurt someone. Would 2"memory foam be enough or would it be better to put something like 1/2" gym padding or 1" foam board on first and then memory foam?

Secondly, is there anything that you can put in front of the projector to protect the lens without blurring the picture?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[jasonreg]

Where is your projector mounted (distance from screen vs hitting position)? I think most don't actually build in protection but those that do seem to use a cage quite successfully. Did you do a search of this site? There are quite a few similar threads you may find interesting.

[David W]

My projector will be 8'-6" from the screen and the tee is 13' from the screen which puts the back of the projector roughly 3'-6" in front of the tee. I did a few searches and did not come up with much for protecting a projector.

[jasonreg]

Search projector cage and you will find some threads. Any reason the tee is so far back? Moving forward would place the projector in a safe zone and prevent balls (wedges eimpacting above your screen.

[David W]

The tee is at 13' because I have a Mevo plus. I have not tried it indoors yet, but I have read that the longer it can see the ball flight, the better for accurate compared to the data it provides on a real outdoor driving range.

[Stetson]

The projector needs to breathe …

[David W]

I know, that is why I said the that I would put plywood on the back and the bottom. The sides and front will be open.

[wbond]

Use a wire basket from a home goods store.

[mikeneron]

I haven't got to this stage yet but have thought about it. I was likely going to use a simple frame made of wood and then attach some hardware cloth to it. Really only need to protect the bottom and sides of the projector in case somebody gets a bit rowdy with their clubs.

[David W]

That is what I have decided to do. I will build a frame and attach 3/4" plywood to the rear (facing the tee area) and the bottom. I may put 1/2" hardware cloth on the sides and front with a hole for the lense area. I wish I knew if attaching plexiglass over the lense would affect the picture. I'd like to protect it as well.

[MTgolfer]

I have the exact same setup with distances, and have never had a ball even close to the projector fwiw. I did have a sound bar about 3 feet closer to the screen that got hit with a ball and split right in half. It was rather funny. Thank goodness it was a cheapo.

[David W]

Thanks MTgolfer, that is reassuring. I figured it is a pretty far out possibility that it would get hit, but what a huge disappointment it would be if a $2K piece of equipment got ruined. Murphy's law is insidious, and I don't like to gamble. I know one of us is going to pay and it never seems to be Murphy.

[GunghoGolfGM]

How wide and tall is your screen?

I would consider getting a projector with zoom capabilities so you can mount it right behind the hitting area. This will ensure it doesn't get hit and you wouldn't have to worry about shadows either.

Best,
Jake

[David W]

The problem is that I already have a projector and I believe I can no longer send it back because I opened the package. I'll check. The other problem is that I have a roof truss that crosses the space about 7 feet in front of the screen. I have a 10'x13' screen and the bottom of the truss is at 8'-6" from the floor. The projector I have needs to be set at 8'-6" back from the screen which puts it 18" +/- behind the truss. I am going to mount it 4" below the truss and tilt it up just enough to get the picture to shoot under the truss but go up to the top of the screen. I was told that that would be fine and not distort the clarity or size of the picture. I hope that is correct.

In my mind, if I could send this one back and get one that could be set back just behind the tee, It would have to be hung lower to clear the bottom of the truss to reach the top of my screen. Ill have to do some measuring to see how much lower. FYI, I am setting my tee at 13' back from the screen. I am using a Mevo+ and want it to be as accurate as possible. I have read that the further back, the better.