Preparing for sim build flooring / turf options as well as suspension help

[FrankP2491]

Ok I'll make this brief. My sim I am planning to make I want to be able to stow away when I am not using it for a long period of time. In order to achieve this I would like to use cable suspension systems similar to a batting cage. I would like to simultaneously string Netting & Black drop cloth together for visuals, safety as well as ambient light cancellation. I have a list of parts I am planning to use but want to have it vetted.

Side walls = "batting cage / golf nets + drop cloth" ,
Screen = Carls place (preferred or premium) screen
LM = Flightscope Mevo+ 2023 edition with GSpro


Turf & screen mounting is where I am confused (I will briefly explain what I want below)

TURF:

• I want my putting surface to be regular cheap turf, but this would also include where you stand while hitting for both R & L handed hitters.
• The goal is the only part of high durability hitting turf would be in the center where the simulator is reading shots from
  • I figure this is the smartest way to keep cost down so I can replace a small section when it wears out vs a big driving range style hitting mat
    • Youtube video below which has a visual representation of the floor idea I hope to replicate (on a smaller scale)

Screen Mounting:

• I would like a screen mount that I can attach to my wall which sits out about a foot from the wall. I would like to be able to string the screen and cushion behind it for noise and light dampening. I have seen the metal frames but am wondering is it worth ordering these $500-700 kits online or just going to Home Depot with my dimensions and having them cut me conduit?

I am really trying to start with the most basic "cheap" DIY stuff at the beginning and upgrade the peripherals as my budget expands. How can I achieve this for a budget friendly retractable sim? Does anyone have any suggestions?

[pepeborja]

I'm working on mine and just yesterday settled on the flooring plan for my retractable garage golf sim. I do have a requirement to park my Jeep when not in use and that is my main constraint for picking a floor design; however, the principles I learnt still apply for permanent solutions.

Suffice to say that the advice I have seen on youtube and this forum is to GO BIG on the HITTING MAT and GO SMALL on the LANDING ZONE turf--basically focus on the $ per sq ft & space usage requirements as you do your work for the HITTING and LANDING areas and that is how I did my plan. It is called the "working backwards" principle. Set up the objective and work in reverse.

This short video (part#3) in my boomer youtube channel shows my set up and how I planned for the floor design. In the video I talk about using GoSport 4x5 mats for LANDING MATS but settled for a "lesser" brand at roughly half the cost as I would not be using them as HITTING mats. I placed the order last night for 5 of them and should be here tomorrow. The overall cost is roughly $4 per sq ft. That is comparable or less to the to gym tiles & turf carpet alternative. For my requirements this option is more convenient as I need to park my Jeep in the same space.

My design uses a 5x5 Monster Mat as a HITTING surface. Being swuare it can be rotated 4 times as it wears and that will be a long, long time.

My part #2 video shows my retractable screen installation to see another idea for a retractable screen set up, which btw I got from this forum, so you are in a great place to ask questions and learn about choices.

https://youtu.be/v9gz9VI044U?si=aZNPs9y2OnFVToEJ

Good Luck.

[Minnegolfa]

Hey Frank - Take a look at my build below - For the screen connection I built a wooden frame and then use Perforated-Slotted Angled steel with bungees to connect screen. If I didn't have to raise mine up and down - I would've done what you did with the Turf and have a replaceable hitting strip section.

https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/golf-simulator-forum/simulator-builds/403873-garage-folding-retractable-murphy-sim-build