Projector Placement & Wiring

[Toon902]

Hoping for advice as I get close to wiring up my sim.

I am building a standalone structure (26' x 15' x 10.5"). It's a 2"x6" framed structure with custom trusses running the length to support the roof. I'm working with an electrician to wire it up before it's sprayfoam insulated and the drywall installed, so it's important for me to "get it right" as it will be difficult to do-over.

I have the BENQ TK710STi 4K Laser Short Throw Golf Simulator Projector which will be projecting onto a SIG 12 enclosure (Frame Dimensions: 12’2”(W) x 9’4”(H) x 5' (D)). The projector mount is a BENQ CM00G3 Universal Ceiling Mount, which allows you to run cables up the shaft.

My plan is to install power in the ceiling and to run HDMI through a conduit across the ceiling and down the wall to my computer. I'm also planning to run Ethernet through the conduit as a "just in case I ever need it" option. I am trying to minimize visible cabling, now and in the future.

Based on the room planner on the BENQ site, it's suggested that the lens be 10' 6" from the screen. Given my room width is 15' x 10' 5" high, I can imagine that at some point I may want to go with a larger screen to completely fill the space, which presumably would require me to move the projector back, so I want to keep this in mind in the placement of the electrical outlet and conduit for HDMI.

A few questions:

I realize that the lens is some inches off center - does the ceiling mount have to be off center by this amount or can one compensate for this in the projector settings?

Where is the best location for the power and conduit relative to the projector? Beside the ceiling mount, with the cables running up through the shaft?

If the recommended distance from the screen is 10' 6", based on throw distance and screen size, how flexible is this? What would happen if I moved it back ~24" to possibly accommodate a larger screen size in the future? Will the projector be able to zoom in from the extra 2' to fill the current screen? The reason I ask is that while the mount is easily movable, the power outlet and conduit are not, so ideally I only do this once.

I am currently planning to use a MEVO + launch monitor and am wondering about anticipating the possibility of a ceiling mounted unit in the future. What cabling could I run today that would be helpful in the future should I decide to go this route?

Are there any "gotchas" that I haven't thought about but which I need to?

Many thanks for any advice and answers!

[Davisr197]

I have a 13.5' x 8' screen, running approx. 187" diagonal, which requires me to throw with my projector from about 10'3". I have mine a bit offset to the right of center in relation the screen and on my Benq HT1085ST, the lens in on the right side. Since it only has vertical and horizontal keystone features, I had to work really hard to get it just right on the screen so when I was watching movies on the screen, it didnt have a weird angle to the picture. I plan on getting a new projector so I can project 4k quality pictures and will have it a little more centered so it the new projector doesn't come with lens shift and only has keystone options, I can use keystone to minimally move the picture and fill the screen. Most projectors come with a zoom feature to help fill the space...just depend on the zoom capabilities of your projector. I would just move it back the 2', prior to permanent installation and see how much of a projection you get, just to get an idea if you can do it.

In regards to ceiling mount, I have placed an outlet really close to the projector and when I get the new one, it will be about 4 feet closer (6'5" throw distance), I will just set up another electrical outlet near the projector to keep everything nice a clean in the rafters.

Not sure if any of this helps but I thought I would give it a shot. Good luck!

[Toon902]

Not sure if any of this helps but I thought I would give it a shot. Good luck!

Appreciate the response and info. It's funny how complicated wiring and projector placement is especially when you're trying to get it right before installing the ceiling. In my case, my plan to use spray foam insulation (I live in Canada, so R-value matters), but it makes it difficult to change things up later. I also prefer a really clean look without visible wires running across the ceiling. Luckily my contractor is a golfer, so he "gets it" and his electricians are also very good. Thanks again for sharing!