$2600 garage simulator build (and updates on using it for my game)

[Gatormanager3]

Finished the pvc construction and the main net this weekend and was able to hit a few shots. Using my Microsoft Surface does work and it only has about a 1-2 second lag. That will work for now until I can get something else since I'm on a budget with the new house :) I'm excited to have some time to work on this thing.

[Foofighters]

 

A big thing i want to know is the projectors are sitting on the ground with no protection. How are you stopping them from getting smashed from a bounce back from the impact mat or the back of it if you blade a shot?

 

I purchased one of these off eBay I saw on another forum for some protection.

 

https://is.gd/15YbW3

 

There is something called the terrasheild that looks cool but WAY over priced imho.

[Foofighters]

Finished the pvc construction and the main net this weekend and was able to hit a few shots. Using my Microsoft Surface does work and it only has about a 1-2 second lag. That will work for now until I can get something else since I'm on a budget with the new house :) I'm excited to have some time to work on this thing.

 

Nice. The lag takes a few to get used to but I barely notice it now. I "finished" my space this weekend too. I made my own version of a divot action insert, hung angle iron to the walls and ceiling. I even attached my old birdie ball green to the right wall in case of a shank lol. I'm just waiting for the new impact screen soon and I can toss the painters tarp!

[Gatormanager3]

Finished the pvc construction and the main net this weekend and was able to hit a few shots. Using my Microsoft Surface does work and it only has about a 1-2 second lag. That will work for now until I can get something else since I'm on a budget with the new house :) I'm excited to have some time to work on this thing.

 

Nice. The lag takes a few to get used to but I barely notice it now. I "finished" my space this weekend too. I made my own version of a divot action insert, hung angle iron to the walls and ceiling. I even attached my old birdie ball green to the right wall in case of a shank lol. I'm just waiting for the new impact screen soon and I can toss the painters tarp!

 

Very cool. My friend and I still have to install the side nets. He designed a really cool structure that can retract into the ceiling as well as side wings that can be opened up when hitting.

[smileykj218]

I put a blanket between the net and the screen and it's stopping balls way better when I hit it there.

 

Another option if balls are still flying around, put a cheap foam mattress pad inside a cover and hang behind impact screen (I added grommets and used nylon strapping). This really helped me such that my driver shots won't even come back.

[Doppelganger]

I put a blanket between the net and the screen and it's stopping balls way better when I hit it there.

 

Another option if balls are still flying around, put a cheap foam mattress pad inside a cover and hang behind impact screen (I added grommets and used nylon strapping). This really helped me such that my driver shots won't even come back.

 

I'll have to try this out. I stole my wifes Ohio University blanket (noone cares about the mac conference anyhow) and clipped it up and it helped a ton. Part of the problem though is how much traction the ball gets on the billboard tarp. It makes contact with that thing and squirts off to the left every time and I have to go chase it. It kind of sucks, maybe if I grease up the screen it won't do that though lol.

[gratefulRed]

I plan on moving it to the ceiling since I don't have the horizontal keystone feature Ron mentioned. Although I need to build something for it to attach to, for now it's just on the floor and it's only sort of in the way. I'd have to shank it with the back of my hozel to hit it. As is, balls have only rolled back and lightly touched the projector so far, so not a huge concern, and if I do blade it I'd be way more worried about the skytrak itself. The goal is to remove all the subconscious impediments to swinging into the screen so I can "take it to the course" more easily, and more importantly not ingrain any bad habits like becoming narrow because I don't want to hit something.

 

There's lots of small nuances like that, seems like I'm a long way from perfect but I'm almost comfortable.

 

Also on the agenda is a "geek box" to put my desktop in. It's basically a filtered enclosure to keep garage nastiness out while protecting and cooling the pc. I should be able to fit it behind the screen and wire out usb extensions if wireless peripherals are too much of a pita. I don't see many others doing this but I know how to build them and I know what happens to the computers at the automotive research center I admin for so it's higher up on my list right now.

 

please throw up a few pics of said "geek box" once completed. I've never heard of such a set up.....then again, up until I got the idea of putting a golf sim in my garage...I've never had the idea of keeping a desktop PC out in it either, lol

[Doppelganger]

I've seen a lot of them parked in extra netshelters, those work fine but imo a waste of a netshelter. The next time I get over to the buckeye bullet garage I'll take a pic of the cheaper/better diy setup, they're still using one I believe. It's just a box with a filtered in and larger unfiltered out.

[Walks]

After using a Skytrak the other day I took the plunge and bought myself a Skytrak, impact screen and hitting mat. Pretty much going to replicate the set up that was used as it was a decent install and relatively easy to do. Now just waiting for it to come in should be in late next week. Time to clear out my garage to make space for it and install the impact screen.

 

The mat i got is the Augusta mat https://shop.turfmate.com.au/products/augusta-mat it was awesome to hit off when i used it.

[Doppelganger]

I've hit so many balls and every joint hurts now but I've never been so in sync. I'm absolutely crushing the ball and tightening up all of my approach shots. Can't wait to play tomorrow.

[Gatormanager3]

Interesting question came up from a friend who also bought one. If you play the courses is that only 1 player? Does it cost more/year if you want to do multiplayer?

[Doppelganger]

Just what it looks like to me but you have to pay for at least the Skytrak game improvement package which is 100 bux a year I think. Then you need to pay for the game you want, TGC (The Golf Club) and JNPG (Jack Niklaus Perfect Golf) both seem very popular and are multiplayer. Those prices come in lifetime or annual memberships it looked like when I was browsing them. There's only one other one and that is the one that's not multiplayer and was ios only I believe.

 

I'm holding out until I work out all the nuances with the screen and sidenets before I buy GI. Not that I think I wouldn't benefit from it, I just feel like I would be wasting the money until everything is the way I want it all the way through my bag.

[dornstar]

I've hit so many balls and every joint hurts now but I've never been so in sync. I'm absolutely crushing the ball and tightening up all of my approach shots. Can't wait to play tomorrow.

Yep.... same here.

 

At one point when I was using the CCE mat, I literally thought I had arthritis (which runs in the family) because my joints hurt so bad. Switching to the Divot Action mat was the best decision I've made for my body. It was a night and day difference.

[Doppelganger]

I've hit so many balls and every joint hurts now but I've never been so in sync. I'm absolutely crushing the ball and tightening up all of my approach shots. Can't wait to play tomorrow.

Yep.... same here.

 

At one point when I was using the CCE mat, I literally thought I had arthritis (which runs in the family) because my joints hurt so bad. Switching to the Divot Action mat was the best decision I've made for my body. It was a night and day difference.

 

Is it better than fiberbuilt?

[ajax5184]

http://www.trajectoware.com/

 

Someone posted this over at golf simulator forum. I tried it last night and it is pretty cool. You can plug in numbers from ST and it displays ball flight etc. to compare with ST numbers. The coolest part is that after you plug in the numbers from ST it backs into the impact condition numbers like face angle, path, AOA. It only works for driver and 3 and 4 and maybe 5 wood because of spin restrictions.

[dg_1983]

For those following this from a skytrak angle here are some screenshots from my session tonight. 3 balls at each target, avergae distance in feet to cup.

 

IMO it's this kind of feedback that make skytrak the best golf purchase I've made

[Golfbeat]

Wow, that is pretty impressive!

[trumb1mj1]

For those following this from a skytrak angle here are some screenshots from my session tonight. 3 balls at each target, avergae distance in feet to cup.

 

IMO it's this kind of feedback that make skytrak the best golf purchase I've made

 

Which feature from within the SkyTrak software produces this data?

[dg_1983]

That's the skills assement. Enter your desired targets and fire away. The overall and individual target reports generate at the end.

[trumb1mj1]

That's the skills assement. Enter your desired targets and fire away. The overall and individual target reports generate at the end.

 

Only somewhat related but I find it really annoying that you can't configure multiple different skills assessments. For example: "Wedges" - and have 10 yard increment from like 60-110 yards. Or "Go for it in 2" and have like 200+ targets. Also, the inability to configure these things unless you're connected to your SkyTrak is really annoying.

 

I'm overall thrilled with the feedback you can get from the device but I find the software buggy and limited.

[dg_1983]

On the golf SIM forum there is a good contact for that feedbsck. From what I can see skytrak have released updates every couple months and the software is getting. Better and better.

 

Totally agree with you on saving different assements. There's are few UI experience tweaks to, like enabling the roller buttons for setting distances etc.

 

My setup.is always on line so don't suffer from any offline worries.

 

I don't find the software buggy at all. That's the PC version

[Timanator]

The only thing you need to buy is skytrak and ipad/computer. The annual subscription allows you to use it with other apps like tgc and e6. Like what others have said, the skills assessment is really nice.

[trumb1mj1]

Is there a way to show proximity to the hole on the SkyTrak range view?

[GungHoGolf]

Is there a way to show proximity to the hole on the SkyTrak range view?

 

Sadly, no. But it will show your dispersion diameter after 3 or more shots.

[Gatormanager3]

Hey everyone. I'm all set up and have used the SkyTrak a few times this week. I am dealing with a problem as far as accurate yardages. My shots as well as others who have tried it in the range mode are not accurate as it pertains to yardages. I'd say it is probably 20 yds off for my shots. Played today and confirmed my yardages to the pin so I'm not being macho (I don't hit my irons that long anyway) but I'd really like to use this as a game improvement tool and if I can't hone in yardages for approach shots this won't help me much. :-/ I've tried everything in the troubleshooting to no avail so if anyone has any ideas/tips/tricks I'm all ears :)

[jut111]

Hey everyone. I'm all set up and have used the SkyTrak a few times this week. I am dealing with a problem as far as accurate yardages. My shots as well as others who have tried it in the range mode are not accurate as it pertains to yardages. I'd say it is probably 20 yds off for my shots. Played today and confirmed my yardages to the pin so I'm not being macho (I don't hit my irons that long anyway) but I'd really like to use this as a game improvement tool and if I can't hone in yardages for approach shots this won't help me much. :-/ I've tried everything in the troubleshooting to no avail so if anyone has any ideas/tips/tricks I'm all ears :)

 

I'm assuming you're setup is indoors? It takes a while to get used to swinging inside, I'm sure you don't realize it, but you're not swinging as fast indoors, I can almost guarantee it. Post some of your numbers if you think there is an issue beyond that.

[Yrrdead]

Hey everyone. I'm all set up and have used the SkyTrak a few times this week. I am dealing with a problem as far as accurate yardages. My shots as well as others who have tried it in the range mode are not accurate as it pertains to yardages. I'd say it is probably 20 yds off for my shots. Played today and confirmed my yardages to the pin so I'm not being macho (I don't hit my irons that long anyway) but I'd really like to use this as a game improvement tool and if I can't hone in yardages for approach shots this won't help me much. :-/ I've tried everything in the troubleshooting to no avail so if anyone has any ideas/tips/tricks I'm all ears :)

 

I'm assuming you're setup is indoors? It takes a while to get used to swinging inside, I'm sure you don't realize it, but you're not swinging as fast indoors, I can almost guarantee it. Post some of your numbers if you think there is an issue beyond that.

 

Exactly this, it is literally the same post from every person who first sets up a launch monitor. Everyone.

[stingreye]

What mat are you hitting off of? If a country club elite and you hit it slightly fat, you will lose a lot of distance and club head speed. The good news is, hitting off of grass is easy after a cce.

 

Also indoor swing is real. Takes a while to feel comfortable where your body lets you swing away.

[Gatormanager3]

Hey everyone. I'm all set up and have used the SkyTrak a few times this week. I am dealing with a problem as far as accurate yardages. My shots as well as others who have tried it in the range mode are not accurate as it pertains to yardages. I'd say it is probably 20 yds off for my shots. Played today and confirmed my yardages to the pin so I'm not being macho (I don't hit my irons that long anyway) but I'd really like to use this as a game improvement tool and if I can't hone in yardages for approach shots this won't help me much. :-/ I've tried everything in the troubleshooting to no avail so if anyone has any ideas/tips/tricks I'm all ears :)

 

I'm assuming you're setup is indoors? It takes a while to get used to swinging inside, I'm sure you don't realize it, but you're not swinging as fast indoors, I can almost guarantee it. Post some of your numbers if you think there is an issue beyond that.

 

Exactly this, it is literally the same post from every person who first sets up a launch monitor. Everyone.

 

Thanks guys. I almost added this to my post. My setup is inside and I know I have enough clearance however my reticence to truly swing like I do without a roof over my head may be the main issue. I'm a mental midget so this could take me quite a while to get used to :)

[ruffellprefley]

i've been hitting on a cce mat for the last year or so with my skytrak, but have a fiberbuilt strip arriving soon. hopefully tomorrow. i'm curious to test the differences first hand. i've been having wrist issues with my CCE if i go for too long at a time.