Want to build an indoor simulator, need help?

[Glaze22]

I am looking to build an indoor launch monitor setup. I have about $3000.00 to spend and know that Skytrac works, but hate the idea that I have to spend $100.00 every year just to use it. That is not a deal breaker though.

 

I would like to have a screen projector and do not need the best of anything other than the Launch Monitor and a Hitting Mat. My only problem is choosing where to put it in my house. I will have 9.5 ceilings and I am 5'8 so if I cant use my driver no big deal. The garage is an option, a finished basement is another, but there is a large double glass door in the only direction I can hit in.

 

Through some ideas out for me, and please have actual cost.

 

Oh and make this dumb a$s proof as possible, electronics and I dont mesh well.

 

1. What launch monitor, price?

2. What projector, price?

3. Computer, price?

4. Mat, price?

5. ETC...

[sleezyt]

At that price point skytrack is really the only decent option from what ive gathered. That wont leave you much for the rest though.

[drewtaylor21]

I am looking to build an indoor launch monitor setup. I have about $3000.00 to spend and know that Skytrac works, but hate the idea that I have to spend $100.00 every year just to use it. That is not a deal breaker though.

 

I would like to have a screen projector and do not need the best of anything other than the Launch Monitor and a Hitting Mat. My only problem is choosing where to put it in my house. I will have 9.5 ceilings and I am 5'8 so if I cant use my driver no big deal. The garage is an option, a finished basement is another, but there is a large double glass door in the only direction I can hit in.

 

Through some ideas out for me, and please have actual cost.

 

Oh and make this dumb a$s proof as possible, electronics and I dont mesh well.

 

1. What launch monitor, price?

2. What projector, price?

3. Computer, price?

4. Mat, price?

5. ETC...

 

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/1238908-2600-garage-simulator-build-and-updates-on-using-it-for-my-game/page__hl__

[Glaze22]

I have almost read the entire thread, but there is so much "try this" and "what about that" type stuff going on it is hard to get a clear picture on what exactly to get?

[drewtaylor21]

I have almost read the entire thread, but there is so much "try this" and "what about that" type stuff going on it is hard to get a clear picture on what exactly to get?

 

Do you want to play Sim golf or just have a driving range? How important is visual/graphics quality to you?

[PorscheFan]

I'm basically doing the same thing at the same price point and have installed everything. Just have to pull the trigger on SkyTrak.

 

Screen: 10x9 supertex and used 3/4 metal EMT conduit covered in foam rubber pipe insulation for the top and sides, hung by chains.

 

Projector:

Optoma GT1080 (short throw)

 

Mat: still oscillating. Latest is the FairwayPro Divot Simulator with a cheap Sklz stanze mat to stand on

 

 

I have a gaming laptop with a GTX 1060 card that I use for video editing, but for SkyTrak I'd happily just use one of my iPads with Apple TV

[mb123]

Im heading down this route as well. Looked at a GC2 and even refurb with no software it is 5400. Tgc or fs1 will take it to 7k almost. The way I look at skytrak GI plan is I will spend 100 or more at the range in a given year. This is convenience factor and they get you good for it. Hopefully they are using that cash to make the peoduct better

[dg_1983]

Skytrak is worth every single penny - do it

 

if you are flush add TGC into the mix - epic

[TheFatTick]

A bit over $8 a month seems pretty cheap for an entertainment product that will also improve your golf game.

 

If a home launch monitor is a goal, skipping Burger King once a month doesn’t seem like much of an impediment.

[dg_1983]

I've hit 10,000 shots on my skytrak this year, in my back garden, each with vital accurate feedback - put a price on that.

 

If you are not going for a skytrak there is absolutely no point in a screen and projector. r motion maybe but blah blah blah

 

get a skytrak

 

TV - peanuts

Refurb or 2nd hand skytrak - $1500

PC - $500

Mat $400

Netting $200

 

or something like that

[drewtaylor21]

Im heading down this route as well. Looked at a GC2 and even refurb with no software it is 5400. Tgc or fs1 will take it to 7k almost. The way I look at skytrak GI plan is I will spend 100 or more at the range in a given year. This is convenience factor and they get you good for it. Hopefully they are using that cash to make the peoduct better

 

Skytrak is definitely a good product for those who don't want to shell out the extra cash for the benefits that come with GC2, but just fyi you can regularly find a used GC2 for roughly $4k, every now and then you'll find them in the $3500 range, usually spring/summer. JNPG is the best sim product out there IMO and is $250/yr, or if you just want a driving range and a couple courses you can still find FR1 here and there for ~$500, sometimes less if its included with the GC2. There are always ways to save some money if you are patient and know what you're looking for.

[hobbes928]

My recent build cost me more than that.

 

Skytrak with case was ~$2100.

Short pitch projector ~$700

Impact screen ~$650

parts for enclosure, floor carpet and other little things here and there ~$650

Fiberbuilt golf mat ~500? I forget

 

Was planning on just using skytrak for a year to improve but then TGC was on sale so I had to buy that as well, in which case that meant I also needed a gaming laptop to run the program....way over budget but soooo worth. You're gonna love it.

 

Lastly, your height ceiling is right on the cuff of being an issue. I have 11 feet and find that 10 feet ceilings is the minimum for me.

 

Good luck and hope this helps.

 

edit: One thing I forgot to mention, if you plan on just using skytrak's software, you don't need a gaming laptop. an Ipad works perfectly fine. Though it gets boring real fast.

[lhahn]

unless you want a HD screen for TV, sim play etc, I would skip the screen or save up and wait to get it later when your budget allows. my screen set up cost me around $100.

 

impact screen - $40 queen size quilt from amazon + grommets + eye screws = $60 total. has held up VERY well hitting short irons only so far.

old blankts - $free. ask friends on facebook, etc. I got about 5 old queen size flat sheets from friends/my sister

netting - $50-100 on ebay depending on size and whether you need only behind the screen or some for the sides.

 

From back to front I hung the blankets, netting and then the quilt and the ball barely bounces back at all, a foot at most. Mind you, my ceiling height in my garage is very low (7'11") so I've only been hitting up to an 8 iron. YMMV with longer clubs.

 

As for 9.5 ceilings, should be good for driver unless your swing is very upright.

 

I have a cheaper option for a mat as well but may not work for you. PM me if you're interested.