Want to Build a Golf Simulator Shed

[Mr_Wolfe]

Hi all, I have decided to build a 16'x20' shed to install a simulator. I will be building the shed and simulator myself and starting sometime this coming summer so it will be ready for the following Pittsburgh winter.

 

I got most of my motivation from this golf video:

 

And this video has some great build ideas as well.

 

 

 

My question is this, I am just starting to dig into home simulators and trying to learn as much as possible. If YOU were building something like this, what pieces would you use? When is a ceiling mount better than a floor mounted LM?

 

My budget is pretty open. I think I can build the shed for $10-$15k and want to be similar or less with the simulator cost.

 

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

Mr. Wolfe

[jmevox]

If you play with lefties often than an overhead mounted launch monitor is ideal. It can be real annoying moving the monitor back and forth. 
 

I personally prefer a floor unit so I can test it out at the range/on course to make sure it’s accurate.

[Mr_Wolfe]

Thank you. Are there any other downsides to a ceiling mounted unit?

 

Mr. Wolfe

[jmevox]

No. The overhead definitely has a cleaner look and tons of people and commercial places use them with no issues. Uneekor eye xo is hard to beat for the price

[act0fgod]

On 1/3/2024 at 8:05 PM, Mr_Wolfe said:

Thank you. Are there any other downsides to a ceiling mounted unit?

 

Mr. Wolfe

You need to mount the ceiling units at certain heights, so if you have a lower ceiling height it can cause problems.

[Pens #1 fan]

I’m in Pittsburgh too Mr Wolfe, I have a meeting with my Borough to get permission for my build. Where are you located in Pittsburgh. I’m going to be looking at the new TM overhead until when it debuts at PGA show. 

[Mr_Wolfe]

On 1/6/2024 at 3:43 PM, Pens #1 fan said:

I’m in Pittsburgh too Mr Wolfe, I have a meeting with my Borough to get permission for my build. Where are you located in Pittsburgh. I’m going to be looking at the new TM overhead until when it debuts at PGA show. 

 

Wow, cool! I am in Kittanning which is about 35 miles north of the city. I know SO little about simulators that I am trying to wrap my head around everything I need. Where are you located?

 

As far as the TM overhead, is there a new one coming out that is different than the Trackman IO?

Mr. Wolfe

Edited January 8 by Mr_Wolfe

[Mr_Wolfe]

Has anyone wired a designated golf simulator room from scratch? I will be doing all of the work, but wondering if anyone has laid out what is needed apart from typical outlets, etc.

 

Mr. Wolfe

[act0fgod]

8 hours ago, Mr_Wolfe said:

Has anyone wired a designated golf simulator room from scratch? I will be doing all of the work, but wondering if anyone has laid out what is needed apart from typical outlets, etc.

 

Mr. Wolfe

All you need is outlets. 

 

It looks a lot cleaner if you don't have cables running along walls and ceilings but you don't need to have the cables hidden.  The only cables that I have running are the HDMI cables to my monitors and projectors and then power cables.  I have my cables running under the turf as nothing is ceiling mounted.

 

Not sure what's needed if you want cameras or the balance optix that are pretty easy (not cheap) to add with Uneekor systems.

[Mr_Wolfe]

I am starting to lean towards the Uneekor QED. Does anyone know the real pros/cons of this LM? This will only be played indoors at this location. Looking in the Uneekor EYE Mini also.

Mr. Wolfe

Edited January 9 by Mr_Wolfe

[act0fgod]

1 hour ago, Mr_Wolfe said:

I am starting to lean towards the Uneekor QED. Does anyone know the real pros/cons of this LM? This will only be played indoors at this location. Looking in the Uneekor EYE Mini also.

Mr. Wolfe

Required markings on balls (a big negative for many) and since the monitor is behind you club data isn't the same as the eye xo or mini 

[Mr_Wolfe]

Hmm, thanks for those viewpoints. Do you happen to know the main differences between the EYE Mini, Bushnell Launch Pro, and GC3?

Mr. Wolfe

[Pens #1 fan]

Mr Wolfe I can’t find it the thread, but somewhere in this Sim conversations a guy built a Sim room and used Uneekor. Some very good conversation in that thread 

[Mr_Wolfe]

48 minutes ago, Pens #1 fan said:

Mr Wolfe I can’t find it the thread, but somewhere in this Sim conversations a guy built a Sim room and used Uneekor. Some very good conversation in that thread 

 

Thank you, I will look.

 

Mr. Wolfe

[act0fgod]

5 hours ago, Mr_Wolfe said:

Hmm, thanks for those viewpoints. Do you happen to know the main differences between the EYE Mini, Bushnell Launch Pro, and GC3?

Mr. Wolfe

Bushnell Launch Pro and GC3 are the same hardware.  Different in their pricing models.

 

Youtube has multiple video's about the difference.

[Mob]

 

[Mr_Wolfe]

Thanks to everyone so far for the help. I have been digging into Youtube videos and this site. I am starting to really lean towards the Uneekor EYE Mini as almost every person who would play here is right handed.

 

Please let me know if I have this correct:

 

Uneekor EYE Mini = $4500

GSPro Software (looks really good) = $250/year

I think I need to pay a 3rd party subscription to Uneekor also? = $199/year

 

Do I have this correct? $4500 up front and then $450/year in subscriptions. Thanks.

 

Mr. Wolfe

[Mob]

No additional Uneekor fee with the Eye XO2 system for 3rd party subscription.  I can't comment if there is one with the Eye Mini.

[Mr_Wolfe]

Okay, as far as a gaming computer to run GSPro, would this machine suffice? It seems adequate.

 

https://www.newegg.com/abs-sa13400f4060-2-stratos-aqua/p/N82E16883360442

 

Or would this be worth the upgrade?

 

https://www.newegg.com/abs-sa137f4060ti-stratos-aqua/p/N82E16883360390

 

Mr. Wolfe

Edited January 10 by Mr_Wolfe

[PuffyC]

You might check out some of the online shops that specialize in golf sim packages. I’m sure they’re all equally good but the one I used was happy to answer all my questions and tell me what would work best for my space, my budget, and my goals.
 

In the end it’s not super complicated putting one of these together but there are a lot gotchas you need to watch out for and questions you may not know need to be asked. This is also one of those things where trying to save a few bucks can end up costing you more. But on the upside, once you’re done building yours and getting it all to work you’ll be an expert on the subject whether you want to be or not 😉

[Mr_Wolfe]

Hmmm, looking at the Uneekor website. They have the EYE Mini for $4500 or you can buy a certified refurbished QED with 1 year warranty for $4900. (typically $7000). Thoughts?

 

Mr. Wolfe

[Mr_Wolfe]

17 hours ago, Mob said:

No additional Uneekor fee with the Eye XO2 system for 3rd party subscription.  I can't comment if there is one with the Eye Mini.

 

Just got confirmation. The mini needs a separate subscription ($199/year) for 3rd party software. QED and up do not.

 

Mr. Wolfe

[Mob]

I have been very happy with my Uneekor system.  I would choose the same system all over again if I was at the beginning of this process.  Good luck!

[Mr_Wolfe]

1 minute ago, Mob said:

I have been very happy with my Uneekor system.  I would choose the same system all over again if I was at the beginning of this process.  Good luck!

 

Great to hear! I am torn between the EYE XO and QED.

Mr. Wolfe

[Mob]

2 minutes ago, Mr_Wolfe said:

 

Great to hear! I am torn between the EYE XO and QED.

Mr. Wolfe

I can't comment on the QED but the Eye XO2 has been great.  Only mistake was purchasing the Refine software which was unnecessary.  The View software it comes with plus GSPro has been more than enough for me.  

[Mr_Wolfe]

Here is a quick layout I made to scale. The overall size of the shed at this point will be 24 x 16'. Please let me know if something obvious should be changed. I went by manufacturer's recommendations on placement of LM and Projector. Thanks!

 

Mr. Wolfe

[Dyno4]

On 1/10/2024 at 1:30 PM, Mr_Wolfe said:

 

Just got confirmation. The mini needs a separate subscription ($199/year) for 3rd party software. QED and up do not.

 

Mr. Wolfe

I’ve spent a lot of time with the Uneekor Eye XO at a friend’s sim and it is very nice. You might also research the ProTee VX, which is a newer offering and is getting favorable reviews. 
 

We are in the process of building out a sim at home and I opted for the Bushnell Launch Pro, which is the same hardware unit as a GC3. It requires the $500 annual Gold subscription to allow for third party software integration. I’m using GSPro ($250/yr) and couldn’t be happier. I give up a few data points compared to the EYE XO, but for the cost difference it was an easy decision. By the time I reach a breakeven point in annual subscription costs compared to the upfront cost of an overhead unit, technology will likely have improved and I can upgrade. But we are talking 5-6 years down the road until reaching that point. 

[Mr_Wolfe]

37 minutes ago, Dyno4 said:

I’ve spent a lot of time with the Uneekor Eye XO at a friend’s sim and it is very nice. You might also research the ProTee VX, which is a newer offering and is getting favorable reviews. 
 

We are in the process of building out a sim at home and I opted for the Bushnell Launch Pro, which is the same hardware unit as a GC3. It requires the $500 annual Gold subscription to allow for third party software integration. I’m using GSPro ($250/yr) and couldn’t be happier. I give up a few data points compared to the EYE XO, but for the cost difference it was an easy decision. By the time I reach a breakeven point in annual subscription costs compared to the upfront cost of an overhead unit, technology will likely have improved and I can upgrade. But we are talking 5-6 years down the road until reaching that point. 

 

Thanks for bringing up the ProTee VX. I am now cross shopping that with the Uneekor EYE XO.

 

Mr. Wolfe

[Mr_Wolfe]

Would love to hear if anyone has any first experience with both LM's.

 

Mr. Wolfe

[Mr_Wolfe]

The ProTee VX really looks like a great system. Hmmm

 

Mr. Wolfe