MEASURING FOR YOUR GOLF SIMULATOR SCREEN AND PADS
By Jay Hubbard 7-20-2024
This is a three-part article series.
- Part one below, how to measure and select the best golf screen size and pads.
- How to build a golf simulator frame and attach a screen.
- Last, how to build a golf simulator enclosure.
First you need to be familiar with key terms. Every golf simulator has a screen (1), enclosure (2), launch monitor (3), hitting mat (4), gap pads that fill the gaps between the screen and the frame (5), frame pads that protect the frame and the golfer from ricochet (6) and a simulator frame and projector (Neither shown below).
Measuring For A Golf Simulator Screen And Pads:
- Measure the distance between adjacent walls to ensure accurate dimensions for the screen frame.
- Take note of any obstructions such as light fixtures, air vents, or electrical outlets that may affect the placement of the screen or frame.
- Consider the height of the room and the desired viewing angle when determining the optimal placement of the screen.
- Allow for additional clearance space around the screen frame to accommodate any protruding elements or trim work.
- Take into account any future upgrades or modifications that may impact the placement or size of the screen frame.
Example Measurements
Let’s say your room is 180” W x 240” D x 120” H and you plan on using the entire room for your simulator. To determine the maximum viewable width of your screen, measure the width of your room and subtract 18 inches or nine inches on each side which includes the width of the 2x4 frame (1.5”), slotted Angle iron to attach the screen (1.5”), the gap between the screen and the Angle Iron (4”), and the Velcro on the outside edge of each Ace HiQ Screen (2”). This 9” dimension will also be the width of your Side Gap Pads.
Max Viewable Screen Width: 180” Room Width - 18” mentioned above = 162”
Side Gap Pads Height: 120” Room Height + 1” extra at bottom = 121”
Side Gap Pad Width: 9” per side
Top Gap Pad Length: 180” or Room Width
Top Gap Pad Height: 18” - See below on using Aspect Ratio calculator
Side Frame Pad Height: 120” Room Height - 6” for Top Frame Pad + 1” extra at bottom = 115”
Side Frame Pads Width: 6” standard size for frame pads
Top Frame Pad Length: 180” Room Width
Top Frame Pad Height: 6” standard size for frame pads
Edge to Edge Screen Width: 162" Viewable Screen + 2" Velcro each side = 166"
Total Screen Size: 166" x 104" (120" Room Height - 18" Top Gap Pad + 2" Velcro on Screen)
The Top Gap Pad height will be determined using the aspect ratio calculator (click link) typically resulting in a taller dimension. The aspect ratio states the comparison of width to height. This difference will be more pronounced when using a 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio, while it may not be as noticeable with a 4:3 aspect ratio. The calculation will differ depending on the aspect ratio you choose. It's crucial to maintain either a 16:9, 16:10, or 4:3 aspect ratio to avoid wasting screen area. Install tip, make sure your projector offers one of these three ratios.
To use the calculator, enter either the width of your available space 180" room width less the 14” side spacing (1.5" 2X4 + 1.5" Angle Iron + 4" gap for each side) and the calculator determines the edge to edge dimension of your screen. You can easily toggle between the three aspect ratios to find the largest image suited to your space. In the example below, we input 162” for the viewable screen width (180” – 18”) and the calculator generates the following heights.
16:9 screen size = 166” W x 103.8” H
16:10 screen size = 166” Wx 93.4” H
4:3 screen size = 166” W x 124.5” H
In this case, the 16:10 Aspect ratio provides the largest screen size that will work with the room. Now, subtract the screen height from the room height to get your Top Gap Pad height. 120” Room Height – 104” Screen Height = 16” Top Gap Pad
In above example, the 4:3 Aspect ratio will not work as the room height is 120” and it won’t allow for 9” of space along the top for the frame, screen gap, and padding. Both 16:10 and 16:9 Aspect ratios will work. The 16:10 offers the largest screen size. In addition, the 16:9 aspect ratio screen size will require extra-long zip ties that allow the screen to hang about 37” from the Top Frame making the Top Gap Pad height taller and costlier. The 16:10 aspect ratio viewable screen dimensions will be 162” W x 102” H (This accounts for 2" of Velcro on each side and 2" on top). Note, Ace does not include our screen's shock cord pocket in the screen height as the pocket should lay flat on the floor. The edge to edge screen dimensions will be 166” W x 104” H from edge to edge. You now have the dimensions necessary to order your screen, Gap Pads, and Frame Pads.
If you prefer a hassle-free option, consider Ace Indoor Golf's design service. For a fee of $600, they'll take your measurements and spec out the perfect simulator space. With these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to constructing a custom golf simulator screen tailored to your space and needs. Happy swinging!