Projector training system

SeniorTom

SeniorTom

Well-known member
I am an intermediate player looking for a projector training system for my 8-ft table downstairs. I did a search and the last post were from 2022, and I'm sure technology has changed a bit since then. Anybody have any recommendations for a decent system that doesn't break the bank?
 
i highly recommend Illuminated Cueing Arts see link
they have great modules you can add and the customer support is great
dont know what price range for you is " doesn't break the bank?"
PM me if you have questions tom

www.icatraining.com

Pool Training | Illuminated Cueing Arts, LLC | www.icatraining.com

Learn about the Pool Training System from Illuminated Cueing Arts, which allows you to project pool layouts directly onto your table. Training is now quick, easy to set up and repeatable. Hundreds of professionally prepared drills are available to take your game to the next level!
www.icatraining.com www.icatraining.com
 
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I do use these, but a bit of a pain:
 

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SeniorTom said:
I am an intermediate player looking for a projector training system for my 8-ft table downstairs. I did a search and the last post were from 2022, and I'm sure technology has changed a bit since then. Anybody have any recommendations for a decent system that doesn't break the bank?
Click to expand...
Technology hasn't changed in 2 years. Same projectors, same OS type, etc.
 
I have the projection pro billiards system. That and the ICA mentioned above are the only two systems I know of. Both have not changed in the past 4-5 years (other than new drills, etc). They both use a Raspberry Pi hooked up to a projector.

If you do get one, I highly recommend a short throw projector mounted above the side pocket on the table, pointed straight down. It is WAY better than using a regular projector mounted 6 feet from the short end of the table. It's not even close. I bought 3 or 4 different projectors and experimented with all of them, to come to this conclusion.
 
Ditto on the ICA training system, it works very well. Not sure about the other system, never seen or tried it. There is a 3rd system out there, can't recall the name of it, it implements augmented reality via a camera system to track what is happening on the table. Extremely expensive though.

Breaking the bank, however, is subjective. I had to buy a room with a house attached to fit the table and projector, which was a bit expensive ;)

Edit: IQ Reality is the 3rd system I was thinking of. I have never heard from anyone who actually owns this.
 
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iusedtoberich said:
I have the projection pro billiards system. That and the ICA mentioned above are the only two systems I know of. Both have not changed in the past 4-5 years (other than new drills, etc). They both use a Raspberry Pi hooked up to a projector.

If you do get one, I highly recommend a short throw projector mounted above the side pocket on the table, pointed straight down. It is WAY better than using a regular projector mounted 6 feet from the short end of the table. It's not even close. I bought 3 or 4 different projectors and experimented with all of them, to come to this conclusion.
Click to expand...
What's the issue with having the projector on the end rail?
 
PPB is the way to go. Integrates with Poolbilliards.co for drills. Lots of content. The system isn't the expensive part, it's the projector. You want a bright pool table which means you need a brighter projector. That adds some $.

FWIW, I recall that there was some backstory to the ICA version, which is why I didn't purchase it. YMMV.

-td
 
datnodude said:
What's the issue with having the projector on the end rail?
Click to expand...
A few (and I personally tried them).
1) the picture is not as bright overall, and the brightness varies across the table, because the light is coming onto the table at a weird angle.
2) the focus is harder to get right over the entire distance of the table, again due to the weird angle. With the Viewsonic projectors, which are the good ones, it works ok. If you get the cheaper no-name projectors from amazon, I was not able to get the whole image focused.
3) the mouse does not move naturally. The table bed becomes the "screen" for the mouse. With the projector at the end, the mouse moves funny. This makes it more difficult to interact with the software when setting up drills, navigating the software, etc.

All of the above problems are solved if you use a Viewsonic short throw projector mounted on the ceiling approximately 1 foot outside the side pocket, pointed straight down. This is the one I bought in 2019 (I bought 3 or 4 different projectors to try them, and returned the ones that didn't work). IDK if there is a replacement to it today, but to mount where I mentioned, it must be a "short throw" model. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B7MKC22/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If the end rail is the only option you have, it will work. Its just not anywhere as good as the short-throw option near the side pocket if you can make that location work for your setup.
 
These systems look really good and I can see them helping make my practice time more productive. About how much would you need to spend for a good projector and a system?

I'm getting by with a grid of Sharpy pen dots on my table at the intersections of the diamonds to set up drills. Low tech but pretty effective. Maybe time to move on to the next level.
 
I have the projection billiards pro system and it works quite well in my opinion. If you go that way Mike over there is very kind and great to work with. He has a program setup too where he can tell you exactly what projector you need and where to place it based on your room and table placement measurements. I gave him my specs and he was spot on with the projector and placement. I think I ended up shelling out about 900.00 in total to get it working but I had to buy the more expensive projector do to ceiling height.
Overall I would rate it about an 8 or higher out of 10. It does work quite well as a tool to grow your mind and skill set as you get to see the projected outcome and how you stack up.
 
I have my projector fixed on the wall at the head of the table and it works just fine
I have the ICA system
 
Iusedtoberich,
Is there an issue with bulb life and/or projector cooling with the projector pointed almost straight down when placed above the side pocket?
Thanks, Steve
 
Steve Dickey said:
Iusedtoberich,
Is there an issue with bulb life and/or projector cooling with the projector pointed almost straight down when placed above the side pocket?
Thanks, Steve
Click to expand...
I've had mine since 2019 and no issues. Granted, I don't use it every day. The ICA guy did reach out to me when I had a thread about installing it that way, and had the same concern. For me, it was worth taking the risk, as the picture quality was much better. (I had the PPP system, not the ICA, but the projectors they use are the same).

Edit, I think there was also a high and low fan setting. I had it set on high.
 
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slach said:
These systems look really good and I can see them helping make my practice time more productive. About how much would you need to spend for a good projector and a system?

I'm getting by with a grid of Sharpy pen dots on my table at the intersections of the diamonds to set up drills. Low tech but pretty effective. Maybe time to move on to the next level.
Click to expand...
The projectors are about $5-600 new on Amazon or ebay. The raspberry Pi system is in the 2-300 range for the projection pro billiards system. The ICA is a bit more, I think about $600 range, but I think it includes training modules developed by pro instructors/players. I haven't been to either site in a few years, so those prices are from memory.

I personally made my own training patterns by breaking a rack, marking the spots, and playing those racks over and over.
 
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