Building your own projection tv

[tracydani]

Has anyone ever done this or know anyone who has?

I am thinking about giving it a try just for the hell of it. I really want one of these, but want to wait until I can afford a really good one, or the prices drop enough. But for the time being, I may do this for the fun of it :P

Link (http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/20041113/index.html)

TD

[Darth Sushi]

I'm seriously thinking about it... You might want to look up these sites below before proceeding:

http://www.allinbox.com/allinbox.htm
http://www.diyprojectorcompany.com/theory/lcd.htm
http://www.audiovisualizers.com/madlab/lcd_proj.htm
https://secure.lumenlab.com/shop/group.php?id=2
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=12
http://www.thegarage.cjb.net/
http://www.louisville.edu/~wchall01/diyprojector/overheads.htm

[maebach]

thats amazing

[tracydani]

I'm seriously thinking about it... You might want to look up these sites below before proceeding:

http://www.allinbox.com/allinbox.htm
http://www.diyprojectorcompany.com/theory/lcd.htm
http://www.audiovisualizers.com/madlab/lcd_proj.htm
https://secure.lumenlab.com/shop/group.php?id=2
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=12
http://www.thegarage.cjb.net/
http://www.louisville.edu/~wchall01/diyprojector/overheads.htm


Yeah, I joined the lumenlabs site and spent most of yesterday reading around.

I was going to add that into this thread but it didn't seem anyone was interested. :P

I was pretty amazed at what they are doing and how the quality is, now I just gotta decide what I want and get to finding parts :)

Off to check out your other links because I stopped with lumenlabs when i was googleing.

EDIT: I had no idea that this was such a popular hobby... I had never heard of this before yesterday when i googled for projection tv :lol:

[tracydani]

Check out the quality of this guys pictures (http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5141&st=100) :ohmy:

[orcutt989]

Dont all you have to have is a projector with AV inputs and a blank wall?

[tracydani]

But they are expensive. The cheapest I have seen is $1,000.00 and the current cheapest arount here is $1,300.00.

The projectors these guys are building have better/larger pictures in general and cost anywhere from $200.00-$500.00 unless they go crazy and build monsters :lol:

And I think I was unclear on the title of the thread, these are not tv's but projectors.

I'm researching and am going to build one (unless someone is nice enough to give me a new one :P ). They seem rather easy, it is mostly the appearance of the projectors body that seems to be the tough part, so I will just need to have lower standards and focus on the picture :D

[Spicker]

Check out the quality of this guys pictures (http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=5141&st=100) :ohmy:
all i need is a 15" LCD now :lol:

[Busyman]

That's pretty sharp.

Damn and all I know about is the current $1000 plus projectors. :(

It'd be sharp if someone made a box that hangs from the ceiling with the projector housed in it. That's alotta weight though.

My cuz has an overhead projector (I think it was about $1500) with a screen that cost $300.

He loves playin' Socom on it.

I'm going to tell him about this. He shouldn't have much problem being an architect and into computers.

Thanks for the site.

[tracydani]

It'd be sharp if someone made a box that hangs from the ceiling with the projector housed in it. That's alotta weight though.Thanks for the site.
They do :)

If you go through the forums you will see many different versions and setups. One guys has his built into the ceiling and it drops down when he wants to use it :lol:

Another guy has built a whole viewing room new walls/ceiling/floors and screen around his projector :cool:

@ Spicker

Good luck :) They are coming out with lens sets that will accomodate 17" screens as well so you would theoretically get even better resolution from the projector :01:

I am still deciding what kind to build because I cannot modify my house, but I want it to be out of the way. Thinking about a column version I saw so it sits behind the couch and projects over our head :P

[GepperRankins]

OHP and LCD monitor "in the post". got some wood, an old powerpack and some fans too :01:

[ApacNTS]

im just in awe of how damn good his picture looks, my DVD player doesnt even give me that good a picture. might read up on this, id enjoy playing games at that size, that makes my 23" look like a toytv

[GepperRankins]

anyone else making one?

post pics of it :D


i will :shifty:

[tracydani]

Me too :P But it'll be some time before i get one finished :(

Oh well...I'll just savor the anticipation :lol:

[Spicker]

anyone else making one?

post pics of it :D


i will :shifty:
oh dam thats great!!! :)

so which guide u following? :w00t:

[GepperRankins]

anyone else making one?

post pics of it :D


i will :shifty:
oh dam thats great!!! :)

so which guide u following? :w00t:
i'm gonna mess about with the way they did it on toms hardware guide. then improvise a box. not gonna use mirrors or make it complicated.

i'm thinking one like this (http://www.allinbox.com/nicolas/nicolas.htm) but i'm gonne see if it's possible to use two slightly different sized drainpipesto make the lense slide back and forth

[Darth Sushi]

BTW folks, the "Lumenlab 15" DIY Projector Guide" can be had on eMule if you don't want to pay the twenty bucks.

[tracydani]

The guide is not what I paid the $20 for, it was the ideas and advice in the main forum. Of course i'm a bit of an idiot, so I need all the help I can get:P

[GepperRankins]

i don't think there's really that much to it. just an even distribution of bright light on the LCD and a lense

[tracydani]

Yeah but...


i'm a bit of an idiot, so I need all the help I can get:P

[Santa]

other option
put your tv upside down
attach a strong lense at the right distance to a funnel around your tv
and voila you have a projector
(not a good one but....)

[GepperRankins]

before i was experimenting and managed to make an uber pin hole camera

[Santa]

likewise...

close off all windows in room - make small hole in one -add lense at right distance - project whats outside on your walls

[GepperRankins]

i got a shoe box, stabbed a tiny hole in one end and a tore bit of card off the side. then put a cover over my head and the box, and stood on the landing (dark part of the house cos it's in the middle) and pointed it through my sisters window. i spent a few seconds fiddling with it and all i could see was a white triangle on the back of the box. i moved it and was quite startled when i got slightly blurred but still clear and recognisable picture of the garden :ohmy:

[Santa]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/pl/a/a2/Camera_obscura_1.jpg


http://www.aip.org/history/newsletter/spr99/photos/Optics_lg.jpg


http://www.up.ac.za/academic/discover/camera/images/victorian.gif


http://www.ru.ac.za/affiliates/am/camera.jpg

[GepperRankins]

i know how they work :dry:




:P

[Spicker]

i got a couple of guides off Emule....

lmk if u want them

[GepperRankins]

nah thanks, i reckon i can work it out.

i was supposed to have the goods today but now i have to wait until friday :dry:


i wanna start making the box or something but don't know wwhat i'll have to fit into it

[Spicker]

i was doing some research and found out that if u make a projector using OHP (over head projector) the life of the bulb is only 50-100hrs and if u make one using the guide at lumenlabs its 10 000hrs.... :lol:

the bulb for OHP=$10
bulb for lumenlab thingy=$40-50

[ModestoMouse]

A real easy way to make a projection TV is to go to you're local jr. college or university, wait until class gets out. When everyone has left the room, take the AV equipment. You've gotta make sure you're dressed in coveralls and if anyone walks in just say you're repairing the equipment. In college we had a savage projector and screen we took from one of the humanities buildings.

I figure for 5,000 dollars a semester I'd better at least be getting something out of the deal.

[Guyver]

i got a couple of guides off Emule....

lmk if u want them


ill take em

[GepperRankins]

i was doing some research and found out that if u make a projector using OHP (over head projector) the life of the bulb is only 50-100hrs and if u make one using the guide at lumenlabs its 10 000hrs.... :lol:

the bulb for OHP=$10
bulb for lumenlab thingy=$40-50
sounds like bullshit to me. i'd bet anything that they're the same bulb.


lumen labs forum is a scam, these ideas should be free. they get paying members to help paying member while the admin make profit from doing nothing. i reckon they're just money grabbing bastards, don't believe any of their shit.

[tracydani]

GepperRankins

Maybe you should actualy do a little research on this one. If you did, you would know that what you just said is nonsense.

Hell, just look up the bulb info in their store and compare it to bulbs found in the OHP's and retail projectors yourself. You would then know that what was said about the lights is true.

I was just as suprised about the differences in bulbs (and their prices) myself, good thing I have read around a bit :)

It is worth the $20.00 just for the information and experience found in the forums from many people who are building or have built these things themselves imo.

The guide is just basic info, the forum is much more.

Good luck on your project :)

[GepperRankins]

you've made one?

[tracydani]

Not yet... But I do not need to make one to find out that

i'd bet anything that they're the same bulb.

Is nonsense. Just need to look up the information and see specs on the bulbs etc.

I am not saying you should join their forum, but to call them a scam site because they charge you to get into the main forum is silly too.

It is a 1 time fee and the help/research is ongoing.

Great info in my opinion but to each their own :)

[Spicker]

well i have made up my mind and i am not going to spend $ 200 on some cheap psone screen one....im going to make a nice custom built 15" LCD one....i want good results... :)

sure it'll cost about $500CDN but knowing that u built it urself....priceless

uhh guyer...ill pm u the guide which im using..

[GepperRankins]

Not yet... But I do not need to make one to find out that

i'd bet anything that they're the same bulb.

Is nonsense. Just need to look up the information and see specs on the bulbs etc.

I am not saying you should join their forum, but to call them a scam site because they charge you to get into the main forum is silly too.

It is a 1 time fee and the help/research is ongoing.

Great info in my opinion but to each their own :)
it should be free. i bet if we bitched hard enough we could get a "home-made projectors" subforum in here to paste all our discoveries and so on, we might even get more members join the forum just for it and could use other peoples free sites for extra info, we wouldn't have to pay for that.


the way i see it, all it's down to is getting a really bright light and shining it on a screen then directing as much of that light as you can at the lense, then point it at a wall. obviously you need the right set of lenses, but OHP ones are designed for just the job.


P.S i wouldn't try with an expensive screen straight away, i hear they're fragile

[Spicker]

Not yet... But I do not need to make one to find out that


Is nonsense. Just need to look up the information and see specs on the bulbs etc.

I am not saying you should join their forum, but to call them a scam site because they charge you to get into the main forum is silly too.

It is a 1 time fee and the help/research is ongoing.

Great info in my opinion but to each their own :)
it should be free. i bet if we bitched hard enough we could get a "home-made projectors" subforum in here to paste all our discoveries and so on, we might even get more members join the forum just for it and could use other peoples free sites for extra info, we wouldn't have to pay for that.


the way i see it, all it's down to is getting a really bright light and shining it on a screen then directing as much of that light as you can at the lense, then point it at a wall. obviously you need the right set of lenses, but OHP ones are designed for just the job.


P.S i wouldn't try with an expensive screen straight away, i hear they're fragile
Do u know any good forums?
but i dont want to waste $200-300CDN on a cheap projector then dish out another 500CDN on the final one.... :( thats $700! and u can get a decent used projector for $800ish :(

[GepperRankins]

http://cgi.ebay.ca/HP-L1530-DVI-15-LCD-Flat-Panel-Monitor-1-YEAR-WARRANTY_W0QQitemZ5234350909QQcategoryZ99225QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


15" 1024x768

15 minutes left and it's only $113

[tracydani]

In the free forums you get a basic idea. But I see no problem with them charging to get into the main forum. It pays the bills.

I think the average price people are paying for screens is abou $150.00 to $200.00 so you do not need to go too expensive. You can even rip out something you have laying around. I am thinking about asking my wifes boss for his old monitors.

It would be cool if enough people here were interested enough to get a sub forum. I wouldn't post their guides though, I believe they copyrighted them :lol:

[tracydani]

http://cgi.ebay.ca/HP-L1530-DVI-15-LCD-Flat-Panel-Monitor-1-YEAR-WARRANTY_W0QQitemZ5234350909QQcategoryZ99225QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


15" 1024x768

15 minutes left and it's only $113


I've been keeping my eye on that screen. They have had several on yesterday and today. Gonna try for a free one first :)

EDIT: The price stayed the same up til 25 seconds before it ended then finalized at $122.50 :lol: Oh well, still a good price and they have 20 + still for bid.

[Spicker]

i emailed LL and if u buy $250 worth of stuff from their store u get free membership to their forums :D :D

lens kit+light kit+wiring kit=$248 :)

i dont really need the wiring kit but it'll make it $250 :01:

[GepperRankins]

oh god. is this happening?

[tracydani]

@ Spicker

Can't wait to see what you do :)

@ GepperRankins

Check out this link http://dogbitesbowl.50megs.com/projector.htm

He made a projector using an OHP as well. He did quite a bit more then that, but he started with OHP parts.

EDIT: His is along the lines of what I want to do in overall size/shape (at least until I change my mind again :P ).

[Spicker]

oh god. is this happening?
i dont see how im getting ripped off

the lens kit:
Includes the S15 Fresnel Lenses (1003) and S15 Projection Lens Triplet (1002).
$65

the light kit:
* Kit Includes: 1 x 400w S400DD Metal Halide Lamp
* 1 x (1006) 400w 120V Electronic Ballast (really expensive) :(
* 1 x (1008) Mogul Base
$159

i dont need the wiring kit but i want to have access to the forums...
This kit contains:

* A power entry module with an integrated DPST that can be modified to use with auto-shutdown schematics. (Click for picture)
* An 18awg, 10amp, 3 prong power cord that is 7'6" long and fits the power entry module for a nice clean entry. (Click for picture)
* A 5 amp circuit breaker, button activated that replaces the fuse and makes a safer, more convenient fusible link in the power circuit. No more blown fuses. This circuit breaker has been tested and shown to be the most effective amp rating for our
$25

shipping is $10-20 to canada


btw i am probably not going to be building this right away as i need to save up money...but once i get started ill make a blog at blogspot :)

[maebach]

I feel stupid i bought a Panasonic one last year. I wouldn't mind building one for my computer though.

[Darth Sushi]

i dont see how im getting ripped off

the lens kit:
Includes the S15 Fresnel Lenses (1003) and S15 Projection Lens Triplet (1002).
$65

the light kit:
* Kit Includes: 1 x 400w S400DD Metal Halide Lamp
* 1 x (1006) 400w 120V Electronic Ballast (really expensive) :(
* 1 x (1008) Mogul Base
$159

i dont need the wiring kit but i want to have access to the forums...
This kit contains:

* A power entry module with an integrated DPST that can be modified to use with auto-shutdown schematics. (Click for picture)
* An 18awg, 10amp, 3 prong power cord that is 7'6" long and fits the power entry module for a nice clean entry. (Click for picture)
* A 5 amp circuit breaker, button activated that replaces the fuse and makes a safer, more convenient fusible link in the power circuit. No more blown fuses. This circuit breaker has been tested and shown to be the most effective amp rating for our
$25

shipping is $10-20 to canada


btw i am probably not going to be building this right away as i need to save up money...but once i get started ill make a blog at blogspot :)

I hope you include a UV-Filter, otherwise your LCD will turn into chernobyl chicken.

[Spicker]

i dont see how im getting ripped off

the lens kit:
Includes the S15 Fresnel Lenses (1003) and S15 Projection Lens Triplet (1002).
$65

the light kit:
* Kit Includes: 1 x 400w S400DD Metal Halide Lamp
* 1 x (1006) 400w 120V Electronic Ballast (really expensive) :(
* 1 x (1008) Mogul Base
$159

i dont need the wiring kit but i want to have access to the forums...
This kit contains:

* A power entry module with an integrated DPST that can be modified to use with auto-shutdown schematics. (Click for picture)
* An 18awg, 10amp, 3 prong power cord that is 7'6" long and fits the power entry module for a nice clean entry. (Click for picture)
* A 5 amp circuit breaker, button activated that replaces the fuse and makes a safer, more convenient fusible link in the power circuit. No more blown fuses. This circuit breaker has been tested and shown to be the most effective amp rating for our
$25

shipping is $10-20 to canada


btw i am probably not going to be building this right away as i need to save up money...but once i get started ill make a blog at blogspot :)

I hope you include a UV-Filter, otherwise your LCD will turn into chernobyl chicken.
what does the UV-Filter do?

let me guess it blocks the harmful uv's from getting to the lcd....therefore protecting the lcd so it wont fry it ? im so smrt

EDIT:
does anyone know where i can get a ballast from? they're flippin expensive
thats one of the things that costs too much :(

120V 400w Electronic Ballast
https://secure.lumenlab.com/img/hikeyballast.jpg

[Darth Sushi]

You can save a lot of money by using a coil & core ballast (around $40-$50) but they're kind of big, heavy, and ugly.

Some folks at other forums suggested http://www.1000bulbs.com/category.php?category=4

Stick with Metal Halide...

[tracydani]

Here is another place... Just make sure the bulb and ballast will work together.

http://www.hidirect.com/

[Spicker]

You can save a lot of money by using a coil & core ballast (around $40-$50) but they're kind of big, heavy, and ugly.

Some folks at other forums suggested http://www.1000bulbs.com/category.php?category=4

Stick with Metal Halide...
the one i need is $94 in that store....
http://www.1000bulbs.com/product.php?product=474

and the store that tracydani listed doesnt ship to canada....

i found a store which is 30miles from my house and selling it for $75CDN :01:

but whats the advantage of having an E Ballast over a metal halide

[Darth Sushi]

but whats the advantage of having an E Ballast over a metal halide
Coil & Core ballast usually are not encased, heavy, sometimes will buzz a lot more and runs usually hotter. It also looks like an expose transformer.

An Electronic ballast have the nice casing, solid state and generates less heat.

As for metal-halide, you must match the type of ballast to the type of bulb. Example: you CANNOT use a metal-halide bulb with a High pressure sodium ballast. They must be the same!

Most people prefer metal-halide bulbs for DIY projectors because they tend to produce a whiter light. I think the others are more yellowish.

[Spicker]

but whats the advantage of having an E Ballast over a metal halide
Coil & Core ballast usually are not encased, heavy, sometimes will buzz a lot more and runs usually hotter. It also looks like an expose transformer.

An Electronic ballast have the nice casing, solid state and generates less heat.

As for metal-halide, you must match the type of ballast to the type of bulb. Example: you cannot use a metal-halide bulb with a High pressure sodium ballast.

Most people prefer metal-halide bulbs for DIY projectors because they tend to produce a whiter light. I think the others are more yellowish.
this is the bulb:
https://secure.lumenlab.com/shop/product.php?id=30
Note: This lamp can ONLY be used with an HPS ANSI S51 ballast or the Lumenlab eBallast

i need a ANSI S51 Ballast which is the high pressure sodium ballast... :01:
anyways i did some calculations...and if i buy most of all my parts from LL it comes up to a grand total of $470including a used 15" LCD and if i buy the ballast from another place it comes to $430

the $470 has a e ballast
the $430 has the high pressure sodium ballast

btw these are Canadian prices

[Darth Sushi]

this is the bulb:
https://secure.lumenlab.com/shop/product.php?id=30
Note: This lamp can ONLY be used with an HPS ANSI S51 ballast or the Lumenlab eBallast

i need a ANSI S51 Ballast which is the high pressure sodium ballast...

That's a metal-halide bulb which requires a metal-halide ballast!

Remember, there are only 2 types of ballast: electronic and coil&core.
Both ballasts can be either metal-halide, high pressure sodium, mercury vaper, Fluorescent, etc. BUT both bulb and ballast must be the same type for it to work. You can use a MH-bulb with both a electronic or coil&core ballast, as long as either ballast are also both MH. HOWever, you CANNOT use a MH bulb with a sodium ballast or vice-versa.




It's probably better to get the bulb and ballast from the same store.

[Spicker]

this is the bulb:
https://secure.lumenlab.com/shop/product.php?id=30
Note: This lamp can ONLY be used with an HPS ANSI S51 ballast or the Lumenlab eBallast

i need a ANSI S51 Ballast which is the high pressure sodium ballast...

That's a metal-halide bulb which requires a metal-halide ballast!

Remember, there are only 2 types of ballast: electronic and coil&core.
Both ballasts can be either metal-halide, high pressure sodium, mercury vaper, Fluorescent, etc. BUT both bulb and ballast must be the same type for it to work. You can use a MH-bulb with both a electronic or coil&core ballast, as long as either ballast are also both MH. HOWever, you CANNOT use a MH bulb with a sodium ballast or vice-versa.




It's probably better to get the bulb and ballast from the same store.
but the bulb from the store has to be ANSI: S51
and the metal halide ballast is not S51


i guess ill just buy from the store :shutup:

[tracydani]

Here is another option that has been talked about....

bulb - Part # 40124 Venture 400w ED28 = $35.48
mogul - E39 = $4.50
ballast - V90D612 = $66.85

This is found at the link I gave you, but you can find it elsewhere as well. It is a less expensive set up with the coil and core type ballast. Just remember for the light, the more lumens and higher color temperature is better too.

[Darth Sushi]

but the bulb from the store has to be ANSI: S51
and the metal halide ballast is not S51


i guess ill just buy from the store :shutup:
My bad, I think you're right... that is a HPS bulb. LumenLab has a confusing way of listing their bulbs. My friend bought the complete kit, which is MH and I assumed that the single bulb was a replacement for the kit but upon further review it is an HPS and I don't see a replacement MH listed. Sorry for the confusion. :shutup:

[GepperRankins]

i got the stuff! :01:


apparently the power pack for the monitor has blown up though :(


i got halfway through dismantling it and found what looks like carpet tape holding the board down. i'm presuming there's tracks in it. i'm gonna wait for our ben to get back cos he's teh_roka at electronical stuff.

hopefully i'll be watching something on a 12 foot screen tonight. i dunno if i dare watch a tale of two sisters on my own :unsure:


i'll post pics tomorrow or tonight :D

[Darth Sushi]

i got the stuff! :01:


apparently the power pack for the monitor has blown up though :(


i got halfway through dismantling it and found what looks like carpet tape holding the board down. i'm presuming there's tracks in it. i'm gonna wait for our ben to get back cos he's teh_roka at electronical stuff.

hopefully i'll be watching something on a 12 foot screen tonight. i dunno if i dare watch a tale of two sisters on my own :unsure:


i'll post pics tomorrow or tonight :DHot damn you're quick! Please post your specs along with the pics.

[GepperRankins]

i'll make sure to document any problems encountered and how to get around em too.

seriously i can't see any potential problems though. i think i'm gonna make a wooden box and use duct tape to block any light leaks.

[tracydani]

Great, can't wait to see your pics :) I'm still in the planning stage so now I'm jealous :P

[GepperRankins]

planning? what's planning? :rolleyes:


i'm just planning to do it like on toms hardware guide, then putting it all in a box to stop light going everywhere

[tracydani]

planning? what's planning? :rolleyes:



Hey, give me a break.... At least I actually skipped the planning to plan my plan planning stage :P

[GepperRankins]

i just noticed my sentence began with "i'm just planning" :pinch:

[tracydani]

I wasn't gonna say anything :lol:

[Spicker]

mines going to take awhile to build...i just paid $300 for driving school and im broke! :(

[GepperRankins]

if nothing goes wrong we could be testing within half an hour :fingerscrossed:


anyone know where to get those wmvHD previews so i have something to test? :unsure:

[Darth Sushi]

if nothing goes wrong we could be testing within half an hour :fingerscrossed:


anyone know where to get those wmvHD previews so i have something to test? :unsure:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/content_provider/film/contentshowcase.aspx

[GepperRankins]

thanks love

[Spicker]

thanks love
u better have a good computer to run those wmv files....

i tried one before long time ago and downloaded the highest qualtiy and it lagged like mad!! :(


cant wait for the pix :D

[Darth Sushi]

thanks loveDon't go mushy on us until you post pics.

[GepperRankins]

i've found they only work in windows media player for some reason :smilie4:



just realised we don't have a video cable :frusty: could still happen tonight though :ermm:

[Spicker]

i've found they only work in windows media player for some reason :smilie4:



just realised we don't have a video cable :frusty: could still happen tonight though :ermm:
u dont have a video cable :cry:

it must've come with the lcd if u mean the vga cable when u say video cable

[GepperRankins]

yep and nope it didn't :(

our ben's seeing if he can do something with the cable off an old CRT. i knew my hoarding tendencys would come in useful one day :happy:


here's a problem i haven't heard anyone encounter yet. the ribbon thingies that link the circuit bored to the screen aren't long enough to move the board out of the way.


so far it's not turning out as simple as it looked :(

[Spicker]

u need FFC extensions...
https://secure.lumenlab.com/shop/group.php?id=6

make sure ur careful with the ffc

[ApacNTS]

hey gepperrankins, how much did you have to pay for all your stuff?

[GepperRankins]

nothing. shhh!

[ApacNTS]

oh i dont believe the luck of some people. *envies*

[GepperRankins]

'snot gonna get done tonight :(

[ApacNTS]

*cue's vader like "noooooooooooo"*

[Spicker]

8 pages and not a single pic...

EDIT:i stand corrected, 9 pages.

[ApacNTS]

heh only says 3 pages for me, i cant stand clicking every other second to read the next post :(

on topic: pics would be great, i've looked at the others guys projects 20 times and turned green with envy.

[GepperRankins]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v210/TheDave/forthedoubters.jpg


as you can see it's not working yet. we need some FFC ribbons and a VGA cable at least :(

[Darth Sushi]

I for one thank you for posting your efforts, GepperRankins. I can't wait to see the final results.

[tracydani]

It's coming along:) . How hard was it to dismantle the monitor?

Also, is the monitor sitting directly on the projector? If so, I think I read that it may get too hot for the monitor, so you may want to raise it up and arrange some air flow.

Remember, the monitor shoul;d not get higher then 95 or so.

I'm so excited:P

[GepperRankins]

yeah. i was just showing how far we've got so far. the monitor was fairly easy to dismantle. just unscrew and unplug bits.


i can't wait to see it work either :dry:

[tracydani]

How's it coming? Still waiting on parts? I can't sit still with all this waiting :D

[GepperRankins]

yeah. i think we're waiting for FFC cables in teh post now :|

[Spicker]

yeah. i think we're waiting for FFC cables in teh post now :|
heh where did u order from?

LL? :naughty:

[muchspl3]

just get a X1, it works great

[Spicker]

just get a X1, it works great
the projector im building has waay better picture quality than the X1 :P

also the lamp in x1 only has a life of 1500-2000 while the lamp i will be building with has a life of 10000-20000hrs

[ApacNTS]

question, i've read that lcds tend to lag a second or two, when you plug your tv into it. say i wanted to play my xbox or ps2 on the projector that most of you are building, would it actually lag?

[Darth Sushi]

question, i've read that lcds tend to lag a second or two, when you plug your tv into it. say i wanted to play my xbox or ps2 on the projector that most of you are building, would it actually lag?
It only lags if the Monitor's response time is slow. A cheap LCD monitor may have a response time of 30ms, while a good (and more expensive) one will be in the low to mid teens. For most movies, under 25ms will suffice. If you're rich, aim for under 10ms.

[Spicker]

what do u guys think about this monitor?
http://neoseeker.pricegrabber.com/search_techspecs_full.php/masterid=556790
Samsung 151P
it is 25ms BUT contrast ratio of 450:1 and has dvi etc.

would it lag?

[tracydani]

I don't know about any issues with it but here are a couple of others I have been considering.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1501665&Sku=S278-PL713S&SRCCODE=SHOPPINGDF&CMP=OTC-SHOPPING

http://www.apollosystems.com/ecart/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=255

I can get the second one for $269 localy and may go for it. Not sure yet and I don't have the money for it right this minute anyway :rolleyes:

I am thinking of going with the 17" because it will work with the standard lens. When the Pro lens comes out I may upgrade to it and I'll already have the 17" monitor for it :) The Pro lens is supposed to give better clarity as well as allow you to set the projector further away from the screen.

Besides, I have someone who may want one when I am done so I can sell them the old one and keep the monitor then make another (hopefully) better one for a second project that I keep :D

[Darth Sushi]

tracydani, do you have a matching fresnel for that LCD? I did not see one listed on LumenLab's site to accommodate that size.

[tracydani]

No. I have not started ordering parts yet. Gotta wait a few weeks.

Other members there are getting them though from elsewhere. I will keep an eye out and let you know where from.

They are getting the standard lens and then 17" fresnels(or whatever size fits I geuss). Many are doing it for the same reaso. A future upgrade.


EDIT:

Here is what I came up with. Just google 'em cause I have no links.

DYI Projector Co
3DLens.com

[Darth Sushi]

Yeah, I'm leaning towards a 15" myself because I'm worried about dark corners. I would go for a 14" but ebay seems to be the only source for those. I'm still unsure between the 250 and 400 watt bulb, since I can't use a condenser lens with a 400 because of the heat. I'm also not sure if I should incorporate keystoning. I don't want to open the box just to tilt the fresnel. I really want to use a Cold Reflector but they're really expensive. I wish I can buy cheap reflectors so I can compare results between: Parabolic, Ellipsoidal, hemispherical, and Spherical. I guess stainless steel salad bowls and ladles are the current choices to save money.

A few months ago a group of builder pooled together and bought a bunch of 15.4" WUXGA laptop lcd with the controller. It's strange nobody has posted results. I love to use this since it would natively support 1080i/p but at only 256k colors, I'll go with a plain Jane 15" for now.

[Darth Sushi]

what do u guys think about this monitor?
http://neoseeker.pricegrabber.com/search_techspecs_full.php/masterid=556790
Samsung 151P
it is 25ms BUT contrast ratio of 450:1 and has dvi etc.

would it lag?
that should suffice for movies, but if you're going to play doom3, I would look for a faster response time.

[tracydani]

Yeah, I'm leaning towards a 15" myself because I'm worried about dark corners. I would go for a 14" but ebay seems to be the only source for those. I'm still unsure between the 250 and 400 watt bulb, since I can't use a condenser lens with a 400 because of the heat. I'm also not sure if I should incorporate keystoning. I don't want to open the box just to tilt the fresnel. I really want to use a Cold Reflector but they're really expensive. I wish I can buy cheap reflectors so I can compare results between: Parabolic, Ellipsoidal, hemispherical, and Spherical. I guess stainless steel salad bowls and ladles are the current choices to save money.

A few months ago a group of builder pooled together and bought a bunch of 15.4" WUXGA laptop lcd with the controller. It's strange nobody has posted results. I love to use this since it would natively support 1080i/p but at only 256k colors, I'll go with a plain Jane 15" for now.

I saw that on the group buy. Still seems a bit steep for a DIY. Was something like $700.00 total for the screen and controller. I don't really want to come close to that on the whole thing. At least not this one.

It seems like they are still getting good results on the 17" with the standard lens though. Haven't really seen any complaints. I guess it just comes down to how well you put it together.

I did not know you couldn't use a condensor with the 400 watt bulb. What about if you have the glass between the fresnel and the bulb? I believe I saw one that has 1/4 - 1/2" glass that helped with the heat. Is the condensor more fragile then the fresnel?

Also, the IKEA napkin holder is $4-$5 (I can get 2 for 4 Euro here) and that seems to do well for many.

The keystoning...... Isn't that usually handled by gravity? Have them hanging from the top and free on the bottom? It seems that is what I read most.

So many aspects to decide on. This is a lot of work and I haven't even started :lol:

[Darth Sushi]

I did not know you couldn't use a condensor with the 400 watt bulb. What about if you have the glass between the fresnel and the bulb? I believe I saw one that has 1/4 - 1/2" glass that helped with the heat. Is the condensor more fragile then the fresnel?
...

The keystoning...... Isn't that usually handled by gravity? Have them hanging from the top and free on the bottom? It seems that is what I read most.

So many aspects to decide on. This is a lot of work and I haven't even started :lol:I haven't seen a design where the tempered glass goes before the condenser. I'll have to look into that.

When you mount the projector on the ceiling or floor and the image projected will no longer be perpendicular to the screen or wall and the top or bottom of the image will be narrower. Keystoning is when you tilt the collector fresnel to compensate for the angle. Otherwise the projector must remain perpendicular to the wall or screen. Tilting the 2nd fresnel is easy enough but making an external adjustment control mechanism seems like a lot of work (without suffering light leakage).

BTW, the IKEA napkin holder looks pretty cool :) but I'm thinking about this because I want a bigger bowl:
http://www.edmundoptics.com/images/catalog/984.gif Large Parabolic Reflectors @ 12", 18", and 24" from Edmund Optics

[tracydani]

Using the gravity method for keystoning seems to work. I think I have only seen a couple that have them set for external adjustments. Then of course slightly tilting the screen if further adjustment is needed.

How expensive are those reflectors? They look good :) Anything I do can't involve welding though because I have no tools. Gotta be pretty basic for me and the wood will be mostly cut when I buy it.

That's one of the things that worry me on some designs. Especialy when they are gutting the reflectors to get the bulb closer.

[Darth Sushi]

Parabolic Reflectors: 12"=$40, 18"=$50, 24"=$78

The ones I really want are the Cold Ellipsoidal Reflectors (CLICK HERE (http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/displayproduct.cfm?productID=1412&search=1)) but the bulb will be much too large for the reflectors.

[tracydani]

Are those holes in the center? Can the light be mounted through the holes? Also, which bulb are you using? The LL bulb would be too big, but what about this one.

http://www.bulbconnection.com/ViewItem/bcrw/itmid/931/oc/MS400W%2FH75%2FED28PS/item.html

It has a smaller profile that may just fit and good output as well.

Those cold reflectors look pretty good.

[Darth Sushi]

I was going to get the 400w complete Light Kit for $159 from LL. Now I have to take a good look at your link. :P

[tracydani]

That bulb goes with this ballast and mogul.

http://www.hidirect.com
bulb - Part # 40124 Venture 400w ED28 = $35.48
mogul - E39 = $4.50
ballast - V90D612 = $66.85
Free shipping! total = $106.83

Not sure if you can buy from this company, but this is a recommended set-up. You may be able to get it from another source. Apparently those items are not listed at the site, but you can call for them :)

[GepperRankins]

top tip: don't listen to dickheads who want to put it in a box. you just end up breaking the bulb, spend ages trying to get it to focus, have a really faint picture because you can't get the new light that wasn't designed for the job to work efficiantly and get overheating problems

[GepperRankins]

well i tried to get pics using my sisters camera. it's stupid, the screen on the camera shows the wall OKish then when i click the button it forgets what it's doing and messes the picture up. i know there's a lot of fine tuning to do yet but it's alright :snooty:

http://img323.imageshack.us/img323/9136/dsci00047ma.jpg
http://img323.imageshack.us/img323/1125/dsci00063qb.jpg
http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/8736/dsci00084vc.jpg
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/4784/dsci00110xh.jpg


edit: btw that is woodchip wall paper with a rushed paintjob :pinch:

[Spicker]

those pix are ridiculously bad :|

[GepperRankins]

i did say

[Spicker]

i did say
but hows the quality?

good?bad?amazing?horrible?

[Santa]

Remember boyz n gurls that should you ever buy a video projector that the light bulbs are extreeeeeemly expensive and only last a certain amount of hours.
I am certain the sales person does not mention this small item
500escudos ++

[GepperRankins]

i did say
but hows the quality?

good?bad?amazing?horrible?
weird.


i can't get it focus perfect everywhere so i gotta find a sort of balance of good enough in the middle and ok at the edges. two odd things about the TFT though; 1 - there's a certain shade of black that causes neon blue ghosting. 2 - colours appear to run into eachother. i think i know why the colours run but anyone know why the ghosting happens.


*ghosting means there's either blue where another colour should be or about 5 pixels to the right

[GepperRankins]

Remember boyz n gurls that should you ever buy a video projector that the light bulbs are extreeeeeemly expensive and only last a certain amount of hours.
I am certain the sales person does not mention this small item
500escudos ++
i think my bulb is available 4 for £20 on ebay :happy:

[tracydani]

For the focusing, how far away is your monitor from the glass surface of the projector? Is there room to play bringing it closer without worrying about cooking the lcd? Maybe even lift it a little higher?

I have read that some monitors bleed light, maybe that is causing the color problems. I will see if I can find the solution that was used and post it. I think it had something to do with a program that changes how the monitor distributes whatever makes the colors. Makes them somehow denser in the distribution or something.

The ghosting is usually caused by too slow of a response time in your lcd. They seem to recomend mid 20's or lower, preferably under 16ms I think.

Either way, now all you gotta do is tweak. Good luck :)

PS, what is your lcd model? I will look and see if they have anything posted about it.

[Santa]

i think my bulb is available 4 for £20 on ebay :happy:

you lucky bastard i payed 550 dollares for mine :cry:
but then again i paid 75 dollares for the machine :shifty: :ph34r:
never pay for filesharing!

[tracydani]

i think my bulb is available 4 for £20 on ebay :happy:

you lucky bastard i payed 550 dollares for mine :cry:
but then again i paid 75 dollares for the machine :shifty: :ph34r:
never pay for filesharing!

Better hope it don't burn out ;)

[GepperRankins]

compaq tft450


i think i got the focusing perfect now :happy:


the ghosting isn't a slowdown thing. it's just that on certain shades instead of projecting the proper colour i get neon blue. i called it ghosting because it's like what i'd call ghosting on a tv where it occurs sometimes a few pixels to the right


like this
http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/9799/artistsimpression1zl.jpg

[tracydani]

Ok, some causes for ghosting....

Cheap cables connecting monitor to pc.

Too long of cables causing degredation of image.

Running cables and power too close to each other causing interfearance.

Try running auto adjust cycle on monitor.

Video card problem.


Those are what I found so far. Hopefully they can help :)

EDIT: Oh yeah, maybe your lcd is not level(one side closer then the other) with the lens?

[GepperRankins]

3 out of 5 aint bad :frusty:

[GepperRankins]

http://thepiratebay.org/details.php?id=3378802


dodgified movie. i could probably edit it with virtualdub but i'm not gonna :snooty:


force 4:3 and imagine me saying... "exhaust fan on.... the thingy... exhaust fan. two cooling fans for the TFT. fresnal. TFT. fifa? tripler lense or whatever it's called."

[Spicker]

my nieghbour gave me a broken lcd so i can experiment on it and learn how to stirp it and etc.

and i did it successfully...ill be buying an lcd monitor this week...

[tracydani]

http://thepiratebay.org/details.php?id=3378802


dodgified movie. i could probably edit it with virtualdub but i'm not gonna :snooty:


force 4:3 and imagine me saying... "exhaust fan on.... the thingy... exhaust fan. two cooling fans for the TFT. fresnal. TFT. fifa? tripler lense or whatever it's called."

I'll need to re-install bt tommorrow and check it out. Unless someone uploads it to yousendit or something :P

[GepperRankins]

i dunno anywhere to put it. if somebody could tell me how and where i''l do it :D

[tracydani]

http://www.yousendit.com/

Just fill out a fake email (you can just press a buch of keys) and select the file to upload. When it is done, it will give you a link. Copy the link here and we can then dl it from yousendit :)

[Darth Sushi]

I just viewed it and bravo, well done. Too bad there's no sound.

[ApacNTS]

nice job, dont think you lost a bit of light as you have it being reflected back all over the place. makes me jealous, wish i had one

[Spicker]

i just bought a LCD with AMAZING specs...and it is widescreen!
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5236517176&sspagename=ADME:L:RTQ:CA:1

Monitor Type TFT LCD Display
Analog vs Digital Info Not Available
Brightness 250 cd/m2
Built in TV Tuner No
Contrast Ratio 450:1
Maximum Resolution 1280 x 1024
Other No
Product Dimensions 42.1(W) x 41.4(H) x 19.4(D) cm
Product Weight 6.5 kg
Response Time 16ms
Screen Size 15'
Speakers Included Yes

[GepperRankins]

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/7306/cinemascreencapthingy4ih.jpg

screencap from that video^^^

[muchspl3]

your pics suck ass, no offense

spring for a decent projector and you will be rewarded with good color and no need to fuck around, hell a used x1 goes for ~500 to ~650 bucks US
you don't even need a screen, just a white wall..

[Darth Sushi]

I think the picture really looks better if taken with a still pic camera with some time exposure.

[GepperRankins]

i blame the camcorder for dull colours :ermm:

[tracydani]

All right :) I still haven't installed BT again so haven't seen the vid. Are you happy with the results? I haven't seen a very high quality store bought projector yet (unless you rate it by price :lol: ). Good job.

[muchspl3]

All right :) I still haven't installed BT again so haven't seen the vid. Are you happy with the results? I haven't seen a very high quality store bought projector yet (unless you rate it by price :lol: ). Good job.
x1 on a white wall, all lights off
http://www.ihostphotos.com/imgt/129445.jpg (http://www.ihostphotos.com/show.php?id=129445)
with the kitchen light on, how its watched most of the time
[IMG=http://www.ihostphotos.com/imgt/129444.jpg] (http://www.ihostphotos.com/show.php?id=129444)
all lights on, daytime
[img=http://www.ihostphotos.com/imgt/129443.jpg] (http://www.ihostphotos.com/show.php?id=129443)
old ass x1 with shitty "hidden" wires
[img=http://www.ihostphotos.com/imgt/129450.jpg] (http://www.ihostphotos.com/show.php?id=129450)
These pics are all from digital non-HD cable, run on s-video. The picture looks great with progressive scan dvds and component cables, or xbox/ps2 with component cables. You do have to buy a separate adapter for component in, but it was cheap. You can see it dangling from the back of the projector in the last pic. I'm not using a screen right now, just the blank wall. I have one, but at only 90", it's a little too small for the room

[tracydani]

That's a nice projector. But I can't help think of 3 things..... The screen seems kinda small (the DYI's are running 10" diagonal), how long till you gotta spring for a $200 + bulb? and more importantly, are you gonna have the "cool" factor of having made it yourself? :P

[Virtualbody1234]

i just bought a LCD with AMAZING specs...and it is widescreen!
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5236517176&sspagename=ADME:L:RTQ:CA:1

Monitor Type TFT LCD Display
Analog vs Digital Info Not Available
Brightness 250 cd/m2
Built in TV Tuner No
Contrast Ratio 450:1
Maximum Resolution 1280 x 1024
Other No
Product Dimensions 42.1(W) x 41.4(H) x 19.4(D) cm
Product Weight 6.5 kg
Response Time 16ms
Screen Size 15'
Speakers Included Yes

Widescreen? 1280 x 1024 isn't widescreen. :blink:

[Spicker]

i just bought a LCD with AMAZING specs...and it is widescreen!
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5236517176&sspagename=ADME:L:RTQ:CA:1

Monitor Type TFT LCD Display
Analog vs Digital Info Not Available
Brightness 250 cd/m2
Built in TV Tuner No
Contrast Ratio 450:1
Maximum Resolution 1280 x 1024
Other No
Product Dimensions 42.1(W) x 41.4(H) x 19.4(D) cm
Product Weight 6.5 kg
Response Time 16ms
Screen Size 15'
Speakers Included Yes

Widescreen? 1280 x 1024 isn't widescreen. :blink:
looks like we'll wait and find out :01:

[Virtualbody1234]

Widescreen? 1280 x 1024 isn't widescreen. :blink:
looks like we'll wait and find out :01:
I see you don't understand. That's ok.

[GepperRankins]

it is widescreen in a way. pull it back from the wall and get 1280 x 700 or something :unsure:

[Spicker]

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2264/pic16au.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
oh btw it says proview which is now sold as "Cicero"
Widescreen@720p@1280x800

but native is 1280x1024 :01:

[Virtualbody1234]

The Ebay product shows this picture:

http://i14.ebayimg.com/04/i/04/cf/d0/7f_1_b.JPG

That isn't a widescreen monitor.


What model Cicero monitor have you purchased? It must have a model number.

[Spicker]

The Ebay product shows this picture:

http://i14.ebayimg.com/04/i/04/cf/d0/7f_1_b.JPG

That isn't a widescreen monitor.


What model Cicero monitor have you purchased? It must have a model number.
i dont know the model number... :lookaroun

well it should be hear in a week or 2 i'll wait and find out... :01:

but he did say it was widescreen when i emailed him

[Virtualbody1234]

The Ebay product shows this picture:

http://i14.ebayimg.com/04/i/04/cf/d0/7f_1_b.JPG

That isn't a widescreen monitor.


What model Cicero monitor have you purchased? It must have a model number.
i dont know the model number... :lookaroun

well it should be hear in a week or 2 i'll wait and find out... :01:

but he did say it was widescreen when i emailed him
How could you buy something without knowing the model?


Well you should listen in a week or two then.

[ApacNTS]

geez, people have 2 and 3 lcd's just lying around, im over here dreaming of just one *continues envying*(i do that alot around here, everyone else has such nice toys)

[Spicker]

^ this should make u feel better...:

well my mom wasnt too happy about me buying the lcd :(

so i have to pay her back....so far i only paid $30

i dont think i will be getting the lens and light stuff anytime soon :(

[ApacNTS]

xmas is right around the corner, and if your in school you could pull the old , i worked hard for honor roll and i would really like to have this....

[Spicker]

xmas is right around the corner, and if your in school you could pull the old , i worked hard for honor roll and i would really like to have this....
yea i think i might do that.... :lol:

My dad likes the idea of me building the projector and all and is encouraging me...but then my mom.... :ermm:

i need a JOB!

just need like $300-$400

[maebach]

xmas is right around the corner, and if your in school you could pull the old , i worked hard for honor roll and i would really like to have this....
yea i think i might do that.... :lol:

My dad likes the idea of me building the projector and all and is encouraging me...but then my mom.... :ermm:

i need a JOB!

just need like $300-$400

I could lend you some money :lol: :lol:

[maebach]

This thread started off dead, there was 5 posts in a week. and now 15 pages. I think its amazing at how this is turning out.

[ApacNTS]

it's a great thread, before it was posted, i never even knew people did this, the box design atleast, i had heard of overhead projectors, but the quality wasnt as good. yellow treasures results are astounding, one can wish, while others turn wishes to reality.

[Spicker]

it's a great thread, before it was posted, i never even knew people did this, the box design atleast, i had heard of overhead projectors, but the quality wasnt as good. yellow treasures results are astounding, one can wish, while others turn wishes to reality.
yea thats what inspired me...

the quality is just amazing.... ;)

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/6899/minidsc031289ve.jpg
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/8734/minidsc031089on.jpg

[ApacNTS]

did you happen to see jaymans? it's crystal clear, unbelievably 5th element looks even crisper on his. the results they are getting with 5" is crazy, it's not as big as the others but still nice for such a small size and limited pixels.

[Spicker]

good news...i will be ordering the parts when i get my lcd...and i bought membership@LL

been doing a little reading..and the more i read the more confused i get :lol:

one of concern's is that i dont have a router(to cut wood and stuff) so i cant do alot of wood wokring unless i rent from home depot.

second, how am i going to hold the lenses and lcd in the box?
i was thinking about this way:
http://www.gummyavenger.com/photos/projector/everything/DSC00024.JPG
http://www.gummyavenger.com/photos/projector/everything/closeup.JPG
u can supposebly get them at lowes :01:

also im little confused about the wiring and i need to draw wiring system...

i want a switch for the LCD, switch for bulb/ballast and a switch for Case Fan(s).

what resistors and stuff would i need? :01: (btw im going to be using the eballast)

[Santa]

you guys are doing some great work
seriously

[Spicker]

you guys are doing some great work
seriously
well i found some wiring diagrams...

and i decided to use a switch instead of a thermostat for the fans...so ill manually leave them on after using it....etc.

wiring diagrams:
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/4613/simplelowjustwallwartversionjp.th.jpg (http://img245.imageshack.us/my.php?image=simplelowjustwallwartversionjp.jpg)
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/5951/post511106118452db.th.jpg (http://img245.imageshack.us/my.php?image=post511106118452db.jpg)

EDIT: one quick question... 1000MA=how many amps??

[tracydani]

you guys are doing some great work
seriously


:lol: So far, with the exception of gepper's pics, the rest are taken from the LL site. Those are pics of what the people there have done :)

I'm with Spicker, the more I read, the more confused I get.

Of course, I could just follow the basic, but I want it to be great :01:

[Darth Sushi]

Also, the more I read, the more features I want to add: key-stoning, decay timer for fans, delay ballast timer to protect the bulb, temp probes, temp alarms, bla, bla, bla....

[Spicker]

Also, the more I read, the more features I want to add: key-stoning, decay timer for fans, delay ballast timer to protect the bulb, temp probes, temp alarms, bla, bla, bla....
yea :lol:!

also do i need the focus adjustment thing at the front?

[Darth Sushi]

also do i need the focus adjustment thing at the front?Well, a Varifocal Projection Lens allows you to fine-focus your image simply by rotating the lens barrel. Otherwise, the distance from the lens to the screen will fall within a certain range when you use a Triplet lens. Key-stoning allows you to hang the projector on the ceiling (or floor) and adjust the image not perpendicular to the projection path.

[GepperRankins]

how much better does splitting the fresnal make the picture quality?

[Darth Sushi]

how much better does splitting the fresnal make the picture quality?The collimating (or condenser) fresnel makes the light from the bulb run parallel through the LCD. You do not need this fresnel IF you are using a parabolic reflector. However, keep in mind that the light hitting the parabolic reflector will be parallel but the light from the bulb will be spirical. The collector (or field) fresnel is the opposite, which bends light towards a point. Both fresnels will affect the amount of light coming through as well as sharpness especially the collector fresnel. You can adjust image sharpness by trying different distances between the LCD and the collector fresnel.

[GepperRankins]

so should i split mine and put half in front of the LCD?

[Darth Sushi]

so should i split mine and put half in front of the LCD?No, if you're using a regular projector setup. Moving the fresnel will change the focal length to the projection lens, which might make more problems. Yes if you're building your own box.

[GepperRankins]

well i've built my own box. i've got a feeling splitting the fresnal will get rid of darker edges and make the picture sharper, am i right?

[Darth Sushi]

well i've built my own box. i've got a feeling splitting the fresnal will get rid of darker edges and make the picture sharper, am i right?Dark corners are usually due to problems with the reflector/bulb setup such as reflector size/type, bulb to reflector distance, etc.

[tracydani]

So how many of you finally joined LL or paid for an account? :lol:

[GepperRankins]

So how many of you finally joined LL or paid for an account? :lol:
not me :snooty:

[Darth Sushi]

So how many of you finally joined LL or paid for an account? :lol:Guilty :blushing:

[GepperRankins]

well i've built my own box. i've got a feeling splitting the fresnal will get rid of darker edges and make the picture sharper, am i right?Dark corners are usually due to problems with the reflector/bulb setup such as reflector size/type, bulb to reflector distance, etc.
i was just trying to split it now but couldn't so i tried putting it in front instead of behind and it looks a lot better :blink:

i thought the dark areas could be caused because with 1 full fresnal on only one side, the light is forced through the edges of the LCD at an angle. imagine yourself looking at an LCD from and angle, less light gets through :unsure:

[Darth Sushi]

i thought the dark areas could be caused because with 1 full fresnal on only one side, the light is forced through the edges of the LCD at an angle. imagine yourself looking at an LCD from and angle, less light gets through :unsure:That's possible too. Fresnels usually just change the direction of light. But if the light hitting the fresnel already has dark corners, then dark corners will also be projected.

[tracydani]

I thought the purpose of the fresnel between the light and the lcd was to distribute the light more evenly and straight ahead instead of at an angle?

And the dark edges has to do with not enough point source light hitting the lcd? Do you have a reflector? Maybe try playing with the distance of the light from the first fresnel so more sourcepoint light hits it?

I just confused myself again :lol:

[Gripper]

So how much in pounds has it cost to build these projecters

[Spicker]

how much better does splitting the fresnal make the picture quality?
Splitting it doesnt improve the quality, its the quality is actually bettter when they are together, but when they are split apart u can do keystoning


In short:

Unsplit fresnels produce a better image, as there's no distortion effect between the LCD and hte projection lens.

Split fresnels allow you to use the field lens to do keystone adjustment.


@gripper 550.00 CAD
Canada Dollars = 253.919 GBP
United Kingdom Pounds

hopefully i dont go over :01: :lol:

[Spicker]

we should try building this:
http://engadget.com/entry/1234000217057824/
http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/20050907PR209_files/image002.jpg

[GepperRankins]

about £20 i think

[Spicker]

well i got my lcd last week...but it turned out to be completely opposite of what the seller wrote on ebay...it was a whopping 30MS and 400:1 contrast ratio and it wasnt in anyway widescreen :lol:

so i sold it for $165 (bought for $155)

and i just bought this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824024509
from ebay...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5245208831&sspagename=ADME:B:AAQ:US:1 (i told the guy i didnt want to wait for the bidding to end so i made him a offer and he accepted :) )
paid $175CAD including shipping for the poly view monitor

now this monitor has AMAZING specs:
500:1 Contrast ratio
16ms

i just hope it comes soon!

[ApacNTS]

i envy. that is very nice. should perform great.

[Spicker]

i envy. that is very nice. should perform great.
yea i some ppl say that the contrast ratio is even higher than 500:1 :o!

well the shipping could take a month :(

how long do u think its going to take to get from Washington(state) to Toronto...

pretty far..

[tracydani]

how long do u think its going to take to get from Washington(state) to Toronto...
pretty far..

It all depends on the weather. If the roads get boggy, the mules will have problems making any sort of speed. A month could really be a conservitive estimate. Especially if it is snowing in the hills.....

Hope it works out fine for you when you get it :)

[Spicker]

gah lcd came in today...charged me 22$CAD in customs...gona go pick it up tomorrow.. :(

i bought a ballast from ebay...on sunday...and after doing some research it might be a ICE CAP which costs $305CAD and i paid $120USD shipped.

the reason i didnt buy from LL is because alot of ppl seem to be having problems with LL e-ballasts.

[Spicker]

Hey guys!
just wanted to let you all know that i finally finished my projector and the results are jaw dropping!

http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/3462/100_1187.th.jpg (http://img476.imageshack.us/my.php?image=100_1187.jpg) http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/407/100_1189.th.jpg (http://img476.imageshack.us/my.php?image=100_1189.jpg) http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/6489/100_1188.th.jpg (http://img476.imageshack.us/my.php?image=100_1188.jpg) http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/5875/100_1190.th.jpg (http://img476.imageshack.us/my.php?image=100_1190.jpg) http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/3762/100_1191.th.jpg (http://img476.imageshack.us/my.php?image=100_1191.jpg) http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/1989/100_1193.th.jpg (http://img476.imageshack.us/my.php?image=100_1193.jpg) http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/8150/100_1192.th.jpg (http://img476.imageshack.us/my.php?image=100_1192.jpg) http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/6512/100_1194.th.jpg (http://img476.imageshack.us/my.php?image=100_1194.jpg)
link if u cant see the images:
http://img476.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=100_1187.jpg

and btw the images are projected on a PINK wall and...i dont have a reflector in there...after painting the wall and adding a parabolic reflector the brightness is literally going to double.

but even without all that the quality is qutie stunning!

EDIT:
as for the projected screen size is from 70"100+" depends on what im doing...

i prefer having it at 70" when watchin movies as the sofa is quite close to the wall....

[Darth Sushi]

Well, done! I just got my pro-lens so it will be a couple of months away for me.

[ApacNTS]

wow that looks sick. but you know you have to get a fifth element shot so it's official :P

[Spicker]

wow that looks sick. but you know you have to get a fifth element shot so it's official :P
/me goes to newnova.org :)

[suprafreak6]

man i want to make one, but i gotta learn....

[tracydani3]

Hey Spicker, those are great results:)

I got sidetracked and moved back to the states so haven't done anything yet other then gather a couple of small parts:blushing:

As soon as I get set back up financialy etc. I will get on it again.

Any others have some pics?

[Darth Sushi]

Hey Spicker, those are great results:)

I got sidetracked and moved back to the states so haven't done anything yet other then gather a couple of small parts:blushing:

As soon as I get set back up financialy etc. I will get on it again.

Any others have some pics?

After prolong procrastination, I just started mine (under arctan): http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=13531

I hope to be up and running in two weeks.

[tracydani3]

That's looking really good Darth:)

How long has it taken you to do what you have so far? Once you actualy began that is:P

I still haven't decided what type I want. I am leaning toward vertical, but tall like a pillar or something. I geusss it depends on when I begin and if I still live where I am now.

I like the idea of having my couch and love seat set up at a 90 degree angle and have the pillar set between them aiming to the center of in front of both.

Let me know how the pro lens comes out too:)

[Darth Sushi]

That's looking really good Darth:)

How long has it taken you to do what you have so far? Once you actualy began that is:P

I still haven't decided what type I want. I am leaning toward vertical, but tall like a pillar or something. I geusss it depends on when I begin and if I still live where I am now.

I like the idea of having my couch and love seat set up at a 90 degree angle and have the pillar set between them aiming to the center of in front of both.

Let me know how the pro lens comes out too:)

Well, I spent about 4 months trying different designs on paper. I just did not like the length of a straight path design. So far, it's been about 3 weeks into this build. I know... I'm a slow builder. I give an update upon mounting the LCD.

[GepperRankins]

woot. getting back to colder weather so i'll set mine up again. gonna make it work better this year. maybe split the fresnal and set up a curtain so i can get the whole screen in perfect focus :01: