Project "Project" (as in a XVGA projector)

hexnet2001 · 5th February 2005, 1:06 AM

some of you may remember this guide:
http://www4.tomshardware.com/howto/20041113/index.html

well, i just got my hands on a Samsung 151s LCD monitor and i'm on my way to building a 1024x768 projector

the only other major component missing is a decent overhead projector (help with this would be nice)

so far the LCD is in pieces, i have the TFT out and all is looking good:

here's the TFT panel

Click to view full-sized image!
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this is the circuitry and power supply

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and here is my first hurdele, these 2 pics should pretty much explain the problem:

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Click to view full-sized image!
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i need to exptend or replace that ribbon, otherwise the circuitboards fold down and block off some of the TFT
any help on where i can obtain a longer ribbon would be apprediated

Martin

Nitrov8 · 8th February 2005, 12:57 PM

Some people in this forum have come accross that problem you might be able to find something there.

hexnet2001 · 8th February 2005, 2:35 PM

I've found the entention i need - it's in the mail

Also there's been a slight change of plans - i decided to ditch the overhead projector idea and go with a plan similar to www.lumenlab.com

they should be heaps better than the overhead version, and only a bit cheaper

i hale all the lenses i will need in the mail, total $118

all i will need now is a light source - hopefully i will have that sorted by friday

fad · 8th February 2005, 7:58 PM

did you get it to work,
me and a friend tried it,
and only got a very faint image to project

mr sti · 8th February 2005, 8:50 PM

im interested on how itll turn out

hexnet2001 · 9th February 2005, 6:17 PM

faint projection? well...

i just got back from the hydroponics shop with a lamp and ballast

(what lighting did you use?)

the lamp is a Sylvania 400Watt Metal Halide lamp

36000 lumens
4000k colourtone (thought this would be more yellowish - it's not)
rated life is 15000 - 20000 hours

here it is - took both these shots in daylight - you can see how bright the background is in the first shot:

Click to view full-sized image!
Hosted by UGBox Image Store

now this shot, it seems dark, but that's just the camera's white balance doing overime

- 40w pearl globe is next to it for comparison

Click to view full-sized image!
Hosted by UGBox Image Store

it's brighter than i thought it would be... it's very bright, and the light is very white

now have to wait for the cable extention for the lcd, and the lens kit and i will be ready to statt building

hexnet2001 · 10th February 2005, 8:52 AM

all the lenses arrived today before i left for work, unfortunatley one of them arrived cracked so there will be more delays with replacements.

The LCD is all ready to mount (pending extention cable) in the original LCD casing. The backlight and all other components have been stripped, so it's just happily sitting in the plastic and letal frame.

Only other main component missing is the extention cable for the monitor citrcuitry

tomorrow i'll be starting with the box and lamp positioning

will update this post with photos once i get home

Caffeine · 10th February 2005, 12:18 PM

Bear in mind that metal halide lamps generally don't like hot restrike. If you turn it off you have to wait ~20 mins or so before turning it back on or it'll kill the lamp.

hexnet2001 · 10th February 2005, 12:24 PM

yeah, i'm aware. I'm not too sure if it kills the lamp.
Hot restrike takes something b/w 7-11 mins, as opposed to 2-5 when cold

so far it's been firering up almost instantly most times it's been tested

since it's on the manufacturers specs i assume it's something that can be done with no main issues - there was no warning about hot restrikes anywhere on the instructions or warning.

shouldnt need to do that anyway once everything is up and running

i'm more worried about the UV radiation, i'll be going out to search for some UV filtered glass tomorrow

hexnet2001 · 11th February 2005, 4:47 PM

since i got most of the components i need, ive decided to test the optics out
i'll skip right to what everyone's waiting for
here's the test projection:

Click to view full-sized image!
Hosted by UGBox Image Store

Since i still havent recieved the FCC extention i cant really use my LCD, so instead i used the only semi-transparent thing i had.. a cd case

as you can see it turned out to be 1.5m in width, with the projector 3m from the wall, keep in mind it's 4pm here and it's quite bright even witht he blinds closed

the cd case itself is 13cm wide, so it would seem that the LCD (32cm wide) i have will project an image of about 3.5m wide from a distance of 3 meters from the wall...

there's still some tweaking needed with the lenses to get a clearer image, and working out a reflective surface bahind the light

here's the test setup,

the box:

Click to view full-sized image!
Hosted by UGBox Image Store

closeup of how the cd case was mounted:

Click to view full-sized image!
Hosted by UGBox Image Store

hexnet2001 · 11th February 2005, 8:53 PM

now it's dark, i've built the projector enclosure, and here is test number 2

Click to view full-sized image!
Hosted by UGBox Image Store

it's brighter, sharper and a little less discouloured, i think i can still get it batter too

the FCC didnt get delivered today either, so unfortunatley cant show how it will look like with the LCD, i will post some pics of the enclosure tomorrow, i should have most things fastened to it tomorrow

UnIsUx · 12th February 2005, 9:35 PM

My lord that bulb is a freakin minature sun!!

It looks like the arc length on that baby is huge.. did you have any problems locating the bulb at the focal point of your first fresnel??

Xsbs · 12th February 2005, 11:42 PM

hey ive been thinking about doing this for a while now but im having trouble finding a placein australia that sells suitable lamps. thats when i came across this, if you dont mind me asking how much did the lamp and ballast cost? and does this shop have an online shop?

thanks

hexnet2001 · 13th February 2005, 8:35 AM

the arc is about 2cm long, it actually fits in the middle of the box quite nicely, i'll post more details of how i mounted it when i get home (i work sundays)

the lamp and ballast cost me $180

you can pick them up form all hydroponics stores, look in your phonebook and you should find heaps of them around your area.

you might be able to find it somewhere else cheaper, but i didnt bother shopping around

you can buy the ballast parts seperatley too, but than you have to fiddle wirering it up, and risking electricution (these lamps run off 4000volts) so i just bought a ready built and tested ballast

if you want to attempt this you should check out http://www.diyprojectorcompany.com for free info and forums,
and http://www.lumenlab.com is where i got my lenses and FCC extention (lenses i got for $118 delivered from the australian lumenlab store)

lumenlab sell plans for these as well, but the concept is quite simple and you shouldnt need them.

i also ordered 2 of these fans (http://www.pccasegear.com/prod1370.htm)
100cfm at 23dBa each they should be pretty quiet and sufficient to cool the box down, they also have adjustable speed. they should arrive monday or tuesday.

hexnet2001 · 13th February 2005, 8:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xsbs

hey ive been thinking about doing this for a while now but im having trouble finding a placein australia that sells suitable lamps. thats when i came across this, if you dont mind me asking how much did the lamp and ballast cost? and does this shop have an online shop?

thanks

oh 1 more thing, i actually located the light in the midddle of the box, then will position the 1st frensel so it focuses at the centre of the lamp... but than again, i will probably end up relocating everything anyway, but that is the plan anyway

5th February 2005, 1:06 AM	#1
hexnet2001 Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 720	Project "Project" (as in a XVGA projector) = NOW FOR SALE! (mel) some of you may remember this guide: http://www4.tomshardware.com/howto/20041113/index.html well, i just got my hands on a Samsung 151s LCD monitor and i'm on my way to building a 1024x768 projector the only other major component missing is a decent overhead projector (help with this would be nice) so far the LCD is in pieces, i have the TFT out and all is looking good: here's the TFT panel Click to view full-sized image! Hosted by UGBox Image Store this is the circuitry and power supply Click to view full-sized image! Hosted by UGBox Image Store and here is my first hurdele, these 2 pics should pretty much explain the problem: Click to view full-sized image! Hosted by UGBox Image Store Click to view full-sized image! Hosted by UGBox Image Store i need to exptend or replace that ribbon, otherwise the circuitboards fold down and block off some of the TFT any help on where i can obtain a longer ribbon would be apprediated Martin Last edited by hexnet2001; 27th April 2005 at 8:02 PM.

8th February 2005, 7:58 PM	#4
fad Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: City, Canberra, Australia Posts: 1,528	did you get it to work, me and a friend tried it, and only got a very faint image to project __________________ Forsale: FS: Dell Alienware M11x SU7300/4Gb/500Gb/Nvidia 335M GT Laptop email astral (at) avatar.org.au.

10th February 2005, 8:52 AM	#7
hexnet2001 Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 720	all the lenses arrived today before i left for work, unfortunatley one of them arrived cracked so there will be more delays with replacements. The LCD is all ready to mount (pending extention cable) in the original LCD casing. The backlight and all other components have been stripped, so it's just happily sitting in the plastic and letal frame. Only other main component missing is the extention cable for the monitor citrcuitry tomorrow i'll be starting with the box and lamp positioning will update this post with photos once i get home Last edited by hexnet2001; 10th February 2005 at 8:52 AM.

10th February 2005, 12:24 PM	#9
hexnet2001 Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 720	yeah, i'm aware. I'm not too sure if it kills the lamp. Hot restrike takes something b/w 7-11 mins, as opposed to 2-5 when cold so far it's been firering up almost instantly most times it's been tested since it's on the manufacturers specs i assume it's something that can be done with no main issues - there was no warning about hot restrikes anywhere on the instructions or warning. shouldnt need to do that anyway once everything is up and running i'm more worried about the UV radiation, i'll be going out to search for some UV filtered glass tomorrow Last edited by hexnet2001; 10th February 2005 at 12:25 PM.

8th February 2005, 12:57 PM	#2
Nitrov8 Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Perth Posts: 843	Some people in this forum have come accross that problem you might be able to find something there.

8th February 2005, 2:35 PM	#3
hexnet2001 Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 720	I've found the entention i need - it's in the mail Also there's been a slight change of plans - i decided to ditch the overhead projector idea and go with a plan similar to www.lumenlab.com they should be heaps better than the overhead version, and only a bit cheaper i hale all the lenses i will need in the mail, total $118 all i will need now is a light source - hopefully i will have that sorted by friday

8th February 2005, 8:50 PM	#5
mr sti Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Khalistan Posts: 6,392	im interested on how itll turn out

9th February 2005, 6:17 PM	#6
hexnet2001 Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 720	faint projection? well... i just got back from the hydroponics shop with a lamp and ballast (what lighting did you use?) the lamp is a Sylvania 400Watt Metal Halide lamp 36000 lumens 4000k colourtone (thought this would be more yellowish - it's not) rated life is 15000 - 20000 hours here it is - took both these shots in daylight - you can see how bright the background is in the first shot: Click to view full-sized image! Hosted by UGBox Image Store now this shot, it seems dark, but that's just the camera's white balance doing overime - 40w pearl globe is next to it for comparison Click to view full-sized image! Hosted by UGBox Image Store it's brighter than i thought it would be... it's very bright, and the light is very white now have to wait for the cable extention for the lcd, and the lens kit and i will be ready to statt building

10th February 2005, 12:18 PM	#8
Caffeine Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Sydney Posts: 1,097	Bear in mind that metal halide lamps generally don't like hot restrike. If you turn it off you have to wait ~20 mins or so before turning it back on or it'll kill the lamp.

11th February 2005, 4:47 PM	#10
hexnet2001 Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 720	since i got most of the components i need, ive decided to test the optics out i'll skip right to what everyone's waiting for here's the test projection: Click to view full-sized image! Hosted by UGBox Image Store Since i still havent recieved the FCC extention i cant really use my LCD, so instead i used the only semi-transparent thing i had.. a cd case as you can see it turned out to be 1.5m in width, with the projector 3m from the wall, keep in mind it's 4pm here and it's quite bright even witht he blinds closed the cd case itself is 13cm wide, so it would seem that the LCD (32cm wide) i have will project an image of about 3.5m wide from a distance of 3 meters from the wall... there's still some tweaking needed with the lenses to get a clearer image, and working out a reflective surface bahind the light here's the test setup, the box: Click to view full-sized image! Hosted by UGBox Image Store closeup of how the cd case was mounted: Click to view full-sized image! Hosted by UGBox Image Store

11th February 2005, 8:53 PM	#11
hexnet2001 Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 720	now it's dark, i've built the projector enclosure, and here is test number 2 Click to view full-sized image! Hosted by UGBox Image Store it's brighter, sharper and a little less discouloured, i think i can still get it batter too the FCC didnt get delivered today either, so unfortunatley cant show how it will look like with the LCD, i will post some pics of the enclosure tomorrow, i should have most things fastened to it tomorrow

12th February 2005, 9:35 PM	#12
UnIsUx Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Gold Coast Posts: 140	My lord that bulb is a freakin minature sun!! It looks like the arc length on that baby is huge.. did you have any problems locating the bulb at the focal point of your first fresnel??

12th February 2005, 11:42 PM	#13
Xsbs Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 37	hey ive been thinking about doing this for a while now but im having trouble finding a placein australia that sells suitable lamps. thats when i came across this, if you dont mind me asking how much did the lamp and ballast cost? and does this shop have an online shop? thanks

13th February 2005, 8:35 AM	#14
hexnet2001 Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 720	the arc is about 2cm long, it actually fits in the middle of the box quite nicely, i'll post more details of how i mounted it when i get home (i work sundays) the lamp and ballast cost me $180 you can pick them up form all hydroponics stores, look in your phonebook and you should find heaps of them around your area. you might be able to find it somewhere else cheaper, but i didnt bother shopping around you can buy the ballast parts seperatley too, but than you have to fiddle wirering it up, and risking electricution (these lamps run off 4000volts) so i just bought a ready built and tested ballast if you want to attempt this you should check out http://www.diyprojectorcompany.com for free info and forums, and http://www.lumenlab.com is where i got my lenses and FCC extention (lenses i got for $118 delivered from the australian lumenlab store) lumenlab sell plans for these as well, but the concept is quite simple and you shouldnt need them. i also ordered 2 of these fans (http://www.pccasegear.com/prod1370.htm) 100cfm at 23dBa each they should be pretty quiet and sufficient to cool the box down, they also have adjustable speed. they should arrive monday or tuesday.