A first time build!

[jeffmetanna]

Hi all,

I'm shopping for the components to build my very first DIY projector. So, I'd love hear from the veterans in this forum.

Basically, I'd like to build a long-throw 720p projector with an HDMI input. I want the projector to be as compact as possible and of course I don't want to spend a lot of money for the components.

Primary Plan:
LCD: Coby 15-inch 720p TV
Light Source: 50W LED Floodlight (Cool White)

This seems like the easiest and the cheapest way to build a 720p projector but I'm afraid the 15" LCD panel might be too big. The final projector won't be so compact with this panel.

Beside these components, I will need a pair of fresnel lenses and a triplet lens, but I'm not sure which ones to get. Is there a calculator somewhere that I can use? Again, this is going to be a long-throw projector.

Another way is to buy a LCD panel + LCD controller board from aliexpress.com. They seem to have a wide variety of LCD panel & controller board that will suit my needs but the setup might get too complicated for a beginner like me.

So any suggestions, pros?

 

[siuforce]

15' lcd is to big.that might be coz your box 1 meter excced
15x25.4=you need a f360 triplet lenses at least.,and larger size fresenl lenses=more money
You can choose 7-12' wide LCD.EXP:8.9 inch N089A1-L01
SETUP is easy if you want to do
Light source power you choosed is smaller. 100-200w are better.
LED=expensive,colour less, heat complex.

 

[TESCORP]

Why dont you go with a 10.1" panel? You can build a smaller enclosure, and using a 330mm triplet you can have a long throw projector thats small. Then go with a 300w Lamp. I have all the optical parts you need in my store. I have 10.1" panels too. Just let me know what you need.

 

[hacksaw44]

Tes, Would the picture be as clear as the one I bought from you ? I have the H-450. Is the enclosure smaller for the smaller LCD ( If I was to build a new enclosure ) ?

 

[micabear]

Hello everyone! I'm new here. Just want to know where I can buy Fresnel lens. Badly needed for my brother's highschool project. I hope I can get a little help from you guys? Thanks!

 

[skippychunky]

micabear, you can order fresnel here - Optolife - optics manufacturer: aspheric condenser lenses, fire polish aspheric lenses, optical filters glass, achromatic lenses, large optical lenses, front surface mirrors, prisms, cylindrical lenses, ball lenses, projector lenses, fresnel lenses

 

[smcconaghy84]

Could we possibly get a stickied thread with a list of sites that sell projector parts?

 

[Sovaka]

This is my first post but I plan on building a projector myself.
I came across this site a few days ago and it is what got me thinking of building a projector.

Adafruit.com

Specifically;
HDMI/VGA/NTSC/PAL Displays : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits

They sell a 5.6" 720p LCD with Driver and HDMI, VGA and Composite inputs.
Not bad @ $140.

I plan on making a 480p projector to start and that kit is only $65.