DIY Video Projector

[vdi_nenna]

Hi,

If there is anybody out there that is interested in sharing ideas on DIY video projectors, please let me know. I have several sources for parts, info and theory. I'd like to network with others who'd like to try this or who has worked on this type of project in the past.

I have been told that it is difficult to constructing a projector. Quote- "...it's the equivant to building a car."
I don't think that's true anymore.

Many parts are readily available. The info is out there. A person who is interested needs only to know the basics. It's kind of like putting a PC together from parts.

I can get mirrors and lenses of all types, specifically for projection systems, and they are not expensive. Depending on the approach taken, I think a system could be made for a few hundred dollars.

I'm looking forward to hearing from anyone who'd like to share ideas on this forum or via email.

Vince

[FrankDIY]

Hello,

It is the first time I heard that you can build a video projector. I am interested to learn more about that. Do you have some links for me (us)?

Thanks

[vdi_nenna]

There is much to look at, but the best thing to start w/ is the sharp site for an example of a 3 panel projector. I want to try w/ one LCD first. Less parts less cost, but I hear the quality isn't too bad. I'm only interested in using it for movies.

I'm going to start at the end of the month to gather parts.
let me know what you think.

vdi_nenna@hotmail.com

http://sharp-world.com/sc/library/lcd_e/s1_4_5e.htm

LCDs:

http://www.amitm.com/

http://aeicomp.com/index.asp

http://www.crystaloid.com/prod_tft.html

http://www.flat-panel.com/index.html


Mirrors and Lenses:

http://www.optosigma.com/mirrors/ColdMirrors.html

http://www.edmundoptics.com/


Bulbs:

http://interx.net/~pope/bulbs/

Theory:

http://www.tecdis.com/product.htm

http://sharp-world.com/sc/library/lcd_e/indexe.htm

http://www.ee.washington.edu/circuit.../text/LCD.html

http://www.edmundoptics.com/techsup/tsb/qtip.cfm

[Edited by vdi_nenna on 05-18-2001 at 03:06 PM]

[arnach]

My SGI machine does 1920x1080, and stereo at 1280x1024.. I'd like a projector that could handle these VGA resolutions. DIY. Then I'd be VERY interested.

[Evaas]

I'm very interested, so keep me posted. I've thought about doing this, but I've often wondered about how difficult it would be, especially in getting the optics right. I'll have to read through the links you posted and then get back to you. With any luck, I can have time to work on this in six months

[vdi_nenna]

Very cool. I'd like to hear any impressions or ideas you have on the topic. I learned a lot of information in a week. If you have any questions, email me or post it. I'm no expert, but I've been all over the internet trying to get info. Half of it is already posted here.

Vince

[vdi_nenna]

I don't like the idea of heat in these projectors, so I was looking around for another light source last week. I found that recently, scientist have been able to come up w/ a white light LED. Typically able to put out about 10 lumens each. I read about one that recently came out that outputs 17 lumen. The best part about these LEDs is that there is almost no heat, and run off of about 3-4v & 30mA, elimianting the need for cold mirrors and UV filters because there is no UV radiation, but still it is the closest thing to artifical light that come close to sun light.
Clusters of about 24 to 36 are being used to light large rooms. Another nice aspect of the LEDs is that the light radiates in one direction, with little light dispersion. That might be a problem for lighting up a room, but not for projecting an image.

I have a link to place that make clusters of these.
this is a quote I found from a Q & A:

Cheap LCD projectors? (12:43am EST Thu Dec 14 2000)
Will high-power white LEDs eventually be used to produce cheap, bright LCD projectors that don't need a $400 bulb replacement every 500 hours? Forget these big, bulky TV boxes, just put a white sheet on the wall and attach a projector to the ceiling. - by Kirk

Re. Cheap LCD projectors (2:17am EST Thu Dec 14 2000)
And the best about it: The fan making the noise won't be necessary if the LED-"bulb" doesn't heat up like the current ones do. The biggest issue about projectors usually is that they make way too much noise for comfortable home use.
- by kke

I think it can be done now. I'm going to give it a shot as soon as I can find the brighest LEDs avalable. Just think, these LEDs last 90,000 hours.

let me know what you guys think.

Vince


http://www.hollysolar.com/lowvolt.htm

[pixie]

This is a great idea. I'll let you be the pioneer here, but I'll be next.

I looked at the super bright white LEDs. That's great, but who is manufacturing the LEDs themselves? These guys are just putting them into nice packages. I would buy some to play with if they weren't $8 a piece.

Too bad there aren't blue LEDs. I think someone has them, but they aren't widely available yet. Then you could probably do the same thing with three boards of LEDs. Red/Blue/Green. Then adjust the current to each board until you get a white light out. I know they have 3500 milliCandella red LEDs.

pixie

[vdi_nenna]

I just found a place where they sell them 6 at a time for just under $18. There are a tons of OEMs and several sellers of individual LEDs. I found a guy who sells them for 1.75 each. Once I get more on this, I'll send out some links. For now. goto http://www.google.com and type in:
ultra bright white LEDs. See what comes up.

late

Vince

ps. the only way to invent the white light LED is to invent the blue first. Red, green, blue makes white light. Blue light passes through Phosphorus to make white light. That's sort of what I read. Blues have been around since the early '90's. White LEDs have only been around since last spring.

If I can pull this off, it will be totally cool! If not, I learned something too.

[Edited by vdi_nenna on 05-21-2001 at 03:54 PM]

[vdi_nenna]

I ordered 50 ultra bright, white light LEDS and a 5.6" diameter LCD screen yesterday. I need to pick up a projection lens to do some initial testing. It won't be long before I have more to report on whether or not this project has or has not worked.

I also have a great source for 7" 16:9 aspect ratio screens for $400 w/ driver board. A bit pricey for a DIY project, but not too bad if the results are good. The 5.6" was only $159.

I'll let you know more as I progress.

Any questions, let me know.

Vince