7" projector in 3 months
Hello to all, ok so I decided to make my own DIY projector, hopefully fewer than $300, $400 tops if I can, and my time frame is 3 month. I’m doing this for a project for class in the middle of April, and I hope to have it fully done and functional by then. So I’ve been reading the forums for about 2 weeks and have learned more then I thought I would, I’m going to be making a 45 min presentation and direction which I will release here in the forums when its all done.
The Plan:
Ok so I want to use 2 mirrors to try and conserve space and keep the light cool and low on UVs by using one cooling mirror and a mirror with a UV filer on it. I’m going to find a 7” LCD liliput display, since that’s what I see everyone else is using. I still have questions and I’ll keep looking for the answers or I’ll ask here if I can’t find it within the next week or two. I plan on ordering part in a week from now.
1.) I’m rethinking about using a strait shot projector, but I want to keep it less than 2 feet long, would this be possible?
2.) Wiring the ballast and the power to the display and fans are where I’m lacking in knowledge, does anyone have and schematics or know where I can find some?
3.) Can anyone point me in the right direction to where I can get plans for a light box that’s small and easy to replace the bulb when need be.
2 mirror layout
Hello to all, ok so I decided to make my own DIY projector, hopefully fewer than $300, $400 tops if I can, and my time frame is 3 month. I’m doing this for a project for class in the middle of April, and I hope to have it fully done and functional by then. So I’ve been reading the forums for about 2 weeks and have learned more then I thought I would, I’m going to be making a 45 min presentation and direction which I will release here in the forums when its all done.
The Plan:
Ok so I want to use 2 mirrors to try and conserve space and keep the light cool and low on UVs by using one cooling mirror and a mirror with a UV filer on it. I’m going to find a 7” LCD liliput display, since that’s what I see everyone else is using. I still have questions and I’ll keep looking for the answers or I’ll ask here if I can’t find it within the next week or two. I plan on ordering part in a week from now.
1.) I’m rethinking about using a strait shot projector, but I want to keep it less than 2 feet long, would this be possible?
2.) Wiring the ballast and the power to the display and fans are where I’m lacking in knowledge, does anyone have and schematics or know where I can find some?
3.) Can anyone point me in the right direction to where I can get plans for a light box that’s small and easy to replace the bulb when need be.
2 mirror layout
Welcome to the forum funkymonkey....
Yes it can be done, the first projector I made was around the 2 foot mark (straight design) I had cooling issues with it though un-fortuneately but could of been rectified with additional fans.
The wiring is very basic bud, postive and negative can't really go wrong , I used terminal blocks on mine which made it simple and neat.
I made a very simple light box using 1mm aluminium sheet, 80mm fan guards with centres cut out and threaded rods with washes and nuts.
You can check it out on my thread, its on around page 14 for memory or my website has close up pictures and measurements also
Good luck with your projector matey, look forward to seeing it all come together 🙂
Yes it can be done, the first projector I made was around the 2 foot mark (straight design) I had cooling issues with it though un-fortuneately but could of been rectified with additional fans.
The wiring is very basic bud, postive and negative can't really go wrong , I used terminal blocks on mine which made it simple and neat.
I made a very simple light box using 1mm aluminium sheet, 80mm fan guards with centres cut out and threaded rods with washes and nuts.
You can check it out on my thread, its on around page 14 for memory or my website has close up pictures and measurements also
Good luck with your projector matey, look forward to seeing it all come together 🙂
Ok so now the time has come to do some purchasing, hopefully next week I’ll be able to get parts in through the mail, I know eBay is my best friend as long as I know what to look for.
LCD: I’m going back and forth between the liliput 7” and the Innovatek 7”. The innovatek cost more, but can get a higher resolution and I think a few more easier connection but I’ve hear is harder to work with then the liliput which I hear great things about and is cheaper and easier to use.
Innovatek 7" LCD
Light engine: not quite too sure yet where or what to get but I’m only able to buy one thing a week so I have another week to decide. If anyone knows a good place to purchase ballast, light, and ceramic connectors for the light, cheaply then please do share, as well as any suggestions on which to get.
Cooling: I have access to a lot of fans and I’ll be using some normal computer fans as well, I came across something interesting the other day too for cooling, 320 watt thermoelectric peltier cooler. They seem like they would be useful, any thoughts on them?
thermoelectric peltier cooler
Mirror / filters: Where do I find them? I’ve searched for some UV and cooler mirrors, and found very little and expensive to choose from, where can I look to just get the clear filters and apply them to mirrors or use them on there own in a strait shot projector? I’m also guessing I can get then fresnel and lens set from lumen labs and just cut them down to size around the center, would this work of mess up the fresnel?
fresnel and lens from lumenlabs
Case: I was thinking of using an old 486 case, it’s square and wide enough by the looks of it, but until I get the parts and pieces, I can’t say for sure. I know aluminum would be best for heat distribution, but would plywood with a flat black fire retardant paint work as well with little chance of catching fire?
Just a few thoughts
LCD: I’m going back and forth between the liliput 7” and the Innovatek 7”. The innovatek cost more, but can get a higher resolution and I think a few more easier connection but I’ve hear is harder to work with then the liliput which I hear great things about and is cheaper and easier to use.
Innovatek 7" LCD
Light engine: not quite too sure yet where or what to get but I’m only able to buy one thing a week so I have another week to decide. If anyone knows a good place to purchase ballast, light, and ceramic connectors for the light, cheaply then please do share, as well as any suggestions on which to get.
Cooling: I have access to a lot of fans and I’ll be using some normal computer fans as well, I came across something interesting the other day too for cooling, 320 watt thermoelectric peltier cooler. They seem like they would be useful, any thoughts on them?
thermoelectric peltier cooler
Mirror / filters: Where do I find them? I’ve searched for some UV and cooler mirrors, and found very little and expensive to choose from, where can I look to just get the clear filters and apply them to mirrors or use them on there own in a strait shot projector? I’m also guessing I can get then fresnel and lens set from lumen labs and just cut them down to size around the center, would this work of mess up the fresnel?
fresnel and lens from lumenlabs
Case: I was thinking of using an old 486 case, it’s square and wide enough by the looks of it, but until I get the parts and pieces, I can’t say for sure. I know aluminum would be best for heat distribution, but would plywood with a flat black fire retardant paint work as well with little chance of catching fire?
Just a few thoughts
Like the lcd, shame delivery is so expencive as i would prob get one for my projector.
About the cooler thing, your going to need a good psu to keep that going good so that means something else giving off heat
And what do you plan on cooling with it?
Cant really help on uv stuff as i cant find anything well diyprojectorcomapny sell them actually not sure on what sizes
Some input
About the cooler thing, your going to need a good psu to keep that going good so that means something else giving off heat
And what do you plan on cooling with it?
Cant really help on uv stuff as i cant find anything well diyprojectorcomapny sell them actually not sure on what sizes
Some input
the innovatek is supposed to require many ffc extensions, and it has exactly the same resolution as the lilliput. one viable replacement could be this 8" hami. it has been used before, has an 800x600 native resolution, and gets to you for 200 shipped. It requires one ffc extension that is easy to get. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3698&item=5160912615&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW
pelters was that a "Property" design (if any of u get the joke u been here a long time)?
i wouldnt suggest usen one in this aplication. it can remove gobs of heat but it needs a sorce to dump it to, and unless u are thinkin of having a water cooled set (another Property idea), and this is again not a good time to use it, it will burn whaterver u are tring to cool up (seen it happen when people try to cool cpus).
most just use fans (simple and effective).
other than that you look to have a good plan.
not to hijack the tread, but has anyone tried a 17" monitor (not the sgi widescreen, i know bout those). the price has dropped reciently and i've been wondering about them
i wouldnt suggest usen one in this aplication. it can remove gobs of heat but it needs a sorce to dump it to, and unless u are thinkin of having a water cooled set (another Property idea), and this is again not a good time to use it, it will burn whaterver u are tring to cool up (seen it happen when people try to cool cpus).
most just use fans (simple and effective).
other than that you look to have a good plan.
not to hijack the tread, but has anyone tried a 17" monitor (not the sgi widescreen, i know bout those). the price has dropped reciently and i've been wondering about them
Looked into pelts myself 12months or so ago for my cpu cooling...aside from the already mentioned excess heat they produce on the hot side that needs to be cooled (watercooling is pretty much a must here with a pelt over 80watt) You also need a dedicated switching power supply like a Meanwell...a normal psu from a computer will work but wont run a pelt at its optimum as it doesnt produce enogh volts for pelts..and again as has been stated already...totally un-necassary for use in a PJ as fans are adequate.
Hi funky
This 7" lilliput is probably the best in regards to NO FFC issues and one of the best resolution 7" LCD's around "1,520,000 pixels (2400x480 dots)
lilliput 7"( Ebay)
As for your FS mirors give Anchor Optical surplus a try, they have surplus mirros plus condersers etc from Edmund Optical, and there cheap...😉
Cold mirror from DIYprojector.com
Fresnel....well there are a few around LumenLab will cut them for you as well for a small price...
Good luck with your PJ, cant wait to see your results.
Cheers... 😉
This 7" lilliput is probably the best in regards to NO FFC issues and one of the best resolution 7" LCD's around "1,520,000 pixels (2400x480 dots)
lilliput 7"( Ebay)
As for your FS mirors give Anchor Optical surplus a try, they have surplus mirros plus condersers etc from Edmund Optical, and there cheap...😉
Cold mirror from DIYprojector.com
Fresnel....well there are a few around LumenLab will cut them for you as well for a small price...
Good luck with your PJ, cant wait to see your results.
Cheers... 😉
Are you guys talking about the Innovatek IN-007VG because it seems to me to be about $60 cheaper than the Lilliput shipped in the US. In this thread here Monz and a buddy have disassembled the Innovatek and state that it is pretty much a clone of the Lilliput with the same internals and screen (and no ffc issues). For under $200 the Innovatek seems to be a better deal. Is there somewhere that the Lilliput is available for less than that? I ask since in the beginning of the thread there is a link to the Innovatek eBay auction that was about $200 shipped, yet he says the Lilliput is cheaper. Please point out if I am missing something because I may try and get one of these... I am on the fence.
TaskMaster it looks to me from re-reading funkys post that he is not comparing the same spec 7" LCD's
Quote LCD: I’m going back and forth between the liliput 7” and the Innovatek 7”. The innovatek cost more, but can get a higher resolution and I think a few more easier connection but I’ve hear is harder to work with then the liliput which I hear great things about and is cheaper and easier to use.
For me in Australia its only a few dollars difference between the same spec LCD's ie Innovatek and the lilliput
Cheers...😉
Quote LCD: I’m going back and forth between the liliput 7” and the Innovatek 7”. The innovatek cost more, but can get a higher resolution and I think a few more easier connection but I’ve hear is harder to work with then the liliput which I hear great things about and is cheaper and easier to use.
For me in Australia its only a few dollars difference between the same spec LCD's ie Innovatek and the lilliput
Cheers...😉
ok need input
Well is seems like its time for another update yet again, I went a head and order the Innovatek IN007vg 7” LCD it seems like a better buy for the quality and it should be arriving by the end of next week.
I’m right now looking at a few different options for light sources I think I found a cheaper solution then purchasing the diyprojectorcompany 250w kit. There are two companies that I was looking at and each sells a different part needed. One is a light bulb that goes for 30 US and the other sells a 250w ballast for 56 US, 86 for a ballast and light bulb vs 159 for the ballast lamp and lamp holders. Before I go through with it I’d like to get some input to see if it will work out the only thing I do not under stand is what CWA means on the ballast and what’s the difference from quad tap and multi tap,.
So the question is which of these route should I go?
Diyprojectorcompany – 159 for ballast lamp and lamp holders
or
Lightingco – the 30 dollar light
Lightingco - 110 dollar ballast
lightingco recommends this combination
or
Lightingco – the 30 light bulb
Eligths – ballast
all for around 85 US
The main questions:
Will the last option work?
What does CWA mean?
Whats the deferens between multi tap and quad tap on ballasts?
Well is seems like its time for another update yet again, I went a head and order the Innovatek IN007vg 7” LCD it seems like a better buy for the quality and it should be arriving by the end of next week.
I’m right now looking at a few different options for light sources I think I found a cheaper solution then purchasing the diyprojectorcompany 250w kit. There are two companies that I was looking at and each sells a different part needed. One is a light bulb that goes for 30 US and the other sells a 250w ballast for 56 US, 86 for a ballast and light bulb vs 159 for the ballast lamp and lamp holders. Before I go through with it I’d like to get some input to see if it will work out the only thing I do not under stand is what CWA means on the ballast and what’s the difference from quad tap and multi tap,.
So the question is which of these route should I go?
Diyprojectorcompany – 159 for ballast lamp and lamp holders
or
Lightingco – the 30 dollar light
Lightingco - 110 dollar ballast
lightingco recommends this combination
or
Lightingco – the 30 light bulb
Eligths – ballast
all for around 85 US
The main questions:
Will the last option work?
What does CWA mean?
Whats the deferens between multi tap and quad tap on ballasts?
Re: ok need input
Yes.funkymunkey90 said:
It refers to the how the circuit containing the ballast, capacitor, and lamp are wired and operate. CWA stands for Constant Wattage Autotransformer.funkymunkey90 said:
The difference is the supply voltages on which the ballast may operate. A quad tap can be supplied by one of four voltages (typically 120, 208, 240, or 277 volts). A muti tap means that the ballast may be supplied by at least two different voltages e.g. a 120/277V. I'm not a big fan of the bulb you've chosen for it's size. It will be difficult to get a good reflector and condensor running so you will be losing a good deal of light.funkymunkey90 said:
Thanks taskmaster I went and changed the light bulb from the one above to the lamp from diyprojectorcompany.com I also went and got the ceramic holders and the reflector from them, the cost is about the same not including the holders and the reflector, but now I know I have a few parts that are going to work well with one another. I found a ballast for a little less cost at 1000bulbs.com
Parts I have left to look for:
Ballast – think I found one
Power supply – I’m guessing a 240 watt computer power supply slightly modded to connect to all the parts is what i need to do, am I correct in thinking so?
Mirror – a FS cold mirror is what I’m looking for right now, does anybody know where I can find one? I know I can get it cut at a local hardware store.
Lens
Frensel
Condenser
Does anyone know what the math that I need to take into consideration when looking for these parts?
Has anyone looked into using a polarizer? I know that they can help with more vibrant colors and such but would they reduce the brightness of the picture and would they help and be worth it enough?
And thanks again to everone fro there help, with now only a little under 2 months to go before i need to finish this project
Parts I have left to look for:
Ballast – think I found one
Power supply – I’m guessing a 240 watt computer power supply slightly modded to connect to all the parts is what i need to do, am I correct in thinking so?
Mirror – a FS cold mirror is what I’m looking for right now, does anybody know where I can find one? I know I can get it cut at a local hardware store.
Lens
Frensel
Condenser
Does anyone know what the math that I need to take into consideration when looking for these parts?
Has anyone looked into using a polarizer? I know that they can help with more vibrant colors and such but would they reduce the brightness of the picture and would they help and be worth it enough?
And thanks again to everone fro there help, with now only a little under 2 months to go before i need to finish this project
Re: ok need input
Please post your experience stripping the Innovatek when you get to it.
Thanks
funkymunkey90 said:
Please post your experience stripping the Innovatek when you get to it.
Thanks
no worries i will document every screw i take out, i just hope i don't destroy it in the process...but i plan on making a PDF of the whole project mainly for my class makes who might be interested in doing the same thing, i'll find a way to distribute it online as well when i finish it
THE FIRST PART CAME!!!!
Finally the Innvotek 7" showed up and it works great!!! So crisp and clean, its small and light weight and has a very powerful built in speaker which i plan on keeping in the projector for portable sound when I bring it on the go with me. This weekend I plan on doing a preliminary disassemble, I’ll be taking pictures of it but I don't think I’ll go that far into it yet. I’ll post up what I find for everyone.
Keep in mind if you have one or choose to get one of these beauties that it does not come with a wall mount power supply, mainly because they are meant to be used in cars. In the US there is a lovely little store called radio shack, they have the universal power supply thing, which is basically the wall mount and an adapter that plug into the wall mount. I found that the "M" size adapter is what fits nice and snug and works well. I’ll post pictures of what I’m talking about when I can.
I’m still waiting on more parts to show up, the ballast form elights should show up soon, I decided to go with the double ended light from diyprojectorcompany since they also sell the connectors and a reflector as well, its been nearly 2 weeks since I put the order in and yet it still hasn't been shipped, its still in processing, is this normal or am I just special?
I’m looking at the fresnel set from lumenlabs and a condenser and lens form surplusshed.com. I’m still a little iffy about what to use as a power source for everything, if anyone knows of what to use then please do tell.
Finally the Innvotek 7" showed up and it works great!!! So crisp and clean, its small and light weight and has a very powerful built in speaker which i plan on keeping in the projector for portable sound when I bring it on the go with me. This weekend I plan on doing a preliminary disassemble, I’ll be taking pictures of it but I don't think I’ll go that far into it yet. I’ll post up what I find for everyone.
Keep in mind if you have one or choose to get one of these beauties that it does not come with a wall mount power supply, mainly because they are meant to be used in cars. In the US there is a lovely little store called radio shack, they have the universal power supply thing, which is basically the wall mount and an adapter that plug into the wall mount. I found that the "M" size adapter is what fits nice and snug and works well. I’ll post pictures of what I’m talking about when I can.
I’m still waiting on more parts to show up, the ballast form elights should show up soon, I decided to go with the double ended light from diyprojectorcompany since they also sell the connectors and a reflector as well, its been nearly 2 weeks since I put the order in and yet it still hasn't been shipped, its still in processing, is this normal or am I just special?
I’m looking at the fresnel set from lumenlabs and a condenser and lens form surplusshed.com. I’m still a little iffy about what to use as a power source for everything, if anyone knows of what to use then please do tell.
I ordered the same Innvotek from mp3playerstore.com on the 17th. Does it really takes about 2 - 3 weeks to ship it to the US? Did you have any way to track it after it left Canada?
TaskMaster: no it actually does come from Canada, i have the shipping label here, it also has to go through customs.
skiguy411: well it is 2-3 days.....after it goes through customs, once the order was placed and the money went through paypal it was hipped to the US the next day, and hit customs and waited there for about 2-3 days and then was shipped to me. So in total it was about a week of shipping and a few business days waiting for the money to go through, so yea about a week and a half
skiguy411: well it is 2-3 days.....after it goes through customs, once the order was placed and the money went through paypal it was hipped to the US the next day, and hit customs and waited there for about 2-3 days and then was shipped to me. So in total it was about a week of shipping and a few business days waiting for the money to go through, so yea about a week and a half
I believe that's where yours came from - I wonder why they have told me they would ship from the US and they do note the shipping method as USPS Priority Mail. Odd.
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