I have been doing a lot of research on building an lcd projector, and have decided on a general design. It is going to be based off Zark's design, but will be slightly modified. First, I am going to use a delta IV lens made by U.S. Precision lens (it seems this lens is scarcely sold on eBay, I got it for $27, $35.50 after shipping). For the internal parts though, it is going to get a little more complicated. One of the main flaws that most do it yourself projectors have is that they do not have a true 16:9 aspect ratio. What I plan to do is buy an “in dash dvd player with 7” widescreen lcd,” and use that. This way, I [am pretty sure I] will have a true 16:9 aspect ratio. Another plus with this design, is the fact that the DVD player is very small (the size of a car cd player, like I said, in-dash) so it will be able to be integrated into the projector. There is a problem using a 7” widescreen with zarks design because the lcd is lager than the lens itself, it will have to be moved back slightly, no a big deal, it will just require a few modifications and maybe a fresnel lens. The next variation (Zark is planning to do also, but not quite the same way) is place a piece of glass between the light source and the lcd. This will create a chamber type setup, the lcd being in one chamber, and in the other chamber, the light source. This will keep much of the heat off the LCD, and blown out through a fan (there will be an intake, and exhaust fan. I will later buy some high end pc fans that are virtually silent). The glass panel will have a 4X fresnel lens in front of it to direct the light source onto the lcd screen (unlike Zark’s design). At this point I am still in the planning stages. I have not decided on a light source because I am not really sure what to use.
Some additional features I will add to the projector once it is completed, is a temperature sensor (like the kind you can get for computers) that will monitor the projectors core temperature. Let’s say for instance your LCD screen is rated to work up to 130 degreed F. If the temperature inside the projector rises to 120, additional fans will kick in, and if after that is rose higher, it would shut off. I will also add a TV tuner with AV in/out, and this will allow me to connect devices without “mucking” inside the projector.
This projector is in the planning stages, and I would appreciate any feedback on the design/possible lighting I could use. Latter on I am going to post pictures/plans and a shopping list on my web site www.elpatauctions.com (down right now). I will make a new post on here when the site is up… I would say in the next two weeks from November 11th, 2002.
Another note, I am not loaded with money… in fact I have non as of now. *BUT* I should be getting most of these parts @ cost as samples which will lighten the load a little… I will explain more on my web site in the future… DIY Projectors… for the poor, lol.
Some additional features I will add to the projector once it is completed, is a temperature sensor (like the kind you can get for computers) that will monitor the projectors core temperature. Let’s say for instance your LCD screen is rated to work up to 130 degreed F. If the temperature inside the projector rises to 120, additional fans will kick in, and if after that is rose higher, it would shut off. I will also add a TV tuner with AV in/out, and this will allow me to connect devices without “mucking” inside the projector.
This projector is in the planning stages, and I would appreciate any feedback on the design/possible lighting I could use. Latter on I am going to post pictures/plans and a shopping list on my web site www.elpatauctions.com (down right now). I will make a new post on here when the site is up… I would say in the next two weeks from November 11th, 2002.
Another note, I am not loaded with money… in fact I have non as of now. *BUT* I should be getting most of these parts @ cost as samples which will lighten the load a little… I will explain more on my web site in the future… DIY Projectors… for the poor, lol.