definitely easier to buy a retrofit kit for like 300-400$. This is for multiple reasons...the MH lights in cars are the quick start ones....you cant afford for them not to light up instantly like we can with projectors. Second, the DS2 (one of the types) bulbs are vibration resistant most others are not. Also these ballasts need to be the high voltage kind of ignitors, plus weather protected.....this is one of the few areas a DIY should not try and source ontheir own (unless you can get the same parts cheaper). Another issue is that the lights wont be as good as factory HID lighting because the reflectors are designed differently.
DIY LCD projector for "guerilla drive-in"?
Hello forum!
This spring and summer, I'd like to start a "guerilla drive-in" in my hometown. I want to attach an LCD projector and an FM transmitter to my car, and hold last-minute drive-in movies at secret locations, advertised via flyer and email:
http://www.guerilladrivein.com
Now, here's my challenge: I don't have $2,000.00 to spend on a super-bright LCD projector. I don't even have $400, or $300. I want to build my own punk-rock commando projector.
So far, I've been impressed by Zark's twin-fluorex projector, and I've already got the worklights purchased and in the closet. I plan on building a prototype as quickly as possible, then testing it outoors in a snowy field (maybe John Carpenter's The Thing?)
I have some questions, and I'd appreciate any advice or encouragement you can give me. Mainly, I'm wondering about the distance a CRT rear-projection video lens will throw an image. Is the angle so wide that I'll have to keep my commando projector super-close to the screen? That might not be the best thing for a drive-in. Any thoughts on selecting a good lens?
I'd also be interested to hear your thoughts about the feasability of the project in general. Image quality isn't paramount, as slightly blurry DIVX rips of "Repo Man" at 640x480 will be fine. Also, ambient light won't be so much of a problem, as we'll be picking moonless nights and dark locations. However, the distance from the screen will be much longer than is usual in a home-theater setup.
Do y'all have any thoughts? I'll be sure to post results.
Best regards,
John Young
Hello forum!
This spring and summer, I'd like to start a "guerilla drive-in" in my hometown. I want to attach an LCD projector and an FM transmitter to my car, and hold last-minute drive-in movies at secret locations, advertised via flyer and email:
http://www.guerilladrivein.com
Now, here's my challenge: I don't have $2,000.00 to spend on a super-bright LCD projector. I don't even have $400, or $300. I want to build my own punk-rock commando projector.
So far, I've been impressed by Zark's twin-fluorex projector, and I've already got the worklights purchased and in the closet. I plan on building a prototype as quickly as possible, then testing it outoors in a snowy field (maybe John Carpenter's The Thing?)
I have some questions, and I'd appreciate any advice or encouragement you can give me. Mainly, I'm wondering about the distance a CRT rear-projection video lens will throw an image. Is the angle so wide that I'll have to keep my commando projector super-close to the screen? That might not be the best thing for a drive-in. Any thoughts on selecting a good lens?
I'd also be interested to hear your thoughts about the feasability of the project in general. Image quality isn't paramount, as slightly blurry DIVX rips of "Repo Man" at 640x480 will be fine. Also, ambient light won't be so much of a problem, as we'll be picking moonless nights and dark locations. However, the distance from the screen will be much longer than is usual in a home-theater setup.
Do y'all have any thoughts? I'll be sure to post results.
Best regards,
John Young
tikaro
I've had the same thoughts 🙂 ...bear in mind you will be thumping the "copyright" laws maybe...along with possible tresspass/illeagal gathering laws that may apply. But it would be fun
At 10 feet from my screen my 3M 9550 puts up a 10 foot by 8 foot image, I have no idea how far I can push this image. At this moment I can't get the PJ in a location with a longer throw.
I'm experimenting with a 12 volt DC "mini PC" to see if it will accept my LCD controller, so far however no luck (my controller doesn't like AMIBIOS, it prefers AWARD)
zardoz
I've had the same thoughts 🙂 ...bear in mind you will be thumping the "copyright" laws maybe...along with possible tresspass/illeagal gathering laws that may apply. But it would be fun
At 10 feet from my screen my 3M 9550 puts up a 10 foot by 8 foot image, I have no idea how far I can push this image. At this moment I can't get the PJ in a location with a longer throw.I'm experimenting with a 12 volt DC "mini PC" to see if it will accept my LCD controller, so far however no luck (my controller doesn't like AMIBIOS, it prefers AWARD)
zardoz
Zardoz, believe it or not, I'm going to try to stay legal by getting a project licence from Criterion USA, and asking private property owners' permission first. I'm doing this with my wife's younger brother, who's a punk rocker: I'm going to be in charge of not getting TOO illegal, and he's going to be in charge of not getting TOO dorky!
MY FIRST 2 LCD PROJECTS FOR SALE
I have two lcds for sale for $125
Sony Playstion 5 inch lcd, it does not have a backlitand and it is not in its plastic case I can send it with the lcd if you want, it works great power supply included.
Parts Express 4 inch lcd still works, but only half the screen works I tried to extend the ribbon cable, backlit works power supply also included.
2 13 watt flouresent bulbs (eqiv. to 75watt) ballast and switch included, a 12 volt cooling fan.
And a assortment of lenses 3in Delta lense, 3 and 4 inch glass magnifying lens
I have two lcds for sale for $125
Sony Playstion 5 inch lcd, it does not have a backlitand and it is not in its plastic case I can send it with the lcd if you want, it works great power supply included.
Parts Express 4 inch lcd still works, but only half the screen works I tried to extend the ribbon cable, backlit works power supply also included.
2 13 watt flouresent bulbs (eqiv. to 75watt) ballast and switch included, a 12 volt cooling fan.
And a assortment of lenses 3in Delta lense, 3 and 4 inch glass magnifying lens
tikaro
That's cool...it would be a blast to organise. I'd recomend that you use something more conventional in the lighting department if you are looking for "the side of a barn" sized images...LOA's just AINT gonna do that. Do this project right and your onto something...do it with junk and you'll waste your money and you'll never live it down with your friends 😉
zardoz
That's cool...it would be a blast to organise. I'd recomend that you use something more conventional in the lighting department if you are looking for "the side of a barn" sized images...LOA's just AINT gonna do that. Do this project right and your onto something...do it with junk and you'll waste your money and you'll never live it down with your friends 😉
zardoz
HI!!!
HI ALL!!!
I am a hungarian boy.
I can't buy small LCD panel in my country, but I want to build a projector.
I thought that I will buy a TFT monitor with 1024x768 resolution.
With that panel+a fresnel lens+metal halide bulb+lens I build my projector. What do you think? Sorry, but I don't speak (and write) english very well.
thanks: Johnny
HI ALL!!!
I am a hungarian boy.
I can't buy small LCD panel in my country, but I want to build a projector.
I thought that I will buy a TFT monitor with 1024x768 resolution.
With that panel+a fresnel lens+metal halide bulb+lens I build my projector. What do you think? Sorry, but I don't speak (and write) english very well.
thanks: Johnny
5" Lcd Projector ? Bad LCD
I just received my 5" Lcd from a private seller on ebay.
I had the Lcd working, and looking good. All I had to do was set the distances for the fresnel, and the lcd. The lcd stopped working after about 15 minutes of play. The power is good to the unit, but the unit is no longer working. Help. Does any one have an idea.
I just received my 5" Lcd from a private seller on ebay.
I had the Lcd working, and looking good. All I had to do was set the distances for the fresnel, and the lcd. The lcd stopped working after about 15 minutes of play. The power is good to the unit, but the unit is no longer working. Help. Does any one have an idea.
heat kills, ehh.... were you keeping an eye on the temperature of the lcd? sounds to me like it burnt or the controller burnt. Maybe it was "defective" and you should consider returning it for a new one.
ap0
ap0
Heat build-up on lcd
I guess that is possible, except the lcd was only in front of the light source for 2 minutes of the bench test.
I think the unit has a defect.
Unfortunately this was purchased from a private seller.
It is a parts express 5" lcd module.
I think I will try another one, but i have recently stumbled across a 2" lcd that has the same resolution. 896 x 230
http://www.vfmstore.com/tv212.htm
what does everybody think?
I am currently trying to get the specs on this lcd to see if it there is a way to get the light through it.
I guess that is possible, except the lcd was only in front of the light source for 2 minutes of the bench test.
I think the unit has a defect.
Unfortunately this was purchased from a private seller.
It is a parts express 5" lcd module.
I think I will try another one, but i have recently stumbled across a 2" lcd that has the same resolution. 896 x 230
http://www.vfmstore.com/tv212.htm
what does everybody think?
I am currently trying to get the specs on this lcd to see if it there is a way to get the light through it.
Model LCD Projector
Fellow DIYers:
I have been following various threads on this website with the efforts of so many to construct a straightforward projector of reasonable size and cost.
I believe the ideal first projector is embodied in the CTX 550 design which has a single LCD panel of 6.4", compact size, 800 by 600 svga, and simple construction. For more details, consult (http://www.gotocol.com/ctx550.html ).
I would, of course, jack up the light source for more lumens, use a larger lens and put it into a different package. However, the design is straight forward.
The chief question is where can we obtain a panel that small with that resolution?
David
Fellow DIYers:
I have been following various threads on this website with the efforts of so many to construct a straightforward projector of reasonable size and cost.
I believe the ideal first projector is embodied in the CTX 550 design which has a single LCD panel of 6.4", compact size, 800 by 600 svga, and simple construction. For more details, consult (http://www.gotocol.com/ctx550.html ).
I would, of course, jack up the light source for more lumens, use a larger lens and put it into a different package. However, the design is straight forward.
The chief question is where can we obtain a panel that small with that resolution?
David
Re: Model LCD Projector
hi dave,
the answer is: no where. Not for a good price... firms buy 10000 of this lcd s that's why they are able to build a projector for 1800$ or 1200$.
To buy such a thing is not a bad idea. But for me the main question is, what costs a replacement bulb... normally 250$ up to 600$. That's why i don't buy such a thing, because i can't afford the bulbs. And if you buy such a lcd panel it will cost you 1000$ plus the controller to connect it to the TV...
but may be i can help you. i found a page with a 10" panel (800x600) plus controller for about 500$ here in Germany. If I find the link i will post it.
best regards andy
davesos said:
hi dave,
the answer is: no where. Not for a good price... firms buy 10000 of this lcd s that's why they are able to build a projector for 1800$ or 1200$.
To buy such a thing is not a bad idea. But for me the main question is, what costs a replacement bulb... normally 250$ up to 600$. That's why i don't buy such a thing, because i can't afford the bulbs. And if you buy such a lcd panel it will cost you 1000$ plus the controller to connect it to the TV...
but may be i can help you. i found a page with a 10" panel (800x600) plus controller for about 500$ here in Germany. If I find the link i will post it.
best regards andy
That's perfect!!!
http://earthlcd.com/SK-3006.htm
if i wouldn't already have a lcd, i would probably buy this!!!
http://earthlcd.com/SK-3006.htm
if i wouldn't already have a lcd, i would probably buy this!!!
Re: That's perfect!!!
You would waste your money. For less money you can buy an LCD controller and a laptop screen with better resollution, contrast, etc.... Buy the LCD from Ebay and you have a very wide sellection of screens to choose from, and cheap.
zardoz
You would waste your money. For less money you can buy an LCD controller and a laptop screen with better resollution, contrast, etc.... Buy the LCD from Ebay and you have a very wide sellection of screens to choose from, and cheap.
zardoz
slize said:
me is surprised
so YOU would get a better resolution than 1024x768 with a laptop panel at 12"??? i don't think so... and if it is like that, please show me the links. And if i got you right you will need a laptop too? Because if you need one it will be hard to find one for about 399$ plus panel plus controller plus remote controler. But please show me the links i am very interested in that... And if you don't need one... please show me the links...
By the way everybody knows laptop panels have a bad response time and a bad contrast ratio too, worser than that panel; at least those we can afford...
so YOU would get a better resolution than 1024x768 with a laptop panel at 12"??? i don't think so... and if it is like that, please show me the links. And if i got you right you will need a laptop too? Because if you need one it will be hard to find one for about 399$ plus panel plus controller plus remote controler. But please show me the links i am very interested in that... And if you don't need one... please show me the links...
By the way everybody knows laptop panels have a bad response time and a bad contrast ratio too, worser than that panel; at least those we can afford...
Re: me is surprised
Check out the LG 121X04 panel. 1024x768 on a 12.1 inch LCD, I bought one on Ebay for $25.16 USD. Yes a seperate controller card is required. I bought mine for approximately $150.00 USD and it will support several LCD types. Who exactly is EVERYONE? Currently I am running an OLD LCD very slow compared to what is on the way to my house, the old panel I am using does not have responce time issues (I'm replacing it for the higher resollution). I think you need to look some more....150:1 is NOT a good contrast ratio, my crappy old Sharp LCD has 300:1 contrast.
Also look at the very tightly integrated setup of the unit you linked. It does not look to be easily dissasembled ie: remove controller board out of the way and remove backlight. If you destroy the LCD trying to make this work you are left with basically junk (unless you can find another of the same panel it uses) If I break an LCD panel...I throw it away and look for another (I have a big list of approved panels for my controller)
zardoz
Check out the LG 121X04 panel. 1024x768 on a 12.1 inch LCD, I bought one on Ebay for $25.16 USD. Yes a seperate controller card is required. I bought mine for approximately $150.00 USD and it will support several LCD types. Who exactly is EVERYONE? Currently I am running an OLD LCD very slow compared to what is on the way to my house, the old panel I am using does not have responce time issues (I'm replacing it for the higher resollution). I think you need to look some more....150:1 is NOT a good contrast ratio, my crappy old Sharp LCD has 300:1 contrast.
Also look at the very tightly integrated setup of the unit you linked. It does not look to be easily dissasembled ie: remove controller board out of the way and remove backlight. If you destroy the LCD trying to make this work you are left with basically junk (unless you can find another of the same panel it uses) If I break an LCD panel...I throw it away and look for another (I have a big list of approved panels for my controller)
zardoz
slize said: