LOA's
I'm in the USA, and I haven't seen them in Wal-mart...but I probably didn't look hard enough. I have found them at Home Depot, and that was after checking back several times over the span of a few weeks. They were usually sold out. Next time I go, I will write down the exact info I have from the store.
The Lights of America website has a link called "Store Locator" that lists many stores that sell their products. Maybe some of these are outside the USA...I'm not sure. It might be worth it to e-mail some of these stores to see if they can ship overseas.
I'm not sure if it is the bulb or the ballast that makes these Fluorex lights so nice. I think that the bulb and ballast are proprietary, so that doesn't leave much room for experimentation. If it is the ballast, then a "standard" power compact (PC) bulb could be used with a higher power ballast that could deliver 65watts or more. Fulham Electronic Ballasts might be a good start for something like this. If you are interested in this possible route, read this. It is a link to a post on a DIY reef aquarium bulletin board that talks about overdriving fluorescent bulbs. There are also several useful links within that page. Keep in mind that overdriving bulbs is NOT an intended use, and COULD BE DANGEROUS. Be careful. You can expect the bulbs to be brighter, but they will most certainly burn out sooner (most fluorescent bulbs have a long life anyway).
Does anyone have the specs on the LOA 65W ballast? Just curious.
Here is a picture of the worklight from the LOA website. I'm not sure if this packaging is consistent with what is in the stores.
Good luck! And please post the name of any LOA sellers outside of the USA. Thanks.
-f4
I'm in the USA, and I haven't seen them in Wal-mart...but I probably didn't look hard enough. I have found them at Home Depot, and that was after checking back several times over the span of a few weeks. They were usually sold out. Next time I go, I will write down the exact info I have from the store.
The Lights of America website has a link called "Store Locator" that lists many stores that sell their products. Maybe some of these are outside the USA...I'm not sure. It might be worth it to e-mail some of these stores to see if they can ship overseas.
I'm not sure if it is the bulb or the ballast that makes these Fluorex lights so nice. I think that the bulb and ballast are proprietary, so that doesn't leave much room for experimentation. If it is the ballast, then a "standard" power compact (PC) bulb could be used with a higher power ballast that could deliver 65watts or more. Fulham Electronic Ballasts might be a good start for something like this. If you are interested in this possible route, read this. It is a link to a post on a DIY reef aquarium bulletin board that talks about overdriving fluorescent bulbs. There are also several useful links within that page. Keep in mind that overdriving bulbs is NOT an intended use, and COULD BE DANGEROUS. Be careful. You can expect the bulbs to be brighter, but they will most certainly burn out sooner (most fluorescent bulbs have a long life anyway).
Does anyone have the specs on the LOA 65W ballast? Just curious.
Here is a picture of the worklight from the LOA website. I'm not sure if this packaging is consistent with what is in the stores.
Good luck! And please post the name of any LOA sellers outside of the USA. Thanks.
-f4
PICS
I hear ya.........
I'll put some pics of what I have setup so far on the website this weekend. If there's enough space I'll put an mpeg of it. I haven't replaced the LCD yet, but you can still get an idea of whats going on. I'm probably going to get another LCD at the first of the month.
I hear ya.........
I'll put some pics of what I have setup so far on the website this weekend. If there's enough space I'll put an mpeg of it. I haven't replaced the LCD yet, but you can still get an idea of whats going on. I'm probably going to get another LCD at the first of the month.
Okay, I took some free web space thing and uploaded some pics so check it out!
Note: This site has transmit limit so if it doesn't work, use one few posts forward!
Note: This site has transmit limit so if it doesn't work, use one few posts forward!
Study break...quick post:
Check this light out:
Luxlite Reflector
It looks like a standard socket PC bulb in a reflector housing. Too bad there's no data on it. I sent them an e-mail...I'll post when/if I get a reply.
-f4
Check this light out:
Luxlite Reflector
It looks like a standard socket PC bulb in a reflector housing. Too bad there's no data on it. I sent them an e-mail...I'll post when/if I get a reply.
-f4
LCD From Laptop
Hey Guys,
This is my 1st post here. Nice thread. I'v like most ppl on here watched awhile before making a post. I too started this project with the 100" TV plans that were posted on http://bstvcentral.b0x.com/ "the big woody"
They offer free plans, but will sell you the fresnel lens. This project got me started on my DIY projector. The image is WAY to dark and blurry to do anything with so I searched for alternate ways of brightening the picture, and thats how I found you guys. Anyway, I'm convinced that you are all on the right track. I'v worked on, and cleaned up a few rear projection t.v.'s. The lcd projection systems seem to get the best results in terms of brightness and contrast.
Curious about what you guys were doing, so i opened up my old IBM Think Pad 760 ED, and decided to do a light test to see if i could somehow use the LCD from it in a projector. While it is possible that I can use it, I'm just not sure how I would interface it to anything but a PC ? pin outs ? R. G. B. ?
I'm confident I could get this project up and running in no time, just not sure what i should use for an lcd.
If any of you have any specs for porting a laptop LCD to RGB composite video, im all ears.
If not, sources for LCD Projection Panels would be helpfull as well.
Preferably cheap used units.
I'm not ready to sink lots of $ into this unless I can get satisfactory results.
Take Care and thanks !!!
John
Hey Guys,
This is my 1st post here. Nice thread. I'v like most ppl on here watched awhile before making a post. I too started this project with the 100" TV plans that were posted on http://bstvcentral.b0x.com/ "the big woody"
They offer free plans, but will sell you the fresnel lens. This project got me started on my DIY projector. The image is WAY to dark and blurry to do anything with so I searched for alternate ways of brightening the picture, and thats how I found you guys. Anyway, I'm convinced that you are all on the right track. I'v worked on, and cleaned up a few rear projection t.v.'s. The lcd projection systems seem to get the best results in terms of brightness and contrast.
Curious about what you guys were doing, so i opened up my old IBM Think Pad 760 ED, and decided to do a light test to see if i could somehow use the LCD from it in a projector. While it is possible that I can use it, I'm just not sure how I would interface it to anything but a PC ? pin outs ? R. G. B. ?
I'm confident I could get this project up and running in no time, just not sure what i should use for an lcd.
If any of you have any specs for porting a laptop LCD to RGB composite video, im all ears.
If not, sources for LCD Projection Panels would be helpfull as well.
Preferably cheap used units.
I'm not ready to sink lots of $ into this unless I can get satisfactory results.
Take Care and thanks !!!
John
see also....
see also
http://www.physics.umd.edu/deptinfo/facilities/lecdem/demolst.htm#b1
for info on optics, and properties of light !
Cheers !!
see also
http://www.physics.umd.edu/deptinfo/facilities/lecdem/demolst.htm#b1
for info on optics, and properties of light !
Cheers !!
high output compact fluorescent lamp
hi all,
here some links about high output fluorescent lamp.
It will make more choice to select than from LOA only.
The lamps are: PL compact fluorescent lamp 42 watt, triple output with initial lumens=3200 (Philips), use
3 units will produce 9600 lumens!
Don't forget use good reflector to make narrow angle light beam.
http://www.lighting.philips.com/nam/prodinfo/compact_fluorescent/pdfs/P-3541-C.pdf
http://www.con-techlighting.com/pdf/compact_rl132v.pdf
http://www.con-techlighting.com/pdf/compact_rl132v.pdf
http://www.sportlite.com/MX-Series.htm
or you can search yourself with keyword:
t 42 fluorescent lamp triple tube high output
see you.
hi all,
here some links about high output fluorescent lamp.
It will make more choice to select than from LOA only.
The lamps are: PL compact fluorescent lamp 42 watt, triple output with initial lumens=3200 (Philips), use
3 units will produce 9600 lumens!
Don't forget use good reflector to make narrow angle light beam.
http://www.lighting.philips.com/nam/prodinfo/compact_fluorescent/pdfs/P-3541-C.pdf
http://www.con-techlighting.com/pdf/compact_rl132v.pdf
http://www.con-techlighting.com/pdf/compact_rl132v.pdf
http://www.sportlite.com/MX-Series.htm
or you can search yourself with keyword:
t 42 fluorescent lamp triple tube high output
see you.
I was doing some basic calculations and somehow I came to the same conclusion. If you decide to display an image, lets say 120x90cm on the wall. Then it's the same what type of display you choose, if you just vary the magnifier. With a 1024x786 screen at 2", you would do a x30 magnification. With a 10" at the same res you would do x6. (based on the same distance and lenses of cource)The only problem is that the box need to stand closer to the display wall, but that shouldn't be a problem. The box will also be quite big if you use a 10" screen. Concering the light, you need to spread the lumens/cm more on the 10" screen and you need a bit more lumens to be on the safe side. With good reflectors, and some more calculations of some parabolas and their junction points, making an reflector yourself, this shouldn't be a problem...it's more in the reflectors than in the lamps it self. Of cource you need a lamp of good q, but with the parabola contructed right, it would need less q lamps to get the same result, ne1? Have you guys tried some automobil headlamps, thoose that you switch on when you need a lot of light. Just using the frame and the reflektor I think it would be a great test lamp, and they cost almost nothing, and can run of a basic pc supply.
Wonder why I write all this? It's seems like thoose 10" displays are a lot cheaper than thoose 1" and 2" high res.
What do you guys think of this?
Wonder why I write all this? It's seems like thoose 10" displays are a lot cheaper than thoose 1" and 2" high res.
What do you guys think of this?
Hi Everyone
Been browsing for a while and thought I better share some ideas.
On a light source I think you should look into a halogen bulb called EVD which is 36V 400w. These can be found on the internet for about £10/$10. I'm no electronics expert but I think it would be easy to build a circuit for it. These bulbs can last for about 100hours so should still be quite good value. They are about 4000-5000 lumens.
Another quick thought for someone being really cheap would be to use a very very bright light source that is actually free. The sun! It might be possible for those of you who live in sunny california etc (not me in Leicester, England) to black out a window using black spraypaint or similar leaving a small space which you attach your projector box to. With a suitible location I think this could be possible. You might need a lense or mirror outside or something.
Final thought for those of you with laptops to sacrifice you could perhaps get a USB tv card for approx £60/$60. This would be all you need to get video on the screen if you can keep it connected to the main laptop unit.
Andy
Been browsing for a while and thought I better share some ideas.
On a light source I think you should look into a halogen bulb called EVD which is 36V 400w. These can be found on the internet for about £10/$10. I'm no electronics expert but I think it would be easy to build a circuit for it. These bulbs can last for about 100hours so should still be quite good value. They are about 4000-5000 lumens.
Another quick thought for someone being really cheap would be to use a very very bright light source that is actually free. The sun! It might be possible for those of you who live in sunny california etc (not me in Leicester, England) to black out a window using black spraypaint or similar leaving a small space which you attach your projector box to. With a suitible location I think this could be possible. You might need a lense or mirror outside or something.
Final thought for those of you with laptops to sacrifice you could perhaps get a USB tv card for approx £60/$60. This would be all you need to get video on the screen if you can keep it connected to the main laptop unit.
Andy
Hey guys,
I looked into the laptop LCD option a while back...I couldn't resist $30 for a 800X600 LCD. I looked into somehow getting a video signal into one of the many raw laptop panels available on the internet now, and it turned out to be more trouble than it is worth. I wrote Tomi Engdahl, an expert on video signal converters, among other things, and he said (paraphrasing):
"Technically, it is possible.
Practically, it is so complicated that this is not worth it for any
homebuilder or even professional to do unless there is huge
market for this kind of converter for this particular display
and somebody will pay for the development."
I then asked, "Are the connection pins the same on a laptop screen as they are on a standard CRT monitor?"
"No. Pin functiolities are completely different in laptop LCD and
in CRT monitor. And there are at least half dozen different
proprietary interfaces used in laptop LCDs (no real standards on those)."
Check out these links for more info:
http://www.hut.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/vga2tv/video2vga.html
http://www.epanorama.net/links/videochips.html
http://www.epanorama.net/links/videocircuits.html#converters
So that's where I stand right now with the laptop LCD idea. On the other hand, a complete laptop computer with a TV card and the back removed from the LCD would be an option, although it seems a little excessive. If you have access, though, go for it.
I am still thinking about getting the 2.5" A.N.D. LCD from Allied Electronics. The price is reasonable, and I like the small size (so I can use a smaller, cheaper projection lens assembly without a fresnel lens). Resolution is low, but it's a start
Lots of new light ideas...keeps things interesting. I'm no authority on it, but I think that a color temp (K) of around 6000K would give the best "white" light. Anything below it would start looking slightly red. Also, fluorescent bulbs shift toward the red spectrum (lower K) with age.
Sorry I haven't had time to actually order the parts and start assembling this thing. I'm waiting for a break in school to concentrate on it. Hopefully soon.
-f4
I looked into the laptop LCD option a while back...I couldn't resist $30 for a 800X600 LCD. I looked into somehow getting a video signal into one of the many raw laptop panels available on the internet now, and it turned out to be more trouble than it is worth. I wrote Tomi Engdahl, an expert on video signal converters, among other things, and he said (paraphrasing):
"Technically, it is possible.
Practically, it is so complicated that this is not worth it for any
homebuilder or even professional to do unless there is huge
market for this kind of converter for this particular display
and somebody will pay for the development."
I then asked, "Are the connection pins the same on a laptop screen as they are on a standard CRT monitor?"
"No. Pin functiolities are completely different in laptop LCD and
in CRT monitor. And there are at least half dozen different
proprietary interfaces used in laptop LCDs (no real standards on those)."
Check out these links for more info:
http://www.hut.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/vga2tv/video2vga.html
http://www.epanorama.net/links/videochips.html
http://www.epanorama.net/links/videocircuits.html#converters
So that's where I stand right now with the laptop LCD idea. On the other hand, a complete laptop computer with a TV card and the back removed from the LCD would be an option, although it seems a little excessive. If you have access, though, go for it.
I am still thinking about getting the 2.5" A.N.D. LCD from Allied Electronics. The price is reasonable, and I like the small size (so I can use a smaller, cheaper projection lens assembly without a fresnel lens). Resolution is low, but it's a start
Lots of new light ideas...keeps things interesting. I'm no authority on it, but I think that a color temp (K) of around 6000K would give the best "white" light. Anything below it would start looking slightly red. Also, fluorescent bulbs shift toward the red spectrum (lower K) with age.
Sorry I haven't had time to actually order the parts and start assembling this thing. I'm waiting for a break in school to concentrate on it. Hopefully soon.
-f4
laptop
lol ...well look more trouble then its worth...converting a laptop monitor to accept video signals is too complicated, and the driver boards are more then just buying a video lcd, or project lcd.
Oh well, just thinking outside the box here.
Hope my ebay bid holds up for the lcd panels..
John
lol ...well look more trouble then its worth...converting a laptop monitor to accept video signals is too complicated, and the driver boards are more then just buying a video lcd, or project lcd.
Oh well, just thinking outside the box here.
Hope my ebay bid holds up for the lcd panels..
John
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