jjaisnew:
If I remember correctly proxima and infocus are the same company. (one is the name for the other's higher end stuff) I was looking for a cable wizard for my 810, and ended up rigging the cable with an old vga cable and a 25 pin male crimp connector from radio shack using the following pin out (thanks again lokost):
http://www.proxima.com/site/Support/tsdl/c938.pdf
If the vga connector on your panel is 25pin (parallel printer type) that should work.
If I remember correctly proxima and infocus are the same company. (one is the name for the other's higher end stuff) I was looking for a cable wizard for my 810, and ended up rigging the cable with an old vga cable and a 25 pin male crimp connector from radio shack using the following pin out (thanks again lokost):
http://www.proxima.com/site/Support/tsdl/c938.pdf
If the vga connector on your panel is 25pin (parallel printer type) that should work.
Just a quick note (busy with school🙁 ).
I am still trying to design a proper reflector for the MV light I bought (or for any metal halide bulb, for that matter. They are nearly identical in size and shape). From what I have found, a parabolic reflector (that produces parallel light rays) will be the best approach. I might be wrong, but I think the only difference between a parabolic and an elliptical reflector (that would focus the light to a point) is where the bulb is placed withing the reflector. I came to this conclusion after playing with a Mag-Light that has the adjustable beam.
Anyway, I can't produce an image without a reflector, so I'm working on that now. I think I will some aluminum roofing flashing material (I think that is what it is called 😕 ) from a hardware store. The only downside to a DIY reflector like this is it will only deal with light from the bulb in the vertical or the horizontal axis, not both. This shouldn't be that big of a problem, but it is something to think about.
Good luck to everyone!
-f4
P.S. I still haven't heard from anyone that has had success using a projection lens (Fujinon, Delta, etc.) with a source that is larger than 4" diagonal, unless I missed something. I've tried using fresnels, plano-convexes, and double-convex lenses to "condense" the image, and I haven't had any success. The success I have had in using a lens smaller than the source is with a plano-convex lens ALONE that has a long focal length (12.5").
I am still trying to design a proper reflector for the MV light I bought (or for any metal halide bulb, for that matter. They are nearly identical in size and shape). From what I have found, a parabolic reflector (that produces parallel light rays) will be the best approach. I might be wrong, but I think the only difference between a parabolic and an elliptical reflector (that would focus the light to a point) is where the bulb is placed withing the reflector. I came to this conclusion after playing with a Mag-Light that has the adjustable beam.
Anyway, I can't produce an image without a reflector, so I'm working on that now. I think I will some aluminum roofing flashing material (I think that is what it is called 😕 ) from a hardware store. The only downside to a DIY reflector like this is it will only deal with light from the bulb in the vertical or the horizontal axis, not both. This shouldn't be that big of a problem, but it is something to think about.
Good luck to everyone!
-f4
P.S. I still haven't heard from anyone that has had success using a projection lens (Fujinon, Delta, etc.) with a source that is larger than 4" diagonal, unless I missed something. I've tried using fresnels, plano-convexes, and double-convex lenses to "condense" the image, and I haven't had any success. The success I have had in using a lens smaller than the source is with a plano-convex lens ALONE that has a long focal length (12.5").
Im starting
Im starting to look @ plans for an lcd projector, but i cant find an lcd panel (i think thats whats its called...)any where. am i looking for the right thing? well i need to find the thing that has the lcd image, and have a light behind it to project the image, and what not.. if anyone can tell me where to get one, THANKS!!
Im starting to look @ plans for an lcd projector, but i cant find an lcd panel (i think thats whats its called...)any where. am i looking for the right thing? well i need to find the thing that has the lcd image, and have a light behind it to project the image, and what not.. if anyone can tell me where to get one, THANKS!!
I'll be very interested to see your pictures oftheend.
I ordered some misc. stuff yesterday from surplus shed. A plano-convex and a bi-convex + a delta lens (it was only $10 so it may come in handy for something)
As a few others have done, i may not use the delta for the main lens and use either the planoconvex or the bi-convex, either way the delta will make a nice housing for any of the other lenses with a bit of modification 🙂
Current project price: $30 inc shipping.
The look on my face when it works ... priceless 🙂
I will post results as soon as i have them!
cya,
I ordered some misc. stuff yesterday from surplus shed. A plano-convex and a bi-convex + a delta lens (it was only $10 so it may come in handy for something)
As a few others have done, i may not use the delta for the main lens and use either the planoconvex or the bi-convex, either way the delta will make a nice housing for any of the other lenses with a bit of modification 🙂
Current project price: $30 inc shipping.
The look on my face when it works ... priceless 🙂
I will post results as soon as i have them!
cya,
Response
bixs:
I'll check that out for you and reply here...
contrapasta;
I entered some stuff on the 950 in the good panel / bad panel thread. My experience wasnt too positive; hope something was wrong with it and yours works better.
Well, it turns out I sold a Z350 to a fellow DIYer for a lot of $ and the LCD broke, which I had repaired. So I provided the panel from the 950 (after checking it out on my Z350) to him for a nominal fee. I wonder if he got it yet?
superdave;
Be careful with the VG150. If you take it apart, take lots of pix and post them so we all know how it is!
Cant you just use the lens from your ELMO to get an image?
tim123456;
Look on ebay. You should expect to pay $50 for a mediocre to $350 for a top panel. Look at the good panel / bad panel string.
Try to get one with 16.7M colors; but it will be more expensive.
The infocus powerbook @ ~ $50 is a decent start, for TV/VCR/DVD
Opinion;
I cant believe so many DIYers are fooling around with this 'n that kind of lens, when the proper lens can be had from a dead OHP!
Didnt someone say that the folks at inventory solutions were willing to remove and sell the lenses from dead OHP units? Why
not call and ask them to get you a decent lens from a Dukane or Elmo?
These lenses will image the entire LCD panel, just like they do the stage of the OHP. Just get rid of the mirror if you dont like the "overhead" arrangement of the OHP!
bixs:
I'll check that out for you and reply here...
contrapasta;
I entered some stuff on the 950 in the good panel / bad panel thread. My experience wasnt too positive; hope something was wrong with it and yours works better.
Well, it turns out I sold a Z350 to a fellow DIYer for a lot of $ and the LCD broke, which I had repaired. So I provided the panel from the 950 (after checking it out on my Z350) to him for a nominal fee. I wonder if he got it yet?
superdave;
Be careful with the VG150. If you take it apart, take lots of pix and post them so we all know how it is!
Cant you just use the lens from your ELMO to get an image?
tim123456;
Look on ebay. You should expect to pay $50 for a mediocre to $350 for a top panel. Look at the good panel / bad panel string.
Try to get one with 16.7M colors; but it will be more expensive.
The infocus powerbook @ ~ $50 is a decent start, for TV/VCR/DVD
Opinion;
I cant believe so many DIYers are fooling around with this 'n that kind of lens, when the proper lens can be had from a dead OHP!
Didnt someone say that the folks at inventory solutions were willing to remove and sell the lenses from dead OHP units? Why
not call and ask them to get you a decent lens from a Dukane or Elmo?
These lenses will image the entire LCD panel, just like they do the stage of the OHP. Just get rid of the mirror if you dont like the "overhead" arrangement of the OHP!
My problem with OHP lenses is this: they are short throw, compared to what i need. I remember from high school that when an OHP was used, an image about 5 foot diagonal was produced from about 6 foot from the screen. This would, in my setup, put the pojector in the middle of the room: rather distracting. My throw length is almost 20 ft. (the 15 i said earlier was a bad estimate). I am looking for an 8ft screen from that distance. An OHP lens would prob produce like a 15 ft screen, way too big for my wall.
BTW...
As of last night, I'm the happy owner of an Electrohome ECP4100 CRT projector. I got it off Ebay for just under $800. I'm psyched!
I figured I got so much money tied up in panels and projectors, that I'd just liquidate the whole lot and put it toward the CRT unit. 1024X768...perfect color...perfect contrast..1000 lumens...maybe works for 5 years w/o service...support-for-life from the place I got it from (www.projectorspecs.com)
I think the VP140 experience was what frustrated me most. 65 microscopic wires to map out where they go - on 2 sides - and then make all the connections to get it working again. *&^% it -
The remaining pieces are going up on ebay -
And the Elmo HP-A305 super bright OHPs I got are noise, noise, noise! Takes a lot to cool that 575W of power! Take some substantial re-engineering to reduce the noise to a reasonable level, for enjoying a movie with sound - and not burn the thing up.
It's been fun! I'll add a couple more reviews to the good panel thread, as I have some more coming in (proxima and sharp) and I'm sure I'm curious enough to see how these work!
I'll also post some pix of the electrohome, once I get it setup. I'm going to hang it from the ceiling and use my plas-tex sheet for the screen.
As of last night, I'm the happy owner of an Electrohome ECP4100 CRT projector. I got it off Ebay for just under $800. I'm psyched!
I figured I got so much money tied up in panels and projectors, that I'd just liquidate the whole lot and put it toward the CRT unit. 1024X768...perfect color...perfect contrast..1000 lumens...maybe works for 5 years w/o service...support-for-life from the place I got it from (www.projectorspecs.com)
I think the VP140 experience was what frustrated me most. 65 microscopic wires to map out where they go - on 2 sides - and then make all the connections to get it working again. *&^% it -
The remaining pieces are going up on ebay -
And the Elmo HP-A305 super bright OHPs I got are noise, noise, noise! Takes a lot to cool that 575W of power! Take some substantial re-engineering to reduce the noise to a reasonable level, for enjoying a movie with sound - and not burn the thing up.
It's been fun! I'll add a couple more reviews to the good panel thread, as I have some more coming in (proxima and sharp) and I'm sure I'm curious enough to see how these work!
I'll also post some pix of the electrohome, once I get it setup. I'm going to hang it from the ceiling and use my plas-tex sheet for the screen.
Oftheend, what you say about the throw distance of the overhead lens is true, i have the same problem. To over come this the focal length of this lens has to be longer, maybe about 500 mm. At the same time we must change the distance between condenser (fresnel) and lightsource, so that the lightbeam is converging properly into the lens. I'm looking for a 500mm objective to get my OHP away from the middle of the room.
500 mm lenses allow physically larger aperture than the usual 310 mm lenses.
If someone knows from where to get one please let me know !
cheers
xblocker
500 mm lenses allow physically larger aperture than the usual 310 mm lenses.
If someone knows from where to get one please let me know !
cheers
xblocker
ok, but what are the lcd things called specificly, like whats the proper name for them, and is there a site where i can find em, not ebay? and how big are they? THANKS
tim
tim, they are called lcd projector panels....go here http://www.commspecial.com/resolutions.htm and look at the ones with "lcd panel" next to their name... then go to google.com and type in the model name and no. along with "lcd" and "panel" you should gete a few hit then....
Joe - you slack bugga 🙂 don't give up on this board now you have "jumped to the other side", your help has been invaluable..
tim, they are called lcd projector panels....go here http://www.commspecial.com/resolutions.htm and look at the ones with "lcd panel" next to their name... then go to google.com and type in the model name and no. along with "lcd" and "panel" you should gete a few hit then....
Joe - you slack bugga 🙂 don't give up on this board now you have "jumped to the other side", your help has been invaluable..
testing.
I did a little bit of testing, until my 250W bulb from my OHP burnt out (doh).
I bought a 5 7/8" plano-convex lens from surplus shed. I really think that this lens is going to be my final projection lens, maybe even using it with the fujinon I bought somehow, we'll see. At 15 feet (or even farther), this thing produces an image that is about 6-7 feet wide. I also have an OHP lens that I could use for this purpose. I'll have to measure it again when I get a replacement light source, since, I was just eyeballing it. I returned my 500W halogen worklight that I got for $9, it just was too damn inefficient and warm color, odd shaped, and just plain threw light in an angle way too wide for my setup. I'm now on the quest for a better light source. Sigh.
I was at Lowes today to look for those MV lamps you guys were yackin about. They had them for $37.95. THEY ARE HUGE!@# geez. are you serious about using them? I saw some real nice sized high pressure sodium bulbs there for $20 that were 175W, 16,000 lumen. Those looked nice, had really long life, but, they didnt have any fixtures/ballasts for them. Also, what kind of colors do high pressure sodium and MV put out?
I did a little bit of testing, until my 250W bulb from my OHP burnt out (doh).
I bought a 5 7/8" plano-convex lens from surplus shed. I really think that this lens is going to be my final projection lens, maybe even using it with the fujinon I bought somehow, we'll see. At 15 feet (or even farther), this thing produces an image that is about 6-7 feet wide. I also have an OHP lens that I could use for this purpose. I'll have to measure it again when I get a replacement light source, since, I was just eyeballing it. I returned my 500W halogen worklight that I got for $9, it just was too damn inefficient and warm color, odd shaped, and just plain threw light in an angle way too wide for my setup. I'm now on the quest for a better light source. Sigh.
I was at Lowes today to look for those MV lamps you guys were yackin about. They had them for $37.95. THEY ARE HUGE!@# geez. are you serious about using them? I saw some real nice sized high pressure sodium bulbs there for $20 that were 175W, 16,000 lumen. Those looked nice, had really long life, but, they didnt have any fixtures/ballasts for them. Also, what kind of colors do high pressure sodium and MV put out?
parabolic reflectors
also, I've posted this before, but, if we do end up using a MH, MV, or HPS light source, these might come in handy:
Parabolic Reflectors - 12", 18", 24"
also, I've posted this before, but, if we do end up using a MH, MV, or HPS light source, these might come in handy:
Parabolic Reflectors - 12", 18", 24"
fender4 said:
Yes! I too would like to get this going. I haven't done too much experimentation as my current setup does not allow you to put a fresnel lens (or two) close to the LCD on the light source side. That is the key I think. I did some ray tracings a long while ago and I believe it should be possible to use the 4" delta77 lens I have with my 5" LCD if I use two fresnel lenses positioned quite close to the LCD to converge the light before it passes through the LCD screen. I am currently changing my setup to a short throw rear projector (when I find some time), and I think I will HAVE to get something like this going.
Re: screens
Thanks Gav! You are a legend.
I am now the proud owner of a 1.4m x 1m lenticular 2.5 gain tint N10 high contrast rear projection screen! Also scored heaps of advice from the fellow I spoke to and he generously donated an oddly shaped front surface mirror to use, and a Sony projection lens with focus and zoom adjustments.
Some very preliminary experiments later, I am sure that although the size of the screen is not huge compared with my lounge room wall setup, the increase in quality will be enormous. I am definitely going to build a enclosure to fold the optics with the front surface mirror (cut to size somehow), and use the new screen.
Tim: You mentioned that you put together a RP setup and then abandoned it for a bigger image front projection scheme. I read a few pages back about a diffuser to eliminate hot spots etc. Have you any other RP advice to offer me?
How did you manage to reduce the throw enough to make the thing practicle?
gav said:
Thanks Gav! You are a legend.
I am now the proud owner of a 1.4m x 1m lenticular 2.5 gain tint N10 high contrast rear projection screen! Also scored heaps of advice from the fellow I spoke to and he generously donated an oddly shaped front surface mirror to use, and a Sony projection lens with focus and zoom adjustments.
Some very preliminary experiments later, I am sure that although the size of the screen is not huge compared with my lounge room wall setup, the increase in quality will be enormous. I am definitely going to build a enclosure to fold the optics with the front surface mirror (cut to size somehow), and use the new screen.
Tim: You mentioned that you put together a RP setup and then abandoned it for a bigger image front projection scheme. I read a few pages back about a diffuser to eliminate hot spots etc. Have you any other RP advice to offer me?
How did you manage to reduce the throw enough to make the thing practicle?
check this out
It uses Philips 150W Metal Halide ED-17P bulb (12,400 lumen, 4000K, 9,000hr life) that you can buy for about $40.
PDF Sheet Here
Webpage Here (you want the LTD REFL 150M SP, the spotlight one)
I cant seem to find where to buy it though, and how much it is.
An externally hosted image should be here but it was not working when we last tested it.
It uses Philips 150W Metal Halide ED-17P bulb (12,400 lumen, 4000K, 9,000hr life) that you can buy for about $40.
PDF Sheet Here
Webpage Here (you want the LTD REFL 150M SP, the spotlight one)
I cant seem to find where to buy it though, and how much it is.
😡 Tripod won't let me link to an image from here, so I put a rough drawing of my current lighting idea on my webpage (sorry about the pop-up ads...especially the Rosie O'Donnell one.):
fender410.tripod.com
I bought a sheet of galvanized steel at Home Depot today ($5). It is not quite a mirror finish, but it will be fine for a reflector. It is has just the right amount of flexibility to bend it. I just need to calculate the shape of the parabola I need! I haven't had much luck on the internet, so I might have to check the library. I know parabolic reflector like this exist for aquarium MH setups, but I have an illness that makes me want to do everything myself 😉 .
The bottom image is what I would ideally like to accomplish. If I can get the light to converge by strategic placement within the parabola, I could potentially eliminate a fresnel (I think). If not, I'll add one.
Gunawan, that's a good point about the CRI of MV bulbs. I'm not sure what the specs are on this particular bulb, but I will let you know what I find as soon as I can get a watchable image on the wall (pending reflector design/construction).
Undream, the envelopes of these bulbs are large compared to some of the OHP bulbs, but the actual "filament" is much smaller. Most metal halide bulbs are this large also. You may have seen a 400watt bulb which are MUCH larger. That spotlight is NICE looking. I couldn't find a supplier either. If you find one, pass it on.
I want to stress that I do not think MV bulbs are the BEST solution by any means. I chose it primarily because it was CHEAP, and so am I. Speaking of cheap lights, here's a nice setup:
Good Prices on complete Metal Halide setups
Keep up the good work, everyone!
-f4
fender410.tripod.com
I bought a sheet of galvanized steel at Home Depot today ($5). It is not quite a mirror finish, but it will be fine for a reflector. It is has just the right amount of flexibility to bend it. I just need to calculate the shape of the parabola I need! I haven't had much luck on the internet, so I might have to check the library. I know parabolic reflector like this exist for aquarium MH setups, but I have an illness that makes me want to do everything myself 😉 .
The bottom image is what I would ideally like to accomplish. If I can get the light to converge by strategic placement within the parabola, I could potentially eliminate a fresnel (I think). If not, I'll add one.
Gunawan, that's a good point about the CRI of MV bulbs. I'm not sure what the specs are on this particular bulb, but I will let you know what I find as soon as I can get a watchable image on the wall (pending reflector design/construction).
Undream, the envelopes of these bulbs are large compared to some of the OHP bulbs, but the actual "filament" is much smaller. Most metal halide bulbs are this large also. You may have seen a 400watt bulb which are MUCH larger. That spotlight is NICE looking. I couldn't find a supplier either. If you find one, pass it on.
I want to stress that I do not think MV bulbs are the BEST solution by any means. I chose it primarily because it was CHEAP, and so am I. Speaking of cheap lights, here's a nice setup:
Good Prices on complete Metal Halide setups
Keep up the good work, everyone!
-f4
Inventory Solutions
Joe, You are absolutly right about the overhaed optics being the perfect set-up.
The following is an email from Bob at inventory solutions, it will get you a fresnel and
a set of optics.
================================
HI,
Just send payment and we are good to go...
Your total will be $32.00 with shipping...
I am including payment options in case you want to proceed. Please respond confirming your interest and I will tag the equipment "Sold".
Please reference # 7070 with which ever payment option you choose.
================================
Thats all there is to it guys. Bob assured me the fresnel and optics were in good shape and would probably be left on the arm, so there is you mounting and focus mechanism to boot.
Tim
Joe, You are absolutly right about the overhaed optics being the perfect set-up.
The following is an email from Bob at inventory solutions, it will get you a fresnel and
a set of optics.
================================
HI,
Just send payment and we are good to go...
Your total will be $32.00 with shipping...
I am including payment options in case you want to proceed. Please respond confirming your interest and I will tag the equipment "Sold".
Please reference # 7070 with which ever payment option you choose.
================================
Thats all there is to it guys. Bob assured me the fresnel and optics were in good shape and would probably be left on the arm, so there is you mounting and focus mechanism to boot.
Tim
hehehe no worries muzzman... i don't suppose they had any other lenses for cheap/free did they?, at the moment all i have to test with b4 my panel comes is a lens out of my old slide projector 🙁
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