I have been looking for an inexpensive(relatively) solution to getting a large screen for my pc when I stumbled across DIY projectors. I like building cool projects like this and am now really excited about building a PJ .
Minimum requirements would be:
1) Resolution of at least 1024x768 as I would be using it for all my pc use including games, internet browsing, and work(text editing, etc.).
2) (you guys might find this one unusual) The screen cannot be TOO big. Ideally, after taking some measurements, I would like a screen around 37" to 40" diagonal. I found this would be around the maximum comfortable size screen to look at from sitting at a desk. Normal 4:3 aspect ratio.
From reading the forums, I would like to build an enclosure style PJ. As far as I can tell, stripping a 15" lcd monitor seems to be the least expensive way to get a 1024x768 resolution lcd so let's plan around this. Also, I will probably use a 400w mH light source w/ a reflector as I can get them fairly cheap off of ebay. Throw distance will be approximately 10 to 13 feet.
I have a few questions as I am just now learning to build these. I have read a couple sets of build plans so I have a basic understanding of how the DIY projectors work. I would like to build this as inexpensively as I can and still have it look fairly good(poor college student).
What is the best way to go about this? What size lenses(fresnel and projection) should I look for? Brand/Model? Will the resultant screen quality be good enough to be used in my application? By this I mean will I be able to easily read text on web sites / navigator windows / desktop icons / etc?
Thanks in advance for any ideas. This looks like a fun project. 😀
Minimum requirements would be:
1) Resolution of at least 1024x768 as I would be using it for all my pc use including games, internet browsing, and work(text editing, etc.).
2) (you guys might find this one unusual) The screen cannot be TOO big. Ideally, after taking some measurements, I would like a screen around 37" to 40" diagonal. I found this would be around the maximum comfortable size screen to look at from sitting at a desk. Normal 4:3 aspect ratio.
From reading the forums, I would like to build an enclosure style PJ. As far as I can tell, stripping a 15" lcd monitor seems to be the least expensive way to get a 1024x768 resolution lcd so let's plan around this. Also, I will probably use a 400w mH light source w/ a reflector as I can get them fairly cheap off of ebay. Throw distance will be approximately 10 to 13 feet.
I have a few questions as I am just now learning to build these. I have read a couple sets of build plans so I have a basic understanding of how the DIY projectors work. I would like to build this as inexpensively as I can and still have it look fairly good(poor college student).
What is the best way to go about this? What size lenses(fresnel and projection) should I look for? Brand/Model? Will the resultant screen quality be good enough to be used in my application? By this I mean will I be able to easily read text on web sites / navigator windows / desktop icons / etc?
Thanks in advance for any ideas. This looks like a fun project. 😀
Coldsteel,
Your best bet for what you want is to build a rear projection type because they are more useable in a wider type of ambient lighting conditions. The front projection type require that you have the lights down very low or completely off.
REar projection types can attain a higher contrast ratio if done right.
Your best bet for what you want is to build a rear projection type because they are more useable in a wider type of ambient lighting conditions. The front projection type require that you have the lights down very low or completely off.
REar projection types can attain a higher contrast ratio if done right.
i wouldnt do rear projection i havent seen a really good one yet...
now do you plan to sit in front of the screen like you would a monitor ? is that why you want the screen so small ? because my screen is about 120 inch diagnal with a 15ft throw and i can easily sit about 10 feet away and read text all day. and im also useing a OHP panel so it only does 800x600 and i can use it to play games surf web and the text is really clear and easy to read
the ohp panel really does perty well even with my xbox plugged into it
soo if you want to do this "cheap" you could do a ohp and a panel for under $100 if you do some looking check out you college surplus store for parts ... thats where i got my ohp ... for $10
if youre set on that 1024x768 res then yes striping a lcd is the best way to go do youre research on here as far as finding strippable monitors also you should be able to get a mid range panel on ebay for around $60-$80 i got my sharp qa-1800 for 120 ...but it was new in box and plastic unused had everything as new so it was worth it .
now do you plan to sit in front of the screen like you would a monitor ? is that why you want the screen so small ? because my screen is about 120 inch diagnal with a 15ft throw and i can easily sit about 10 feet away and read text all day. and im also useing a OHP panel so it only does 800x600 and i can use it to play games surf web and the text is really clear and easy to read
the ohp panel really does perty well even with my xbox plugged into it
soo if you want to do this "cheap" you could do a ohp and a panel for under $100 if you do some looking check out you college surplus store for parts ... thats where i got my ohp ... for $10
if youre set on that 1024x768 res then yes striping a lcd is the best way to go do youre research on here as far as finding strippable monitors also you should be able to get a mid range panel on ebay for around $60-$80 i got my sharp qa-1800 for 120 ...but it was new in box and plastic unused had everything as new so it was worth it .
v1d9uy said:
Thanks for the input. Yes I plan to sit at a desk only a few feet away from the screen. This way I can comfortably work on papers, etc at the same time I use my computer. Also, this is going in my bedroom and I have a really nice L shaped desk I like to sit at. The plan is to have the screen begin a few inches above the desk so I don't have to strain my neck. I will accomplish that by hanging the projector from the ceiling and using a keystoning device.
Another idea I'm toying with now is to have the best of both worlds. I should probably make a new thread for this one. I am curious as to if a good "variable zoom" type projection lens is made. If so, I have measured and know I can fit an 80" screen in the corner where I want it. The idea would be to design my enclosure with a series of preset locking positions such that I can change the focal length of the projection lens at will. The locks will be on neccessary items associated with changing the FL such as different positions for the front Fresnel. This way, I can use my small screen I want on a daily basis and then blow up to an 80" screen to sit further back watch DVDs and play some games that would be fun on the big screen. The plan would be to design it such that I can make the transition in a matter of 1 or 2 minutes.
Of course I will plan it to the last detail before I start building.
Hezz: From reading around, I have never seen a rear projection that works very well and don't want to mess with it.
Keep the ideas coming guys. Now pack to my pencil and engineering pad. 🙂
Coldsteel,
If you can work at the desk with low lighting then you should be fine but otherwise the rear projection is better for use as an all around monitor.
THe reason that you have not seen any good DIY rear projection is because no one has tried to make a good one out of good quality parts. Guys are trying to make them out of Psone screens and the like.
You need to read up more on rear projection design.
If you can work at the desk with low lighting then you should be fine but otherwise the rear projection is better for use as an all around monitor.
THe reason that you have not seen any good DIY rear projection is because no one has tried to make a good one out of good quality parts. Guys are trying to make them out of Psone screens and the like.
You need to read up more on rear projection design.
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