How to Build an LCD Projector Introduction First I must point out that a commercial projector will cost you 1,400 $ (700 aprox) upwards. Whereas if you follow my plans a projector of equal or even better quality will cost you no more than 200$ (100 aprox) and it may even look better than the commercial ones to. In this tutorial I will give you detailed instructions along with precise simple to follow diagrams. To help you to make a high quality projector of your own. This is a picture of a projector built using a similar design to mine. I found this picture on a forum some ware if I remember ware I will post the address. Many thanks htmlgod for letting me use this image. Step One Preparing a Work Space. First you need a clear table or work bench preferably outside or in your garage because this can get quite messy. I also recommend you ware overalls or old clothes as you will be painting. If using spray paint always ware a mask or tie a handkerchief round your mouth. And when using anything that could potentially damage your eyes ware plastic goggles. Remember Safety First.
Step Two Buying or Finding the Parts A list of parts you need and ware they can be obtained from. If you want to make a really high quality projector and have a bit more cash to spend I recommend you go for the better quality components. Part LCD Panel or LCD screen Search for projection panel without the quotes on ebay.com or ebay.co.uk or buy a ps1 or game cube screen from any local video games shop or electrical store and dismantle as shown in step 2.5. If you do not feel confident about your ability to dismantle an lcd screen just buy a panel. But it is quite easy to dismantle even with no knowledge of electronics. Do not pay more than 50$ (25 aprox) for an lcd panel on ebay. And before you buy a ps1 or game cube lcd screen check it can be plugged into DVD / video players. Do not pay more than 100$ (50 aprox) for an lcd screen. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Part Frensal lense or Split Frensal http://www.diyprojectorcompany.com/catalog/product_info.php?cpath=23&products_id=4 or buy two from http://shop.projectiontv.co.uk/ or you can rip one out of an old overhead projector. Projectiontv sells its lenses for 5.99(12$ aprox) and diyprojectorcompany sells its lenses for 30$ (15 aprox). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Part Lighting Setup You can buy a 500 watt halogen setup from B&Q for about 10 (20$ aprox) Or you can buy a MH bulb setup from http://www.diyprojectorcompany.com/catalog/index.php?cpath=22 But they cost way too much. Don t spend more than 20 (40$ aprox) on the lighting setup. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Part Projection lense. You can purchase one from http://www.diyprojectorcompany.com/catalog/product_info.php?cpath=23&products_id=38 I recommend buying this lense. But you can also get a lesser doublet lense from an old over head projection. It will only cost about 30$ (15 aprox). Part 2.5 Dismantling an lcd screen Be very gentle otherwise you may break the screen if you do screw it back together put it back in it s packaging and return it to the shop then buy another and try again. But if you follow these instructions there is no reason you should break it. 1. Unscrew the back of it and take the cover off. Exposing the electronics inside. 2. Then cut any tape do not cut any wires. Be particularly careful with your screens ribbon. Remove the back light and take out the brown piece of glass and any wires connected to it. 3. Mount it on a piece of wood. Or leave it in its original case. 4. Below are pictures of a ps1 screen being dismantled.
Part 3 Testing Your Setup Depending on which components you purchased they will need to be positioned different distances form each other to get a clear picture. Put them on your table or work bench pointed at a blank white wall or screen dim the lights. And position them as shown below and turn them all on. If you get a picture your on the right track. If not try changing the distances between the components. If your image is not bright enough try using a stronger light source I recommend a 500 watt halogen. Step 4 Putting It All Together If you want to have a projector that looks remotely like the one shown at the start of these plans I suggest you setup a setup like the one above. By following these instructions. 1. Make a reflector to focus your light source through the frensal by cutting the head off a metal or plastic ladle and polishing it or painting it silver. 2. Buy or modify a fan to cool your light source. 3. Install a vent (one of the ones you usually have in houses).
4. Put a mirror into the projector to bounce the image into the projection lens. 5. Build a wooden box to put your setup in. For example. 6. Group all the wiring together into one wire by using a multi socked extension cable. 7. Paint the box I recommend spraying it chrome. Credits Copyright www.hackschool2.tk No unauthorized reproduction of these plans is aloud.
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