Build your own XGA projector for <$300

Agent Plissken · 11-20-2004, 07:51 AM

***SCROLL DOWN. I ADDED PICTURES!****

This is pretty cool. Linked...
http://www20.tomshardware.com/howto/20041113/index.html

kevs · 11-20-2004, 11:10 AM

That's pretty cool! I'm tempted to try (although I have no gift of putting things together)...

Bires · 11-20-2004, 12:06 PM

Overheads make a pile of noise. I'm surprised they didn't replace the stock overhead fan. Neat idea, I guess, if you have a space LCD lying around.

Agent Plissken · 11-27-2004, 07:59 PM

I am in the final phases of ordering the parts for my projector:
3m 9800 Projector (6000 lumens)
Dell e153fp 15" XGA LCD
I need advice what to purchase for the following:
I need a TV card for my computer, or an extrernal unit like this:http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...p?EdpNo=108029
what would you guys recommend?
I also need an upscaling DVD player with VGA or DVI outputs (for $300) any suggestions?

_=DeltaForce=_ · 11-27-2004, 08:13 PM

agent take pictures and post it...

Agent Plissken · 11-28-2004, 01:11 AM

ok, i still gotta get that projector from ebay first.

eSDee · 11-28-2004, 01:15 AM

I want to do it also but I need to find a cheap overhead projector. Let me know if you find any.

Agent Plissken · 11-28-2004, 11:30 AM

Based on the researd that I did, you need a projector with a minimum lumen rating of 3,500 - 4,000. Otherwise the projector will only be viewable in nearly completely darkened rooms.

So far on ebay I have not been able to find any "cheap" projectors with 3,500 lumen + ratings. I am looking at spending around $200+ for a "good" projector. Ill let you know what I ends up costing me once I get it.

I have aquired a new e153fp Dell LCD to dissasemble, I will let you know if this is a good choice in the next phase of the project.

Showtime · 11-30-2004, 02:32 AM

Thanks for the article. Not for me, but could be a side project if any of my friends bring it up.

-j

Agent Plissken · 12-11-2004, 03:59 PM

It is finished and operational!!! 8' of XGA projection goodness! Damn it looks good! My total cost $243.
If anyone is considering this project I have some tips for you, PM me before you buy the parts. How do I post pics here?

ski · 12-11-2004, 04:09 PM

www.littleboyinc.com/uploader and sign up for an account.

ray is the guy that runs it

upload your pics like you would attach a pic in an email, then copy and paste the code here!

I can't wait to see your pics... also, can you put the model number of projector and LCD with the prices (and where you got em) ?

Agent Plissken · 12-11-2004, 06:13 PM

Ok, I signed up for an account. In the mean time while you are waiting for the pictures:
Parts I used:
3M 9700 projector (4,300 lumens) : $180 used on eBay
Please note that projectors can be had for around $50, but I wanted a good and bright one. I originally wanted a 3M 9800 (6,000 lumens) but the bidding went much higher and I ended up getting the 9700.

I used a Dell e153fp 15" LCD (XGA 1024 x 768). It was fairly straightforward to disassemble. I would look for a 14" LCD if they make any good ones, as the 15" cuts off a small area on the left and right side, and clips all 4 corners. This does not affect movie playback at all, (since movies are widescreen) but it is noticible in windows.
I was able to play half-life 2 in larger than life glory with no problem though.

Other required equipment:
Small philips head screwdriver
Spare computer fan
electrical tape
Ill post pics as soon as they approve my account to upload the pics.

Agent Plissken · 12-15-2004, 06:11 PM

Got Pictures uploaded! Check these out, im sure I will be getting a LOT more requests for help building them after you see the images. Also if anyone wants my girlfriends lazy cat (see below), let me know, it is my nemesis. Relentless in its swatting of the mouse cursor on my wall, I grow weary of it.
(For image size reference, I have included a beer bottle (hard to see, its dark), a cat, and me... Images are taken from Star Wars IV Divx, Shrek 2 DVD, and a random picture of my cat (not a projection image))
Also note that these images are projected on my plaster wall, not a projector screen.

Agent Plissken · 12-15-2004, 06:17 PM

If you keep this thread bumped I am happy to try to answer any questions about:
a. good parts
b. places to find them
c. LCD dissasembly
d. Projector assembly
hopefully other people can share their results too.

kimchicowboy · 12-15-2004, 06:25 PM

i just wanna see the cat swatting the mouse on the wall. hahah

looks great!

blueindian · 12-15-2004, 07:14 PM

is it loud?

Agent Plissken · 12-15-2004, 07:22 PM

"Is it loud"
Do you mean is the projector loud with its fans?
No.
It has 2 fans cooling it (one for TFT screen, and 1 for bulb) but they are quiet.
You cant hear it at all during movie pack.
Of course the built in projector fan will vary per projector I assume.

cheapchinese · 12-15-2004, 07:31 PM

oh...i'm so tempted now..

god.. dang. it. i feel like a geek

Agent Plissken · 12-15-2004, 07:35 PM

Does it make you a geek to save $2,000 on an xga projector?

irwin · 12-15-2004, 08:08 PM

Can you take a pic of the projector?

cheapchinese · 12-15-2004, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agent Plissken

Does it make you a geek to save $2,000 on an xga projector?

at the same time, upholding my standard of being "cheap"

btw.. would this work for the laptop moniters?

Agent Plissken · 12-16-2004, 05:26 AM

It would be difficult, you would need a power supply and controller card for a laptop tft.

Dman33 · 12-17-2004, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agent Plissken

It would be difficult, you would need a power supply and controller card for a laptop tft.

Well, depending on the laptop, you could just mount the laptop body onto the projector and have the screen detached. That way you are using the laptop itself for the video and power and you do not need a PC next to your projector rig.

BTW- How is the noise of the projector?

ski · 12-17-2004, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dman33

BTW- How is the noise of the projector?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agent Plissken

"Is it loud"
Do you mean is the projector loud with its fans?
No.
It has 2 fans cooling it (one for TFT screen, and 1 for bulb) but they are quiet.
You cant hear it at all during movie pack.
Of course the built in projector fan will vary per projector I assume.

Agent Plissken · 12-17-2004, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Well, depending on the laptop, you could just mount the laptop body onto the projector and have the screen detached. That way you are using the laptop itself for the video and power and you do not need a PC next to your projector rig.

Yes, If you use the entire laptop it could work, it would be difficult to use just the laptop TFT without the laptop though.
If you have a laptop you are willing to dedicate to this it could turn out quite bad ass infact, but it seems a little expensive since we are trying to build a budjet projector.

mcs328 · 12-17-2004, 08:53 AM

That is so schweet!!!

SmokeyDP · 12-17-2004, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by passwird

Can you take a pic of the projector?

I would like to see one too.

Agent Plissken · 12-17-2004, 05:13 PM

Here it is.

_=DeltaForce=_ · 12-17-2004, 08:54 PM

How did you connect the Computer Fans??

Agent Plissken · 12-17-2004, 09:14 PM

This particular model projector had a clip that holds the arm down when it is folded down. I snapped the fan into that.

11-20-2004, 07:51 AM	#1
Agent Plissken Commander Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Montgomery Posts: 1,264	Build your own XGA projector for <$300 PICTURES ADDED *SCROLL DOWN. I ADDED PICTURES!** This is pretty cool. Linked... http://www20.tomshardware.com/howto/20041113/index.html __________________ Dyin' ain't much of a living, boy Last edited by Agent Plissken : 12-15-2004 at 06:20 PM. Reason: Thread description

11-20-2004, 11:10 AM	#2
kevs Lieutenant Commander Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Maryland Posts: 626	That's pretty cool! I'm tempted to try (although I have no gift of putting things together)... __________________ kevs

11-20-2004, 12:06 PM	#3
Bires Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 5,064	Overheads make a pile of noise. I'm surprised they didn't replace the stock overhead fan. Neat idea, I guess, if you have a space LCD lying around. __________________ Five years...

11-28-2004, 01:15 AM	#7
eSDee Old Skooler Numba 1 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Diego Posts: 10,063	I want to do it also but I need to find a cheap overhead projector. Let me know if you find any. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 3 days ~ Willie Nelson 3 days I dread to see arrive 3 days I hate to be alive 3 days filled with tears and sorrow yesterday today and tomorrow

11-30-2004, 02:32 AM	#9
Showtime Lakers fanatic Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: L.A. ->SoCal<- O.C. Posts: 7,338	Thanks for the article. Not for me, but could be a side project if any of my friends bring it up. -j __________________ NBA REPORT 10-11/ The 3-Peat! 1948 1949 1950 1952 1953 1954 1972 1980 1982 1985 1987 1988 2000 2001 2002 2009 2010 Reigning NBA CHAMPS!

11-27-2004, 07:59 PM	#4
Agent Plissken Commander Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Montgomery Posts: 1,264	I am in the final phases of ordering the parts for my projector: 3m 9800 Projector (6000 lumens) Dell e153fp 15" XGA LCD I need advice what to purchase for the following: I need a TV card for my computer, or an extrernal unit like this:http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...p?EdpNo=108029 what would you guys recommend? I also need an upscaling DVD player with VGA or DVI outputs (for $300) any suggestions?

11-27-2004, 08:13 PM	#5
_=DeltaForce=_ Captain Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Planet Mars Posts: 1,699	agent take pictures and post it...

11-28-2004, 01:11 AM	#6
Agent Plissken Commander Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Montgomery Posts: 1,264	ok, i still gotta get that projector from ebay first.

11-28-2004, 11:30 AM	#8
Agent Plissken Commander Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Montgomery Posts: 1,264	Based on the researd that I did, you need a projector with a minimum lumen rating of 3,500 - 4,000. Otherwise the projector will only be viewable in nearly completely darkened rooms. So far on ebay I have not been able to find any "cheap" projectors with 3,500 lumen + ratings. I am looking at spending around $200+ for a "good" projector. Ill let you know what I ends up costing me once I get it. I have aquired a new e153fp Dell LCD to dissasemble, I will let you know if this is a good choice in the next phase of the project.

12-11-2004, 03:59 PM	#10
Agent Plissken Commander Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Montgomery Posts: 1,264	It is finished and operational!!! 8' of XGA projection goodness! Damn it looks good! My total cost $243. If anyone is considering this project I have some tips for you, PM me before you buy the parts. How do I post pics here?

12-11-2004, 04:09 PM	#11
ski Admiral Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Utah Posts: 5,420	www.littleboyinc.com/uploader and sign up for an account. ray is the guy that runs it upload your pics like you would attach a pic in an email, then copy and paste the code here! I can't wait to see your pics... also, can you put the model number of projector and LCD with the prices (and where you got em) ? __________________ And closer...

12-11-2004, 06:13 PM	#12
Agent Plissken Commander Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Montgomery Posts: 1,264	Ok, I signed up for an account. In the mean time while you are waiting for the pictures: Parts I used: 3M 9700 projector (4,300 lumens) : $180 used on eBay Please note that projectors can be had for around $50, but I wanted a good and bright one. I originally wanted a 3M 9800 (6,000 lumens) but the bidding went much higher and I ended up getting the 9700. I used a Dell e153fp 15" LCD (XGA 1024 x 768). It was fairly straightforward to disassemble. I would look for a 14" LCD if they make any good ones, as the 15" cuts off a small area on the left and right side, and clips all 4 corners. This does not affect movie playback at all, (since movies are widescreen) but it is noticible in windows. I was able to play half-life 2 in larger than life glory with no problem though. Other required equipment: Small philips head screwdriver Spare computer fan electrical tape Ill post pics as soon as they approve my account to upload the pics.

12-15-2004, 06:11 PM	#13
Agent Plissken Commander Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Montgomery Posts: 1,264	Got Pictures uploaded! Check these out, im sure I will be getting a LOT more requests for help building them after you see the images. Also if anyone wants my girlfriends lazy cat (see below), let me know, it is my nemesis. Relentless in its swatting of the mouse cursor on my wall, I grow weary of it. (For image size reference, I have included a beer bottle (hard to see, its dark), a cat, and me... Images are taken from Star Wars IV Divx, Shrek 2 DVD, and a random picture of my cat (not a projection image)) Also note that these images are projected on my plaster wall, not a projector screen. Last edited by Agent Plissken : 12-15-2004 at 06:18 PM.

12-15-2004, 06:17 PM	#14
Agent Plissken Commander Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Montgomery Posts: 1,264	If you keep this thread bumped I am happy to try to answer any questions about: a. good parts b. places to find them c. LCD dissasembly d. Projector assembly hopefully other people can share their results too.

12-15-2004, 06:25 PM	#15
kimchicowboy Admiral Join Date: May 2000 Location: in the middle of the pacific ocean Posts: 5,344	i just wanna see the cat swatting the mouse on the wall. hahah looks great! __________________ "I pick my nose too but never eat it." - bachviet, 3/30/04 if anyone wants to go scuba diving in oahu or wants to learn who to scuba dive in oahu, PM me.

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12-15-2004, 07:14 PM	#16
blueindian Vice Admiral Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: down in the ghetto Posts: 4,142	is it loud? __________________ yeah, pretty much we missed the boat on that one. but it's still here. get you some.

12-15-2004, 07:22 PM	#17
Agent Plissken Commander Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Montgomery Posts: 1,264	"Is it loud" Do you mean is the projector loud with its fans? No. It has 2 fans cooling it (one for TFT screen, and 1 for bulb) but they are quiet. You cant hear it at all during movie pack. Of course the built in projector fan will vary per projector I assume.

12-15-2004, 07:31 PM	#18
cheapchinese I love free! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: LA, California Posts: 2,998	oh...i'm so tempted now.. god.. dang. it. i feel like a geek

12-15-2004, 07:35 PM	#19
Agent Plissken Commander Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Montgomery Posts: 1,264	Does it make you a geek to save $2,000 on an xga projector?

12-15-2004, 08:08 PM	#20
irwin Vice Admiral Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: ohi Posts: 4,525	Can you take a pic of the projector?

12-16-2004, 05:26 AM	#22
Agent Plissken Commander Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Montgomery Posts: 1,264	It would be difficult, you would need a power supply and controller card for a laptop tft.

12-17-2004, 08:53 AM	#26
mcs328 Admiral Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Maryland Posts: 6,578	That is so schweet!!! __________________

12-17-2004, 05:13 PM	#28
Agent Plissken Commander Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Montgomery Posts: 1,264	Here it is.

12-17-2004, 08:54 PM	#29
_=DeltaForce=_ Captain Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Planet Mars Posts: 1,699	How did you connect the Computer Fans??

12-17-2004, 09:14 PM	#30
Agent Plissken Commander Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Montgomery Posts: 1,264	This particular model projector had a clip that holds the arm down when it is folded down. I snapped the fan into that.

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