So, I was being shown this clip from Tom's Hardware (I am sure you know the one) about them creating a "DIY PC Projector." It looked simple and easy enough, but I wanted something with a little better quality, and lo-n-behold I stumbled upon LumenLabs' website. Thank God.

The intended purpose for this build is to make a decent projector for my upstairs "Game Room" which is roughly 11'x18.5', perhaps bigger, my memory is horrible. The projector will be hooked up to a "media" PC for playing the TV, DVDs, and whatever games happen to be loaded on it.

So, being the frugal (read as: poor) fellow that I am, I am doing some research into the components needed, and where to get them from. My Excell Spreadsheet looks something like this:

Item Cost Location
Monitor $??? ??????
Ballast, 400W, MH $44.00 1000 Bulbs
Tempered Glass 1/8" ? Lowes
Spherical Reflector $14.99 Lumen Labs
Lenses Kit $64.98 Lumem Labs
Lumber $15.00 Lowes
400W MH Bulb $16.00 1000 Bulbs
Aluminum Flashing $6.95 Lowes
High Heat Paint Free Garage Shelf
HID Mogul Socket $5.11 1000 Bulbs

Total:

As you can see, I have done a little research, albiet perhaps not enough. The monitor is an issue, I would like to goto a 17" monitor; however, the price of the lenses prohibits this. So I will be checking the local ads looking for a good deal. Granted, I do not remember actually seeing a 15" monitor for sale the the past few years.

The best part about buying wood from a local hardware store is, if you give them the dimensions, they cut it for you and this is normally done for free. This saves me from having to get enraged over the fact my tablesaw is not really square, even when using "the guide." Craftsman piece of junk! I digress.

If anyone thinks I am missing something, or would like to give some adivce, I am all ears.

Quick question on glass: under some of the other PLOGs, I have noticed people using Lexan, which I thought was more plastic than glass. Are people using it instead of tempered glass with the same results?

Ciao,
Mickey

sounds good, but I have a few suggestions.

tempered glass does not block UV rays, which can damage your LCD panel over time. X10 Lexan has inherent UV blocking, but it cannot be placed too close to the bulb since it can melt. Its polycarbonate, not glass, but blocks plenty of heat.

As for having lowes cut your wood, I don't think thats such a good idea. I guarantee the cuts will not be precise and you will end up having to make adjustments.. and god forbid they cut one piece too small then youre really out of luck! So unles you watch with an eagle eye you might be dissapointed.

My lowes is pretty good with Wood, I've been to their cutting area and used it before-- they seem on top of things (most of the time). 'Suppose I can goto the lumberyard up the street and get a little better quality for a higher price.

As far as the Lexan goes, I'm going to assume this is redily avaliable. I would also have to assume that the distance from bulb to Lexan would be proportinate to the amount of cooling inside the box? Or is there a more or less standard distance?

Lexan is available at Home Depot in various sizes. I imagine Lowes carries it as well. Everyone mounts it close to the rear fresnel. Some people actually mount it directly against the rear fresnel to help prevent fresnel from bowing. It can survie temps in excess of 300*F, but if you were to place it very close to the bulb, it would see even higher temps. Being close to rear fresnel will put it 6-8 inches away from the lamp which is plenty of room.