Hey everyone, i thought I should start a thread about my PJ since I haven't yet. I wish I would have been keeping better tabs/notes on my build, but I haven't. I'm actually practically done for the most part. There are just a few things left that I need to do. Things such as get the field fresnel lens and put on the top/lid permanently, other than those it's practically done. In fact it works as it is. However I'm having some issues with brightness. It's fairly bright at the center and then around the edges it gets quite a bit darker. In this first image take note that the shutter speed was set REALLY slow in order to gather light. The image is from 007 Quantum of Solace. The next few pictures are just a couple to show a little bit of the build and also to show the lighting problem I'm having. I'm thinking it's either because I dont have the field fresnel, or something to do with my reflector location, I would greatly appreciate your guys' input

EDIT: Quasi-mojo suggested I make a parts list, so here it is (These are things I HAVE):

• LL Pro Reflector
• LL S15 220mm fresnel
• 400w Ballast (not from LL, but I wont advertise another site)
• 400w MH Lamp (again, not from LL)
• Mogul Base
• LL standard projection lens
• Gateway FPD1530 LCD
• Fan (that runs on AC power that my dad had....it's 300 CFM)
• LL Power Entry Module
• 2 rocker switches for power (Dual Interlock schematic)
• Screen is made from a nice thick fabric @ walmart that was only like $5 a yard, it works well (not blackout fabric)

These are things I NEED:

• Field Fresnel Lens (LL is out of stock and I'm just waiting for them to get it in stock...hopefully not too much longer though)

.

This next pic was taken on the "auto" setting on my camera...very very bad lighting, only shows up in the center


In comparison this picture was taken with slow shutter speed (in the exact same spot)


Here are other pictures of the inside and whatnot, what do you all think?












More pics







More (couldn't post as image since it owuldnt let me, so they are posted as lnks)

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc162/f..._2266resize.jpg

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc162/f..._2268resize.jpg

Try moving your reflector within about 1-2 mm of lamp, that may help. After that, adjust lamp/reflector distance to rear fresnel. Sort of trial and error in stages. Recommend placing flashing on wood mount for reflector to prevent scorching. Like design where electronics are part of the 'false bottom'. BTW, where is front fresnel? Is it removed from the pictures?

It would be helpful if you had a parts list in your first post.
You need both fresnels in order to project an image correctly. Why do we need 2 Fresnels?
You can only link to 10 pictures per post. If you have more than that, start another post.

Nice job, so far!

The wood holder for the reflector is temporary for now, my dad and I are going to rig something else up, something possibly made of metal. Thank you for the compliment on the false bottom, I really wanted my PJ to look clean and so I mounted the ballast and electronics underneath. The front fresnel is non-existant right now. LL is out of stock. I would like to order from them, but if I have to wait alot longer I may have to order the 330mm from 3dlens and cut it to size (sorry LL)




Roger that, edited post for a parts list.
I figured the front fresnel was a big reason why the picture was really dark. Like I said to Bevo77 though, I haven't been able to order it. The picture isn't TOO horrible considering the field is missing, but it does need to be brighter for better enjoyment lol.

Oh, another question I was going to as is this: Does the field fresnel have to be attached to the focusing mechanism? That way they stay the same distance apart and you never "focus on infinity" when you move the focusing box? If that doesn't make sense as to what Im asking let me know and i'll either try and explain another way, or illustrate it

Short answer, no. You should mount your triplet right at the distance where the image is clear. The focusing mechanism should move 1/2 inch max each way to dial in the sharpness. When you get your front fresnel, hinge it on the top (per the guide) if you're going to have any tilt up or down of the PJ to the screen.

The reflector mount you have sort of serves as a block to the light. If you fashion some metal holder for the reflector, fabricate a simple sheet metal shield around the fan to block the light from escaping out the back. Make sure there's about 1-1/2 inch clearance around the fan so air flows freely. It really makes a difference when you block all light from the pj (except the triplet, of course).

Got my front fresnel lens yesterday from 3dlens and cut it down to size. Pics of the new projection will be added later. It's amazing just how much that lens helped!!! WOW!

lol, you were actually getting a decent image considering you had no field fresnel, if i remove mine 90% of the image disappears

whats the size of your lcd?

have a good one

Yea, I could actually watch a movie and have it semi-enjoyable. It may be due to the fact that when I was only operating on one fresnel lens I had it backwards (purposely).

My LCD is ~15 inches diagonal

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Still working on getting those pics up. I tend to procrastinate uploading pictures on my slow internet connection. DSL is coming soon though! in a week woohoo!!

So I have some videos of it working properly now. It's still dark but thats cause of the cam I think. The picture is fine in person, but thru the cam it sucks (recording with digital cam and not a video cam)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRbgGATUvd0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNXedSKhb3s

Congrats on the build!

As most people find out, the camera doesn't do the projector justice.
Now get busy on your second build.