I just found out about the Lumen Lab site a couple of weeks ago and decided I would like to try to build a projector.
I have a few questions, that are probably answered elsewhere in the forum I just haven't found them.
1) I see several of the projectors in the Project Gallery that have glass protecting the Fresnel lenses and the LCD display. Is this necessary and or recommended?
It doesn't show that in the Guide plans.
2) I purchased a lot of 4 Dell monitors off of ebay, not sure of the model numbers yet. Should I wait to start construction of the box until after I receive the monitors and try to strip them?
3) When constructing the box is it better to make it an inch or two longer than in the plans?
4) Is it best to start at the end with the triplet lens and start taking measurements from their to determine location of components inside the box?
5) I orded the S15 Lens kit, the 1022 light kit, and the 1011UV filter from the LL store. Other than the tempered glass and the fan, is there anything else I should be thinking about getting?
6) I don't have any type of video out on my computer, I see several posts on the N6 device, is it okay to use other viewsonic devices if I don't really need the TV tuner portion of the N5?
I think that should about do it for now, I am sure after I get all the parts and start assembling I will have even more questions.
Thanks
Al_E
Full Version: Just getting started and have a few questions?
1) The glass is very important and is in the plans. It will stop the monitor from over heating and stop the fresnel from warping.
2) might be a good idea just incase you need to go a little larger
3)My box was a little tight. I ended up mounting the light ballast, ignitor and cap outside the box. But that will also keep the heat from shortening there life.
4) I measured from the triplet. I have not mounted the fresnel yet if this is wrong someone please stop me.
5)Sounds like you got it all. Maybe some black paint so you can paint the front of the box from the front fresnel forward. Oh yeah, some sort of mixing bowl to mount behind the light to reflect light.
6)go with the TvBox9 from what I have read it is a favorite.
AND READ READ READ it will help
2) might be a good idea just incase you need to go a little larger
3)My box was a little tight. I ended up mounting the light ballast, ignitor and cap outside the box. But that will also keep the heat from shortening there life.
4) I measured from the triplet. I have not mounted the fresnel yet if this is wrong someone please stop me.
5)Sounds like you got it all. Maybe some black paint so you can paint the front of the box from the front fresnel forward. Oh yeah, some sort of mixing bowl to mount behind the light to reflect light.
6)go with the TvBox9 from what I have read it is a favorite.
AND READ READ READ it will help
1) The less glass used the better. http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1757
However, don't let this scare you from adding a piece of glass to support your field fresnel if you deem it necessary. Personally my plan is to use two pieces of glass, one to support each fresnel to prevent bowing. Many people have had good results with only one piece of glass and a bare field fresnel.
2) I would wait to see what the monitors are like before building my box. This will give you some time to read and learn a little more before proceeding. You may need to frame your LCD with something to give you extra width/height for a keystoning device or for some other reason.
3) The lengths in the plans are correct optically. I would draw a plan starting with the optical dimensions and design around that, making sure I had enough room for a reflector and any other stuff I might want to add. If you're not into making your own design, you can always go off of Rorshach's Simple Projector Plans You will have some room for error in length because you can build a sliding focus box for the triplet.
4) Its best to start at the bulb/reflector and work your way foreward, because of the sliding focus box that you will be able to use to compensate for error. Don't cut your cooling slot in the top until you have settled on component placement.
5) If you bought a 12V fan you will need a power supply. You will need a 6-10A slo-blo fuse and holder, switch(es): get two switches if you plan to go simple (SPST or DPDT) will work, If you want to add a thermostat to shut off your fan you could get away with a single DPDT with the fan bridged across one pole.http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2965 You will want to have some kind of thermometer on hand to test your cooling slot/panel temp. You will probably need some aluminum flashing sheet available at HD or Lowes. Maybe a wiring terminal or three if you want to make your wiring neater. The list will probably grow as you learn more and think of features you want in your box. See Keystoning.
6) It is recommended that you get a scaler box with component inputs for an optimum picture because any lack of quality in picture will be multiplied when projected large on the wall.Video Scalers
Good Luck with your projector. Have fun.
However, don't let this scare you from adding a piece of glass to support your field fresnel if you deem it necessary. Personally my plan is to use two pieces of glass, one to support each fresnel to prevent bowing. Many people have had good results with only one piece of glass and a bare field fresnel.
2) I would wait to see what the monitors are like before building my box. This will give you some time to read and learn a little more before proceeding. You may need to frame your LCD with something to give you extra width/height for a keystoning device or for some other reason.
3) The lengths in the plans are correct optically. I would draw a plan starting with the optical dimensions and design around that, making sure I had enough room for a reflector and any other stuff I might want to add. If you're not into making your own design, you can always go off of Rorshach's Simple Projector Plans You will have some room for error in length because you can build a sliding focus box for the triplet.
4) Its best to start at the bulb/reflector and work your way foreward, because of the sliding focus box that you will be able to use to compensate for error. Don't cut your cooling slot in the top until you have settled on component placement.
5) If you bought a 12V fan you will need a power supply. You will need a 6-10A slo-blo fuse and holder, switch(es): get two switches if you plan to go simple (SPST or DPDT) will work, If you want to add a thermostat to shut off your fan you could get away with a single DPDT with the fan bridged across one pole.http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=2965 You will want to have some kind of thermometer on hand to test your cooling slot/panel temp. You will probably need some aluminum flashing sheet available at HD or Lowes. Maybe a wiring terminal or three if you want to make your wiring neater. The list will probably grow as you learn more and think of features you want in your box. See Keystoning.
6) It is recommended that you get a scaler box with component inputs for an optimum picture because any lack of quality in picture will be multiplied when projected large on the wall.Video Scalers
Good Luck with your projector. Have fun.
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