The Parts List:
=============
Daewoo L1711MN 17" LCD [PCDirect]
320mm x 400mm, 550mm fl. Front Fresnel [3dlens]
NORPRO Reflector [non-typical] [ebay]
395mm x 395mm, 220mm fl. Rear Fresnel [DIYPC]
135mm LT 450mm fl. Triplet [DIYPC]
S400DD Ultimate Light Kit [LL]
=============

Just received my new panel today from PCDirect. It's a Daewoo L1711MN. Heard from several sources it was DIY friendly needing NO FFC extensions or mods. Heres the specs:
Daewoo International, Model # L1711MN
17" Active matrix TFT
700:1 Contrast
350 cd/m2 Brightness
8ms Response time
.264mm pixel pitch
16.7 million colors
1280x1024 resolution (native)
Analog RGB (VGA), DVI-D
Built-in speakers

Total from PCDirect - $227.99USD - shipped

Note: this monitor will handle 720HD (1280x720) , I've tested it

EDIT: 0 Dead pixels, tested with DBP

It will accept a 1280x720 p signal and center it with black bars?

Neat, the ones ive tried stretch it vertically.

Yes, for 720P it will center and format with black bars.

sounds like a good panel best of luck

Will be in my next projecter then, seems like a hard to find feature these days. Means no more N6 needed .

I got a few quick Q's... I'm not using the 80mm LL lens. I'll be using DIYPC's 135mm long-throw. I need a fresnel with 450mm~ fl. any ideas as to where I can find one right now? The 330/220mm lenses just wont do the image justice. I've sourced 3Dlens but cant find a 450 anywhere.

PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong, don't want to do it twice; here's my planned setup:
S400DD --> 330mm --> 17" LCD --> 450mm --> 135mm LT triplet

Daewoo L1711MN stripped successfully with NO FFC issues, as promised stripping pics will be posted upon request. Single REAL cable from panel to PCBs. Three un-attached edge connectors. Will require VERY careful frame assembly.

Brain add Daewoo L1711MN 17" to COMPATIBLE LIST

The rear fresnel should be a 220mm FL. The shorter FL will capture
more light and allow a slighty shorter enclosure.

The other PJ company has a group buy going for 450mm FL fresnels.

The only other place I know of that sells fresnels in the sizes we need
for PJs is listed below, but haven't heard of anyone actually buying anything
from them. A really good selection and cheap but in China.

http://www.bhlens.com/english/index.asp

I found a similar lens to the DIYPC group buy lens at the site listed in previous post.
Item:
Number:TZ-007
Specification:350*270mm
Focus:450mm
Thickness:1.8mm
Loop Space:0.5mm
Material:PMMA
Purpose:Apparatus

Pricing is $6.70USD + shipping per unit

Any ideas if this will work? I dont believe that it's large enough tho

EDIT: thanx paladin for the link

post the strip photos if you can sir, thanks and good luck

newegg has this monitor for $219 + 12 shipping
Looks like my first PJ will be made using it

I will post a detailed stripping guide later on today with pics

That Fresnel will work great for me (I'm using a 15.4' WS LCD so the size is just right). I tried to order from that site but didn't make it all the way through... has anyone managed to order form them yet?

LCD Panel Dimensions:
342mm x 274mm x 1.3mm

Hard to beleive that they are so low cost. looks big enough. let us know how it goes

NICE lcd and very low cost too! Maybe I rushed in getting my lcd...or maybe I've actually found my next projector lcd? Either way good find! Keep us up to date. Also, don't forget, PICS! PLEASE!

Finally strip guide and pictures as promised

strip cont.

strip contd..

strip contd...

EDIT: if anyone needs further help PM me
Should have removed a total of thirty-two [32] screws

Parts are slowly coming together. I finally decided on my final design, a single-folded for 17" using my minor modifications. Light chamber will be completely closed off from the rest of the box and will be well ventilated using 2x 80mm fans using cross-flow. Need to cut lenses down to size to fit in sled and purchase a FS mirror yet. not sure on the exact size so I'm saving that til later on.

Heres my initial setup idea and enclosure design. Please let me know what you all think and correct any mistakes i may have made, it'll be greatly appreciated.

Rest of my parts are on the way, should be here by Nov. 3rd. I finished my lcd sled today and will post pics soon. Used GE Silicone II to re-glue the screen to the plastic frame since it's heat resistant upto 400F and non conductive, also it is permanently flexible. looking forward to update.

very very nice setup

Yes,very good design.Efficient use of space.I am currently looking at a similar lightpath configuration design myself.
Best of luck.You should be fine!
Cheers P

Looking good. One question though. I found this statement on a review site about the panel--->

Iceman, 10/19/2005 11:30:31 AM

I have had this monitor for about a month now and no dead pixels. But have one complaint. On the description of the monitor, it says the contrast ratio is 700:1, but when I took a look in the manual it says its only a 500:1. Is there some sort of FALSE advertisment in the description? PLUS the way newegg ships monitors, not the greatest. Luckily I got no dead pixs! Thats why I gave it 4 stars, that and the differece in the contrast ratio from the website of 700:1 and in the manual that says contrast ratio of 500:1.

Could you confirm that it is 700:1 from the manual. It sounds like a great deal even if it's 500:1.

Thanks.

Miklopolis,
I don't remember where I read the review about this monitor, but it was independently tested at 748:1
ti

greets all DIYers,
much of my projector is in development. still waiting on my replacement 550 lens. setup seems to work excellent with great picture qualtiy, even using the 135diypc triplet. many pics and updates to come soon. waiting on a new digital camera, mine old one is dead.
ti

i really envy you for having that monitor

could whip up a nice YPbPr VGA pass through box

alas mine stretchs the signal

ti51384: I like the compact idea in your drawings. I'd ask for dimensions which would make it easier for me to understand the angles but what I'm really intrigued about is how you figured where the focal point would be at and to place the triplet at that spot without missing it.
sim

SIMUL8R -- est enclosure dimensions are 30" x 20" x 15". That is just a prototype enclosure. My final box will be ~appx 25x15x15. Got 95% of my rough wiring completed today as well as installing my fans. I used Air filter pre filters as method to reduce light leakage through the 2 120mm fans. works quite well and also just slighty restricts air flow, about 10% which isnt much considering they both run at 85CFM. box stays about 80F in light chamber. will keep all posted.
ti

my first test shot...not focused, improper screen and taken with camera phone. new camera hasnt arrived yet please let me know what you all think. door is open for suggestions.
ti

looks like you need a new camera, or some adjustments >.<

lol

I think your fresnels are in wrong. Make sure the grooved sides are facing the LCD. And try switching them around .

last picture was taken without a refelctor. have one in now. ikea napkin reflector. also i've noticed that placing it in backwards yields better results, more even lighting and no hot spotting. will have new camera by tomorrow im hoping so will take some pics then. no, lenses are both placed correct, all grooves face lcd and im using a 220 rear and 550 front with the 135 and works awesome. excellent brightness and good corner-to-corner focus.
ti

Oops just noticed you're using a 17" with the DIYP 135mm lens. Hence the dark corners.

Post some more pics please.