Hey there, I've pretty much got all of the parts needed for my 17" Dell 1702FP Projector, and I'd like to start building the box, I just really don't know where to start, I heard that 18" wide 15" Tall and about 3Feet long is good.

But what about the distance from the light to the fresnel, and the spaces between the fresnel and the LCD and the other fresnel, you guys have been an absolute tremendous help so far!

Well the fresnel is 220mm which means that it focuses on a point 220mm away. 220/25 mm/inch = 8.8 inches, most people sem to find better performance 1/2 inch closer so 8.3 inches light center to frsnel. 0.75" to LCD, 0.5 inch to forward fresnel. Your DIYPC triplet has a FL of 450mm so place rear of triplet 450mm from LCD. Done.
Here are the simple plans (your triplet is different so distance increases)

do 'simple plans' work with the standard lens kit???/

The simple plans are for the standard lens yes

so a box about 30 inches long should be sufficiant? that's not too bad, I'm going to make everything as adjustable as I can.

I'll be using the Threaded pole Method, It seems fairly easy to do, and nice and adjustable for along w/ quick release

Wll I'd give at least 4 inches for bulb and reflector 8.5 for lamp to fresnel 1.25 for frenel, LCD, frensel +18 for450mm triplet plus 4 for triplet, assuming you want an outside dimension another 1.25 for wood

4+8.5+1.25+ 18 +4 + 1.25 = 37 inches

But please measure your own components I don't know how you want top mount things, its called DIY for a reason.

hmm, well I had my box made and its 31" Long with 15" tall I got it made from home depot for 30 bucks (didn't charge me for cuts)

It really is a very very nice box

if you are using the standard lens than 30" will be fine for box length, as far as width and height of the box you need to consider what is going inside. you say you have a 17" panel , which bulb do you have keeping in mind the suprise change from the manufactuer of the S400DD. best thing is to make your "sled" and work your way from there. gather all your components, lay them out, measure, study the forums, plan and plan again, than go for it. dont rush the build, many problems arise from not taking your time.

He is using the 135mm long throw from DIYPC (450mm FL)

lol yes yes it is a very long lense

Ok, 30" is too short for the 135mm lens in a straight thru config, have you considered a horizontal folded enclosure like the DIY beamer baby? do a search for it you will see what I mean.

Hmm, I guess I really don't have a choice about doing a folded design.


I guess I can't really complain It'll be laying sideways instead of longways, so less people will hit it lol.

I'll start reading on the beamer baby right now, I hope people learn from my mistakes


Alrighty, Found Out I can do the Folded Design w/ my 17 Inch, it's probably all better in the long run I would guess, I'll start measuring everything out and try to post some pics asap.