DIY LCD Projector!

[133MHz]

This is a project I've wanted to do for a long time, but the lack of a suitable LCD monitor was putting me back. Finally did it!
I've built myself a video projector supporting 1024x768 resolution. Here's how I did it in simple terms:



In essence, you strip an LCD monitor, remove the backlight and leave the bare translucent screen, then you put this screen on top of a common overhead projector and voila! Instant LCD projector! (well you also need to improvise some cooling system for the LCD panel, otherwise the heat from the projector would damage it. I used two computer case fans rigged to a 12 volt wall wart).

The projector I used is a Liesegang Halogen 250 (US$80), and the monitor is a ViewSonic VPA150 14 inch LCD ($70), so the total cost of this project not counting stuff like fans and tape comes to US$150, and the image quality is comparable to $1000+ commercial offerings (you just don't get a small, stylish portable case). Also overhead projector bulbs are pretty cheap and last quite a long time in comparison with commercial projector bulbs.

Pretty Picture Time! (click to see bigger)



And now, the moment of truth:

Notice strategically placed 14 inch CRT monitor for size comparison


Notice strategically placed 133MHz for size comparison .

Projected image size is about 2.50m x 2.10m (that's about 8 x 7 feet for the metrically-impaired). Looks really bright and detailed on a darkened room. I've been using the hell out of it the past few days inviting friends over to watch movies and play video games, and I'm pretty satisfied with the results

Since the monitor only has a VGA input, I'm looking for a VGA box to plug my consoles into it without having to use my computer & capture card.

[manuel]

Can I come over, too? 

It's always astounding to see what people 133MHz can do with stuff. 

[NintendoKing]

Whoa! That is so insanely awesome, I have honestly never seen a project like that. It looks retro-ish and neat.

I wish I had the time to build something like that, its so ultimate.

[JC]

You make it sound so easy; seems like the tough part for a noob is the fans. I know if I started on something like this, it would change from being a project to being an event. Nevertheless, it's so tempting to try, with how nice it looks.

[manuel]

Even if I wanted to try I wouldn't know where to buy an overhead projector.  Never seen one of those outside of school.

[133MHz]

You make it sound so easy; seems like the tough part for a noob is the fans. I know if I started on something like this, it would change from being a project to being an event. Nevertheless, it's so tempting to try, with how nice it looks.

Well actually you have to be REALLY careful when disassembling the LCD monitor, the bare screen is very fragile, and the flex cables which connect everything together are very delicate too. You don't really need to know anything about electronics to do this, you just need to carefully disassemble the screen: don't force anything, take notes about how the various connectors plug together and stuff, steady hands, ample and well lit workplace, lots of patience, etc. I should have worn gloves when taking out the screen to avoid getting my fingerprints all over it. (I cleaned it later with some distilled water).

If the fan thing is complicated to you, you could always use a small desk fan blowing directly at the screen. You'd just have to make sure there's no way that the screen is out of cooling since it will get damaged pretty quickly, like plugging the projector, monitor and fan into a power strip and using its switch to turn everything on and off.

Even if I wanted to try I wouldn't know where to buy an overhead projector.  Never seen one of those outside of school.

I got mine from a guy who sells used stuff, but I've seen several pop up on the local eBay .

[manuel]

In the meantime I checked some online places (Japan), and they don't sell super cheap projectors. All very expensive. Maybe I should look for one in a Hard-Off (very cool store).

[133MHz]

That's weird. Here new overhead projectors are $100-150 tops, since schools are phasing them out for the newer, smaller video projectors.

[manuel]

Maybe I just haven't looked in the right places yet.

[FamicomFreak]

Looks pretty awesome!!! Man that's one awesome projector....I want to hang out with you more than ever now!

[son_ov_hades]

Whoa do want.

[nurd]

That's weird. Here new overhead projectors are $100-150 tops, since schools are phasing them out for the newer, smaller video projectors.

My dad was buying some overhead projectors from the university a year or two ago.

They were like a dollar, I think.


Still, it's really cool. I would have thought that the light going through it would have made the colors dull.

[manuel]

I also want one for a dollar.

Universities really tend to take losses on stuff...

[JC]

Gosh, public schools around here throw them out. I remember seeing a heap of them last summer. If only I had known...

[nurd]

I also want one for a dollar.

Universities really tend to take losses on stuff...

I know!


20 Dollars for a computer you can clean, reload, and sell for 150 xD