I love projectors, the ability to watch a video on your wall is really the best thing in the world. Well I want to make a projector but instead of shell out a ton of cash I plan on making one from an overhead projector and a cheap lcd.

This video is what inspired me to do so.


Now I have an LCD lying around and tomorrow I should be getting the projector. I have been lurking the lumenlab forums for a while and Im drawing up some plans for the case. I want this projector to be as quiet as possible. The problem as always is heat. The heat from the lamp will kill the lcd if there is no airflow. I need some help getting as much air to the lcd without being as loud as my server.

I took these badboys out of a rackmount server while I was at my co-op. Im not sure what speed they are but it says DC12v 4.5W, DC Centaur model CNDC12x4P-974


As for the screen for the projector I plan on using white tile board. I can get an 8' x 4' piece at my local plywood shop for $8 a piece. I have a 4x4 piece on my wall that Im using as a white board currently.


Let me know what you think of this project. All input is welcome!

Don't expect high quality, but still, you get a projector out of it.

I think I'd find out what the long term effects of the heat are on the LCD screen is first before you tear it apart. I'd leave at least 1/2 inch clearance between the screen and the projector, too.

Yeah I dont expect HD quality. I plan on making a custom plexi case to get the most airflow to the lcd. This will be a learning experience though. If the lcd dies then that is fine, Im no pro.

I just thought of another idea. Why not look into mounting the projector upside down? Remove the projector from the casing to give it more airflow.

You'll still get heat just simply from the lightbulb, but it won't be as much I don't think so.

You know.. I have seen this many times in the past.. never done it...

Read this post.. Remembered we had a 17" LCD with dead cathodes and bad cathode inverter board... approx 5 minutes later and its down to a bare screen hooked up to one of my PC's

Now..... What to do with it

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Quote: Originally Posted by post_break Yeah I dont expect HD quality. I plan on making a custom plexi case to get the most airflow to the lcd. This will be a learning experience though. If the lcd dies then that is fine, Im no pro.

if you don't mind it beeing bigger get one of the big 260mm fans and make a duct for it so it focuses all its fresh breze on the lcd. this is awsome allot cheaper then the 1080p projector im buying.

You can bet Ill probably need some wiring help twizted haha. Are you planning on doing the same thing I take it?

not sure... I have a few ideas rolling around

Sweet, i've been seeing these things for the last year or so and thought it was awesome and i think lcd's are cheap enough now to do this. For cooling i'd use a few of these puppy's ANTEC CYCLONE BLOWER - EXHAUST FAN FITS INTO ANY PC EXPANSION SLOT

Here's a written tut on it, I like this guys "boot" idea to block out other light and interferences .
DIY Projector on the Cheap - Instructables

I would like to build a projector for tv and comp etc for now but i'd also like to use it for a interactive display Interactive Multitouch Display - Instructables
That will be next summers project i think.

It would be nice to have some pcapex members try this. I'm sure it will be innovative.

A better multitouch

Quote: Originally Posted by post_break A better multitouch

Nope just a cheaper multitouch.

I'm looking to use it like my drafting table, that way i can use conventional drafting w/ a stylus when i want w/ out having to redo it on the pc in a program. My design is still in the works but i think i will use a arm off a drafting table for the ruler etc. and have plexi under it to provide a movable straight edge that "hovers" the touch tab. still in design like i said.

Also i'm thinking of trying a compact fluorescent bulb instead of the regular one. It puts out more light, less energy, less heat.

Comparison between the two. 85 Watt Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs - BLF-85-WATT-COMPACT-FLUORESCENT

FHS Bulb


If two were used one on each side i wonder if it would make the picture even clearer? Maybe pay $10 extra and get some dimable one's and wire in a regular dimmer so they can be tweaked?

if you use an HD res panel you will get an HD image. the problem with DIY projectors is that they aren't very bright and are huge. if you don't go for a res higher than XGA you might as well buy a cheap projector that is easily portable, brighter and has many inputs.

i built one but now ive been useing a DLP projector that is on loan. its a lower res than the diy projector but its way brighter and easily focused and wayy smaller.

you will run into the issues with dim image, trouble focusing, contrast dependent on the LCD, its big and placement can be tricky since you have limited lens shift.
but it can be cheaper, the bulbs are usually $80 instead of $400 and you get to put it together

here is mine without an enclosure and a screenshot before polarizer replacement. i'm planning on selling off the parts and buying my own commercial projector. it's really rewarding if you can dedicate it to a controlled light room and like building stuff.

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Well Im one step closer. I just need a broken 15" monitor to slap on this bad boy.

I got a free 15" monitor today. Ill get some pics up tonight. It has some odd distortion hopefully someone here can help me fix. Looking forward to tearing it apart after work!

The distortion is like random wavy lines that flow up and down the screen, any ideas?

Well I got the monitor completely disassembled and cut myself while doing so. The wound looks almost fake haha.

Well the monitor worked before I took it apart and now it only shows lines. Im pissed. Looks like this project is halted for a while.