How to Get Results From an Overhead Projector

Overhead projectors are still one of the most widely used types of technology in meetings and boardrooms. Even with other projection systems available, manufacturers are still upgrading and improving overheads. Here are some ways you can get the best results from your overhead projector.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Getting the Projector That Fits Your Needs

1. Determine who you will be speaking to when you use the overhead projector. Who is your audience? If you're working with children, you will want a more robust machine that has an enclosed lens. Are you working with adults? If so, your projector can have an open lens, which is easier to clean.
2. Decide how you're going to use your overhead projector. If you plan to use color and hi-definition pictures, you will need a different type of lens than if you're only showing black-and-white typed words.
   
   To get the best results with color presentations, choose a overhead projector that has a lumen of 2500 or greater. These lenses are usually double or triple element lenses.
   
   To get the best results in black-and-white, you can use a single element lens that has a lumen between 2000 and 3000.
3. Evaluate the size of the room that you will be working in. An overhead projector that has a flip-up wide angle lens works great in small rooms. This lens creates a large image without needing to be far from the screen.
4. Consider whether you can put your overhead directly in front of the screen. If there's not enough space to put the projector directly in front of the screen, you can opt for a rotating head. This will let you am your image to the right or left so you can put the projector almost anywhere in the room.

Maintaining Your Overhead Projector

5. Keep your lens clean. Use compressed air to blow dust off your lens. Hold the air can about 6 to 8 inches away from the lens.
6. Don't leave the light on when your projector is not being used. Overhead projector lamps have a lifetime of 90 to 30 hours. Black-and-white lamps that have the lowest lumen last the longest. Color and hi-definition lamps last the shortest. You can get the most out of your lamp by not wasting its energy when you do not need it.
7. Cover your overhead projector when you are done. This will keep dust from settling in the lens and the cooling system.

Tips & Warnings

• Use an overhead projector with a Hi/Lo economy switch if you plan on making both color and B&W presentations. This will let you change from high-power color to low-power black and white. It will also reduce the strain on your projector's bulb and give it a longer life.
• Never wipe the lens with a towel or napkin. They might leave fibers stuck to the lens.
• Never blow on the lens with your breath. You could get moisture and bacteria on it.
• Before you cover your overhead projector, unplug it. Then wait at least 30 minutes. This will give it time to cool down and prevent overheating and fires.

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