How to Build an Overhead Projector
Building an overhead projector only takes a couple of materials and a little time. LCD projectors are increasingly becoming popular. The thing is that they are also very expensive. This article shows you how to make a LCD overhead projector. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Overhead projector
- LCD Monitor
- FFC Cable
- UV & IR Filter
- Gaffer Tape
- Screwdriver
- Solder Iron
- Iron Saw
- Glue
- Wood
Instructions
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1
Measure the dimensions of the overhead projector. Before finding the LCD monitor, you will need to know what size will fit on the projector. The width of the projector needs to match the length of the monitor.
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2
Find the correctly-sized monitor and remove it from the source. The first thing you need to do is disconnect the power. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes to ensure proper safety measures. There should be 4 screws that connect the base; remove them. Remove any additional screws from the monitor. Split the monitor from the back by running some type of plastic tool around the edges of it. Using extreme caution, lift the back of the monitor and sit it to the side.
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3
With a screwdriver, remove the back plate of the monitor with the circuit boards attached to it. Remove the circuits and connectors.
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4
Continue to remove the remaining parts so that only the glass screen is left. The LCD diffuser and back lights needs to be removed at this point. There will be screws attaching these components, so just unscrew them to remove them. The only parts that you need to be worried about is the thin glass screen and the circuits that are connected to it.
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5
Make the LVDS cables longer. LVDS cables are the cables that connect the monitor to the circuit board and will ensure that the monitor works properly. These are the cables that you disconnected from the monitor that ran across the monitor. Obviously they will be in the way of the projector, so you need to make them longer by .5mm. Use FFC cables and the solder gun to extent these cables. Now connect all the connectors to the circuit board of the monitor. Be careful with this step and take your time. It is not hard, it just requires your full attention when working with wiring.
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6
Make a frame for the LCD screen with the wood. Just measure out the wood and attach it to the LCD screen with the Gaffer tape.
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7
Mount the monitor to the projector. Use some type of foam or other material to separate the monitor from the projector glass. Do not place the monitor directly on the glass because it will overheat and damage the LCD.
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8
Mount the LCD circuits to the projector. The LVDS cables that you extended needs to be connected to the main LVDS cable on the LCD panel at this point.
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9
Fire up the projector and see if it works.
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Tips & Warnings
Go to a surplus sale, garage sale or thrift store to find a cheap, old projector.
You can use the LCD from a television, computer monitor, PSP or any other device with this project.
If you want to ensure proper cooling for the LCD monitor, mount a fan to the projector.
Use the UV & IR filter to prevent the screen from turning yellow.
To improve the light relection, add a little aluminum foil to the projector screen.
Be careful removing the glass LCD screen because it is very fragile.
Do not sit the LCD directly on top of the projector because it will overheat.
As with working with any kind of tools, wear protective gear.
