How to Make a Movie Projector

With LCDs and flat-screen TVs becoming more and more prevalent, the notion of an old-fashioned movie project is increasingly obsolete. But at the same time, movies can now be downloaded onto smaller and smaller devices such as iPods and other mp3 players. There is a simple way to combine those two elements: to create a movie projector utilizing a very small screen, but blowing the image up to the size of a regular TV.

Things You'll Need

• iPod or movie-capable mp3 player
• Lens and tube from a slide projector
• Make-up mirror the same size as your iPod screen
• Black electrical tape
• Hot glue gun
• Sturdy cardboard
• Scissors or knife

Instructions

1. Measure a length of cardboard long enough to hold a slide projector lens tube and your iPod screen, and wide enough to wrap completely around them both in a frame. 16 to 24 inches long and 10 to 15 inches wide is typical.

2. Lay the slide projector lens and tube flat along one corner of the cardboard. The lens itself should stick out over the edge, allowing you to focus it as necessary. Secure it to the cardboard with hot glue.

3. Place a make-up mirror on the cardboard directly behind the lens and tube. Position the mirror so that it faces the tube at a 45-degree angle from the cardboard. Secure it in place with hot glue.

4. Box the lens tube and mirror together by folding the cardboard into walls and wrapping it around the two objects. Do not seal it yet. You will need to take some measurements first.

5. Determine the spot on the "boxed" cardboard directly above the mirror. Unroll the box and cut a window in that spot large enough to fit your iPod screen.

6. Fit the cardboard back into a box and seal it shut with black electrical tape. The tape will keep light from escaping the box.

7. Set up a movie on your iPod and set the screen brightness to maximum.

8. Fit the iPod into place over the hole you have created and secure it with electrical tape. Don't use too much tape if you want to remove the iPod and use it for other things.

9. Point the lens at a blank white wall and adjust the focus until the image becomes clear. Depending upon your iPod, you should be able to get an image of 8 to 14 diagonal inches.

Tips & Warnings

• High brightness on the iPod will drain its battery quickly. Always charge it up before attempting to use it in your projector and let it recharge immediately after you are done.