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I set out to make an image projector that could be made from bits and pieces laid around the home.It allows you to draw (or print) images/text on transparency sheets and have them projected onto a wall/ceiling/whatever.
You can project as big or small as you like. For a bigger projection, move the projector away from the wall. Bare in mind that the further away you are, the fainter the image will be. Projecting onto shiny surfaces doesn't work so well, if you're not projecting too big then you can just stick a large piece of paper onto the wall and project onto that.
What you need (this isn't an exact science, you can swap bits out with whatever you have laying around:
20" length of 2x2
A magnifying glass (or camera lens, fresnel lens, magnifying sheet, anything that magnifies really)
A torch or bulb with minimal fittings
Sticky back velcro
Rubber bands
The design might seem stupidly simple, and it is. But it didn't start there. It was originally more complex and I kept cutting back at it until it could literally be made by anyone with anything laying around the house.
The images on this intro show the finished project. It's projecting a hand drawn image of Mario.
You can project as big or small as you like. For a bigger projection, move the projector away from the wall. Bare in mind that the further away you are, the fainter the image will be. Projecting onto shiny surfaces doesn't work so well, if you're not projecting too big then you can just stick a large piece of paper onto the wall and project onto that.
What you need (this isn't an exact science, you can swap bits out with whatever you have laying around:
20" length of 2x2
A magnifying glass (or camera lens, fresnel lens, magnifying sheet, anything that magnifies really)
A torch or bulb with minimal fittings
Sticky back velcro
Rubber bands
The design might seem stupidly simple, and it is. But it didn't start there. It was originally more complex and I kept cutting back at it until it could literally be made by anyone with anything laying around the house.
The images on this intro show the finished project. It's projecting a hand drawn image of Mario.
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Signing UpStep 1Test and measure
Start by drawing something small and simple on your transparency sheet. Turn on your light source and point it at your magnifier which should be placed about 14" away. The magnifying glass should be facing a white wall about 20" away. Now move your transparency sheet between the light source and the magnifier. You should see it projected onto the wall! Move things around until everything's in focus and take a rough mental note of the distances between each item.
I tested with a macro camera lens, a canon 33mm DSLR lens and a magnifying glass, All worked perfectly fine. I also tested with a few different bulb types. I settled with a Philips spot light style bulb since it focuses the light in one direction.
I tested with a macro camera lens, a canon 33mm DSLR lens and a magnifying glass, All worked perfectly fine. I also tested with a few different bulb types. I settled with a Philips spot light style bulb since it focuses the light in one direction.
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Our projects are very similar. Although you use a stock Ikea light, the principle is the same.
I actually intend to switch from the light bulb to the LED torch and add an enclosure. This should be done tomorrow I imagine.
I'm off to Japan in a few days so the wheel will have to wait until I get back since it's going to be a bit trickier. I'd also like to print the animations for that rather than draw.
Good luck :)