Learn how to make a projector from a Recycled Shoe Box to display images or videos from your smartphone to a screen or wall. Powered by phone battery or power supply.

This project is so easy and you will be so happy that you decided to make it.

Fast
Easy
Cheap
PORTABLE!

YADI

Yet Another Dis Instructable! The creativity never ends.

Step 1: Supplies and Tools

Not much is needed to make this DIY projector and supplies should cost you around 5 dollars. Hopefully, you will have most of this stuff lying around your house. If not, you can find most of it at your local dollar store or big box store.

SHOEBOX
MAGNIFYING GLASS
ELECTRICAL OR BLACK DUCT TAPE
SMARTPHONE
PHONE POWER SUPPLY and CORD
BLOCK OF WOOD FOR SOMETHING HEAVY FOR STAND (OPTIONAL)
BLACK SPRAY PAINT OR BLACK PAPER

Only one tool is needed, that's what makes this so easy.

X-ACTO KNIFE OR SIMILAR CUTTING TOOL.

Step 2: Spray Paint Box Black

Use your shoebox or a box similar in size for your projector. You will want to make your box completely black using spray paint. If you do not have spray paint, you can cover the box with black construction paper.

Step 3: Trace Hole Onto the Box

On your shoebox trace the magnifying glass with a pencil or pen. Also, make it the perfect size to fit the magnifying glass. You do not want any light leaking through.

Step 4: Cut Holes for Glass and Power Supply

Magnifying Glass Hole

Cut out the circle with an X-ACTO knife or something similar. DO NOT cut the hole to big or else your light will leak out.

Power Supply Hole

Next, cut a small hole at the back of your box for your phone's power cord. While you may be able to run your phone with battery power, you will want the option to connect your power supply cable to the phone.

Step 5: Attach Lens

Now that the hole is cut, it is time to place the lens in the box. If your magnifying glass has a handle, remove it. Next, tape around the lens of your magnifying glass. DO NOT tape on the glass part of the lens. Make sure the lens is in secure and no light is leaking through around the edges.

Step 6: Camera Stand

Use a block of wood or anything heavy to hold your phone upright when placed against it. I used a tripod clamp that was laying around the house.

Step 7: Rotate Your Screen

Whenever light passes through a lens, the image gets flipped. The magnifying glass is no different. The image in your projector will appear upside down. You will need to rotate your screen.

Iphone: Settings>General>Accessibility and turn on Assistive Touch. After activating, click on the little white orb and go to Device>Rotate Screen.

Step 8: Focusing

A clear wall works best for viewing pictures or videos. Put your phone in the stand close to the back of the box. You may have to walk forwards or backwards until your picture comes into focus. Next, you can make your picture or video sharper by moving your phone forwards or backwards in the box.

Step 9: Summary

Now you are ready to use your DIY smartphone projector. The best part of this project is that it only cost a couple dollars and is easy to make. You can view pictures, create a slideshow, watch videos or even movies with your new projector. Anyone can make this in an afternoon. This would make a great Birthday or Christmas gift. Don’t forget you can plug in your charger and use the hole in the back of the box for hours of fun!

YADI

Made by DIS Demon

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