Author Topic: The What if Machine (Read 4656 times)

edwardvci · « **on:** September 03, 2005, 01:57:05 pm »

Well, Built my first cab and after awhile I wanted to build anotherone and make it better. So this is my progress so far. At the moment it doesn't have a name.

edwardvci · « **Reply #1 on:** September 03, 2005, 01:59:39 pm »

the computer slides into the back in a track for easy PC updates.

Yes my dog is OK in the first pic he is just sleeping

edwardvci · « **Reply #2 on:** September 03, 2005, 02:01:34 pm »

I'm thinking of using this to cover the control panel.

I have black t-molding but unsure about what color to make the cab.

Suggestions

edwardvci · « **Reply #3 on:** September 03, 2005, 02:17:13 pm »

Here is the old one it is now a NBA Jam game for my Church youth group and looks really different now. (inside is NBA jam board, custom harness and rebuilt arcade 19inch monitor.

My new one is a 27 inch color TV that I repaired.

Also picture is my homemade projector projecting the Mame on a 8 foot by 10 foot screen.

edwardvci · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2005, 01:05:10 pm »

Well I am not as far along as I wanted to be. But My Baby Girl came a week Early. 7lbs 21inches born on the 6th My wife went into labor on labor day. But with all this extra time awake I have found a name. Its from the show Futurama. THE What if Machine. Bet you cant guess what my screen saver is. Now I must get this done soon so I can start her out right.

Hopefully I will have some more progress soon.

Sinner · « **Reply #5 on:** September 22, 2005, 01:14:56 pm »

How'd you make the projector??

brained · « **Reply #6 on:** September 22, 2005, 02:58:07 pm »

Quote from: Sinner on September 22, 2005, 01:14:56 pm

How'd you make the projector??

LOL!!
Same question here

BTW, I've found out a couple of sites with DIY's but I want to hear comments from experience

dmsuchy · « **Reply #7 on:** September 22, 2005, 03:10:35 pm »

Congrats on the little girl, and a futurama theme is a great idea.

TheBrokentoken · « **Reply #8 on:** September 25, 2005, 10:29:03 am »

Definite congratulations on the new little one! Our daughter is 5 mos. old, and I'm constantly amazed at her. I wish you the best!

quadmasta · « **Reply #9 on:** September 25, 2005, 12:14:01 pm »

Quote from: Sinner on September 22, 2005, 01:14:56 pm

How'd you make the projector??

I built my projector with a 15" LCD panel, some fresnel lenses, a projection optic, and a metal halide lamp. These pictures are only throwing a 78" diagonal but it can throw up to a 150" diagonal at 1024*768 resolution. First one's blurry because if you pause MAME it dims the screen.

Sinner · « **Reply #10 on:** September 25, 2005, 12:48:10 pm »

Do you have plans or a link where we can dload/buy them???

spocktwin · « **Reply #11 on:** September 25, 2005, 07:11:02 pm »

I have built one also.......games are unbelievable at that size. Look at Lumenlab.com. There is a free project section to look at if you really want to try give me a shout and I can give you some help. But like building you own arcade machine it is highly addictive. My picture is 90" diagonal and is very clear. The site can sell you some basic stuff to get you going lenses etc etc. Just don't fall for the big screen thing on ebay...does not work!!!!
Spock

quadmasta · « **Reply #12 on:** September 26, 2005, 02:19:36 pm »

http://www.lumenlab.com

$20 for the plans (not the great part of the deal) once you buy the plans you have access to MILLIONS of records of info in just about every angle you could attack from.

Silver · « **Reply #13 on:** September 26, 2005, 03:07:29 pm »

Any sites with the info which doesn't cost $20 just to look at?

edwardvci · « **Reply #14 on:** September 26, 2005, 06:17:22 pm »

Thanks, first time I have been able to log on. She seems to keep me busy but its the good kind of busy.

As for the projector
Its worth the $20 for the access to the plans. There are other sites that have FREE plans but they do not compare to LL. Nor are their plans as good.

Time to feed the baby be back later

hyiu · « **Reply #15 on:** September 27, 2005, 02:58:58 pm »

First, Congrats to your little girl !!!

I'm also interested in knowing a little more details about the guide...

woodworking wise, I'm ok...
I know basic soldering... (but not too good...)

how good do I need to be to build a porjector ??
is it very complicated ??

can you take a few pics on your projector ??

also... would u mind telling us how much it ended up costing you ??
(and did you use all new parts ??)

[edit]
1 more question... are they good with movies ?? and not just animations ?? watching something like Matrix or Lord of the Rings ??
[/edit]
thanks.

javeryh · « **Reply #16 on:** September 27, 2005, 04:56:12 pm »

http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?s=6ddca637fb0e37387c93c6a57a4aadf1&showtopic=476

WOW. I need to build one of these things!

quadmasta · « **Reply #17 on:** September 27, 2005, 05:36:17 pm »

Quote from: hyiu on September 27, 2005, 02:58:58 pm

First, Congrats to your little girl !!!

I'm also interested in knowing a little more details about the guide...

woodworking wise, I'm ok...
I know basic soldering... (but not too good...)

how good do I need to be to build a porjector ??
is it very complicated ??

can you take a few pics on your projector ??

also... would u mind telling us how much it ended up costing you ??
(and did you use all new parts ??)

[edit]
1 more question... are they good with movies ?? and not just animations ?? watching something like Matrix or Lord of the Rings ??
[/edit]
thanks.

All movies look awesome but none photograph as well as animated movies. The animated movies really show off color definition, depth and clarity.

I spent about $700 on mine and used all new parts. That cost figure also includes the purchase of a second LCD because I messed up the first one.

Skadar · « **Reply #18 on:** September 27, 2005, 05:53:37 pm »

I may have to make one of these. Looks like a perfect follow-up project to a MAME cabinet.

The only thing that I don't like so much is the (apparent) massive size of the thing. I read through the website FAQ. Have they released version 2 of the guide yet? With the plans for the smaller version?

Thanks for the info!

quadmasta · « **Reply #19 on:** September 27, 2005, 07:46:00 pm »

There's a ton of people with smaller ones, folded things, etc.

Mine's big but it looks pretty.

Elfman · « **Reply #20 on:** September 28, 2005, 11:51:31 am »

For only $299 more, you could get one of the best entry level DLP projectors on the market.

Flinkly · « **Reply #21 on:** September 28, 2005, 01:24:52 pm »

that pic looks a bit grainy...

Elfman · « **Reply #22 on:** September 28, 2005, 01:50:10 pm »

Quote from: Flinkly on September 28, 2005, 01:24:52 pm

that pic looks a bit grainy...

I just noticed that. I think it is a resized image which doesn't do it justice at all.

I'll see if I can't find a better screencap

ChadTower · « **Reply #23 on:** September 28, 2005, 01:51:06 pm »

How exactly does one do a screen cap of a projector? Shouldn't be possible, given that the light is projected out of the enclosure.

Clonedsheep · « **Reply #24 on:** September 28, 2005, 01:57:11 pm »

I was going to do one of these from eBay. I thought it was a bit fishy. However seeing another in this community completing one renews my hunger for one. I don't see why this won't be my next project. I have alot of faith in this forum.

hyiu · « **Reply #25 on:** September 28, 2005, 01:59:06 pm »

see.... that's what I'm trying to find out...

yes, if I spend around $1k, I can buy an entry level projector...
but the quality of those are just so-so.....

I would like to know, if I build one, will it be better ??
if the quality of a build one... (which will cost me $700) will show a quality of those $3-4K ones.... (other than BIG size...)

I would like to consider it...

but just to build one to satify my DIY urges.... I'd rather build another cab... (a sit down one !!!!... haaa haaa....)

dmsuchy · « **Reply #26 on:** September 28, 2005, 02:03:31 pm »

You can find HDTV capable projectors now for 600 bucks that have an awesome picture! I bought my Sony HS10 almost 3 years ago for 2500 bucks and love the picture still, if I could do it over though I would by a 600 dollar PJ because technology moves too quick and upgrade later. Cab is lookin sweet by the way, when is the artwork starting?

Clonedsheep · « **Reply #27 on:** September 28, 2005, 02:04:39 pm »

I don't like the fact that the replacement bulbs cost so much for such a limited time. I can blow away a couple thousand hours in a couple thousand hours

ChadTower · « **Reply #28 on:** September 28, 2005, 02:10:56 pm »

A couple thousand hours is 40 hours a week for a a year.

If you are in front of a television that long, don't bother with a projector, get a wheelchair.

hyiu · « **Reply #29 on:** September 28, 2005, 02:21:01 pm »

I understand where clonesheep is coming from...

we buy a tv, and it'll be there working for 10+ yrs.....
compare to that... projector seems like the light bulb will blow overnight... haaa haa...

but seriously... when they say 2000 hr, they're saying avg life, right ??

the DIY one... I think the bulb is around $150 or so... (from what I see - only there for a day reading some posts...) they have like 250W and 400W bulbs...

I think I'll go there and search and see if they have any comparsion as in a DIY one compare to a manufacture one....

Clonedsheep · « **Reply #30 on:** September 28, 2005, 02:37:09 pm »

With kids and a wife it will go faster than you think. Also women and kids tend to leave things on

ChadTower · « **Reply #31 on:** September 28, 2005, 02:44:53 pm »

That's why you make it hard to figure out if you don't know about the little switch in the back.

Skadar · « **Reply #32 on:** September 28, 2005, 02:57:16 pm »

Sorry to keep sidetracking your project thread, but this projector project is just so interesting.

With regard to which projector is "better" a few people have included side by side pics of store bought projectors vs. the LumanLabs DIY projector. The comparison is admittedly unscientific, but for what it's worth the DIY projector comes out on top.

I'm sure the ultimate quality of your DIY projector will lie in the hands of its creator.

Elfman · « **Reply #33 on:** September 28, 2005, 02:58:21 pm »

Since we have already hijacked this thread, what's one more post.

As for lamp life, I have had my PJ (InFocus 4805) since Jan and just crossed the 400 hour mark.

Clonedsheep · « **Reply #34 on:** September 28, 2005, 03:31:13 pm »

Oh hey, nice cab man.

Clonedsheep · « **Reply #35 on:** September 28, 2005, 03:59:50 pm »

Not a bad link about DIY projectors. http://www.hommie.net/index.htm

quadmasta · « **Reply #36 on:** September 30, 2005, 05:18:30 pm »

My bulb costs $22 to replace

If you can find a projector that'll do VGA or DVI input at 1024*768 or better and have a better contrast ratio than 500:1 for anywhere under $1000, I'd like to see it. That DLP projector may be brighter but the colors aren't near as rich as my home-built one. That DLP mentioned above can only throw around a 8' diagonal before it starts suffering and is stuck in 16:9 and 4:3 is not an option. My projector can throw up to a 15' diagonal in the right circumstances. The only thing that dictates the projection size with a homebuilt projector is ambient light. The more light there is, the smaller the picture has to be to compensate and vice versa.

Elfman · « **Reply #37 on:** September 30, 2005, 07:07:09 pm »

Quote from: quadmasta on September 30, 2005, 05:18:30 pm

If you can find a projector that'll do VGA or DVI input at 1024*768 or better and have a better contrast ratio than 500:1 for anywhere under $1000, I'd like to see it.

The 4805 can do that with a retail value of $999 with a contrast ratio of 2000:1. I have found the LCD projectors suffer in this area because of the way they project an image. LCD's must shine light through a dark pixel. DLP's can phiscally prevent a light from being projected from a pixel, thus a much richer contrast.

Quote from: quadmasta on September 30, 2005, 05:18:30 pm

That DLP projector may be brighter but the colors aren't near as rich as my home-built one.

I guess this is subjective of course. I have been amazed at how rich the colors have been on the 4805. Finding Nemo practically looks 3D.

Quote from: quadmasta on September 30, 2005, 05:18:30 pm

That DLP mentioned above can only throw around a 8' diagonal before it starts suffering

This isn't quite true. The maximum recommened distance is around 12 feet. Any projector suffers from the distance vs. brightness issue. The 4805 is packs a pretty bright punch. I have known people to project a 130 to 140 inch image without problems. (with complete light control)

Quote from: quadmasta on September 30, 2005, 05:18:30 pm

and is stuck in 16:9 and 4:3 is not an option.

For the 4805, this is completely untrue. This projector defaults to a 16:9 image. 4:3 is as simple as pressing a button on the remote.

Don't get me wrong, I think the DIY projector is pretty cool and creative. Whether it be home built or store bought, there are definatly positives and negatives to both. I liken it to buying a Dell or going to Newegg and building your own. There are positives and negatives to both situations.

dmsuchy · « **Reply #38 on:** October 02, 2005, 06:28:12 pm »

Elf, any trouble with "rainbows"?

Elfman · « **Reply #39 on:** October 02, 2005, 07:11:13 pm »

Quote from: dmsuchy on October 02, 2005, 06:28:12 pm

Elf, any trouble with "rainbows"?

Only in really high contrast situations. White text on a black background situations. Even then, it is really minor. The 4X color wheel speed really helps with the rainbows. Some have even said getting an ND2 (Natural Density) filter can help even further.

For me though, it is not an issue at all and I don't use an ND2 filter.


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