Author Topic: Outdoor movie screen (Read 14797 times)

shardian · « **Reply #40 on:** July 10, 2009, 11:57:44 pm »

How loud is the motor in those blow up screens?

shardian · « **Reply #41 on:** July 11, 2009, 12:07:05 am »

Didn't get home from a wedding shower until 9:30, but still trucked at getting this set up and tested.
I cut the center supports and legs, drove in the posts, and assembled the screen. I slid the legs onto the posts, and then lifted the screen into place...by myself. As you can see, the screen is crooked due to the way the back yard slopes down and away to the left. I'll get out a level and trim the right leg accordingly. Setup was a breeze, even working by myself.

After these pics, I tinkered with the screen and got rid of a bunch more wrinkles. I was more than impressed with color and screen brightness. I also noted that I could move the screen farther down the hill and use the zoom function to shrink the screen. Height wise, I don't think I want to go down the hill any more though.

P.S. without paying attention to the words at the bottom of the screen, what movie am I playing?

* I actually got a request from a friend to play One Crazy Summer at the shower this evening. I totally didn't expect anyone in my group to know either Savage Steve movie. That was awesome!

ChadTower · « **Reply #42 on:** July 11, 2009, 12:12:55 am »

You can't sled on that hill!

I'm impressed by the pic on the blackout cloth, though. Now I'm more motivated to give that a shot. Wish I could sew.

shardian · « **Reply #43 on:** July 11, 2009, 08:49:13 am »

Yes you can, I just didn't photograph the side that is steep. The side I am standing on taking the pic has a very gentle slope. Below the shed it gets really steep.

koz319 · « **Reply #44 on:** July 11, 2009, 08:59:14 pm »

Quote from: shardian on July 10, 2009, 11:57:44 pm

How loud is the motor in those blow up screens?

They sound like a hairdryer on low, but not quite as loud.
The first time I plugged it in to inflate, I was worried they might be a little loud. Once the screen inflated and was upright, it muffled the sound some, and it was not distracting during the movie. There's no way it would be acceptable in my theater, but outdoors it doesn't seem to be an issue.
(The blowers are the same as those inflatable Christmas lawn decorations, if you've ever heard one of those.)

BTW, Pics look good! And as far as the name of the movie, just remember, it's tenticles. NT. Big difference.

jfunk · « **Reply #45 on:** July 12, 2009, 12:55:34 pm »

koz is right. Outside, the noise isn't much at all. If you put it inside though (if you have room), it's kind of obnoxious

-Jason

shardian · « **Reply #46 on:** July 12, 2009, 02:28:20 pm »

Luckily the weather cleared up in time for movie night. We were getting really bad T-storms until about 7 or so. I leveled out the screen and it went great. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pics. We had 10 or so people over and everyone LOVED it. People walk up to me at church I don't even really know and say "Hey, your the guy with the arcade and movie screen, right?" It's awesome.

About 20 minutes into the movie, the wind started kicking up. I saw the screen lurch forward then back at least 1-2 feet both ways. My stomach did a few sickening flips, but the screen held up wonderfully to mild wind. Probably 10-15 mph.

shardian · « **Reply #47 on:** July 13, 2009, 10:26:25 am »

Oh, and I've decided to keep the screen fully assembled in my gameroom against the wall for the rest of the season. This way, it takes all of 2 minutes to pull it out the door and set it on the legs. Same for taking it down. I can do it by myself, but it is safer with 2 people.

shardian · « **Reply #48 on:** July 13, 2009, 11:33:18 am »

I just remembered something from Saturday night that was awesome. The back patio is right off of my gameroom, and you have to walk through the gameroom to get to the food/bathroom in the basement. I killed all the lights in the gameroom, but left all the games on. Whenever I walked into the gameroom during the movie, it felt EXACTLY like walking into the old gameroom/snack bar of the drive-in theater's of my youth. Every time I walked in, I was brought back to the smells, sights, and sensations of being a kid. I'd just stare at my games for a minute or 2 before walking on to what I was doing. It was the absolute best part of the whole experience.

It also made it painfully obvious that fixing the marquee and coin door lights in some of my games has become a priority.

shardian · « **Reply #49 on:** July 13, 2009, 06:24:34 pm »

Quote from: shardian on July 13, 2009, 11:33:18 am

It also made it painfully obvious that fixing the marquee and coin door lights in some of my games has become a priority.

Marquee lights - check!

The Narc and JK are MAME, so I need to make wiring harnesses to plug into the power supply of the PC's. That or hack a wall wart. The CP glass on the Xevious has had the light wiring cut. I have the wiring, I just need to pull the game out to run the new power cord. Coincidentally, I figured out why the speakers and colors were all messed up - the pcb had fallen off the old mounting feet in the cab and the jamma harness was loose. I reached through the coin door and got the harness back on right - so now the game is 100% again. Sweet! It's amazing what you can accomplish when you get a free 30 minutes in the gameroom.

Fordman · « **Reply #50 on:** July 13, 2009, 10:14:21 pm »

Why not use this instead?

http://www.target.com/Elite-Screens-Diagonal-Projector-M100NWV1/dp/B0009HZC52/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=1XW358D4RE4X16TV4V84&pf_rd_p=447415501&pf_rd_i=B00154JDRG&pf_rd_s=left-5&pf_rd_m=A1VC38T7YXB528&pf_rd_t=201

Take 2 - 4 X 4 posts (6.50 each), make 2 stands so they dont fall or that they're not permanant, but mobile, make the screen mountable (as stated can be on the description), but removeable at the same time, pull down the screen, make the sides attach to the same 4 X 4 posts and there you have it, one outdoor projection screen system

Seems simple and under $150 and no blower noise!

Matter of fact, I think I might build one this week end! Gotta wait and see what my work schedule is going to be this weekend. I'll know by Thursday!

Fordman

shardian · « **Reply #51 on:** July 14, 2009, 08:06:59 am »

Quote from: Fordman on July 13, 2009, 10:14:21 pm

Why not use this instead?

http://www.target.com/Elite-Screens-Diagonal-Projector-M100NWV1/dp/B0009HZC52/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1?ie=UTF8&pf_rd_r=1XW358D4RE4X16TV4V84&pf_rd_p=447415501&pf_rd_i=B00154JDRG&pf_rd_s=left-5&pf_rd_m=A1VC38T7YXB528&pf_rd_t=201

Take 2 - 4 X 4 posts (6.50 each), make 2 stands so they dont fall or that they're not permanant, but mobile, make the screen mountable (as stated can be on the description), but removeable at the same time, pull down the screen, make the sides attach to the same 4 X 4 posts and there you have it, one outdoor projection screen system

Seems simple and under $150 and no blower noise!

Matter of fact, I think I might build one this week end! Gotta wait and see what my work schedule is going to be this weekend. I'll know by Thursday!

Fordman

That screen is not actually 100". For a 16:9 movie, it will be about 79" diagonal. Keep that in mind. That is pretty small for an outdoor screen.

Vanguard · « **Reply #52 on:** July 14, 2009, 11:10:08 am »

For my 4x4 posts, I went to Home Depot and got some of the vinyl fencing posts. I cut a 6 foot post in half and burried them in the yard. I put rocks at the bottom of the hole I burried them in so that they wouldn't fill in and water could drain.

I also got 2 of the vinyl caps. When I show a movie, I remove the caps and drop the 4x4 posts into the vinyl sleeve in the ground. When done, remove the posts and replace the caps.

Wade · « **Reply #53 on:** July 16, 2009, 03:48:32 pm »

Quote from: shardian on July 13, 2009, 06:24:34 pm

Quote from: shardian on July 13, 2009, 11:33:18 am
It also made it painfully obvious that fixing the marquee and coin door lights in some of my games has become a priority.

Marquee lights - check!

The Narc and JK are MAME, so I need to make wiring harnesses to plug into the power supply of the PC's. That or hack a wall wart. The CP glass on the Xevious has had the light wiring cut. I have the wiring, I just need to pull the game out to run the new power cord. Coincidentally, I figured out why the speakers and colors were all messed up - the pcb had fallen off the old mounting feet in the cab and the jamma harness was loose. I reached through the coin door and got the harness back on right - so now the game is 100% again. Sweet! It's amazing what you can accomplish when you get a free 30 minutes in the gameroom.

Sweet! It's looking like a real gameroom. Gamerooms HAVE to be dim to be proper.

A couple mood lights are okay, or one over the pool table or what not, but the flourescent? No way.

I've found that even if I turn off all the overhead lights and only use the neon lights and billiards light, my room ends up being too bright! Sometimes, less is more.

That said, I still often think about getting some game related neons for the classics room!

Wade

ChadTower · « **Reply #54 on:** July 16, 2009, 07:23:47 pm »

Exposed sheet rock outdoors? Or do you mean taking it out and putting it away every time? That would be a pain in the ass. I'd use painted MDF if I were going that route.

And yes, now I can haul it, I have a truck.

ChadTower · « **Reply #55 on:** July 16, 2009, 10:30:11 pm »

It has been raining in the entire northeast pretty much since April.

shardian · « **Reply #56 on:** July 17, 2009, 07:01:43 am »

Quote from: pinballjim on July 16, 2009, 07:41:11 pm

Oh yeah, I forget you guys have humidity in the rest of the country. Ah well, seemed like a cheap material to play with.

That and it weighs a ton compared to a piece of cloth and some PVC!

shardian · « **Reply #57 on:** July 17, 2009, 08:19:17 am »

Quote from: Wade on July 16, 2009, 03:48:32 pm

Quote from: shardian on July 13, 2009, 06:24:34 pm
Quote from: shardian on July 13, 2009, 11:33:18 am
It also made it painfully obvious that fixing the marquee and coin door lights in some of my games has become a priority.

Marquee lights - check!

The Narc and JK are MAME, so I need to make wiring harnesses to plug into the power supply of the PC's. That or hack a wall wart. The CP glass on the Xevious has had the light wiring cut. I have the wiring, I just need to pull the game out to run the new power cord. Coincidentally, I figured out why the speakers and colors were all messed up - the pcb had fallen off the old mounting feet in the cab and the jamma harness was loose. I reached through the coin door and got the harness back on right - so now the game is 100% again. Sweet! It's amazing what you can accomplish when you get a free 30 minutes in the gameroom.

Sweet! It's looking like a real gameroom. Gamerooms HAVE to be dim to be proper. A couple mood lights are okay, or one over the pool table or what not, but the flourescent? No way.

I've found that even if I turn off all the overhead lights and only use the neon lights and billiards light, my room ends up being too bright! Sometimes, less is more.

That said, I still often think about getting some game related neons for the classics room!

Wade

Thanks Wade. You need to come to the next 80's movie night!
I picked up the stuff to fix the control panel glass light on Xevious. I decided to try out a blacklight bulb there. It is worth a shot to see what it looks like.

ChadTower · « **Reply #58 on:** July 17, 2009, 01:46:38 pm »

Nothing complex but very nicely done.

Vanguard · « **Reply #59 on:** July 17, 2009, 03:27:17 pm »

Have you guys seen this:

http://backyardtheater.com/

It's the arcadecontrols.com of outdoor movies. I think I actually learned about this site on this forum.

ChadTower · « **Reply #60 on:** July 17, 2009, 03:38:02 pm »

Whoa, no I hadn't seen that. I'm definitely going to have to poke around and see what those guys have built. Nothing about what I am doing is unusual or pushing the envelope so I'll bet there are a couple solutions there that fit perfectly.

Thanks!

shardian · « **Reply #61 on:** July 17, 2009, 03:47:27 pm »

Yeah I've spent time on that site from back when I was in the diy PJ hobby. Maybe I'll take some better pics next time I host a movie and add mine to the database.

Wade · « **Reply #62 on:** July 20, 2009, 10:37:42 pm »

Quote from: shardian on July 17, 2009, 03:47:27 pm

Yeah I've spent time on that site from back when I was in the diy PJ hobby. Maybe I'll take some better pics next time I host a movie and add mine to the database.

"DIY PJ hobby"?? Do you make your own zip-up pajamas with the built-in feet?

(My brother actually has a pair of those and he's like 250+ lbs!)

Wade

protokatie · « **Reply #63 on:** July 20, 2009, 11:50:19 pm »

Well, I as the renaming of the thread as per this post states, I got the OK from the next door neighbors to set up a screen and use their driveway as the seating area! This is of course only for Saturday night matinee only, and the sound system has to be friendly, but they seemed to be cool with using their grill too.

The only thing stopping me is getting a decent (or crappy but OK) projector and some sheets that don't have too many cumm stains on them! (Or blackout cloth, which ever is either cheaper or less disgusting).

Anyone have a good link for a 500 or so dollar projector? And some good "stain free" cloth?

EDIT: when I say stain free, I am not refering to the "cumm" stuff I joked about before, but for a cloth that will last for a decent time outside under weather and will give a good picture)

shardian · « **Reply #64 on:** July 21, 2009, 07:32:53 am »

Quote from: Wade on July 20, 2009, 10:37:42 pm

Quote from: shardian on July 17, 2009, 03:47:27 pm
Yeah I've spent time on that site from back when I was in the diy PJ hobby. Maybe I'll take some better pics next time I host a movie and add mine to the database.

"DIY PJ hobby"?? Do you make your own zip-up pajamas with the built-in feet?

(My brother actually has a pair of those and he's like 250+ lbs!)

Wade

Building your own projector. The forums were bought out and shut down, and then I lost interest. Never ended up finishing mine. It's still sitting in the garage. It was a very clever design too...

Edgedamage · « **Reply #65 on:** July 21, 2009, 07:23:40 pm »

Build your own projector:
http://lumenlab.com/projectors/
http://www.lumenlab.com/forums/index.php?showforum=54

shardian · « **Reply #66 on:** July 22, 2009, 08:02:52 am »

Well, I also lost interest because we got a real projector. When the real deal weighs about 30x less, is 25% the size, and has WAY better specs, its easy to see why.

Edgedamage · « **Reply #67 on:** July 22, 2009, 08:55:52 pm »

My work ruined the home projector idea for me. After seeing a post production projector home ones don't do anything for me anymore.
http://www.barco.com/corporate/en/products/product_specs.asp?element=3195&lid=EN
http://www.christiedigital.com/AMEN/Products/christieCP2000SB.htm
Both of these projectors are running off one of these:
http://www.doremicinema.com/dcp.html

Fordman · « **Reply #68 on:** August 02, 2009, 01:39:24 am »

Hello All,

After reading this thread and viewing the various other home-brew outdoor theaters found on www.backyardtheater.com , I decided I was going to have one of my own.

I originally was going to shell out the cash for a pre-made screen. NA! Baby NA! After looking on ebay for screen material, there is plenty to choose from and they all tout their pluses and minuses and tell me how their's is 'the best'. Then after reading a little more, I have found that black-out cloth, the same stuff found on the back of curtains, seem to be the choice of the DIY'er. I purchased 3 yards for $12.00 at Hancock Fabrics. Instead of making a PVC frame for the screen, I stole this guys frame idea.

I made an adjustment to the screen for the height to be 54" and the length to be 96" to give me a 110" screen; diagonally. At first, in the corners I used 'L' brackets. MISTAKE! Alot of DIY screen website and youtube videos show them being made with 'L' brackets. USE THE CORNER BRACES as shown in the dimentional diagram above. Very sturdy frame and very light weight.

Here is the screen attached to my shed as opposed to an independent stand. I thought about the wind factor and up against my shed, it isnt going anywhere!

My shed is a huge 10' X 12' shed with lots of loft space!

Back to the screen, the black-out cloth stretched very well and I dont have any wrinkles.

I attached the screen to the shed with 3 of these

&

I had to take the straight pieces and make a hook out of it by bending it so the hook part would hang in the strap. EASY UP, EASY DOWN! 1 man job and QUICK!

Total Screen price tag = $30.00 after tax.
$12.00 for black-out cloth
$16.00 1" X 4" pine x 4 ~ $4.00ea
I had some scrap wood for the braces and staples to stretch the screen. I also had the brackets for hanging the screen.

I also was going to shell out the cash for a new projector. NA! again!

I shopped the big box stores and the little guys. $650.00 + for a decent projector. Pawn shops were wanting 95% of retail for one also. Craigslist 'Is What It Is', mostly junk. eBay was my final option. After reading several auctions and lots of research at www.projectorcentral.com, I found a Dell 3300MP http://www.projectorcentral.com/Dell-3300MP.htm on eBay for $200.00 after shipping.

After waiting the 3 days it took to get here from Washington state to Ohio (extremely fast I think!), I plugged it in, pointed it at our bedroom wall.

Colors look great on the wall!

Then after the screen build and now it's dark,

Ted Stryker starting to flashback to the war!

And a pic of Ted & Elaine.

VERY VERY Pleased with the end result.

We have set a movie date of Aug. 15 for relatives and friends (hopefully it doesnt rain, 15 days straight now). They all think we're nuts for doing this and some have even questioned how in the world are we pulling this off. As we gave it a test run tonite, everyone that usually walks the neighborhood stopped and watched from the street. YES! We got the envy of the neighborhood! We definately '1UP-ed' a certain neighbor and he took notice!

Thanks for the idea for this project and if anyone needs help, give me a PM or make a post to this thread!

Fordman

protokatie · « **Reply #69 on:** August 02, 2009, 02:34:40 am »

Although you have landed the screen: "Good luck, we are counting on you!"

DaOld Man · « **Reply #70 on:** August 02, 2009, 09:35:28 am »

You guys have me thinking about this outdoor movie thing. Seems like it would be a great way to have saturday night get togethers or parties.
Grill out and shoot the BS until it gets dark enough to watch the movie.
Sounds like fun.

I was thinking about mounting the screen on the hill like shardian had to do.
I dont think I will have that problem, but, I was thinking that it might be pretty neat to mount the screen at the top of the hill running across the hill, and the projector at the bottom, on a stand above everyones heads.
If the hill wasnt too steep, it might feel more like the ole drive in movies.

ChadTower · « **Reply #71 on:** August 02, 2009, 06:55:46 pm »

That's a good frame design... but what prevents me from doing that is that I have no place to store something that large while also keeping it clean.

protokatie · « **Reply #72 on:** August 02, 2009, 10:13:17 pm »

Quote from: ChadTower on August 02, 2009, 06:55:46 pm

That's a good frame design... but what prevents me from doing that is that I have no place to store something that large while also keeping it clean.

The joining members could be held together with double hinges with the hinge bolt. To collapse/take apart the frame, simply remove the hinge bolts. The screen would have to be removable from the frame, but it could work. I would say use anchor eye-lets in the screen with bungee cords to make the screen removable.

Just my 2 cents, as it certainly CAN be done.

EDIT: The hinge idea was from how my cab is designed, with the top part bracketed to the base with hinge pieces. This makes it transportable since the top could be removed, but gives a strong connection when in place. Remember, hinges aren't just for doors, when properly used they make great brackets.

Fordman · « **Reply #73 on:** August 02, 2009, 11:49:35 pm »

The frame is very sturdy & light weight but a bit bulky. So far, I have only stored this inside the house but I admit, finding a permanent clean place for storage is going to be a task. The black-out cloth is just like anything else, it can only be stretched so much until it gives out. But, it is very cheap if it has to be replaced.

My sister in law is a wiz with a sewing machine. She says to sew a zipper on to the screen around the frame. As it zips on to the permenantly attached part of the zipper on the frame, it will stretch the viewing portion of the screen to take the wrinkles out. That way it can be removed and kept rolled and clean. I gave her $50.00 for new black-out cloth and zipper. We'll see how that turns out.

The frame can also be made to fold in half for easier storage. We'll see how that works out also!

Second night for testing and NO RAIN! The pics are from my cell phone and I'm kinda off to the left of the screen.

"You, quadraped, you sprekin' de' English?"

Overall, We're all very happy.

Also, my neighbor that I '1UPed' was fast at my door this morning, wanting to know how I made the screen. I told him I bought it from a guy on craigslist for $250.00.

He asked about the projector, I said it was from Best Buy and it had a special bulb for outdoor use and was $1,100.

He wont be having any movies in his backyard!

He's too dumb to check it out on the internet! He's pissed because he's the type that has to have everything and be the neighborhood show off!

Fordman

ChadTower · « **Reply #74 on:** August 03, 2009, 08:07:53 am »

A zipper... let us know how that turns out. If it's good you'll be able to make a few more and a couple bucks!

protokatie, I know it could be done, anything could be done. It's a matter of how much work you're willing to put in to watch 6-8 movies a year. I do already have a real 96" square retracting screen to use so the bigger size would be just to upgrade and to go widescreen.

shardian · « **Reply #75 on:** August 03, 2009, 08:47:54 am »

I haven't had a chance to set ours out again yet. It is frustrating! I'm still a bit under the weather, but I am hoping to get better, clean the gameroom, and set up one for this Friday.

ChadTower · « **Reply #76 on:** August 03, 2009, 09:05:04 am »

I tried hard to find time last year and still we did it probably 4 times. We did start late in the year. This year we've done it twice but it seems as though something always pops up or the weather isn't good enough. Doesn't help that over the summer it's not dark enough to start the show until around 9pm.

Fordman · « **Reply #77 on:** August 07, 2009, 10:51:26 am »

Tonite's Flicks: Bee Movie & WWF's The Rock! (I never got the 'F' out!)

I'm going to have a Wrestling Night! Featuring anything PRE 1990!

Jerry Lawler vs Macho Man

Ric Flair Vs Dusty Rhodes 1983 NWA Tile Match

Ric Flair Vs Sting 1988 Clash of Champions

Ric Flair Vs Ricky 'the Dragon' Steamboat Wrestlewar 1989

'Rowdy' Roddy Piper Vs Greg 'the Hammer' Valentine Starcade 1983

A little Road Warrior Action too!

And many more. Card Subject to Change!

Fordman

shardian · « **Reply #78 on:** August 07, 2009, 10:58:40 am »

I'm showing a movie tonight, but don't know yet what I am showing.

ChadTower · « **Reply #79 on:** August 07, 2009, 11:00:02 am »

Dude that's a pretty good list of matches!


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