Mini Projectors: Home Theatre Like Experience
With a majority of the world under lockdown, what is the best way to spend your time at home? Yes, binge watch on your favorite series, movies, or gaming. Isn’t it the perfect life? However, when you can have a theatre-like experience right at home, why would you need to step out? Do you ask how? The answer is mini projectors. If you are wondering how to make a mini projector at home, in this article we shall look at different ways to do so.
There are some easy ways that you can make a mini projector with simple things at home. For instance, we can make one using a shoebox and office supplies. Sounds unbelievable? Wait until you see how it works. So let’s get started with this article. First, we shall understand how a projector actually works and then get into the details.
If you don’t like to make DIY mini projector, you can read our top 10 best mini projectors comparison review:
Top 10 Best Mini Projector 2020: Comprehensive Review & Ultimate Buying Guide
How does a projector work?
There are two types of projectors that are currently in use. The first is the DLP technology and the other is LCD technology. Though these projectors may vary in features, size, and technologies, they work on LCD or DLP. LCD is short for Liquid Crystal Display and is the older technology than DLP. However, that does not mean that LCD isn’t used today. It still is widely used in the world of projectors.
LCD technology has an interesting way as to how they display images on the screen. It makes use of fairly bright light like a bulb that shines through a prism. Next, the prism then splits the light into component colors. They are then sent through LCD screens. Additionally, the screens are sent signals to allow only specific light at different pixel locations. The radiating light is beamed through the set lens to a screen.
Here is when you can see images.
The next is the DLP technology which stands for Digital Light Processing. It is quite more complex than LCD technology. In this technique, the light is beamed through a spinning color wheel. It features a chip that has hundreds of tiny mirrors. The mirrors can be turned on and off by using electronic impulses. You can set that depending on the need for color.
Only one color is displayed at a time. However, the next color follows the other so quickly that they blend into one color. This technology was originally developed by Texas technology. They made use of an older technology that was used in color televisions in the 1950s. It is crucial to know the difference between both of these technologies. While LCD is known to deliver high contrast or static images, DLP is considered to be better for videos.
Shoebox Smartphone Mini Projector
This DIY projector is quite easy to make and will give you the exact feel of a theater. Just using simple supplies at home, you can make your own mini projector under $5. It is an excellent way to keep your kids engaged while they enjoy their favorite movies or cartoons on the big screen.
Materials required:
- Â Foamboard
- Magnifying Lens
- Gluesticks
- Smartphone
- Shoebox
- PVA Glue
- Cutter Knife
- Ruler
- Hacksaw
- Hobby Knife
- Hot Glue gun
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Step 1:
First, you need to start by removing the handle of the magnifying lens. Make use of the hack saw to carefully cut the handle off.
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Step 2:
Next, you need to make sure that your shoebox is firm and not wiggly. Hence, secure the sides, corners, and flaps of the box with PVA glue.
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Step 3:
Allow it to rest for some time and let it dry.
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Step 4:
Place your shoebox in an upright position. Position the magnifying glass on the top of the box and center it. Using a pencil, trace the outline of the magnifying glass.
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Step 5:
In order to cut the perfect round shape, you can use a compass and attach a XACTO knife to the other end. This will give you the perfect shape that you are looking for.
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Step 6:
Once done, carefully push out the shape.
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Step 7:
Position the magnifying glass before you glue it in its place.
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Step 8:
After the correct placement, glue the lens onto the cutout.
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Step 9:
When you place the lid of the shoebox back, it can partially block a portion of the lens. Use the cutout like a stencil and slice off the extra cardboard.
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Step 10:
Make a phone stand with the foam board. It needs to be perpendicular to the base. It is to prevent image distortions.
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Step 11:
Next, using a double-sided tape, mount your smartphone onto the stand.
Step 12:
Adjust your phone’s brightness to the highest. More light gives a brighter projection.
Step 13:
Do make sure to lock your screen before the projection. The magnifying lens will invert the light to the projected image. This means you will need to place the phone screen in a specified position. This will avoid it from auto-rotating. You can go to the settings and disable the auto-rotate option manually.
Step 14:
Then you need to adjust the projector. Place the phone at the end of the box and move it closer to the magnifying lens. You will see that the images turn sharper. Move it and test the sharpness. Position it back and forth to get the sharpest projection.
Step 15:
Finally, turn off the light and enjoy your smartphone mini projector.
This is how to make a mini projector at home. Mini projectors are one of the most interesting devices that you can invest in. If you do not wish to purchase one at the moment, this hack will surely help you get the best experience of one. You can also use a bulb instead of a magnifying glass. Simply repeat the process using a bulb and here you have a mini projector that you can build under $5.