Tobi Solarin September 27, 2014 Ojoro
diy projector
I’m pretty sure you’re aware that to get a digital projector these days for personal use only can cost you a fortune. But what happens when you just want to show friends and family a few pictures on a bigger screen over dinner?
That’s where this DIY photo projector comes in handy. It’s an easy way to show off your mobile photos and even watch a movie on a cinema-like screen.
This project is so easy, so ensure you try it out.
More after the cut
What you need
what you need
Shoebox (or something similar)
Paper clip
Smartphone
Magnifying glass
Knife
Electrical or black duct tape.
Step 1: Trace a hole in the box
hole in the box
Paint the inside of your box black (that is if it isn’t black already). This is to ensure better image quality. Once your box is ready, trace the outer edge of your lens or magnifying glass onto one of the short sides of the box.
Step 2: Cut a hole in that box
cut hole in the box
Cut out the inside of the circle you just traced. You don’t want light leaking around your lens so try not to cut too much. At the back of your box, cut a small hole for your phone’s power cord.
Step 3: Attach your lens
attach your lens
If your magnifying glass has a handle, you may want to remove it first. Line up your lens with the hole and apply tape around the entire edge of your lens. Make sure your lens is held securely and there are no holes between the tape for light to escape.
Step 4: Create a phone stand
Bend the paper clip till it looks like the image below.
paper clip stand
Step 5: Flip your screen
flip your screen
When light passes though a lens, it gets flipped, which means the picture from your projector will come out upside-down. No fear though, we have a fix!
For the iPhone go to Settings > General > Accessibility and turn on AssistiveTouch.
Once activated, a little white orb will pop that you can drag around the screen.
Click on the orb and go to Device > Rotate Screen.
This will allow you to flip applications like the Photos app which would normally rotate itself right side up.
Andriod users can download the app Ultimate Rotation Control.
Or if all else fails you can just stand on your head.
Step 6: Finding focus
finding focus
If your walls are plastered with pics you will need to clear out a little space for your projection.
For a screen you could use a white bed sheet, turn a poster around, project onto a shower or window curtain, or just use the bare wall.
Without a focus ring on your magnifying glass you’re going to have to foot focus.
Position your phone in its stand near the back of the box and walk forwards or backwards until your image starts to come into focus.
Once you’ve found a good range you can fine tune focus by moving your phone forwards or backwards in the box.
If you used a camera lens for your projector, you get the bonus of a focus ring that gives you some extra flexibility in terms of screen size and focus distance.
Step 7: Adjust the brightness
It’s not the power of your projector. It’s how you use it! For best viewing, turn the screen brightness of your phone all the way up and turn the room lights down. Close the curtains as well.
Set your phone’s photo app to slide show mode for a hands free experience.
Your power cord can go through the hole you cut in the back of the box and a little tape will seal the deal.
Step 8: Throw a slumber party
throw a party
What use is your new creation if no one else gets to see it. Invite some friends over and have a good time checking out new instagram photos or watching mobile videos on a larger screen.
And that’s all folks! What do you think about this project? Will you try it out? Let me know in the comments below.
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