Is It Possible To Turn A Normal Projector Into A Short-Throw One With A Lens?
Many people can’t use a projector because they have an unexposed back wall in their home theater. But owning a short-throw projector can help you solve the problem. It is also possible to turn your present, long-throw projector into one that throws light from close range. Before jumping into this project, there are some things that you need to keep in mind about the risks and advantages of doing it.
Steps to Convert a Normal Projector Into a Short-Throw One
1. The first thing you need to do is to determine the projector’s focal length. To find out, you have to take measurements.
2. The next step is to decide what type of lens will be used; this is done by measuring the distance between the projector lens and the ceiling and then finding a lens that satisfies these measurements.
3. Acquire a short-throw lens that matches your needs.
4. Disassemble the projector and replace the standard lens with a short-throw lens.
5. Reassemble the projector with the new lens. However, you need to make sure that you use tape to hold all of your cables in place after installing them back into the projector.
6. For this project, both power and video cables should be long enough to give you the flexibility in positioning the projector.
7. The modified projector will need to be checked for focus points and color adjustments. All of these things are necessary to ensure that your projector will work properly after it is converted into a short-throw version.
Risks Involved in Converting a Normal Projector Into a Short-Throw One
There are some risks that you need to be prepared for before starting the project. You need to understand the risks involved and what you can do to minimize them during the conversion process. Here are some of the risks involved in converting a normal projector into a short-throw one:
1. The main issue involved in this project is that you will be damaging the projector’s internal components. Some of the parts that you need to be careful about are the lens assembly, the image processor, and the motor. Be careful, especially while disassembling and rearranging the projector.
2. Another risk is that you need to align the projector correctly. If you do not place the projector properly on the ceiling, it will cause the image to be blurred.
3. Bracketing is also a concern when using a normal projector in a short-throw mode. If it is not placed in the right position, the image may be unstable and blurry.
4. You will need to re-calibrate the projector when changing from long-throw mode to short-throw mode so that it can produce a sharper picture. The calibration process requires you to install the lens and then watching how the image changes after turning on the light switch.
Advantages of Converting a Normal Projector Into a Short-Throw One
1. A short-throw projector’s low angle of projection makes it better for use in small rooms. This is beneficial because it reduces energy costs and wastage.
2. Another advantage of having a short-throw projector is the elimination of shadows.
3. A short-throw projector has a smaller image footprint, making it much easier to clean.
4. Short-throw projectors also can mount onto a wall or rest on a shelf.
5. There is no fear of losing focus because short-throw projectors will maintain focus at any distance and angle.
Disadvantages of Converting a Normal Projector Into a Short Throw One
1. One disadvantage of converting a normal projector to a short-throw one is that the lens and the polarizing filter can be damaged during assembly and disassembly.
2. Another drawback of this project is that the fan may not work properly after installing a new lens onto it.
3. Changing lenses while working on the projector’s conversion can lead to different issues, including inconsistent screen sizes and aspect ratios.
How To Cut The Lens Manually To Make Your Projector A Short-Throw One?
It is difficult to cut the lens manually to make a short-throw projector. The best way is to find a sharp knife and carefully cut the area close to the edge of the lens glass. This will make your lights project closer than before, so you can easily use it as a short-throw one.
Following are the steps that can be used to make a short-throw projector:
1. Make sure that you have a projector with a lens attached to it and it is in proper working condition.
2. Pick any acrylic sheets which you want to make into the lens for your projector (you can use any size of sheets, but 4mm or 5mm is optimal)
3. Cut the sheets with a basic saw or by using an electric jigsaw.
4. Place your lens on the sheet and manually align it to get a good fit (you can also use epoxy glue).
5. Get an HDMI cable and plug it into your projector’s HDMI port. Then, turn on your projector onto a wall after adjusting the focus.
6. A clear picture would mean that the projector has been successfully converted into a short-throw one.
How to Install a Lens Onto a Projector?
1. The first step is to disassemble the projector.
2. Next, you should remove the four screws that hold the old lens assembly in place.
3. Take out the old lens and put your new short-throw lens into its place before putting back together with your projector.
4. To hold the cables in place, you will need to apply some tape as you reassemble your projector.
5. Once the projector is back together; you will need to check for focus points and color balance.
6. Check your projector’s settings to make sure that everything is working properly.
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Conclusion
Converting a normal projector into a short-throw one can be done by anyone. However, the reasons for modifying a normal projector into a short-throw one are numerous. The idea is inexpensive and also allows you to save energy costs. It also provides an easy way of making your own home theater without too much hassles. Converting a normal projector into a short-throw one comes with certain limitations, so make sure that you do the right research before starting the project.
Hope this article was informational and helped in your search for assembling a short-throw projector. Good Day!