buy or make a projector?

[BigBrother]

I thought it would be cheaper to make a projector at first... but then I realized I needed an LCD screen and then realized a new one would be 25$ + 2-3 ship time (320x240, 4"). The lens and light source will be fairly cheap (I have a small bucket of (alleged) 13k mcd white LEDs) and at final glance, I see the end result being sub-par. a new one is/can be under 100$.
Should I just get a pre-made?

[Psi]

A $100 projector wont be very good.

$500 maybe, for something that's watchable.

[BigBrother]

A $100 projector wont be very good.

$500 maybe, for something that's watchable.

how to does price correlate watchability?

[robrenz]

Are you talking about a projector to be used instead of a stereo microscope?  If you are thinking of trying to work( solder/repair) under a camera/screen system you are going to  be very disapointed.  You have no depth perception with a video screen.  That is why stereo microscopes  are used, the stereo gives you depth perception. I just posted a thread about a camera/scope system and its limitations. https://www.eevblog.com/forum/product-reviews-photos-and-discussion/my-amscope-microscope-camera-experience-microscope-mods/msg150382/#msg150382

[glee]

If you are interested in general purpose projectors, have you seen: http://www.diyprojectorkits.com/store/ ?

You can get a pretty good indication of what sort of components are considered minimal standard for a range of projectors from "minimal expense" to "maximum quality" from that community / blog.

[Psi]

I assumed he meant a computer/laptop data projector, like for watching movies.

[glee]

Yep. That's what diyprojectorkits do.

[BigBrother]

If you are interested in general purpose projectors, have you seen: http://www.diyprojectorkits.com/store/ ?

You can get a pretty good indication of what sort of components are considered minimal standard for a range of projectors from "minimal expense" to "maximum quality" from that community / blog.

Oh man, so much to look at! I'll comb over it all and make a list.

Are you talking about a projector to be used instead of a stereo microscope?  If you are thinking of trying to work( solder/repair) under a camera/screen system you are going to  be very disapointed.  You have no depth perception with a video screen.  That is why stereo microscopes  are used, the stereo gives you depth perception. I just posted a thread about a camera/scope system and its limitations. https://www.eevblog.com/forum/product-reviews-photos-and-discussion/my-amscope-microscope-camera-experience-microscope-mods/msg150382/#msg150382

No, it'd be for lesser things like having an IRC or twitter feed up on the wall.

[BigBrother]

If I had to describe a projector, it'd be "they're all smoke and mirrors".
http://diyprojectorkits.com/finished-projectors-gallery/1778-diy-projector-kits-mini-z.html

on a tad more serious note: why do I need mirrors? if I make the box extra long, I wouldn't need them, right?

[glee]

Right. And if you look at some of the other designs (eg, H-450) you'll see that this is true. But if you have specific questions about projector design you might be better to ask on that forum?