Projector Parts – These are very easily available.
This enables a lot of people to build their own projectors. Depending on the type of projector you are going to build, you can look at anything in between the region of $200 to a $1000 to build your projector. Also try and find wholesale projector parts, as they tend to be cheaper. Some people suggest that it is not that hard to build you own projector – and it can take you about 12 hours to assemble a working model. The easiest DIY projector to build is a standard overhead projector with an older LCD projection panel. The parts of overhead projector can be found on eBay. You should be able to get the panel and a projector for less than a $100 if you look long enough. The more advanced builders will be able to design an LCD projector from scratch. This will involve buying a very large light bulb and then mounting it in a wooden box with focusing lenses and a standard LCD panel of some kind. The wooden box also helps with limiting the noise, prevent light leaks and make it look much better.
A LCD panels will work with this projector for a number of reasons. They are cheap and also readily available on the Internet to purchase. They also have all the VGA, composite and S-video connections ready on the spot.
The housing is a really simple part of the project. Just put together 4 sides, and fit the rear with hinges. Fit the front with a hole and some glass, nothing too fancy. Try and line the inside with some black felt if possible. This will cause the box to handle the light pollution and sound dampening a lot better than just spraying it black.
With the right information and equipment at hand, building your own projector shouldn’t be too much of a schlep. The more expensive projectors will definitely have a better resolution and be slimmer lined than you DIY projector, but it will definitely come at a price. And you will not get that satisfaction of having built it yourself!