Converting LCD Projector to Wider Angle

[Guest Woof]

It's about time I started working on my 'outside' view.I have an XGA projector (1024 x 768 resolution). I'd like to mount it as per the following diagram, infront of the sim, pointing up at a mirror and then onto a screen (flat for now, possibly curved later).The first problem I face is that the the image, at the distances involved, is not wide enough. I can buy a wide angle lens but these are VERY expensive. Does anyone have any experience of using cheap lenses to make the image wider?Any help would be appreciated.CheersChrishttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/84929.jpg

[turner112]

Hi Chris - Funny, I've been considering something like this myself.Basically, I'm trying to find a wide-angle lens attachment too, but they seem really expensive. - http://www.navitar.com/news_wide_angle_zoom.htmBut of course, it's like $2400.At $2400 you could buy 3 projectors, though.I'm wondering if there is an acceptable solution for a "standard" camera wide-angle lens.FWIW Edmund Scientific has stuff like this - http://www.edmundoptics.com/onlinecatalog/...?productID=2196Where a 130 degree lens is $35 and I imagine that if you could combine a lens like that and a lens that brings the projector's beam to a managable focal point, you could possibly mount both to be adjustable in an extruded aluminum tube which slides snugly over the projector's focus barrel.http://www.turnerdesign.net/projector/projector.gifAnd maybe if the projector's focus ring is on the lens, you could simply rotate the whole assembly for quick focus, so moving them around wouldn't be that much of a big deal!Hmmm....

[LawnDart]

Those lenses won't work. They are for those mini CCD cameras and don't have a wide enough FOV on the input side to capture the entire image coming out of a typical LCD projector.I purchased a nice Panasonic LC75u Projector for about $1700, and it comes with a built-in WideAngle lens which allows a 6 foot image from only 5.7 feet away.I have it at about 9 feet away and get about a 10 foot image across. It's really nice.

[turner112]

That sounds really nice.What resolution do you run it at?I'd love to do something like that but would want to isolate the instruments to a smaller screen.Andrew

[LawnDart]

It's an XGA (1024x768) resolution. Very crisp!

[turner112]

I looked that one up - it's awesome... now, where did I leave that extra $1700?!?

[Guest Alkit]

Hello Chris,I have a question about your planned curve screen. Can we have a normal wide image by projecting on a concave screen?

[nooon]

@Ray ;Hello, please, do you know other brand/models, that have a similar wide lens ?Thanks in advance...