flyte - 16 July 2008 03:24 PM
Probo - 16 July 2008 02:28 PM
At first, the larger IR illuminators seems to be the best choice, but they aren’t. I have try with a pair of 140 LED and the results are awful, the IR light is too focused, the high intensity beam just blind the camera, even the beam reflection at the glass (they work… but the performance is not the best); it’s really hard to find the right place to point the illuminators reflecting the IR upon very different materials and textures. For all this, the best choice always be to built a custom IR illumination setup. Try to built a couple of rails with LEDs at each inch or so, run some tests and you’ll see what you should do, more or less LEDs, longer or shorter distance, etc.
I think the key point to take from this is that should you choose to goto the IR illuminator route, then get the proper ones. Obiously the 140 LED one would be too strong. I and rileydutton are using these IR illuminators: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2414210&CMP=EMC-TIGEREMAIL&SRCCODE=CANLET with very good results.
I saw those too...they met most of the recommendations (wavelength, angles)...but $68!! that’s far more than I’d pay for just one of those. However, I would much rather buy one than make an array. Any other recommendations? I’ve been having the hardest time finding something…
I am building a very similar DI setup. The enclosure seems to be a popular choice and I really liked the MS Surface table I played with a few days ago. In looking at the diagram though i was wondering if there is maybe a better position for the projector? I will be using an Optoma HD72. I plan on keeping the PC out of the box and connect it through an IO panel (speaking of which, does anyone know where I can either buy or get a custom panel made that parallel to the side of the box but inset slightly (think LCD monitors and how cables plug in parallel to the display, not perpendicular).
Hmm, well mines pretty low, and I was figuring it was going to need a 2nd mirror if I were to get mine done right. I don’t know if the Optoma is a short throw, but if it is you could probably get away with one or no mirrors.
I’ve been using frosted window film with a very good results, I would recomend you to choose a very light frosted and test the results you have with one and two layers; right now I’m using a double layer setup for my DI unit, but about to try with Rosco Gray (as soon as it arrives).
At first, the larger IR illuminators seems to be the best choice, but they aren’t. I have try with a pair of 140 LED and the results are awful, the IR light is too focused, the high intensity beam just blind the camera, even the beam reflection at the glass (they work… but the performance is not the best); it’s really hard to find the right place to point the illuminators reflecting the IR upon very different materials and textures. For all this, the best choice always be to built a custom IR illumination setup. Try to built a couple of rails with LEDs at each inch or so, run some tests and you’ll see what you should do, more or less LEDs, longer or shorter distance, etc.
For your cooling system, I recomend to place both “extractor” fans at the very top of your box, that will ensure that you could blow the hot air out of the box and also cut a pair of windows at the bottom of the box but at the opposite side from the fans. That way you’ll be able to move all the contained air in the box. Always protect the ventilation holes with some kind of air filter; it could be any kind of fabric that allows air passing from it, but blocks dirt and any other unwanted items going inside.
One more thing, you are about to use mirrors at your setup, be sure to use FS mirrors, take a look around the forum, search for the different tutorials to make your own FS mirror super cheap.
Cheers!
Yeah I saw your post on using window film. That sounds very interesting! Is it something like this? I got pretty good results with the frosted glass sample I tried, but it wasn’t as sharp as it could have been. still pretty good though. Is the window film that’s trying to imitate it really better?
About the IR’s, yeah I was about to buy those 140’s, but they were huge, so I thought I’d hold back on them. Glad I did. I think I will go with building a few strips, if I can’t find any other illuminators.
And about the FS mirrors, yep I read about that before hand too, I heard that some got away without using them though. However I bought a mirror the otherday and gave it a try and I did in-fact get the ghosting or double image. So I was looking at those FS mirrors, and man they are EXPENSIVE! I did find some better prices on ebay though, might go with them. Good thing that the mirror didn’t cost me much.
