Skip to main content

First Try at Making a Projection Map

A couple of nights ago, I set up the short throw projector in the front yard in an attempt to create a projection map. I stacked two portable work tables, one on top of the other, and positioned the projector on top. This provided a projector height of about 5 1/2 feet.

The picture below was taken from the perspective of the projector after the map was drawn.


I think that just the red outlines look pretty cool. I can't wait to do more with it.

I set my laptop to the same resolution as the projector (1920 x 1080) and maximized the Microsoft Paint application. The white border around the house is from the window boarder of the paint application.

However, when looking at the projection map image, I realized the projector was not level (pitured below):


I'm not sure that it makes that much of a difference, but one thing will: inconsistency. So, I'm devising a means to produce consistent projector mounting results.

As with all things, we begin with a good foundation. I purchased this 4x4 fence post spike that I can drive into the front yard (hopefully without slicing through the underground irrigation hoses):

With the post spike above, I'll be able to put the projector mount up for Halloween and have it down the rest of the year.

Next, I'll attach the following the projector mount to the end of a 4' 4x4:
 

Of course, the mount pictured above is for hanging from the ceiling and it would be inverted for our purposes.

And finally, the projector gets attached on top. I'm expecting a height of about 7' and can go higher if needed.

Once I complete the assembly, I'll level the projector and generate another project map. Then it's off to the races.

 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

First Synchronized Video Produced for 2021

With the plan to use DMX synchronized video projections and lighting controllers, I have been getting busy with the setup for the 2021 Halloween display. This includes making sure the DMX hardware I have actually works and producing video content for the display. I feel that once I confirm the hardware will work, getting the hardware setup should be uneventful. The synchronized videos will require a lot more work, especially since I want to produce an hour long show (in order to not repeat the same scenes too often). I settled on four large video projectors for this season, but I know only where three of them are positioned. Figuring out where the fourth projector goes is eluding me and causing a little angst. I haven't tested the DMX controllers with the media players yet. I'm planning on testing them this weekend. This includes getting a DMX interface from the computer to the universe to work as well as sequencing software. I still have my Lynx USB-to-DMX interface but haven&

Research and Planning for Canton Chills 2020

I spent some time conducting research this weekend on video projectors, DMX lights, fog machines, and wireless transmitters, digital decorations from AtmosFX, and computer show controllers. My goal was to get a good understanding of equipment and cost and keep that understanding in the back of my mind while planning out the display. The theme of the display will be kid-friendly with hints of creepiness scattered about. I imagine something more of a Disney experience: good attention to detail with a warmer, thematic feel. I am also adjusting my mindset such that I think of it more like a show than a display. I am just not skilled enough to know whether the show is built around the display or the display is built around the show. This perspective, I need to understand. On the display side, I also started a task I was curious about for some time. That was, what is the distance to screen size projection ratio for the video projectors I have. I managed to get measurements for the mini

Plan for Halloween 2020

I think Canton Chills has been a great success over the past 5 years. Big crowds formed in front of the house and children and adults alike have been entertained and terrified. The house has earned a reputation for frightening technical excellence. Dawn and I talk about delivering a more kid-friendly experience every year. I still want it to be entertaining and amazing from a technical perspective. This translates into lots of planning. Our goal: Provide a family-friendly experience that amazes all age groups. The "family-friendly" part simply comes from using more comical animations and toning down the sound and special effects so as not to frighten more sensitive children (and parents). Walkways will be well lit, but scene lighting will still be theatrical. Scary sounds will be toned down and fog will be moved away from visitors. Video projections, sound, and DMX driven lights (both static set lights and color settable floods, including strobe) will all be synchronized. A s