Nils Luehrmann
Senior HTF Member
- Joined
- Mar 21, 2001
- Messages
- 3,513
It seems that the last few meets have been largely focused on DIY HT projects (like speaker building, acoustical absorption panels, screens, etc), and it sounds like there are many other DIY projects that members are either working on or have an interest in, so I thought this thread (much like the Austin Movie Night! thread is dealing with members who want to get together to share their HT rooms, I thought this thread might be a great place for fellow members to not only share DIY project ideas and implementations, but to also arrange group gatherings where by we all help a member with a particular project. Not only is this a great way to help our friends, but it is also a great learning opportunity for those thinking about similar DIY projects for their own systems.
I thought the best way to get the ball rolling is for those with DIY projects, and those planning on DIY projects to list them and see who might be interested in either offering advice, lending a hand, or just want to watch, listen and learn.
Right off the top of my head I know Jonathan is in the middle of some big HT projects (Screens, CRT Calibration, HTPC). Colin is planning on doing a SMART II calibration/modifications to his 10HT, and making a PLAS-TEX screen frame. Fredrick has a huge project in front of him with the conversion of his garage into an HT room.
As for the DIY stuff in my HT system, her are some of the past, present and future DIY projects I have going on:
SCREEN:
With the help of Hank and his son I made a PLAS-TEX screen (anyone considering this option should feel free to ask me any questions you might have as well as possibly come by and test it out with your own projector to see if you like the results).
4-WAY MASKING SYSTEM:
I am in the process of making a 4-way masking system with the help from my wife, and will gladly share our experience with anyone interested.
SCREEN MOVIE CURTAINS:
My wife is also working on a design for curtains to go across the entire screen, and a valance to cover all the masking gear.
BLACKOUT SHADES:
My wife is also making pull down blackout shades for the windows.
EQUIPMENT RACK/HT STORAGE:
I made a ventilated equipment rack out of Elf System components and I am currently redesigning the shelving next to the equipment, and looking at building a sliding door for an enclosure.
DVD/CD/LP STORAGE SHELVES:
I have several hundred DVDs, CDs, and LPs and was having trouble finding an adequate way to store them. Thanks to a link sent to me by Hank, I found a solution for my DVDs, and now I am trying to find a solution for cabinets to store my LPs and other Misc. HT gear.
POWER OUTLET FOR CEILING MOUNTED PROJECTOR:
I made myself a power outlet and did all the wiring for it, and anyone needing assistance in that, feel free to email me.
VIDEO CABLE:
Hank was kind enough to make me some superb component cable for which I look forward to helping him make cable in the future. Unfortunately I missed all of the process due to a very distracting child, but hope to get another chance soon. We also ran the wire from the ceiling mounted projector through the attic to the equipment rack. If you plan on pulling your own wire in an attic - watch out fore those 3" roofing nails!
RECESSED ROPE LIGHTING:
This is a project that I would gladly accept advice and assistance. I think I have a good idea how to do this, but I'm not exactly sure I am on the right track. Basically I would like to build a square boarder shelf around the walls of my recessed ceiling and place a long run of rope light inside it such that it would illuminate the ceiling but remain out of sight from every position in the room.
MARQUEE POSTER FRAMING:
I have several marquee movie posters (posters that are designed to be illuminated from behind). I have already had them framed between two panes of glass and in a deep black shadow box, but I am not happy with the result. I would like to have something that weighs less and is less reflective (Plexiglas instead of glass - frosted on the backside for diffusion the light source), and a box that can easily be opened up such that the posters can be changed out on occasions. Also, I want to use coiled rope light for illumination as it can be connected to a dimmer for light control. Any suggestions/assistance would be greatly appreciated.
HTPC:
Well, I have no immediate plans for an HTPC in my system, but I am interested in helping others put HTPCs together in hopes that should I ever want to add an HTPC, I will have enough experience to make it a more pleasant adventure.
Well that about does it for me.
I think this thread could become a great asset for all of us, so lets see how it progresses.
I thought the best way to get the ball rolling is for those with DIY projects, and those planning on DIY projects to list them and see who might be interested in either offering advice, lending a hand, or just want to watch, listen and learn.
Right off the top of my head I know Jonathan is in the middle of some big HT projects (Screens, CRT Calibration, HTPC). Colin is planning on doing a SMART II calibration/modifications to his 10HT, and making a PLAS-TEX screen frame. Fredrick has a huge project in front of him with the conversion of his garage into an HT room.
As for the DIY stuff in my HT system, her are some of the past, present and future DIY projects I have going on:
SCREEN:
With the help of Hank and his son I made a PLAS-TEX screen (anyone considering this option should feel free to ask me any questions you might have as well as possibly come by and test it out with your own projector to see if you like the results).
4-WAY MASKING SYSTEM:
I am in the process of making a 4-way masking system with the help from my wife, and will gladly share our experience with anyone interested.
SCREEN MOVIE CURTAINS:
My wife is also working on a design for curtains to go across the entire screen, and a valance to cover all the masking gear.
BLACKOUT SHADES:
My wife is also making pull down blackout shades for the windows.
EQUIPMENT RACK/HT STORAGE:
I made a ventilated equipment rack out of Elf System components and I am currently redesigning the shelving next to the equipment, and looking at building a sliding door for an enclosure.
DVD/CD/LP STORAGE SHELVES:
I have several hundred DVDs, CDs, and LPs and was having trouble finding an adequate way to store them. Thanks to a link sent to me by Hank, I found a solution for my DVDs, and now I am trying to find a solution for cabinets to store my LPs and other Misc. HT gear.
POWER OUTLET FOR CEILING MOUNTED PROJECTOR:
I made myself a power outlet and did all the wiring for it, and anyone needing assistance in that, feel free to email me.
VIDEO CABLE:
Hank was kind enough to make me some superb component cable for which I look forward to helping him make cable in the future. Unfortunately I missed all of the process due to a very distracting child, but hope to get another chance soon. We also ran the wire from the ceiling mounted projector through the attic to the equipment rack. If you plan on pulling your own wire in an attic - watch out fore those 3" roofing nails!
RECESSED ROPE LIGHTING:
This is a project that I would gladly accept advice and assistance. I think I have a good idea how to do this, but I'm not exactly sure I am on the right track. Basically I would like to build a square boarder shelf around the walls of my recessed ceiling and place a long run of rope light inside it such that it would illuminate the ceiling but remain out of sight from every position in the room.
MARQUEE POSTER FRAMING:
I have several marquee movie posters (posters that are designed to be illuminated from behind). I have already had them framed between two panes of glass and in a deep black shadow box, but I am not happy with the result. I would like to have something that weighs less and is less reflective (Plexiglas instead of glass - frosted on the backside for diffusion the light source), and a box that can easily be opened up such that the posters can be changed out on occasions. Also, I want to use coiled rope light for illumination as it can be connected to a dimmer for light control. Any suggestions/assistance would be greatly appreciated.
HTPC:
Well, I have no immediate plans for an HTPC in my system, but I am interested in helping others put HTPCs together in hopes that should I ever want to add an HTPC, I will have enough experience to make it a more pleasant adventure.
Well that about does it for me.
I think this thread could become a great asset for all of us, so lets see how it progresses.