Re. screw management I use a couple of different methods. First is plastic ice cube trays with each compartment numbered I draw a very rough sketch of screw positions and number them according to where the screws are in the ice trays. The other method (when I dont have the trays handy) is again a rough sketch of the positions and then I tape each screw to the paper, last time I used this method was when replacing the LCD screen on my Canon DSLR, lots of very small screws.
I had a bit of a moment and took one of these apart trying to shrink it in size for a project, didn't turn out too well as it randomly just stopped working and i've never got it to work again. LEDs just flash as if starting and never stops.. problem is I can't get hold of another one! Seems to be none available these days..
The actual name for the device is "Pico Projector". It was the idea to use lasers to project the image which makes that fixed fine beam that does not need to be focused. I originally wanted one and it was supposed to be sold at $100 but the company that developed the technology sold out and you will pretty much find these things at about $500 or more.
More than two-thirds of the parts are made in this country- that's more than with any other device of its kind. They are putting Americans to work making these projectors- to me, that is very important.
I'd love to get my hands on a 2D MEMS mirror device like one in that projector. I have a few project ideas in my mind. Any idea where to get them at a reasonable price? I have contacted various MEMS manufacturers for engineering samples, or evaluation kits, but they are charging something like $1000+ just for the MEMS mirror device itself, not counting the dev board. Some don't even want to know you.
The delay looks very short indeed. Is there any chance that it might scan in sync with an incoming NTSC signal, and thus allow old light-gun games (Duck Hunt!) to be played on a projector? All current LCD and DLP projectors won't work with light-guns, of course.
I have one of their original pico projectors, this one in the video, and the Sony version as well. I'd like to know if it would be possible to replace the laser diodes in this projector with brighter diodes. Has anyone done this?
Re. screw management I use a couple of different methods. First is plastic ice cube trays with each compartment numbered I draw a very rough sketch of screw positions and number them according to where the screws are in the ice trays. The other method (when I dont have the trays handy) is again a rough sketch of the positions and then I tape each screw to the paper, last time I used this method was when replacing the LCD screen on my Canon DSLR, lots of very small screws.
Oh man, that’s a job!
wow man you are awesome lol, Im hooked on your vids, you pretty much do what I would love to do myself
I agree... they do always put too many screws in! I always have leftovers no matter how much I make sure everything is secure.
I had a bit of a moment and took one of these apart trying to shrink it in size for a project, didn't turn out too well as it randomly just stopped working and i've never got it to work again. LEDs just flash as if starting and never stops.. problem is I can't get hold of another one! Seems to be none available these days..
The actual name for the device is "Pico Projector". It was the idea to use lasers to project the image which makes that fixed fine beam that does not need to be focused. I originally wanted one and it was supposed to be sold at $100 but the company that developed the technology sold out and you will pretty much find these things at about $500 or more.
They are used on eBay for $40.00
More than two-thirds of the parts are made in this country- that's more than with any other device of its kind. They are putting Americans to work making these projectors- to me, that is very important.
I'd love to get my hands on a 2D MEMS mirror device like one in that projector. I have a few project ideas in my mind. Any idea where to get them at a reasonable price? I have contacted various MEMS manufacturers for engineering samples, or evaluation kits, but they are charging something like $1000+ just for the MEMS mirror device itself, not counting the dev board. Some don't even want to know you.
@DustenAtPlay The flicker is only a video camera artefact.
@formula1977 Like I said, they always use too many screws, all are rarely essential
Awesome stuff! Thanks for this. Feel free to post articles to Picopros ANYTIME!!!
there is a yellow sticker covering more screws :) And don't forget the ones in the battery section! lol
I think that little flex connector inside is VGA input.
Where can I learn about projectors? Readings or other info? Where did you learn about all the electronics on your channel?
The delay looks very short indeed. Is there any chance that it might scan in sync with an incoming NTSC signal, and thus allow old light-gun games (Duck Hunt!) to be played on a projector? All current LCD and DLP projectors won't work with light-guns, of course.
Did you ever do anything with these Mike? Thinking about ripping one apart to put into a toy robot
hi, i got one of these ,and i dont have vga adapter cable... is it posible to solder vga directly on video out on projector?
I have one of their original pico projectors, this one in the video, and the Sony version as well. I'd like to know if it would be possible to replace the laser diodes in this projector with brighter diodes. Has anyone done this?
No, but I do want to hack the mems mirror. The laser diode modules can't be any better than the $5.00 ones easy find anywhere.
Did anyone mention that this is made in the USA?
hi mike,
trying to source one of these, but can't seem to find it online. do you know if its still for sale?
It's the Sony MP-CL1. You can pretty much buy them anywhere. I just bought one on Amazon.
How big is it?
In the title, shouldn't it be "teardown" rather than "teardoiwn"? Interesting video though.