Building a Video Wreath By Matt Brown GleannlochChristmas.com January 2009 Updated July 2011
Steps 1. Build PVC Frame 2. Cut projection fabric and test fit 3. Purchase projector 4. Attach garland and lights 5. Build super-structure 6. Build projection box
Approx. 6 Step #1: Approx. 4 Approx. 30 Building The Approx 20 Frame Using ¾ Sched 40 PVC 45 qty 16 Tee qty 16 ¾ x 9½ qty 32 ¾ x 14½ qty 32 ¾ x 10¾ qty 8
Using a miter saw and stop block to cut the PVC to consistent lengths
Assemble the 2 Octagons First Then insert the 8 spacers
Step #2: Cutting the Rear Projection Fabric 1. Start by cutting the fabric into a 54 square. 2. Then measure 15¾ in from each corner, draw the diagonals, and cut them off. You now have an octagon. 3. Finally, measure ¾ from each corner and draw a perpendicular line approximately 1 ¾. Then cut out these corner sections. 15¾ 54 square ¾ Grey rear projection fabric purchased from rosebrand.com. 3 yards of the 55 width will make 2 screens so you have a backup in case the first one gets damaged.
Attaching fabric to the frame Fabric clips were purchased from creativeshelters.com Part #SNAP04EA-B-BK, Qty 16 (black clip that snaps on to ¾ PVC) You will need to make small cuts in the 8 flaps on the fabric to fit around the PVC Tee on each side of the frame
The completed frame, less garland and lights Note that the PVC has been painted black using Krylon spray paint for plastic.
Detail of clips holding the fabric
Step #3: Purchasing a Projector Look for a projector with a 4:3 ratio (width vs. height). A wide screen projector won t fit your round screen as well. This Epson S4 was purchased on E-Bay for less than $250. If you buy a used projector, pay close attention to remaining lamp life. Projector bulbs are very expensive!
Projector Settings Once you have your projector, try out it on the frame with the fabric attached. You will want to change the settings on the projector to rear projection. On mine, this is done using the menu button with the projector running. Mine also has a setting for instant on (turning on as soon as power is applied). This allows me to turn the projector on and off automatically -- simply by switching power to the projector. This can be done using a spare channel on an AC controller or a lamp timer. Once you have the projected image filling the fabric area and in focus, measure the distance from the projector to the frame. This will be important later when building the super-structure.
Step #4: Attaching Garland and Lights Before attaching the garland, I formed a circle of flexible 4 drainage pipe and attached it to the frame. This will give the wreath some depth. Also attached screen door molding to outside of frame to make it round.
Drainage Pipe & Molding Drainage pipe secured with stiff wire PVC Screen molding attached to each corner
Rear View Detail Screen Molding Drainage Pipe Wire holding drainage pipe in place
View With Garland Attached
Step #5: Building the Super-Structure
Super-Structure Details 2x4 (treated) Cedar Fencing For structure and prevents projector overshoot from being seen. 4x4 (treated) Wheels on rear 4x4 attached with lag screws aid in transport Projection Box Houses projector, show computer, FM transmitter, speakers, and DMX dongles 1x4 diagonals are removable via wing nuts and screws Wreath attached to horizontal structure with hinges. Once diagonals and projection box are removed, the wreath lays flat for storage. Bath fan mounted in roof vent prevents overheating. VERY IMPORTANT!
Step #6: Building the Projection Box Hole cut into front of box, covered in clear plastic and sealed with Goop. Projector mounted to plywood with thumb screws in each corner for height adjustment Using a motherboard instead of a notebook Con: requires keyboard Pro: keyboard can be accessed without removing the entire computer Show Computer I use a dual-core Intel motherboard running Win7, attached to a piece of plywood. However, most any notebook would work just as well. Cable Entrance DMX Dongles Aluminum L channels provide a platform to hold the projector and leaves room for cables and speakers underneath.