Ceiling Mounting to be able to change projector distance

[wbond]

Thought i would post what i did to mount my projector. I have the Optoma GT1080 which is a 16:9 native. I knew the kids would like watching movies in the summer so I wanted to be able to see them in 16:9, but still be able to use the sim at 4:3. The image width changes based on resolution size and i wanted to keep the full width for both. To do that, the projector needs to be able to move back and forth from the screen. Originally i tried to slide it along an emt, but the projector in the mount doesn't sit square, it hangs off to one side. So that didn't work. Instead i built a two track system out of angle iron that is square to the screen which allowed me to move the projector. The projector mount itself is attached to two pieces of angle iron that sits on top of the track. All you do is lift two bolts and then you can slide the projector to any distance you want.

This also allows you to dial in image size easier. It may take a little more work, but I think it really helps in the end.

[aja]

Nice solution!

[Ironstrokes]

That's a great idea! I think I'm gonna steal that and do it soon for my optoma as well. Thanks for sharing.

[Brettster]

Great idea and construction... Can you tell me what is the full-motion of range, what is the distance (to the screen) with the projector all the way forward (4:3), and what is it with projector all the way back (16:9), I may need to do that myself.

[wbond]

You need to use projector central to determine this based on what projector you will be using. And it's actually the other way around, 4:3 is farther back (6'8") than 16:9 which is 5'. This is to accomodate a 10' wide image for both. You will get some height offset between the two using this projector as well. In 4:3 the image starts 14" down, in 16:9 it starts 11" down. With my setup, i like the large offset, it moves the projector higher away from the golfer.

Great idea and construction... Can you tell me what is the full-motion of range, what is the distance (to the screen) with the projector all the way forward (4:3), and what is it with projector all the way back (16:9), I may need to do that myself.

[wbond]

Also want to mention, this works well for any projector that has a fixed lens, makes for easy adjustment to fill the screen.

[TaS]

Is there a good projector with a zoom lens and will accomplish the same thing? I have the same need and need the finished look now that I'm moving it into my house.

[wbond]

Not sure exactly what you are asking.
1-If it's in relation to being able to go from 16:9 to 4:3 and keep the same width for both, then no. Assuming projector is 16:9 native. The distance you have to move the projector is just to great, mine is about 20".
2-If it's about being able to just zoom in and out a little to fine tune size on screen then yes.

I think the benq 1085st gets a lot of good reviews on here.

Is there a good projector with a zoom lens and will accomplish the same thing? I have the same need and need the finished look now that I'm moving it into my house.

[TaS]

Yeah, that's what I was asking. I want to use 4:3 for sim and fill up the screen and then go to 16:9 for movies and fill up the width.

[wbond]

Here is the original pic.

[DannyMRICS]

Yeah, that's what I was asking. I want to use 4:3 for sim and fill up the screen and then go to 16:9 for movies and fill up the width.

Mmm, I was wondering the same thing. So just to confirm, a fixed projector can't fill the width of the screen in both 16:9 and 4:3?

Assuming that is the case, would it work to have an impact screen for golf, and a separate projector screen for movies and PS4? Like the attached. With the projector screen positioned further forward or back (would it need to be further back? How far?).

Also, I would want the 4:3 sim display to be nearly to the floor, but the 16:9 cinema display to be say 2' off the floor for a more comfortable viewing position. Is this possible?

It appeals to me to have a separate screen for sim and movies, as the impact screen is either bound to suffer from wear, or won't be as good quality as a projector screen.

Hope that all makes sense.

Thanks,

Dan

[caldiver]

Hi - this is similar to what I'd like to do except I want to be able to have a ceiling TV mount that can be slid forward and backward. Can you take some close-up shots of how those metal angle irons are screwed into your ceiling as well as how the projector is mounted / able to slide along the rails?

[wbond]

Angle iron is just attached to rafters with two heavy duty screws for each vertical piece. Each piece was plumbed individually. Then the horizontal pieces are just bolted to the vertical pieces and they are level. The projector mount is bolted to two pieces of angle iron and then these pieces are wider than the width of the track. I don't have anything holding them in place, you can then slide it for and aft and a little side to side as well.

[HoselRocket]

Excellent solution. You must be an engineer. Unfortunately, mine is ceiling mounted in a finished basement so I don't think I can get that by the" powers that be."
My other option is to sell this fixed lens projector and get one with a zoom lens. I'm not sure why Rain or Shine uses this projector for their package. I can't be the only one that has had this issue.

[wbond]

Haha. Yes I am. It can be done much nicer in a finished room. You could mount two pieces of wood (paint same color as the ceiling) to the ceiling that have a slight undercut in them. Then get a projector mount, just use the flat portion and slide in on the pieces of wood. Then you can move it for and aft as needed. I've seen someone else do this with theirs. Many ways to skin a cat, just not as easy as having a zoom on the projector.

Excellent solution. You must be an engineer. Unfortunately, mine is ceiling mounted in a finished basement so I don't think I can get that by the" powers that be."
My other option is to sell this fixed lens projector and get one with a zoom lens. I'm not sure why Rain or Shine uses this projector for their package. I can't be the only one that has had this issue.

[GerardN]

Bumping this - I’m thinking about doing something similar to allow the projector accommodate different use cases at 4:3 and 16:9, I will need to be able to slide the projector back and forward about 1metre. Is there any solution available on the market, or is this going to be a DIY job? Cheers