Concentrating sunlight to accomplish projection (Art project)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of building a solar-powered slide projector that effectively concentrates sunlight for projection. Participants explore various methods to enhance the intensity of sunlight used in the project, focusing on practical solutions and technical considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to concentrate sunlight for a slide projector and questions the compatibility of their condenser lenses with a fresnel enlarging lens.
  • Another participant suggests alternative light sources, questioning whether sunlight is essential for the project.
  • The original poster confirms the necessity of using sunlight and mentions previous experiences with LED projectors.
  • Several solutions are proposed, including creating a darker room, using larger light-gathering structures, and relocating to a brighter area.
  • The original poster discusses the challenges of diverging rays and considers using a parabolic mirror, while expressing concerns about deviating from the project's artistic vision.
  • There is a suggestion to use a large fresnel lens to focus light onto a plane mirror, which would redirect it through the slide and enlarging lens.
  • Participants are encouraged to think of other light-gathering structures that could be utilized.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best method to concentrate sunlight for the projector. Multiple competing views and suggestions remain, with ongoing exploration of potential solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the limitations of their current setups, including issues with lens compatibility and the effectiveness of different light-gathering structures. There is also a recognition of the project's artistic constraints.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in solar energy applications, DIY projectors, or artistic installations involving light projection may find this discussion relevant.

Gabrielk
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Hello!

First of all I want to say that I am not a physicist, but an artist currently doing my master thesis.

I have been trying to build a solar powered slide projector. It works very simple – I reflect sunlight through a slide and enlarge it with a lens.

My problem was that I wanted more juice. Stronger light.
I figured that I could concentrate sunlight somehow. I have tried to make a facett reflector that focus on a pair of condenser lenses… this has not been very successful I'm afraid.

Could it be that my condenser lenses has an EFL that is not the same as my fresnel enlarging lens?

Do you guys have any ideas on how to accomplish this?

I'm super grateful for any help what so ever! :D

Cheers!
 
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Does it have to be sunlight?
 
Zuri Rohm said:
Does it have to be sunlight?

Yes sir!

That is very important. I have made various portable projectors powered by LEDs. But this I would like to use sunlight.

I think it would be sufficient if I could double the sunlight. Just one sun is not quite enough, at least this time a year.
 
Solutions:
A: Create a darker room to project your image in.
B: Bigger light gathering structures.
C: Go to a brighter place.

Watch this video:

 
Mk said:
Solutions:
A: Create a darker room to project your image in.
B: Bigger light gathering structures.
C: Go to a brighter place.

Watch this video:



A: Yes, I need to find optimal settings for this of course. But the room is supposed to be in public space. (Urban area)
B: Yes, that is what I am trying to accomplish by building a plane mirror facett structure. But I have a problem with diverging rays… I think this might have to do with the lenses I am using, not sure. My aim is to build this myself. Otherwise I could order a parabolic mirror to increase the light. But this does not compute with the overall idea of the project. (stupid artist)
C: Yes, I might have to do that. The thought has occurred.

Nice video and a super nice project.

If I would get a big fresnel lens like he has in the video and focus it on a plane mirror that redirects the light through my slide and enlarging lens. Would that work?

Can you think of other light gathering structures?

Thanks for your reply!
 

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