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Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)
Why Should I use a DIY Labs Light Kit?We offer both a 250w and 400w version of our HQI metal halide light kit. Our light kits include a premium IceCap ballast, which emits no detectible noise unlike other ballasts that hum, and also run at very low operating temperatures. Additionally, our light kits come with matched lamps and lamp holders, so there is really nothing left to buy! Our light kits offer superior performance and energy efficiency, and all in a much smaller package than with larger mogul base and core/coil ballast kits. Back to TopWhat Does a Fresnel Lens Do?A fresnel lens is necessary to evenly distribute light across the LCD and then focus it back onto the projection lens. Without a fresnel lens, a DIY projector would be very dim and the projection would be completely useless. To learn more about fresnel and other lenses, visit the theory section. Back to TopWhat Is a Split Fresnel LensThe fresnel lenses that are found in overhead projectors are traditionally two fresnel lenses that have been fused together. You still get two fresnel lens halves when you purchase from us, but they are not fused together. This is known as a "split fresnel lens". The advantage to this design is that you have the option of putting your LCD panel between the two fresnel lens halves, which may significantly increase the contrast that your projector is capable of. To learn more about fresnel and other lenses, visit the theory section. Back to Top
Can I Use This LCD Panel in My Projector?There are many different types of LCD panels that will work for a DIY projector. The easiest type to use is a projection panel, which can be easily obtained online at www.ebay.com or sometimes right here in our online store. An even better type of LCD to use is a modified LCD monitor (15" diagonal or less). You will get better resolution and contrast ratio from a modified LCD monitor, but the modification can be very difficult. In general, any transmissive ("see-through") LCD panel will work for DIY projection as long as it is equal to or less than 15" diagonal. You can read more about LCD fundamentals in the LCD page. Back to TopWhy Are These Metal Halide Kits More Expensive?You may have noticed that our metal halide light kits are more expensive than other models available online. The reason is that our light sources utilize HQI and electronic ballast technology. Less expensive kits use core-and-coil technology, which causes the annoying "buzzing" sound that you are used to in parking lots. An electronic ballast operates at a much higher output frequency, eliminating any noises, using less power, and increasing the potential light output of your metal halide lamp. Among the many other advantages is the reduced weight... core-and-coil ballasts typically weigh near 20 pounds, while our ballasts weigh in at just 3 pounds! To learn more about lighting equipment, visit the theory section or our online store. Back to TopDo You Ship Internationally?Yes! We are happy to ship anywhere in the world that the United States Postal Service or UPS will ship to. You may place orders from any country at our online store, which will also automatically calculate the necessary shipping rate for your particular purchase and shipping address! Back to TopWhat If My Order Arrives Damaged?Occasionally parts will arrive damaged. We pack all orders in large bubble wrap and also an assortment of foam and paper fill products to ensure a safe trip, but sometimes our best is not enough. We recommend purchasing shipping insurance with your order so that you will be reimbursed for any damaged goods. If you do not purchase shipping insurance, and your merchandise arrives damaged, there is little we can do about it. Back to TopHow Long Does Shipping Take?If all items in your order are in stock at the time of purchase, then we will typically ship your order within 3-5 days of your purchase. If an item is out of stock, you will be notified of the expected shipping date soon after your purchase is made. You can also contact us to ask about item availability ahead of time as well. The time an order takes to ship depends upon the shipping method chosen, but is typically between 2-3 days for US orders and 4-10 days for international orders. Back to TopHow Can I Pay For My Order?We currently accept online payment from www.paypal.com users, but are also happy to accept personal checks, money order, or Western Union money transfers. All payments must be in USD currency. You should use our online store regardless of payment method for the quickest purchase process. Back to TopHow Does a DIY Projector Compare with a Professional Projector?There is a wide range of quality depending on how you build your projector. If you use the designs and parts on this website, then you should have a projector that is comparable to a $1000 range video projector. This is especially true if you use a 400w HQI/skinny metal halide light source and a modified LCD panel, though you can still get great results using a 250w HQI light source and a projection panel. Most DIY projectors are probably in the 300-500 lumens range, though it is possible to get higher using our 400w light source. Back to TopWhy am I Having Trouble Accessing Your Web Site?Site outages occur occasionally during off-peak hours while we perform site updates. These outages typically only last for about 5-10 minutes at the most, so normal performance should resume very quickly after an outage. If an extended outage occurs for some reason, please do not panic - all orders are still honored, and server activity should resume within about an hour. This situation is very rare and has only occurred 3 times in our history.
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