May 11th 2008

Build a Projector Mount – Interface with Architecture

I’ve been doing projector installations on the fly for quite awhile, and have seen just about every method out there. For portability and speed, nothing beats a thick metal plate, with holes drilled in it where the projector mount screws align, and some easy to find hardware. In the middle of the plate, put a standard tripod-nut. I use JB Weld to glue this to the back of the plate. Then, you can easily attach a Manfrotto superclamp and from there, to what’s called a pipe clamp.

The key to all this is the plate. Most sub-10lb projectors can get by with just two of their screws holding the projector up. Build an X or a triangle if you need more. On my 4200 lumen projector, I build an “X” to hit all 4 mounts, with a tripod-sized bolt holding it together in the middle. Not only is this WAY cheaper than the “ceiling mount” junk out there, its also low-profile, allowing the projector to fit in its original case by just unscrewing it like you would a camera to a tripod.

The manfrotto clamp
Generic pipe clamp
(great for going around pillars, or other architectural features)

Oh, and you’ll need a ball head for aiming. Manfrotto has fancy one’s, but you don’t need anything expensive for smaller projectors. Slik is usually fine. Here’s some info on them

Combine this with a VGA transmitter, and your installs are a snap. No long runs, no gaffing cables down, no stands to fall down.

Here’s this setup in a timelapse for IPR’s canal-closing with Share. Notice the projector mounted to the pillar? Took no time to install.

Hope this helps you get in and out of your gigs quick and easy.