Test of TripleHead2Go and 3 projectors

[Hans Krohn]

Hi Paul,

you say: "varying keystone and angles". Does that mean different projectors?

I think that one big flat screen is not the solution, because for a focused image from 3 projectors we would ideally need a curved screen. In my case, I plan to use 3 screens that are close to a circle that has the pilot in the center. Easier for me than for you, because I have a single seater cockpit. I do not have to worry about how the copilot perceives things...

Now it's late here, but tomorrow I will upload a sketch I made of how I plan to do my setup, based on the max. FOV obtainable in FS9 at a max. zoom setting of 0.31 (= 109 deg.)

regards,
Hans

[PaulEMB]

I think you are probably right, Hans - I have 3 identical projectors, but they are mounted at different heights, as I am still testing to achieve the best result.

The centre one is on top of the shell, and the outer two are lower, on the side view boxes - my plan is ceiling mount all 3, whch will eliminate the problems I now have on lining up the images.

The width of the shell, and the centre post and screen wipers also get in the way, and cause a shadow on the outer lower edges of the image - this too will be eliminated I hope.

Over Easter I will get some wider screens, and reset it up again.

[Hans Krohn]

Hi Paul and Matt,

as promised, here are two links to early sketches of how my projector setup will look. I will have exactly the same FOV in FS9 and physically in my setup (i.e. 109 degrees), so I hope it will feel credible.

Here are the links:

http://www.hanskrohn.com/BuildingTip...or/TopView.jpg
http://www.hanskrohn.com/BuildingTip...r/SideView.jpg

My projectors will be 3 x Benq 721c

All the best,
Hans


PS:
As you can see, the projection center lines of all three projectors intersect exactly in the Somatosensory Area (i.e. right behind the Parietal Lobe) of the pilots brain - that is the area where flightsim related information is processed - thus creating the uncanny feeling of the image being "as real as it gets"!

[Matt Olieman]

Similar to my planned setup.

I've got the screen (160 degrees curved), only had one projector because lack of room.

Once in my new location I'll have the similar setup, but curved screen. This will present a little different problem because it's curved. I need to be able to curve the projected image on each projector.

[Hans Krohn]

Matt,

that can be done, but it requires special lenses. As far as I know, these are availabe for the high end projectors only, and at a high end price...

Let me know what solution you find (maybe custom made optics in front of the regular lens?)

Regards,
Hans

[Bob Reed]

Hey Hans.. Matt is playing with using mirrors to bend the picture. Seems to work pretty well!

[PaulEMB]

Thanks, Hans,

That looks like exactly what I am doing as well - dimensions are similar (ps you have a 0 missing on the dimensions)

I will also try and get a better curve/join on the screens.

I never thought about having the centre of the projectors behind my brain - do you think that will make a difference?
Anything to ease the workload on my poor overworked abilities!

Maybe I'll give it a try at the weekend..

[Hans Krohn]

Paul,

I was kidding...
To make the projection THROUGH the pilots prain work, you would obviously have to drill a hole through his scull. A rather unpleasant procedure, to be sure. Besides, for perfect image quality the pilot would have to sit perfectly still - no wiggling in the seat during those long CRZ portions of the flight...


Hans

[PaulEMB]

Me too -

After all, it was April 1 !

[PaulEMB]

Made some progress over the weekend on new screens and projector mounts.

I made a lattice "scaffold" out of alu box sections, and mounted the 3 projectors upside down above the cockpit - this means I can adjust the location of each projector without having to drill holes in the ceiling.

New screens out of 3mm MDF, and painted white. On setting everything up, I was surprised to find the depth of view was much improved.
This sketch shows the effect.
http://www.mycockpit.org/photopost/s...082&ppuser=526

I am using only the front view over a total screen width of 5.75m, but as the side views are angled, the view, seen from the seat is a horizontal horizon (on the ground!), but as it is 2m deep, it gives a great illusion of depth.

I will post some pics soon.