Front side screens and projector signal drive.

[djjimmytjr]

Basically, i need to replace my screen and to save money (well money i dont have) i was thinking about getting a $99 fold up screen from PSSL with a built in tripod. Its only disadvantage is it only allows your projector to shoot from the front. I never got to use my old screen but it allowed you to shoot from the front or the back and i had a plan to just put that screen on my stage and sit my projector on some roadcases behind it for the image.

http://www.pssl.com/bitemdetail.tpl?eqint_KeyIDdata=7708&UID=2004070910094582

So, my question is, can i use this screen? how can i position my projector? This is for mobile work so ceiling mounting is not an option and my screen is going to be infront of my dance floor (sometimes on a stage sometimes on the floor. I imagine i could use some kind of stand to put the projector up in the air, the only problem with that is if my dance floor is packed, will that affect my image? can i use a speaker stand (7 feet total height) and make a custom bracket for it to sit my projector on it?

Also, what kind of cable should i use to run my projector signal, if i go with the above method my projector could be up to 20-30 feet away from where i'm setup and that could propose a problem for ordinary RCA cables. Is anyone making a heavy duty thick, low loss RCA cable at a long length (25-50 ft.).

Thanks.

[alangeering]

On the cable front:

You really should be using coaxial cable.
Coaxial cable is usually terminated in BNC connectors.
Look for "RG59".


In fact I recomend you go through your whole rig and see what kind of cable you are using.

All video cabling (S-Video, Composite, RGBS, etc.) should have a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms.

If you are using RCA terminated cables that were designed foe audio equipment then you may not be meeting this requirement. The results being reflected and improperly attenuated signals.

Feel free to ask more questions on this subject, it's an area many people ignore.
Alan

[djjimmytjr]

So BNC is the way to go? Where can i buy heavy duty, low loss, tough made coax like this? Or atleast the wire its self and then i can make custom lengths with BNC ends.

Another thingi thought of is, this cable is very stiff and isnt very easy to keep straight (generally). My runs will most likely be taped to the floor along walls/stages/etc... Is anyone making a cable like this thats flexable and easy to manipulate.. Maybe like a mic cord style cable. For the most part high quality mic cable is alot heavier than cheap cable but its much more flexible and easier to untangle (if it even gets tangled) anything like this for video?

[alangeering]

Yes, you can generally get installation grade (stiff) coax and also a flexible grade of cable (usually more expensive).

General Link:
http://www.cpc.co.uk

More Specifically: (expensive)
http://custom1.farnell.com/cpc/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=cpc+catalogue&category%5Fname=&product%5Fid=254881
http://custom1.farnell.com/cpc/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=cpc+catalogue&category%5Fname=&product%5Fid=252151
http://custom1.farnell.com/cpc/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=cpc+catalogue&category%5Fname=&product%5Fid=252449

General RG59:
http://custom1.farnell.com/cpc/search.asp?keyword=rg59&btnSubmit=Search

Cheap "Pro Signal" (CPC own brand) RG59 with RCA plugs:
http://custom1.farnell.com/cpc/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CPC+Catalogue&category%5Fname=&product%5Fid=252185
Same with BNC ends:
http://custom1.farnell.com/cpc/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CPC+Catalogue&category%5Fname=&product%5Fid=252448

I'll leave you to do any more research.
Alan

[djjimmytjr]

Thanks for those links and help with cable. I really appreciate.

Can anyone help me with the screen question?

Thanks!

[djjef]

What you want to do is understandable for easier setups. I would definitely suggest getting the screen up on roadcases for sure. The higher the better. I have a solution for you regarding the Projector mount. Contact me with your projector model and I will see if this mounting solution will work.

Cable wise I would suggest a Canare RG59 for the best in flexible video cable. You just can't beat them. No cable memory or kinks that will hold you up. It may be a little more to start with but they will definitely last you for quite a while. We buy the cable in bulk and then terminate them with either BNC or RCA connectors depending on application. Some of our projectors are BNC and Some are RCA in.

Good to see some more of the DJChat guys broadening their minds. Welcome to VJCentral.

djjef aka
VJOverkill

[djjimmytjr]

Thanks for the welcome and the advice, jef.

My system is in the works (front start again) after my projector and screen got stolen so i dont have an exact model for the mount.

Thanks again, i contacted you via email.