Optoma HD37 "newer models"

[Majenkus]

Greetings, I'm going to pickup the Solus, but before that happens I want to get the projector situation worked out so that when I get the printer I can get going with very few headaches (hopefully none).

The Optoma HD37 is recommended for US users, but I noticed that that model is already out of production; however, there are a number of other Optoma HD models with similar specs (HD27, 28, 142). Basically, if I get an HD27, is it going to be a poop show of testing and bad results before I get it dialed in, or is the outcome a relatively "known quantity" compared to the HD37? How much does the specific model number matter? Or, is it simply important just to be in the same "family" with specs within the same range? The HD27 has more brightness and higher contrast than the HD37.

Thanks for any help and information you can offer.

[mongerdesigns]

Hi Michael,

The HD27 is not the same projector as the HD37. It's not in the same class (hence much cheaper) and the lenses are different. You won't be able to just use it with the Solus possibly without major modifications.

If you can't get the HD37 (still being sold even though it's discontinued), Junction3d is currently selling the Vivitek 1186 which is pretty much the same projector as the HD37.

http://www.junction3d.com/buy/vivitek-h ... -projector

[Majenkus]

Do you believe that there will be more projectors added to the list of those officially 'recommended' soon or someday?

[mongerdesigns]

We test new projectors, but we don't just look at compatibility and price, but quality of the image, focusing uniformity and light uniformity. If we discover new ones, of course we will add to the list.

At the moment, the Vivitek 1186 and the Optoma HD37 are the best ones.

[joeyalbano]

I made an overnight run with my optoma hd37, checked it the following morning and notied the projector won't turn on and the lamp indicator was flashing. I disconnect it and heard things rattling inside so I opened it and found that the lamp and the inner focus lens was shattering to pieces. Anybody had this happen? I ordered another projector and had the old one repaired. Just want to know if there is anything I can do to stop this from happening again.

[mongerdesigns]

That happened to me once when it was super hot and the ac wasn't working. Also I may have moved the projector when it was hot, which is a big no no. But mine was still working, I had no idea the little glass broke until I moved the projector and a piece fell out. I was getting fails though, so I opened the lamp enclosure and saw the broken filter glass. The optoma has a high altitude mode that needs to be on, which makes the fans run faster. I also make sure the ac is always on when I print.

That can explain the issues you are having with your prints.

Have you tried contacting Optoma? They can repair it for you or send you a replacement.

[rkundla]

If you need localized cooling, a small box fan or one of those clip-on round fans could be useful blowing across the projector to help carry the heat away from the chassis.

[Jewelermdt]

you can get USB 4in fans. Most come with an adapter for regular AC. I think I got mine at Target.

[reify]

You must always wait 30 min or longer until the bulb is cool before turning the projector back on.



Here are the projector warnings again:

Once the projector is turned on, wait at least five minutes before turning it off to allow the fan to properly cool the unit. After turning the projector off, do not disconnect the power until the Power LED has stopped flashing as it indicates the fan is still running.

Once the projector has been turned off, wait at least 30 minutes before turning it on again. The high start-up voltages can damage the hot filament in the bulb and greatly reduce its lifespan.

Do not move the projector until it has completely cooled down.

Allow at least 50cm clearance around the exhaust vent and 30cm clearance around the intake vent and make sure they are never obstructed. Be especially careful to never place the printer shutter in front of the exhaust vent.

[joeyalbano]

Thanks guys for the reply, I bought a small fan and see if that works. I actually did an overnight build and it probably did get too hot.