Projectors for maps

[WrathW1zard]

So I am looking into purchasing a small, portable projector that I could hook up to my laptop for projecting maps onto a table. Trying to save myself some time and markers by being able to project maps and use the fog of war for PCs exploring dungeons and such. I would also like to be able to take this to conventions so I don't have to lug around a tube case filled with maps. Anyone who uses or has used this option for games and has advice on one that would project well onto a table and be small enough that I won't break my back hauling it around I would love to hear from.

[Vod Canockers]

Today 4/8/13 only.

This might do the trick.

[Joesi]

cool idea. Sounds expensive though unless you can get an old transparency projector for cheap (like schools have/had), or maybe just an old electronic one for cheap

[JonGarrett]

Intriguing. Is there a particular kind you'd need for something like this? And bigger, bulkier cheaper ones for home only use?

[WrathW1zard]

Well I have been looking around and seen a bunch that don't hook up to any computer, basicly I would like to be able to project my maps on the table to save me the hassle of drawing them, and being able to have a clear map of the area since i can't draw entire dungeons out on the paizo dry erase map. something decent for under $300 would be good. I think the bigger bulkier older projectors are kind of going backwards of what I want. Unless I could buy and old bulky projector, take it apart, and turn it into a smaller sleeker version of itself.

[Maezer]

Whatever you decide on the trick will be mounting it as 99% of commercial video projectors are designed to be displayed on a wall or vertical screen rather than horizontally on a table top.

The best solution is probably mounting it under a glass top table and projecting upwards. But taking a lightweight projector and mounting it on the ceiling can work as well (but my wife would never tolerate the cords).

[Komoda]

This is how I played until I joined the Navy. There is no "take it to convention" version ESPECIALLY for putting it on the table.

To get mine to work properly, as in with the 1" grid, It took a lot of setting up. To display at 30" x 60" with a 1" grid that was still identifiable, I had to build a stand, shoot the image up to the ceiling and than back down to the table. This took a very large mirror on the ceiling and some creative tinkering.

You will probably want a 1024 x 768 or higher native resolution. If you are going to use it in a lit room it will have to be VERY bright. The 32 Lumens of the one Vod Canokers linked will not do the trick.

This one : http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs= 19&sku=224-8089&baynote_bnrank=4&baynote_irrank=0&~ck=bayno teSearch

is a little better than the one I have. It is 3500 Lumens, not 32.

Software is also important. I used photoshop. I tried MapTools but it was really lacking for the map production. I now use d20Pro with maps created in photoshop. Check out dundjinni.com for map parts. They have thousands.

This is a lot of work, but once you get set up it is AMAZING!

[Satchmo]

Perhaps, we could change your thinking a little. Instead of a projector that would have to be set up each time you moved it consider a LCD HD TV. The 32' ones are under your target price currently and are big enough for most maps. If 32' is not big enough go for a 40' or a 42' will be about $500 after tax. I use a 5 year old 32' Visio. It is light enough to carry easily, has a jack that can use a signal from my laptop, the back is flat and it sits about 3' above table level, and the viewing angle is acceptable for everyone at the table.

With the low prices of flat panel TV's now days I think this will be the map of the future.

[kmal2t]

carrying around a 32 inch screen? Then putting it on a table around dice and people trying to work around it? Doesn't sound practical

[Satchmo]

Its no bigger than a projected map.