DIY Cardboard iPod Projector

I've been on a crapty DIY technology kick lately.  A couple of weeks ago, I made this set of  DIY Cardboard roll iPod Speakers.  After making those speakers, I wondered if I could take the idea one step further.  Could I somehow make an iPod projector out of everyday materials?

After searching online, I saw that others had some success with a creating a DIY iPod projector out of a cardboard box and magnifying glass.   So, of course, I had to try it for myself. 

Tada!  Here's today's craft- a DIY Cardboard and Magnifying Glass iPod Projector  

Wanna see how this projector works?  Keep reading for more!

 

Materials to create a DIY Cardboard iPod Projector:

• Cardboard box
• Duct Tape
• Paint
• Paint brushes
• Magnifying glass*
• Exacto Knife
• Scissors
• iPod
• Aluminum foil

*Note:  I used one purchased from the Dollar Store and it didn't work!  So I purchased another one from Staples that was much stronger and the projector worked better.

Directions to create a DIY Cardboard iPod Projector:

1.  Place a magnifying glass onto the side of your box and trace it.  Then, use your exacto knife to cut the shape out.  Slide your magnifying glass into the slit and tape it securely inside. 

2.  Cover all holes in your cardboard box with duct tape.

3.  Create your iPod stand by bending a piece of aluminum foil into a makeshift stand.

4. Lock your iPod image into place.  (The projector will project the image upside down, so you have to lock the iPod screen.)

5.  Optional:  Cut out the back panel of your projector to make it easier to move your iPod in and out.

6.  Paint the inside of your projector black to improve your projected image.

7.  Use the aluminum foil to stand up your iPod.  Then, turn off all the lights in your room.  (The projector works the best if everything is dark.)  Play around with the placement of the iPod and the projector to create the best image.

8.  Tape your box shut.  Optional:  Paint the outside of your box.

Here's a photo of the top of the DIY iPod projector:

Here's a photo of the front of the DIY iPod Projector:

 

 

Here's how the DIY iPod Projector projects:

Note:  

For best results, turn off all lights in the room and project your image onto a white screen.

 

And here's what our projected movie looks like:

DIY iPod Projector Movie

Homemade Projector Video from Pink Stripey Socks on Vimeo.

Cool right?  The results are grainy, but it's still neat seeing how a bunch of everyday materials can become something more.

Interested in other cool and easy science project? Check these out!

• Babble Dabble Do's Coffee Can Camera Obscura
• DIY cardboard roll iPod speakers
• Light Painting with a flashlight

Happy crapting!