What is it?

The DLP2000 is a relatively cheap DMD, (Digital Mirror Device). It supports a resolution of 854 x 480. Not huge, but TI are selling their "evaluation boards", (the DLP2000EVM), for around US$99 which is pretty cheap for a projector. However, these eval boards are only designed for the BeagleBone.

So this is a simple adapter board that allows you to use an ordinary Pi Zero W instead of a BeagleBone.

Why did I make it?

The DLP2000 was too cool to pass up and I wanted it to work on a Raspberry Pi Zero W, because... well... because...

Also, I wanted to make the smallest cheapest pocket projector around.

The adapter board makes a much cleaner, more permanent install for a Pi Zero W rather than a rats nest of wires. (If you saw my video on this, you would understand.)

What makes it special?

This PCB is a straight header to header adapter board. With the ability to power from a micro USB connector or from the DC jack on the DLP2000EVM. A nice big ground plane gives a rock solid display, but I've left a void so that it doesn't interfere with the Pi Zero W WiFi signal. You can also mount the Pi Zero W above or below the PCB and mount the PCB above or below the projector, depending on how small you want the unit to be.

Rev 1.0

The original version.

Rev 1.1

I added an MCP23008SO SMD, which is an 8 port GPIO I2C expander. This solves the issue of all the GPIOs being used up by the projector. I won't be shipping this as part of orders, so you'll have to solder one up yourself. Note: the board still works without it being present. I also added a cut-out on the PCB to allow adding/removing the Pi Zero W SD card easier.

Rev 1.2

Small change to the cut-out to allow easier insertion of the SD card and some minor track changes.

Rev 1.3

• Moved GPIO header to the edge of the board.
• Added DLP power pin, so you don't need a jumper cable.
• Added I2C GPIO expander solder tabs to change I2C address.
• Minor track changes.

Also check out Rev 2.0 of the board here.

What do you get?

The Rev 1.x series I'm selling as a plain "as is" PCB. However, I've added in some options to order headers. I have a limited supply of them, so add it to your order quick!

You will also need:

• A DLP2000EVM module.
• Two 2x23 pin female headers - or add it to your order here.
• One Pi male header - or add it to your order here.
• Jumper cable to connect 5v power to DLP200EVM.

Specs

• Max resolution: 854 x 480.
• Focus range: 10" to 60" - although I've managed to project down to 1" all the way up to 230".
• Lumens: 30 - Visible under most lighting, but better with a darkened room.
• Heat: It does get toasty, but not hot. Up to 40C, (104F), with an ambient temperature of 20C, (68F).
• Note 1: There's no keystone, so the projector has to be parallel to whatever you are displaying it on.
• Note 2: The focus adjustment of the DLP2000EVM is a little "flaky". I'll be adding in servo controlled adjustment in a later revision.

Who's using it?

Here's a small list of how people are using my PiProjector. If you buy one, drop me a note on how you're using it and I'll post it here.

• International Space Station (ISS) - Exposing colour patterns on WORF plates.
• Dentists & Orthodontists - Instead of hanging a heavy screen above a patient's head.

Who's talking about it?

A bunch of people seem to be interested in this little project of mine for some reason:

MakeZine

Pi Foundation Blog

HackADay

Geeky Gadgets

MiniMachines

ElectroMaker

Useful links

• YouTube video on the PiProjector.
• Website article.
• GitHub repo.