Makers, developers, and hobbyists interested in creating their very own mini PC projector may be intrigued by this DIY project. This project ingeniously combines the BeagleBone Black mini PC with a LightCrafter projector. The LightCrafter projector is capable of creating a 640 x 360 resolution image with a brightness of 30 lumens and is now available to purchase for $99.
The $55 BeagleBone Black mini PC is similar to the earlier Raspberry Pi models one and two. It is equipped with 92 pins, split between two headers, offering more connectivity options than the Raspberry Pi. This makes it a versatile choice for various DIY projects, including this mini PC projector.
Understanding the BeagleBone Black Mini PC
The BeagleBone Black is a low-cost, community-supported development platform for developers and hobbyists. It is powered by a 1GHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor and includes 512MB of DDR3 RAM. The board also features 4GB of onboard eMMC flash storage, which can be expanded using a microSD card. The BeagleBone Black supports various operating systems, including Debian, Android, and Ubuntu, making it a flexible choice for different applications.
One of the standout features of the BeagleBone Black is its extensive I/O capabilities. With 92 pins available, users can connect a wide range of peripherals and sensors, making it ideal for projects that require multiple inputs and outputs. This is particularly useful for creating a mini PC projector, as it allows for easy integration with the LightCrafter projector and other components.
Exploring the LightCrafter Projector
The LightCrafter projector, specifically the DLP LightCrafter Display 2000, is an easy-to-use, plug-and-play evaluation platform designed for a wide array of ultra-mobile and ultra-portable display applications. These applications span across consumer electronics, wearables, industrial, medical, and Internet of Things (IoT) markets.
The evaluation module (EVM) features the DLP2000 chipset, which includes the DLP2000 .2 nHD DMD, DLPC2607 display controller, and DLPA1000 PMIC/LED driver. This EVM comes equipped with a production-ready optical engine and processor interface, supporting 8/16/24-bit RGB parallel video interface in a small-form factor. This makes it an excellent choice for creating a compact and portable projector.
The LightCrafter projector’s small size and low power consumption make it ideal for portable applications. With a brightness of 30 lumens, it is suitable for use in low-light environments, such as small rooms or outdoor settings at night. The 640 x 360 resolution provides a clear and detailed image, making it perfect for presentations, movie nights, or even gaming.
More details on the LightCrafter directly from the Ti website:
DLP LightCrafter Display 2000 is an easy-to-use, plug-and-play evaluation platform for a wide array of ultra-mobile and ultra-portable display applications in consumer, wearables, industrial, medical, and Internet of Things (IoT) markets.
The evaluation module (EVM) features the DLP2000 chipset comprised of the DLP2000 .2 nHD DMD, DLPC2607 display controller and DLPA1000 PMIC/LED driver. This EVM comes equipped with a production ready optical engine and processor interface supporting 8/16/24-bit RGB parallel video interface in a small-form factor.
To create your own mini PC projector, you will need to connect the BeagleBone Black to the LightCrafter projector. This can be done using the RGB parallel video interface, which allows for seamless integration between the two devices. Once connected, you can use the BeagleBone Black to control the projector and display your desired content.
This DIY project is an excellent way to explore the capabilities of the BeagleBone Black and the LightCrafter projector. It offers a hands-on experience in electronics and programming, making it a valuable learning opportunity for makers, developers, and hobbyists alike.
More details on the projector can be accessed via the link below.
Source: TR : Ti
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