[Rob S.]

Hi everyone,
        I'm now on to the task of mounting my HC5500 projector which will be here today.   aa  I've got a drop ceiling (7'6") in our basement with about 2 feet of space above it.  Any suggestions on how to mount this PJ.   If you've made your own please shoot me a picture so i can figure out what you've done.  I love to see your work.

Also, how will I know how low to bring the pj down into the room- must I have the screen mounted first?

Rob S.

[Big Red Machine]

Threaded pipe mounts purchased at Home Depot can attach to standard ceiling mounts.

Set you screen height first.  Front row should be looking at the bottom 1/3 level of the screen when looking straight on.  The projector will have keystone and vertical and horizontal electronic adjustments to get the picture squared up in the screen.

The size screen dictates how far back you sit as well.  Your screen is how big?

[Rob S.]

Screen is Da- Lite hi power ( frame style unsure of as right now, maybe Cinema Contour or Da Snap)  Should have that ordered by tomorrow am.  100" diag in 16:9 format.

Are you using that threaded pipe in your setup, if so shoot me a pic.

Thanks,

Rob S.

[Bob in St. Louis]

I built mine using 3' "allthread" through aluminum tubing (Home Depot).
It's a tripod like configuration. Nuts on top and "fancy" nuts on the bottom help to adjust the deck height so it's relatively level. The overall height of the allthread and tubing was cut so the deck would hold the PJ at the proper height. The rear support has flexible black plastic automotive wire harness loom around it to encase the six cables feeding video signal.
The "deck" was made from 1/4" luan.
My only regret is with very high SPL and very low content, the tubing rattles against the allthread. But some rubber o-rings in there, or maybe some Gorilla Glue (expands slightly) will stop that issue.

Total cost; Less than $25

For now, the best pictures I have of the setup is below.

If you really really want, I'll take a close-up photo for you. 

[Big Red Machine]

[JP78]

hey rob, congrats on picking out a screen. the da-snap is a bit more work to put together, but if you're up for the extra elbow grease it's a great way to save some money.

with projector mounts, if you're unsure of how to mount, i'd recommend moving the ceiling tile (if that's what you have) and mounting the base of the mount directly to the wood.  you need to go to lowe's (not home depot, they do not offer this service) and they will custom cut you a threaded rod to whatever length you need to drop it down...for a minimal fee.

a lot of the mounts out there use threaded rods for the shaft...all you have to do is take the threaded rod from the mount in, and lowe's will custom make you a new one for ~$25. it's a pretty safe way to ensure a perfect mounting situation.

make sure you post some pics when everything arrives.

[Bob in St. Louis]

Hey Rob,
Not sure if you've started building yet, but I stumbled on < THIS PAGE > that has a pretty neat idea for a mount. Looks like a piece of 3/4" plywood with allthread.

Hope that helps.
If possible, show some photos when you're finished.

Bob