After mirroring your screen, now setup projector to have image projecting on to your cutting surface
There are many different ways to setup a projector, take a look at this short, for some of the portable or fixed setups that work for projector sewing:
Here are some tips for some of the most popular projector types and mounts:
Mini projectors
Click “Mounts” tab on this page: Projectors and Mounts to see description and links to extension arms, tripods, wall mounts, and ceiling mounts that I recommend for using with mini projectors.
Before setting projector up, turn it on, connect to device/computer, and point it to wall, at distance you will have it at. That will help determine best location for projector if you keep it on while climbing on ladder to see where you need to mount it to have image cast onto cutting surface.
Projector will give best image quality if it is overhead of surface, pointing downwards. With the new projector sewing software tools, it is possible to have projector pointing diagonally, to get larger image, but projector may have hard time focusing across entire image, so you will have to test if that works for you or not.
When setting up permanent mount, use anchors or molly bolts, to secure mount.
If using temporary mount, like a tripod, make sure to have counter weight to keep projector from tipping. Tripods usually have a centre hook – a basket of mugs makes a good counterweight to hang there.
This video has more tips: Sew Clever: Tips, Tricks, and Ideas How to Mount Your Sewing Projector to the Ceiling – YouTube
Epson Ultra Short Throw Projectors (USTs)
- These projectors need to be setup close to cutting surface, on table, or small riser, or nearby shelf, or stand.
- “Reset” settings in the last menu item (access menu with remote, or buttons on projector).
- Adjust focus with lever behind air intake grill door (there’s also a filter there that should be vacuumed regularly ).
- Press Menu button on front of projector. Under “Extended” you will see menu items including Adjust Image Shift, Zoom, and Projection. Test the options on these settings to see which work best for your setup.
- To find best location for your projector, raise projector with your hands to see where it needs to be to get image size and location you want.
- If you want a wireless connection to projector, you need to add a casting device like a Chromecast to projector’s HDMI port, see steps in How to connect projector. The Epson “wireless module” does not work for our needs for easy screen sharing.
- Connecting by HDMI cable is simplest, steps are in this page: How to connect projector.
- If screen is blue look at bottom left corner and see what source it is looking for signal.
- On a Mac, USB-c (oval port) to HDMI cable adaptors will work. USB-b (Rectangle ports) to HDMI cables/adaptors will not work, instead use Mini display to HDMI cable or adaptor, and plug into thunderbolt port on Mac. More info in: https://bit.ly/pfs-portsguide
