A Magnifying Glass, Adhesive Tape and A Shoebox: How to Build your Own Beamer?

We discovered how to do this in a workshop held on December 13. With the use of a magnifying glass, adhesive tape and a shoebox a self-made beamer emerged – the displays from Smartphones and iPads served as a source of light. Some physics also played a role, but this presented no difficulty– with our physics experts, the most important things were clarified very quickly.

The beamer was built in the first station. Design, construction and invention were carried out in a lively manner – and occasionally rehearsals, experiments and tests were conducted in the dark. Here, the initial questions began to emerge: what happens if I place two lenses next to one another? Why is the form of my projected display detail round? And how can I optimize my construction? Answers to such questions could then be found at the second station.

At about 3.15 p.m. the physics expert Prof. Dr. Beam who provide answers to all questions joined in via Skype. By way of his experimental setup and the optical setup convex lens, the theme could be clearly explained. With this new input, tests, research and optimizations were later carried out.

Naturally, a visit to the exhibition ought not to be left out. Together, we visited the exhibition »Gameplay« – which focused on three works which integrate the beamer in a very special way. The following questions were raised back at the workspace: we now have a self-made beamer – and what does this project? Clearly, amazing self-made animations! For this we wandered over to the »Trixstation«. Here, the impressions gained from the Gameplay exhibition served as a source of inspiration. At the end of the day, a spatial installation emerged with self-made beamers.

We will also present the results of the »Trixstation« on the »Open Day« on January 6, 2015 at the ZKM. With or without self-made beamers? Find out all about it – we look forward to welcoming you!

Text: Carolin Clausnitzer, Kristina Sinn