Overhead projectors: characteristics, types and tips for choosing

Slide projector very different from modern projector equipment. Otherwise, such devices are called slide projectors. Despite the fact that the modern market is filled with multifunctional "smart" devices, overhead projectors are still relevant and are used in many cases. In this article, we will talk about these interesting devices and find out what to look for when choosing the best product.

Before you understand all the features of modern overhead projectors, it is worth finding out what this device is.

So, an overhead projector, or a slide projector, is one of the types of a projection unit designed to display transparencies and other transparent carriers of static images. The very name of this optical device provides for the use of overhead projection with the attraction of non-transmitted light.

This technique was very popular in the recent past. Excellent slide projectors were produced in the USSR - for example, "Light", "Etude", "Proton" and many others. To view the filmstrips, one of the slide projector subspecies was produced - the filmoscope. In this device, instead of an automatic slide changer, there was a special film channel with a friction element necessary for rewinding the film.

Overhead projector has a rich history. In the second half of the XX century, this device became especially popular.... Many high-quality models were produced in the USSR. In those days, such an optical-mechanical device was present in almost every home where there were children. Using a similar technique, pictures with inscriptions placed at the bottom were projected onto the wall.

The most advanced devices have been supplemented with a soundtrack in the form of a gramophone record. The signal for the need to change the frame was given by a characteristic squeak, which was recorded on the disc.

Over the years, there has been an inevitable modernization of this device. Modern overhead projectors differ in many respects from those that were popular during the Soviet era. Today's devices are ultra-thin, narrow and compact, many of which can easily fit in the palm of your hand. The technique is designed for synchronization with other multifunctional devices, such as smartphones or laptops.

One of the most important design details of each projector is lighting system. The quality of the transmitted image, its clarity and uniformity, depends on the level of its brightness. The lion's share of overhead projectors is based on condenser lighting system, capable of providing the highest possible efficiency of the use of the luminous flux, which is given by the lamp, which is in the design of the equipment.

In the 1980s, conventional incandescent lamps were used as light sources. As a rule, they were used for film projectors. narrow-film modification... Over time, these sources have ceased to be used, and in their place were halogen and metal halide lamps. Based on a certain class of projection device, the lamp power rating can be from 100 to 250 watts.

Behind the lamps in the devices under consideration is special parabolic reflector, which minimizes light loss as much as possible. As an exception, only halogen bulbswhich initially have a built-in reflector.

Compared to standard cinema projectors, which can produce very powerful beams of light, the light output of overhead projectors is more limited. This is necessary because such devices have a thermal effect for a long time.

Due to the strong heat output, the lamp and the entire lighting system as a whole cannot work without high-quality cooling... A special powerful fan is used for it. As an additional measure, the interference coating of the reflective part can be used to dissipate heat.

The lighting component in the units is designed with the expectation that the image by means of the lamp filament is built by the condenser in the plane of the input "eye" of the projection lens of the device.

In modern models of overhead projectors, focusing is carried out in automatic mode. A clear and detailed projection is provided for all slides, while compensating for all degrees of warping. Many devices also provide manual focus adjustment.

Overhead projectors are different. V automatic devices there are special parts - interchangeable diamante stores. They may be rectangular (box-shaped) or round (ring-shaped).

Overhead projectors, in which the so-called box-type diamazine was present, were one of the most popular in Soviet times. Such devices were equipped with DIN 108 magazines, the capacity of which was 36 or 50 small format slides. This type of diamantry was present in many devices.

Overhead projectors could also contain round diamante stores, which were otherwise called ring. Such elements have proven to be the most convenient and practical to use. Often, round diamonds were found in carousel projector models.

Initially, Kodak standard ring diamonds were distributed. They were installed at the top of the projector and could hold up to 80 slides. Such parts are also made for ordinary overhead projectors with an open tray. In such devices, the store is placed vertically in the place of the standard box-shaped (rectangular).

Do not think that the history of these devices on Soviet slide projectors ended. This technique is produced to this day, still remaining in demand and popular. Let's analyze the top of the most popular and high-quality overhead projectors that have appeared on the modern market.

• Laser FX. Inexpensive laser slide projector model available in many online stores. The device is designed for 5 slides and can be a great solution for friendly gatherings.The equipment can be installed on the ceiling or simply set at a high point in the room in order to get the maximum effect from the emerging light rays.

• Cinemood Storyteller. It is a smart overhead projector with a compact size. The product is designed with an all-in-one approach. The technique is capable of showing cartoons, movies or ordinary pictures with textual accompaniment. The model can also play music tracks, run Internet radio (a wireless Wi-Fi network is provided).

• "Firefly". This is a children's filmoscope with a height of only 24 cm. The production of this model is carried out in a Chinese factory. "Firefly" is made of plastic and belongs to the class of educational toys, helps to formulate the child's speech. Designed only for projecting filmstrips on film, the width of which does not exceed 35 cm. The allowable frame size is 18x24 mm.

• "Regio". To date, this model of a media projector is considered the best. The technique was designed in Hungary, where filmstrips are very popular today. The product is assembled at a Chinese plant, and in Russia it undergoes a full-fledged pre-sale preparation. Strong and durable plastic is used in the manufacture of a quality projector. The model is lightweight and absolutely energy-safe - you can safely trust it for use by a small child.

• Braun Novamat E150. Modern model of slide-projector, characterized by compact dimensions and attractive design performance. The device comes with a standard Color Paxon 2.8 / 85 mm lens, as well as a universal media store. There is an infrared remote control. The model is very comfortable and light - its weight is only 3.6 kg. A quartz halogen lamp with a power of 150 watts is installed.

The main thing is to choose the right device with all the necessary configurations.

As mentioned above, today nothing prevents the consumer from choosing a high-quality overhead projector that meets all the requirements and wishes. Consider what to look for when looking for the perfect copy.

1. First of all, you need to decide on the purpose of buying equipment, because they do not use the same devices for educational programs for children and business presentations. Knowing exactly what kind of overhead projector and what exactly you need, it will not be difficult to choose the optimal device.
2. Pay attention to the technical capabilities and hardware configurations. Different devices have different options. If a minimal set of functions is enough for a child's overhead projector, then the "workhorse" should be more functional, compact, with the ability to communicate with other devices. Immediately figure out what is the power of the lamp in the device - the more powerful it is, the stronger the luminous flux it produces, which will have a positive effect on the quality and clarity of the reproduced image.
3. When choosing a filmoscope, decide if you need a sound option. Today, it is these devices that are more often bought, since in operation they turn out to be more useful and practical. Most often, outdated film devices with a minimum set of functions are silent.
4. If you are buying a film projector, for example, for a child, figure out which film size it is designed for.
5. Inspect the selected device. Be as attentive and picky as possible about the state of technology.The body, lens and other parts of the projector should not be the slightest damage: chips, scratches, scuffs, cracks, wavy wires, poorly fixed and loose parts. If you find such shortcomings, it is better to refuse the purchase - this technique will not last long.
6. It is advisable to check the serviceability of the equipment before payment. Such an opportunity is not always available - in many modern stores only a home check is provided, for which most often 2 weeks are given. During this time, the buyer must thoroughly test all the functions of the purchased product to ensure that it works correctly and is not defective. If during the home check period you found any shortcomings in the operation of the device, you should go with it to the store where the purchase was made. Don't forget to take your warranty card with you.
7. It is recommended to choose only high quality branded overhead projectors. Do not be lazy to ask which brand has released this or that model. Quite good devices are offered by domestic manufacturers, but in the assortment you can find many good foreign-made devices.

Try to buy similar equipment in specialized stores or large networkers, if there you find the model of the overhead projector you need. Only in such outlets it is possible to find a really high-quality product that will serve you for a long time and will not require constant repair.

It is strongly discouraged to buy such things in the market or in the conditions of street malls. In such conditions, previously repaired or faulty equipment is often sold, which is not accompanied by any original documents.

There is absolutely nothing complicated in the work of overhead projectors. It is not difficult to figure out how to use them correctly. Often such devices are freely "controlled" by small children, not experiencing the slightest confusion.

To start viewing slides or filmstrips, you need to correctly install the device and configure it... Most modern devices provide automatic focusing, but there are also models in which this setting must be made manually.

When the overhead projector is locked in place, need to shade the room... The level of shading will depend on the power of the lamp that is installed in the design of the equipment. If this part is powerful enough and produces a strong luminous flux, you will not need to completely shade the room. The device will need to be connect to the electrical network, fill the tape in the appropriate compartment. Insert this component carefully. Then you can start demonstrating the installed material.

Most modern overhead projectors come with detailed operating instructions... Before using such a technique, it is better to flip through the manual, even if you think that you yourself will figure it out perfectly.

For an overview of the Regio diaprotector, see below.