This article will teach you how to make an iPod video projector for about $6 (depending on what materials you have) that works pretty well. First off, you need to gather your materials. I had everything except the magnifying glass, which I bought for $3.

Tools

X-ACTO knife : General cutting of the cardboard.

: General cutting of the cardboard. Scissors : Rough cardboard cutting.

: Rough cardboard cutting. Ruler: Just measuring.

Step 1 Cut the Cardboard

This is the most time consuming step, because you need to cut all of the cardboard. The box should be at least a size that fits the backlit device, the mirror, and the magnifying glass.

Remember that the closer the projector is to a wall or screen, the further the lens has to be from the device. So the longer the box, the closer and more focused you can get, but it will make the image smaller. I made my box a lot smaller. I cut it down to 4 1/4" x 4 1/2" x 20". Since an iPhone's screen is 2 by 3 inches, I made a 2" x 2" box with 1/2" extruding on either side, so I can rotate the iPhone. Also, cut out the front—this is where the image will be projected from.

(1) Yes, that is a Star Wars ruler. 4 1/2 inches tall... (2) ...4 1/4 inches wide. (3) The hole for the iPhone. (4) Big box.... (5) ...little box, (6) Cut open the front.

Step 2 Attach the Mirror

As I said earlier, my mirror was about 4" x 5". You have to create a 90 degree angle so the mirror will bounce the image of the iPod. To do this, I cut a scrap into squares and then in half. I then duct taped the mirror to this and then taped it under the iPod hole.

Step 3 Attach the Magnifying Glass

The magnifying glass is the main component of the projector. It focuses the light from the iPod into a concentrated beam. You can make the handle protrude from the sides or the top—I chose the right side. You should cut a hole a little smaller than the base of the handle so the glass won't fall down.

The box hasn't been sealed in this photo.

Step 4 Finish the Projector

First, tape the sides closed. Since my magnifying glass was too small for the hole, I put a piece of foam on the side so it would make a snug fit. You want all of the unused holes to be covered up. I made two cardboard L's to cover the open parts beside the magnifying glass. I used the flap on the front to prop the projector up when playing, but you can use whatever you want.