Ellie's Drive-In - Trial Run 7/23/06

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[kelemvor]

Well, just thought I'd start a thread here to document the process of getting this going.

My daughter Ellie turns 1 on 8/8/06 and we're having her party on the 5th.  We've decided to do a 50's Drive-In theme and will be showing Grease.

My original design was just a big rectangle of PVC that I'd attack a Blackout Cloth screen to with grommets and bungie cords.

Below you can see the my backyard shots as well as the MS Paint sketch and the intial frame made with 2" PVC.

[kelemvor]

After the first test, I realized the 2" PVC was too heavy to use on that configuration so I switched to 1-1/4" PVC instead.  This made it much lighter and I could stand up the whole frame by myself.

I also used inverted "T"s for legs to keep it upright.

[kelemvor]

I was going to use Grommets and Bungie cords to attach the screen.  I bought a bunch of BlackOut fabric and some liner to give it more thickness so the grommets would hold.  I used some scrap pieces to do a test and was not satisfied with how the grommets held up.

Instead we decided to go with the Pocket style.  We set out the fabric last night and marked out the top and bottom pockets.  Hopefully we'll get that sewed together tonight and can get the sides done soon.  I want to have the screen up to at least do a test this weekend but we'll see what happens.

[tlogan6797]

Kelemvor -

LOOKING GREAT! I have to seriously consider the "feet" you added! Great addition to the design.  But only on flat surfaces. I'm not sure it would work on a hill or something, so I would think that carrying the 10" spikes that I use AND the feet, would be (as Martha Stuart says) a good thing. Think we'd ever see an outdoor theater in her yard?

Glad it's working out for you. Let me know how sewing the screen goes.

Tom

[Cherry Hills]

Lookin' good! It should be a great party.

But for a 1-year-old? I'm not sure I'll buy that line -- I think I know who's really going to have the fun at this party!

[kelemvor]

Well, no screen pics yet but figured I'd post my hardware for this project.

Projector:  Sharp XG-E1200U - Free from work  (it's ancient)
Speakers:  JBLs in the front, Advent in the center.  These are from my theater dowstairs which isn't hooked up at the moment
DVD Player:  Philips DVP-642 - Plays just about anything.
Receiver:  Sony STR-DE545 - Also from the downstairs theater area

Hopefully everything can play loud enough without blowing anything up.  heh.

[rfisk]

You're in good shape, kelemvor.

You'll get a test in before the big night, yes?

CherryHills cracked me up.

Randy

[kelemvor]

Woo Hoo!  The screen is now complete.  Got everything cut to size so the screen can go together.  Only problem is when I make the PVC short enough as to not rip things when connecting it, it leaves a few wrinkles in the fabric.

Anyone know of any sort of clips that I could pul the fabric taut and then clip something over the 1-1/4" PVC to hold it in place?  hmmm.

Hopefully I can get everything setup tomorrow night for a trial run.

[victor-eyd]

From one drive-in ht'er to another, congrats on a great setup!

Now add a sub and surrounds and yer done!

Victor

[rfisk]

Anyone know of any sort of clips that I could pul the fabric taut and then clip something over the 1-1/4" PVC to hold it in place?  hmmm.

Looking good kelemvor!!

How about Snap Clips? 
http://www.hartnagels.com/pvc.htm

Randy

[tlogan6797]

Hmmm --- Looks familiar!

Actually, I noticed this past Saturday night while setting up earlier than normal because of the length of KING KONG.....

My screen had a few wrinkles and slight sag that was a little noticible in the daylight, but once it got dark, it was no problem. And I looked HARD to find the seam but couldn't find it once during the entire three hours!

Tom

 

[kelemvor]

Well, doing a Trial Run tonight to make sure everything works.  Finally had a night that it's not supposed to rain so I shoudl be OK sinc eit will be too dark to take the screen down when we are done.  Just hoping we don't get any rain tomorrow during the day...

Anyway, pics below.

[kelemvor]

And here's 4 sample pics.  DVD Paused, 2 second exposure.

Of course I had to use this movie as my first test...

[rfisk]

Congratulations kelemvor, looks like you’re off and running!

I’d say your screen and that free projector are doing a great job. 

Congrats, and thanks for keeping us updated!!

So I guess now all you have to do now is watch movies?  Looks like Ellie is going to have a great party.  Happy birthday Ellie!

Randy

[tlogan6797]

Looks GREAT!

Really nice job!

Good luck and have fun! (We're still planning on driving up to Door County next Saturday!)

Tom