CurtPalme.com Home Theater Forum

Robbo · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 16

Yes, you are reading it correctly: converting a 1209s using a 'saw'

No not a David Copperfield trick, but a proper 'chop'

Some history:

After owning a Barco 800, a 1200, I have the pleasure own owning a Barco 1209s for more than 3 year already. It came complete with a part of the map of Holland burned into the tubes (was used in a dutch telecom provider's net operator) so as part of the deal 'rbauer', also a member of the forum here, put in 3 NOS Barco tubes, and tuned it to perfection.

Because I am moving house, and not to an house with a basement, as I had promised myself, but to an another appartment, I have had to reconsider certain components om my Home Theater. Including the projector. Because although the picture is very good, it also has some downsides: a) noise b) does stand out a bit in a newly decorated appartment c) buying a bigger screen means the 1209s's butt will hang a bit in the way.

So a numbers of alternatives were seriously looked at: Sony Qualia, Sony VW100 (Ruby), JVC HD10K etc. etc.

Even though Digital has come a long way, for me it is still not up to par with an 9 inch CRT. Not that I could not live with a Digital projector, but wht do a downgrade or a sidegrade ? If I am going to spend money I want a serious UPgrade ! But it wasn't just that, another alternative was also taking form in my mind: chopping the 1209s !

This is how the 1209s hung in my old house (foto of the 1200)

And this is what I am going to do with it :

Robbo · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 16

The idea is to put the backend or the 'computer' ontop of the housing of the tubes.

You could compare it with the way an Electrohome 9500 is build, or even better with a 808 Retro:

Robbo · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 16

Ofcourse I am still very fond on my 1209s, so already some serious thought went into this conversion. Together with Reinier, we looked at the (im)possibilities. As this conversion must not turn into a Frankenstein. Preferably Mr. Green

Possible problems:

a) one of more internal cables are too short after conversion
b) redesign frame, since orginal body is no longer used
c) new connection between convergence board and backplane
d) correct airflow for tubes, convergence board and computer
e) new housing with better noisecontrol

draganm · Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 5080 Location: Colorado

sounds like a nice 1209 is about to be turned into a pile of scrap. Why not just sell it and buy a 9500LC?

betel · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 6:00 pm Post subject:

I think Robbo is just kidding! Isn't he?

If I were in your situation, I would floor mount the projector in a nice box and install an electric pulldown screen.

Ile · Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2007 6:47 pm Post subject:

Actually, I have considered to convert my BG1200 to Split Pack. Laughing

That would make visible projector smaller and almost quiet...

Robbo · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 16

Already finished with this project, but here is what's happened in between:

First steps

The 1209s on the ground without 'hood'

Apart from the fact that a Barco has a modulair build, the chassis, as you can see, is also split in units. This brought me to the idea that this would be a doable project.

Starting by loosening the chassis from the bottom of the body:

Robbo · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 16

A lot more bolts to loosen the chassis:

The possible cable problem. Also look at the connectors where the convergence board locks into the backplane.

The point where the standard chassis splits, and where I thankfully will make use off:

more screws:

After loosening all cables, the 'tube chassis' can be separated:

Leaving this behind:

Robbo · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 16

Taking the backend apart from the bottom:

Which can go into storage:

Robbo · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 16

Right now, where having a seperate frontend with the tubes, a backend with the 'brain' and 2 sides.

The problem is that the sides are a part of the bottom and also secure the convergenceboard. Meaning that the sides are a long as the whole casing. Here is where the saw will come in.

At these points the sides will be chopped. Meaning that the powercable also need to be relocated or made longer. Also shown, the black sliders of the convergenceboard on the right and motherboard left.

Robbo · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 16

More photo's before the 'extreme makeover' ;D

The convergenceboard in place:

Starting to look like it:

Still to long Smile

Robbo · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 16

Without convergenceboard with 1 sidepanel:

Some more fitting before putting the saw in. Making sure the rear end can be made stable. For the convergenceboard a separate print will be made to make the 180 degree turnaround possible.

E voila! Shortend sidepanels:

Robbo · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 16

In the meantime I made a new mounting system, since the original brackets are no longer usable and put it on the ceiling.

Reinier (r.bauer), who I had consulted many times in this project, came to connect and setup the projector. Major thanks to him !

New mounting:

Robbo · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 16

2 new convergenceboard prints:

Closeup:

Idea copied and reused the connectors from a Barco Retro:

Robbo · Joined: 29 Nov 2006 Posts: 16

Temperarily using cardboard to ensure proper ventilation. Will soon be replaced by an aluminium version.

Next on the agenda: hushbox, but first I am watching some more movies. The projector passed the first stresstest without problems (9 episodes of Prison Break back to back Smile

)

madpoet · Joined: 30 Mar 2006 Posts: 852

That's actually very cool!

mrking · Joined: 29 Mar 2006 Posts: 193 Location: Sweden

Nice!

Congratulations in succeeding in making the ugliest 1209s in existance. =)
Pretty cool that it worked out so well.
Looks like retro c-shaped unit with 9 inch tubes.

An A for effort and an F for the end result. Wink

garyfritz · Joined: 08 Apr 2006 Posts: 7097 Location: Fort Collins, CO

Wow! You're a brave (and fiendishly creative) man. Congrats on the successful surgery.

But... it looks to me like there is PLENTY of room in the new mounting location. You could have hung the projector in its original form with no problem. Or is that still the old apartment, and you haven't moved yet?

r.bauer · Joined: 08 Apr 2006 Posts: 274 Location: The Netherlands

This mod did not harm the projector's performance in any way. Still as sharp as ever. Cooling the tubes was necessary, as the deflection coils run somewhat hot without any airflow.

Robbo ended up with a very nice HT in his livingroom. Well done Robbo!

Anybody with ideas like this can contact me at anytime! I love this stuff Mr. Green

**kal** · Posted: Wed May 09, 2007 2:05 pm Post subject:

Very cool indeed! The best part is that it really didn't cost you much to do (other than time!).

Kal