My new DIY portable digital tabletop roleplaying map!

[Pbartender]

I wonder if you could use a flat screen TV as the tabletop, making a home made wooden base which it could slot in and out of, and place a clear screen over it as a protector. Preferably the clear screen would be compatible with dry erase markers.

I was just thinking the same thing... Seems it would be a much simpler set up than a projector, and really not that much more expensive.

 

[darjr]

I've thought the same thing. They do make flat panel mounts that can lay flat on the tabletop. No construction required, I'll find that link...

But that and a laptop and you have your hidden data and the ones the players see.

 

[GlassJaw]

I've thought the same thing. They do make flat panel mounts that can lay flat on the tabletop. No construction required, I'll find that link...

Ooh, please do. I'm very interested in this approach.

 

[0-hr]

Inspired by this thread, I've constructed my own tabletop projection rig. I'm using the same BenQ projector (and I really appreciate the info on it) but with a "Periscope" stand that better suits my lack of tools and mechanical knowhow.

Here's an image of the setup:

http://ki-ryn.com/Misc/Ki.Ryn_Projector.jpg

Though it may not look it, the set up is really stable. That 25 lb weight on the bottom is both heavy and wide. It takes about a minute to convert from table top RPG mode to movie watching mode.

I haven't used it for a game yet, but all of the test runs look promising.

 

[darjr]

That periscope stand is awesome! Best for portability yet!

I could imagine lugging that around.

 

[darjr]

Premier Mounts | PTM-320 Tilt/Pivot Mount for LCD | PTM-320

I can't seem to find the one that folds up and can be used as a normal monitor stand as well. Still looking.

 

[darjr]

Freestanding Low Profile LCD Stand for classrooms, courtroom, meeting rooms, special Display and Point of Sale

It was similar to the above but had a longer stand and a longer arm.

 

[seanpecor]

Inspired by this thread, I've constructed my own tabletop projection rig. I'm using the same BenQ projector (and I really appreciate the info on it) but with a "Periscope" stand that better suits my lack of tools and mechanical knowhow.

Nice job! Do you have some felt underneath the weight to prevent table scratches? I'm looking forward to hearing how stable it is, especially on a plastic folding table that gets bumped alot. If it doesn't wiggle around when that happens, I might try making v2.0 of my map mount using 1" aluminum tubing to mimic your basic concept. My main concerns are stability during table bumps, and if the center pole would be very intrusive for the DM's line of sight to each player. So I'm looking forward to your action shots! Video would be cool too

We've been using my projection map cube for our weekly game and everyone loves it. We've also used it for some "pickup" LFR gaming nights. It is a major improvement to the gaming experience.

So far, one DM is using Fantasy Grounds II and it has been working very well. The other DM just used MS Paint and it works surprisingly well too

Sean

 

[0-hr]

I usually put a hand towel beneath the weight - though felt is a good idea too. I did notice a lot of vibration from table bumps. The single pole seems to magnify that, though the towel did a good job reducing the jitter. If the jitter was too severe at the game table, I was thinking of adding another (30") extension pipe and just setting the thing on the floor. The extensions connect together well and seem solid enough to support that.

It will probably be a few weeks before we use this in actual gaming, but I'll report back when we do. I did some measuring today and found that the map projected can range up to 30x40 when the extension is up all the way. At the lowest setting, it's about poster-sized (I was aiming for the same height as yours for the default).


I'm currently looking at using GIMP for my map display software (on Vista). It can do a full screen image without any other junk in the way, and it has layers (to do Fog of War).

 

[Nebulous]

I've been following this and think it's fantastic! I'd love to see even more videos, even if they are just a montage of short clips, of the various maps in actions, as they are revealed, the other advantages that the system/setup has, etc. (I guess a "training film" of sorts. ) Thanks for sharing this, making us all jealous, and causing us all to consider throwing money into a similar project!

I second seeing more clips! i'm jealous too, although i actually have a dedicated gaming basement where i could put either a ceiling mounted or table mounted contraption like this. It just comes down to cost and that i suck with power tools. I'd almost considering commissioning you to build it for me! (i also live in the area)