You can make IllumiNations type images that seem to float in thin air apparently with out a visible screen. The images are actually projected on a cloud of water mist by an slide or other projector. Since the water is sprayed into the air, this project is only suitable for outdoor use. All you need you can find at any electronic store, such as Radio Shack and at your local Walmart, Home Depot or hardware store.
CAUTION: THIS PROJECT USES WATER AND ELECTRICITY. BE CAREFUL TO KEEP ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AWAY FROM THE WATER, FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, MAKE SURE YOUR PROJECTOR IS GROUNDED AND EXCERCISE ADULT SUPERVISION.
Difficulty: Beginning hobbiest
Parts List
A cooling mist spray kit, such as the MisterCool Arizona Mist Kit I bought at the local
lawn and garden center. These kits spray a very fine cloud of mist from their nozzles when hooked up
to an ordinary garden hose or other water source.
A long wooden dowel, 4-6 ft. long. A broom handle would do.
Floral Wire or Duct tape. Floral wire is more difficult to assemble, but more durable, as the tape will dissolve over time.
A projector, such as a slide projector. And something to project.
Building Instructions
Build your "Screen" Attatch the spray nozzles to the dowel so that they are aligned in
a straight line and pointing in the same direction, approximatly 12 to 18 inches apart. Your goal is
to have a solid sheet of spray below the rod without any gaps, so you may have to tinker with the
spacing.
Find a Suitable Location. Your site must meet the following criteria:
nearby sources of water and electricity
A dark background. lights or light colored buildings spoil the effect.
An open space behind the "screen". If shrubs or buildings are too close the projected images will appear even larger on the background.
A place to hang the "Screen", such as a low tree limb, or arbor. Or you could make supports to hold it up from below.
A suitable place to put the projector. The beam from the projector must be perpendicular (both veritically and horizontally) to the surface of the screen. If it isn't, the image will smear as it passes through the mist. The projector can be located behind the screen, but you may find it's light ruins the effect.
For my Halloween display I chose a tree on the corner of my house. I hang the screen from the
tree, and the light from the projector passes between my house and the next, dissipating in the
backyard. I hide the projector behind one of the Haunted Mansion type tombstones in the yard.
Where to next?