Expert: Bill DeShawn - 1/6/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have my electric distribution system drawn in AutoCad.  Instead of changing out paper maps that are on the walls in the SCADA room to troubleshoot outages, is there some way to project what I have in my system onto the wall in a BIG way - 12 feet by 9 feet so that the guys are viewing live maps instead of paper maps that may be old.

ANSWER: Dianne:

There are a number of projectors out there that will work for you to accomplish what you want.  Unfortunately, the solutions aren't cheap.  For example:
http://www.frys.com/product/5585710

http://www.officedepot.com/a/browse/multimedia-projectors/N=5+10064/?cm_mmc=360i

I hope these links work because word-wrap can mess them up.

A "pocket" version is available (and less expensive):
http://www.jr.com/optoma/pe/OTM_PK102/

A  mid-priced unrated model:
http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/920565/3M-MPro110-Micro-Professional-Proje


I hope this helps.

Also check Ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/InFocus-LP600-DLP-Projector_W0QQitemZ230420672516QQcmdZViewI

Keep in touch
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey thanks Bill.  I was hoping there was something that Autodesk offered that you knew about that would project the image from Tru Viewer or something.  That way the guys could just take their laptops to the war room and use their image straight from their viewer that I update every day.  I appreciate your time!

Dianne  

Answer
Dianne:

No, sorry.  There's no magical software that turns your laptop into a home theater.  :-)  Only hardware solutions for that.  I was almost ready to say there were no such thing as a wireless projector, but I would be wrong.  However, they start at over $1,000.00 ea.  You might be able to accomplish what you want by either using one wireless projector and passing around the antenna, or get a series of projectors, one for each person at the table.  Not really cost-effective, but gets the message across best.  

http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&source=hp&q=wireless+projector&um=1&ie=UTF-

The adapter on this page might be useful, too.  The ad says:
The Plextor PX-PA15AW Wireless Projector Adapter gives presenters the freedom to broadcast screen-captured images to any projector with VGA connectivity, from anywhere in the room. You can easily switch control of the projector between presenters without long interruptions.

Good luck
Bill DeShawn
http://my.sterling.net/~bdeshawn