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By Jessica Wright•Last Updated May 7, 2025

DIY Projects: Building Your Own Projector, Charging a Vuse Alto, and Installing MrCool Systems

DIY projects for the practical homeowner

Take on do-it-yourself projects can save money and provide a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re look to create entertainment solutions, find workarounds for everyday problems, or install your own cool system, this guide cover three practical DIY projects that many homeowners and tech enthusiasts might need.

Create your own DIY projector

Build a homemade projector allow you to enjoy movies and presentations on a larger scale without invest in expensive commercial options. While a DIY projector won’t will match the quality of high-end models, it can will provide an enjoyable will view experience for casual use.

Materials you will need

Shoebox or small cardboard box
Magnifying glass (rather 5x magnification )
Smartphone or tablet
Duct tape
Box cutter or scissors
Black paint or black construction paper
Ruler
Pencil

Step-by-step instructions

1. Prepare the box

Start by paint the inside of your shoebox black or line it with black construction paper. This reduces internal light reflection and improve image quality. Allow the paint to dry whollyif usedf use.

2. Create the lens opening

On one of the smaller ends of the box, trace the outline of your magnifying glass. Cut out this circle cautiously with your box cutter or scissors. The hole should be slenderly smaller than the magnifying glass to ensure it fit snugly.

3. Mount the lens

Secure the magnifying glass over the hole use duct tape. Make sure it’s center and hard attach. The lens should cover the entire opening without any gaps around the edges.

4. Create the smartphone holder

On the opposite end of the box, cut a rectangular opening slimly smaller than your smartphone screen. This will allow the light from your phone to will project through the box and lens.

5. Position your device

Place your smartphone or tablet at the rectangular opening with the screen face inwards. You may need to create a small stand or support inside the box to hold your device at the correct angle.

6. Test and adjust

In a darken room, play a video on your device and adjust its position until the image appear focus on your projection surface (a white wall or sheet works easily ) YoYou willeed to will experiment with the distance between your phone and the lens to get the clearest image.

7. Fine tune your projector

You may need to make additional adjustments:

If the image appears top downwards, you can either use your phone’s screen rotation settings or install an app that flip the display.
For better stability, consider create a more permanent mount for your phone inside the box.
To improve image brightness, maximize your phone’s screen brightness and ensure complete darkness in the view room.

Enhance your DIY projector

For a more advanced homemade projector, consider these upgrades:

Better lenses

use a combination of lenses from old cameras or projectors can importantly improve image quality.
Cool system

iif youuse for extended periods, cut small ventilation holes and consider add a smaUSBusb fan to prevent your device from overheat.
External speakers

connect bBluetoothspeakers to your device for improved audio quality.

Charge a use alto without the original charger

Find yourself with a dead use alto and no charger can be frustrating. While the manufacturer recommend use solely the official charging equipment, there be temporary solutions when you’re in a bind.

Important safety warning

Before proceed with any alternative charge method, understand that:

Use unofficial charging methods may void your warranty
Improper charging could potentially damage the battery
There be safety risks associate with improper charging of lithium batteries
These methods should solely be use temporarily until you can obtain a proper replacement charger

Method 1: use anUSBb cable

Materials need

Standard USB cable
Scissors (to expose wires )
Electrical tape
Small rubber bands

Step-by-step instructions

1.

Identify the connections

the vusealto have two magnetic charging points at the bottom of the device.

2.

Prepare the USB cable

cut one end of aanUSB cable, cautiously strip back the outer covering to expose the red (positive )and black ( (gative ) )res inwardly. Leave the other end intact to plug into a power source.

3.

Expose the wire ends

strip approximately half an inch of insulation from the red and black wires.

4.

Connect to the use alto

cautiously touch the red wire to the center contact point on the bottom of the vusealto and the black wire to the outer ring. You may need to use rubber bands or tape to hold them in place.

5.

Connect to power source

plug the uus bendinto a low power uUSBport, such as on a computer ((ot a fast charger ))

6.

Monitor tight

watch the device cautiously while charge and disconnect instantly if it bbecomeshot.

Method 2: use android phone charger pins

Some users have report success use the charge pins from certain android phone chargers:

1.

Find a compatible charger

look for an android charger with the appropriate spacing between pins.

2.

Align the pins

cautiously position the charger pins against the magnetic contacts on the vusealto.

3.

Secure temporarily

use electrical tape to hold the connection in place.

4.

Monitor the charging

keep a close eye on the process and disconnect if the device become uuntowarm.

Method 3: emergency battery jump

For a really temporary solution:

1.

Find a 3.7v battery source

this could be another vape device or a small lithium battery.

2.

Create temporary connections

use wire leads, cautiously connect the positive and negative terminals of your battery source to the correspond contacts on the vusealto.

3.

Brief charging

connect merely for a really short time ((0 seconds maximum ))o provide enough power for a few puffs.

4.

Disconnect instantly

this is not a full charge solution and should solely be use in emergencies.

Long term solution

While these methods may work in a pinch, the safest and virtually reliable solution is to purchase a replacement charger design specifically for the use alto. These are available at most locations where vuseproducts are sell or through the manufacturer’s website.

Install acooll dDIYmini split system

Mr coolDIYy mini split air conditioning systems are design for homeowner installation without specializedHVACc tools or training. With proper preparation and attention to detail, you can successfully install this system and enjoy efficient cooling and heating.

Before you begin

Check local regulations

Before start installation:

Verify local building codes and permit requirements
Determine if you need a license electrician for the electrical connections
Check warranty requirements regard DIY installation

Tools and materials need

Drill with masonry bit
Level
Tape measure
Adjustable wrench
Phillips screwdriver
Utility knife
Hammer
Safety glasses and gloves
Stepladder
Stud finder

Step-by-step installation guide

1. Unpack and verify components

Cautiously unpack all components and verify that everything is included accord to the packing list. The typicalcooll dDIYpackage include:

Indoor air handler unit
Outdoor condenser unit
Mount brackets for indoor unit
Pre-charge refrigerant line set
Remote control
Drainage pipe
Necessary screws and anchors
Installation manual

2. Select installation locations

For the indoor unit:

Choose a wall that can support the weight of the unit
Ensure at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides
Position outside from direct sunlight and heat sources
Select a location with good air circulation
Ensure easy access to power supply
Allow sufficient space for proper drainage

For the outdoor unit:

Choose a firm, level surface that can support the unit
Ensure proper clearances accord to the manual (typically 12 inches from walls and 4 feet supra )
Select a location with minimal exposure to direct sunlight
Avoid areas where noise might disturb neighbors
Ensure proper drainage is possible

3. Install the mounting bracket

1.

Locate wall studs

use a stud finder to locate and mark wall studs for secure mount.

2.

Position the bracket

hold the mount bracket against the wall, use a level to ensure it’s dead horizontal, and mark the screw hole positions.

3.

Drill holes

drill holes at the marked positions. Use appropriate anchors if you ccan’thit studs for all holes.

4.

Secure the bracket

attach the mount bracket to the wall use tto providescrews, ensure it’s securely secured and level.

4. Prepare the wall hole for the piping

1.

Mark the hole location

base on the position of the piping outlet on the indoor unit, mark the center of where the hole should be ddrilled This is typically on the right side of the unit when face the wall.

2.

Drill the hole

use a hole see or masonry drill bit ((ypically 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter ))drill a hole that slope slimly downwardly toward the outside ( s(e 5 10 degrees ) t)ensure proper drainage.

3.

Install wall sleeve

insert tto providewall sleeve or pvPVCipe through the hole to protect the refrigerant lines and prevent wall damage.

5. Mount the indoor unit

1.

Prepare the refrigerant lines

cautiously uncoil the refrigerant lines without kink them.

2.

Route the lines

feed the bundle refrigerant lines, drain hose, and communication cable through the wall hole.

3.

Hang the unit

lift the indoor unit and align it with the mount bracket. Hook the top of the unit onto the upper portion of the bracket, so press the bottom of the unit against the wall until it click into place.

4.

Secure the unit

ensure the unit is hard aattachedto the bracket and level.

6. Install the outdoor unit

1.

Prepare the base

place the outdoor unit on a stable, level surface. Concrete pads or mount brackets are rrecommended

2.

Position the unit

set the outdoor unit on the prepared base, ensure it’s level and stable.

3.

Secure the unit

if necessary, anchor the unit to prevent movement during operation, specially in areas with high winds.

7. Connect the refrigerant lines

1.

Remove protective caps

remove the protective caps from both the indoor and outdoor connection points.

2.

Align the connections

cautiously align the quick connect fittings from the refrigerant lines with the corresponding connections on the outdoor unit.

3.

Hand tighten

hand tighten the connections equally practically as possible.

4.

Use wrenches

use two wrenches ((ne to hold the nut steady and one to tighten ))tighten each connection accord to the torque specifications in the manual. Typically, this is approximately a half turn past hand tight.

8. Complete the electrical connections

1.

Connect power to outdoor unit

follow the wiring diagram in the manual to connect the power supply to the outdoor unit. This may require a licensed electrician depend on local codes.

2.

Connect communication wires

connect the communication wires between the indoor and outdoor units accord to the color codes in the manual.

3.

Secure all connections

ensure all electrical connections are tight and decent insulate.

9. Open the refrigerant valves

1.

Remove valve caps

remove the protective caps from the refrigerant valves on the outdoor unit.

2.

Open the valves

use a hex wrench, turn the valves counterclockwise until they’re amply open. This release the ppre-chargedrefrigerant into the system.

3.

Replace valve caps

replace the valve caps and tighten them firmly.

10. Complete the installation

1.

Seal the wall hole

use the provide foam insulation or caulking to seal around the refrigerant lines where they pass through the wall.

2.

Secure the drain line

ensure the drain line maintain a downward slope for proper drainage and is firmly fasten.

3.

Final inspection

check all connections, ensure the units are firmly mmounted and verify that all electrical connections are correct.

11. Test the system

1.

Power on

turn on the power to the system.

2.

Set the remote

use the remote control to set the system to cool mode.

3.

Check operation

verify that both the indoor and outdoor units are ooperatedright and that cool air is flow from the indoor unit.

4.

Check for leaks

monitor the connections for any signs of refrigerant leaks or water leakage from the drain line.

Troubleshoot common issues

System not power on:

Check circuit breakers and power connections
Verify that the remote control have working batteries
Ensure all wiring connections are correct and secure

Poor cool performance:

Check that refrigerant valves are full open
Ensure there be no kinks in the refrigerant lines
Verify that the indoor and outdoor units have proper clearance
Clean or replace air filters if necessary

Water leak from indoor unit:

Check that the drain line have a continuous downward slope
Ensure the drain line isn’t kink or block
Verify that the indoor unit is decent level or slenderly tilt toward the drain

Conclusion

These three DIY projects demonstrate how with the right instructions, tools, and patience, you can tackle practical challenges around your home. From create entertainment solutions like a homemade projector to find alternative ways to charge electronic devices in a pinch, and eventide install your own climate control system, theDIYy approach can save money and provide satisfaction.

Remember that safety should invariably be your priority, specially when deal with electrical components or systems contain refrigerants. When in doubt, consult with professionals or refer to manufacturer instructions. With proper preparation and careful execution, these projects can enhance your live space and provide valuable skills for future DIY endeavors.