| Nick Bowler | 19 Apr 2018 7:11 p.m. PST |
I have several rules (Mainly WW I planes, but also other rules) that require a hex grid. One thought was that I could mount a projector of some sort above my table and project a hex grid down. Is this possible? Have people done this? |
 Saber6   | 19 Apr 2018 8:24 p.m. PST |
I've done whole DnD maps by Projection. A Hex grid would be easy. The problem is what is the "throw" of the projector and how far away from the table does it need to be. In my example the map was @ 24x32 and the Projector was roughly 3.5 feet off the table |
| ACWBill | 20 Apr 2018 4:17 a.m. PST |
The hexes will stretch the further away you move from the light source. It is unlikely that this would work. |
| NCC1717 | 20 Apr 2018 4:30 a.m. PST |
You could use a graphics program to change the perspective of the projected image to compensate for the position of the projector:
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| coopman | 20 Apr 2018 4:42 a.m. PST |
Just buy a hex mat from Hotz or some other vendor that makes them. |
| Cloves | 20 Apr 2018 4:54 a.m. PST |
I just picked up a GEO mat from tablewars. It's basically a clear plastic sheet with a grid painted on it. You then are able to lay it over any colored battle mat.
They make them in both grids and hexes, and I think they can be printed in black or white. |
 Extra Crispy  | 20 Apr 2018 5:31 a.m. PST |
You can make a hex mat very speedily if you simply mark the *center* of each hex. TMP link Once the game starts you really *don't* need every intersection your eye "fills them in" so to speak. When you don't need them they disappear into the mat. |
| bobspruster | 20 Apr 2018 5:46 a.m. PST |
Assuming you use a game cloth, cover it with chicken wire and spray paint it. Take away the wire and you've got your hex grid. |
 etotheipi | 20 Apr 2018 6:47 a.m. PST |
The hexes will stretch the further away you move from the light source. Most projectors have a "keystone" function which allows you to correct for this. Especially the small hand-held ones, since they end up in awkward locations relative to the screen. I recommend getting a small one and mounting it on a pole, clamped to the table. If you can, use PVC piping for the support and run the cables (power, USB) through the pipe. Also recommend a black background with a white grid, possibly only the corners (like some hex grids). If you are going to use the same terrain for the same scale, you are probably better off marking the grid or getting something with a ready-made grid. I really only use the projector for dynamic terrain, like fire or flooding that spread during the scenario. |
| Stryderg | 20 Apr 2018 7:12 a.m. PST |
The planes will cast shadows on the table, which might be a benefit. We mounted a projector on the ceiling at my last place of business, we projected a power point on the floor of the waiting room (map of building, upcoming events, fire exit plan, message from the boss, etc). So it's do-able. You might also look at short throw projectors. That way you could mount it on the side of the table instead of on the ceiling. link |
| Andy Skinner | 20 Apr 2018 8:13 a.m. PST |
I have wondered about this, too. I could do the software to get it to project correctly (at least for the angle--might be hard to adjust for shapes on the table). My problem is not wanting to spend money for a projector that would be visible. I settled for marking hexes on my terrain. I mark the hex corners, plus one hex on each edge. andy |
