Last updated on March 4th, 2024 at 09:00 pm
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Are you looking for a sewing projector that gives you a large image, but doesn’t break the bank (or your back 😉)? Then, this AAXA SLC450 review is just what you are looking for!
It is a very small, compact short-throw projector in a budget price range!
ProjectorSewing.com is dedicated to providing you with honest reviews on projector sewing products. The projectors you find here have been tested and tried for sewing purposes!
Let’s dive into what we discovered about the AAXA SLC450!
Here’s the summary for those in a hurry!
AAXA SLC450
Powerful image size in a fraction of the cost of other short-throw projectors, the AAXA SLC450 delivers big. Versatile options for mounting including tension rod, tripod, desk clamp, wall, and ceiling. Don’t miss out on this one!
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Short Throw Mini Projector AAXA SLC450 True… |
$199.99 |
Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
*This product was tested using the Miracast protocol on a Windows 11 laptop computer. No issues were found in the calibration process.
*This projector is now available in Canada from this website.
Table of Contents
Overall Thoughts and Impressions
The AAXA SLC450 delivers a very large image in a budget price! The brightness and contrast are decent for sewing even in a room with some light. If you don’t have a budget for a higher-end short throw projector, then this is the one for you!
I loved the large image size in a budget price! This projector also has built in screen casting features, so no Chromecast or Wi-Fi dongles are needed!
I found the software and menu of the projector slightly laggy. I didn’t like the keystone adjustment methods and the projector image was dimmer than more expensive projectors, but decent for sewing in a dim environment. See the “Troubleshooting” section for more details.
Overall, I would prefer this over any mini projector or projector in this price range that I have tested!
Throw Ratio and Image Size
Throw ratio is the relationship between the size of a projected image and the distance the projector is from the screen. Lower numbers mean the projector can create a large image in less distance. The throw ratio of the AAXA SLC450 projector is about 0.7.
This is a great throw ratio for a projector for sewing!
I recommend having a minimum of 25” (63cm) between the lens and cutting surface or about 32” (80cm) between the ceiling and cutting surface. This will give you about an A1 mat size projection (24”x36” or 60cmx90cm)
To estimate the size screen, you might have you can follow the step below or use the calculator on this page:
Take the distance between the ceiling and the cutting surface minus about 7 inches or 18cm (This is the amount needed to mount the projector). Then, divide that by the throw ratio of the projector (0.7).
Throw distance ÷ Throw Ratio = Image Width
This table will also give you an idea of what to expect!
| Distance in Inches (lens to image) | Distance in centimeters | *Screen Size in Inches | *Screen size in Centimeters |
| 20” | 51cm | 16”x28” | 50cm x 89cm |
| 30” | 76cm | 24”x42” | 63cm x 111cm |
| 40” | 101cm | 32”x57” | 75cm x 132cm |
| 50” | 127cm | 40”x71” | 90cm x 161cm |
| 60” | 152cm | 47”x85” | 119cm x 216cm |
| 70” | 178cm | 56”x100” | 142cm x 254cm |
Use this calculator to calculate your throw distance and screen size:
- [SHORT THROW] Short Throw 0.7 TR optics with…
- [SUPER BRIGHT] Silicon Liquid Crystal 4K…
- [ART SKETCHING] Perfect for Art Tracing and…
- [COOKIE & CAKE DECORATING] For Larger Cookie…
Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Native Resolution
The native resolution of the AAXA SLC450 is 1920×1080 (1080p). The Native 1080p creates a clear picture for both sewing and movie watching.
My computer’s native resolution is also 1080p and no *aspect ratio issues were detected in the calibration process.
If you have a computer that has a different default resolution, you may need to change your computer resolution to adjust to the projector when using Miracast or screencast.
I suggest trying your computer’s default settings, but if you experience issues set your computer to 1920X1080 resolution.
*Please note that in some cases and computer setups, Native 1080p projectors have created unsolvable aspect ratio issues. We have not discovered the exact reason why this happens.
Please test your projector/computer combination setup for these issues before the return window closes. Aspect ratio issues usually present when a square on the calibration tool is stretched to a rectangle on the projected image. When the image cannot be squared up by titling, twisting, or using keystone correction, then it is likely you have aspect ratio distortion. You can post an image of your setup in the Projectors for Sewing Facebook Group if you think you might have an aspect ratio distortion problem.
Ease of Calibration
The AAXA SLC450 calibrated perfectly when setup. But the adjustments are going to be slightly different if you are use to calibrating a mini projector! I recommend lining up the center line of the calibration tool in the center of your projected image closest to the edge of the projector first. Then, work out from there!
This projector does have an auto keystone feature and digital four corner adjustment. However, I found it best to physically adjust your projector as much as you can to level the projector.
Then, use the four-corner adjustment in the menu settings with the built-in calibration tool. Don’t start with trying auto-calibration or the four-corner adjustment! You will be a lot more likely to have aspect ratio issues if you do it that way!
Always start with physically adjusting the projector so the image has four square corners!
For a full guide on calibrating a projector for sewing, I recommend checking out this article on mini projector calibration.
Brightness and Contrast
The brightness and contrast are areas where this projector really didn’t impress me, but what can you expect from a budget projector? During the review, I tested the AAXA SLC450 to have about 183 LUX Lumens. This is brighter than the mini projectors tested. (Akiyo projector with about 73.5 Lux lumens and 129 lux lumens for the Vivimage Explore 2). But it was not as bright as the AAXA P6X at 335 Lumens.
I was able to see lines with some light in the room, but you will have better results with a dim room.
Connectivity
The AAXA SLC450 has all the connections you can want including HDMI and screen mirroring for iOS (Airplay on all Apple devices) and Android (Android casting can be used with Miracast on computers).
Connecting phones and iPads will produce different screen dimensions, resulting in a smaller screen. To connect to a phone, use the guidelines for the projector menu and manual.
Body Design
The AAXA SLC450 projector is a mini portable projector, weighing just 0.6 lbs.! It is 4”x5”x1.5”. It is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. This makes it a great projector for permanent, temporary, and portable mounts!
All power and HDMI cables exit the side of the projector. Focus is a manual adjustment wheel found on the side of the projector. Make sure to focus the projector before attempting calibration!
Keystone is all done digitally, but I didn’t use the keystone adjustments to calibrate.
Troubleshooting
During testing, I came across a few issues. Most of these technical issues were only experienced while using the wireless connection options. So, an HDMI connection might help to give you a more stable connection.
First, during calibration I had an issue with the projector shutting down while accessing the digital keystone. This may have been due to the power cable not being secured well. After unplugging and plugging the projector in again, I did not experience these issues.
Another technical issue I experienced was the projector freezing and becoming unresponsive. When this happened, I was unable to turn off the projector with the remote, nor with the button on the projector.
I have emailed the customer support. They responded to check the firmware on the projector for an update. Other possible causes could be related to the bandwidth of my internet. I plan to check for updates on the projector and see if any further issues were experienced.
Again, none of these issues where experienced when I used an HDMI connection, so I assume the issues are related to the wireless protocol.
Recommendation
The AAXA SLC450 makes a great projector for sewing! The large image size is the best feature of this projector! It is brighter than many mini projectors, but not as bright as higher-class (typically more expensive) projectors.
I do recommend having a dim environment, working at night, or having curtains on large windows for the best experience. But, I was still able to see the pattern lines in a lit room.
If you want a large image size in a pocket-sized projector on a budget, then this is the projector for you!
Most short-throw lens projectors start at $500 and go up from there. But the AAXA SLC450 is under half that price!
The power cable is very short, so I recommend having an extension cable handy. Another option is to have a plug installed in the ceiling or near where the projector is mounted.
If you plan to use an HDMI connection, buy an HDMI cable that is long enough to reach the projector and your device.
Mount Recommendations
There are several options for mounting this projector! It’s small size, 100% offset, and large image size make it an IDEAL choice for several setups.
Tripods, desk clamp mounts, tension rod, ceiling, and wall mounts will all work for this projector!
*If you want to mount it on the wall, your table should be against the wall too!
It has a single mounting ¼” point on the back. Since this projector has a 100% offset, you will want to mount this projector above the top edge of your cutting table. It does not get centered above the image!
That’s why this projector is great for tripod setups! You don’t need an extension arm! The projector will shine its image away from the tripod legs.
If you can mount on the ceiling or wall permanently, this is my preferred setup! Any universal single-point projector mount will work for this projector.
This 3D printed mount is a wonderful option and is available in my shop!
Look at your sewing space and decide which works best for you. You can checkout this article on Portable setups for more ideas!
Remember if you choose to take down and setup your projector each time you sew, you will need to “re-calibrate” the projector. If you can keep the projector level to the cutting surface and just “swing” or move it out of the way, this would help re-calibration to go quicker!
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Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Alternative Projectors to the AAXA SLC450
Looking for an alternative to the AAXA SLC450? The closest option to this projector is the AAXA P400 and a great alterative. This XGIMI MoGo2 has a higher throw ratio, but a nice and bright image.
If these are out of your budget, consider a mini projector such as the AKIYO/Yoton models.
Have more in the budget? Check out these awesome options for short-throw projectors.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
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ViewSonic PS502X 4000 Lumens XGA HDMI Short… |
$499.99 |
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Optoma GT2000HDR Compact Short Throw Laser… |
$1,299.00
$999.00 |
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Optoma Portable LED Projector | 1000 lumens… |
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XGIMI MoGo 2 Portable Projector, Mini… | 259 Reviews |
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Mini Projector with WiFi Bluetooth, Portable… | 462 Reviews |
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Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
If you are looking for a sewing projector that produces a large image and won’t break the bank, that the AAXA SLC450 is the one for you! The short-throw lens will give you an A1 mat size (24”x36”) with only 25” of distance!
*Canadians can now purchase the AAXA SLC450 from this website.
- [SHORT THROW] Short Throw 0.7 TR optics with…
- [SUPER BRIGHT] Silicon Liquid Crystal 4K…
- [ART SKETCHING] Perfect for Art Tracing and…
- [COOKIE & CAKE DECORATING] For Larger Cookie…
Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
