Last updated on September 28th, 2022 at 12:56 pm
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Or Acrojoy C202 (Sunspark 500W)
The AcroJoy 9000 Lumens, or AcroJoy C202 (Sunspark 500W), is a great mini projector for sewing. It is almost identical to the popular Vivimage Explore 2 from the body style down to the software menu.
Let me take you through my full review of the Acrojoy C202 projector.
- 【Native 1080P Full HD Resolution】:...
- 【5G+2.4G Dual-band WiFi】: This mini...
- 【Bluetooth 5.2 & Built-in HiFi Stereo...
- 【Connect to Multiple Devices】: This...
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Acrojoy 9000 Lumen Review Summary
The Acrojoy 9000 Lumens (Sunsark 500W) is one of the best mini projectors on the market for sewing.
Where to Buy?
The Acrojoy C202 (Sunspark 500W) projector can be purchased on Amazon. You will see it advertised as the Wi-Fi Mini Projector Acrojoy 9000 Lumens. This is why when many people refer to this projector, they call it the AcroJoy 9000.
- 【Native 1080P Full HD Resolution】:...
- 【5G+2.4G Dual-band WiFi】: This mini...
- 【Bluetooth 5.2 & Built-in HiFi Stereo...
- 【Connect to Multiple Devices】: This...
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What’s in the box?
When the AcroJoy projector arrives at your door it will come in a box labeled Mini Video Projector: Sunspark 500W. The projector comes with a power cord, HDMI cable, lens cleaning kit, lens cap, and remote. For projector sewing, I do recommend getting a longer HDMI cable and power cable.
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Specs compared to the Vivimage Explore 2
Since the Vivimage Explore 2 is the most popular choice for a mini projector for sewing, I will compare the Acrojoy to it.
Acrojoy 9000 Lumen Specs |
|
|---|---|
| Throw Ratio | 1.378 |
| Brightness | 9000 LED Lumen |
| Contrast | 10000:1 |
| Connections | HDMI, iOS Cast, Miracast, USB, VGA |
| Weight | 2.09 lbs |
Vivimage Explore 2 Specs |
|
|---|---|
| Throw Ratio | 1.345 |
| Brightness | 4000 LED Lumen |
| Contrast | 3000:1 |
| Connection | HDMI, iOS Cast, Miracast, USB, VGA |
| Weight | 209 lbs |
Throw Ratio of the Acrojoy
The throw ratio of the Acrojoy is slightly larger than the Vivimage Explore 2, but just barely. The Acrojoy throw ratio is usually rounded up to 1.4 from 1.378. The Vivimage is usually rounded down to 1.3 from 1.345. As you can see, the actual difference is minimal.
In real life trial, I was able to get an image size of 48” diagonally with the Acrojoy lens to table distance of 62”. This gave me an image that was about 23 ¾ inches x 41 ¾ inches.
The Vivimage Explore 2 gives me an image that is 50” diagonally and 24 ½ inches x 43 ½ inches. So, the Vivimage Explore 2 is slightly bigger.
Brightness
While the Acrojoy states it has 9000 Lumens, these are not the standard ANSI lumens. That means that you really cannot “compare” this stated number between projectors. So, while the Vivimage Explore 2 states that it only has 4000 Lumen, the difference between the two was very minimal. The Acrojoy may have been slightly brighter, but not enough to make a big difference with sewing.
Contrast
The contrast ratio for the Acrojoy 9000 (Sunspark 500W) is listed as 10,000:1. This is a lot higher than the contrast ratio for the Vivimage Explore 2 of 3000:1. Again, I don’t feel this really made a difference in projected sewing patterns. However, the Acrojoy may have had a little edge to the Vivimage Explore 2 to more detailed images, but not by a large noticeable amount.
Connections
For sewing, we always recommend the stable connection of an HDMI cable. The Acrojoy and Vivimage projectors have the same available connection types. These include HDMI, iOS cast, and Miracast. If you want to learn how to use Miracast or iOS cast, make sure to read about it HERE.
The power cable that comes with the Acrojoy projector is rather short. I suggest you get a long AC power cord while purchasing your projector, unless you have an outlet in the ceiling!
Noise
The fan noise level for both projectors was equivalent, and no difference was noticed. It is not a quiet fan, but just a low hum while the projector is on.
Speakers
I did want to note that the speakers that come with these mini projectors are surprisingly good for such a cheap projector! In fact, they were much better than the speakers that come with the Optoma ML1050ST short throw projector. So, if you wanted a projector that doubled as a movie projector, the Acrojoy could work well!
Body Style
The body style of the Acrojoy 9000 is identical to the Vivimage Explore 2. The only noticeable difference between the two is the different brand logos/names on the projector. All of the power and connection cables exit from the side of the projector. The fans are also located on the sides of the projector. This means, unlike many mini projectors, you can mount this projector flush to the ceiling! The extra 2 inches or so you gain from no power cords exiting in the back make a difference in your image size.
Offset
Similar to most mini projectors, the “offset” for this projector is “inside”. This means it needs to be mounted directly above and in the center of your cutting surface. It needs to be attached to the ceiling using a ceiling mount, the Basic Niche mount, or a DIY solution. Cables will need to run from the ceiling to an outlet and your computer. I find using a cable keeper helps to hide the cables and keep everything looking tidy!
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Calibration and Image Size
Calibrating the Acrojoy 9000 (Sunspark 500W) projector was very simple, especially when using the Basic Niche mount! I basically plugged in the projector, turned it on, zoomed in Adobe, and I was calibrated. Such a breeze with the right projector mount! Read about the Basic Niche mount here.
The minimum focusable distance for the Acrojoy C202 projector is about 43″. This means you will not be able to focus it at a distance less than this. You would get a very small image size at this distance anyway! The minimum recommended distance between the cutting surface and lens for this projector is 53″. At 53″ you will have an image that is smaller than the A1 size cutting mat (24″x36″).
To get an image that is the width of an A1 sized mat, you will need about 60″. This size is good for sewing mainly children’s clothing, adult tops, some skirts, and some pants. This size is not large enough to cut out a dress or plus size clothing without moving the projection and material. Which, by the way, is not that hard to achieve once you get the hang of it!
Do you have high ceilings? Then, you may be able to mount this projector higher! To get an A0 sized image you will need to mount the projector at least 87″ above the cutting surface to lens. I probably wouldn’t go more than 12 feet above the cutting surface though.
Customer Service
The customer service for the Acrojoy is responsive. The Acrojoy comes with a “Lifetime” warranty. However, the only way to contact the company is by email. When I got my first Acrojoy projector, I was unable to calibrate it due to an aspect ratio problem. Several people in the sewing community had stated having this problem, so I investigated further by purchasing my own.
Mine did have the problem, so I contacted the company. The responded within 24 hours and stated that it was a manufacturing defect and they would send me a new one. Within 7 days, the new projector arrived problem-free and was able to be accurately calibrated.
Final Thoughts on the Acrojoy 9000 (Sunspark 500W) for Sewing
The Acrojoy 9000 is a great choice for projector sewing. In fact, I would say that it is about equivalent and a good alternative to the Vivimage Explore 2. My recommendation would be getting the one that is the better price and/or available when you are looking to buy! The only noticeable difference between the two is the slightly bigger throw ratio on the Acrojoy 9000 (Sunspark 500W). Don’t waste any more time taping paper patterns! Order an Acrojoy C202 (Sunspark 500W) today!
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