Step 3: Mount the Projector

What You'll Do

Find the optimal projector position by testing it by hand before attaching anything permanently, then mount the projector at that location. The test step is important -- it lets you verify correct illumination without drilling in the wrong spot.

Before You Start

• Mount configuration decided (End-Mount, Side-Mount, or Vertical-Mount) -- see Step 2
• Mounting hardware on hand and suited to your ceiling type
• Ladder available and stable
• Drill, screwdriver, and pliers available
• A second person available to help -- strongly recommended
• Extension cord long enough to reach the approximate mount location

Mounting Steps

1. Attach the mount to the projector

   Attach your selected ceiling mount hardware to the projector body. Do not attach it to the ceiling yet -- that comes after the position test.

2. Connect power and turn on the projector

   Run a long extension cord to the approximate mounting area and power on the projector. Connect ICATS to the projector at this point -- leave it for later. The goal right now is just to see where the image lands.

   Set the projector to the correct orientation mode before testing:

   • End-Mount or Side-Mount: set the projector to "front ceiling" mode
   • Vertical-Mount: set the projector to "front desktop" mode

   This setting is usually found in the projector's on-screen menu. Refer to your projector's manual for the exact location.

3. Find the target height and distance

   Use the table below to find your approximate starting position. Shorter values apply to 7' tables; longer values to 9' tables.

   Configuration	Approx. Height (H)	Approx. Distance (D)
   Vertical-Mount	See Step 2 diagram	~1" from ceiling
   Side-Mount	7' -- 8'	2' -- 3'6"
   End-Mount	6'5" -- 7'	4' -- 6'

4. Test the projector position by hand

   With a helper holding the projector at the target height (mount facing the ceiling, projector pointing down at the table), check that the image illuminates the table correctly.

   Move the projector up, down, closer, or farther until the illumination meets all three of these requirements:

   • The bottom edge of the light covers the bumper corners on the near rail
   • The top edge of the light covers the bumper on the far rail
   • The center of the lens is aligned with the center of the table

   Additional alignment guidance by configuration:

   End-Mount -- Aim to keep the leading edge of the illumination on the nearest rail, with the bumper corners lit. This makes on-rail setup menus visible, which eases later configuration steps.

   Side-Mount -- The projector sits much closer to the table than End-Mount. The leading edge of light will fall on the floor because of the wide spread. Once you have the right distance, adjusting the projector's tilt is the most effective way to get the full table surface covered.

   Vertical-Mount -- Start by making sure the nearest rail is lit, then raise the projector until the entire playing surface is illuminated.

   Close is good enough

   Do not aim for a perfect image at this stage. The system's calibration step corrects for small deviations in position. As long as the entire table surface is illuminated, calibration will handle the fine adjustment.

5. Mark and attach the mount to the ceiling

   With the correct position identified, mark the ceiling at that point. Remove the projector from the area, attach the mount to the ceiling at the marked location, then re-attach the projector to the mount.

   Fine-tune the left/right and tilt adjustments available on most mounts to bring the illumination as close as possible to the ideal coverage from the test above.

6. Make the final electrical connection

   Route and secure the power cable from the projector to its permanent power source. This is the point for any cable management -- along ceiling joists, through conduit, or along the wall -- that you deferred during the position test.

Troubleshooting

What's Next?

With the projector mounted, Step 4 covers the keyboard setup, the HDMI connection, and WiFi configuration. These are all software steps and go quickly.