Between the ceiling and the projector, a few centimetres are often enough to align the image with the top of the screen or fit the device beneath a beam, light fixture or ventilation outlet. This Chief column solves this problem by fitting between the ceiling plate and the projector mount: it adjusts the drop height between 23 and 30.5 cm, without cutting any tubing or dismantling the installation.
The column consists of two sliding tubes with notches. The length adjusts in 2.54 cm (one-inch) increments, from 22.9 to 30.5 cm, and you can move from one position to another without unscrewing the entire mounting assembly. Once the right height is found, a clamping screw secures the two components together: it locks the adjustment and limits play that would cause the projector to sway with the slightest draught or building vibration. For a home cinema room, this fine adjustment avoids having to choose a fixed column to the nearest centimetre before even positioning the screen, and allows the height to be corrected later if the projector or screen fabric is changed.
Each end has a 1.5-inch NPT thread, equivalent to 3.81 cm in diameter. NPT is a standardised tapered thread: the further it is screwed in, the tighter the assembly becomes, creating a rigid connection between the parts. This is the standard Chief uses for its suspended installations, and the column works with any Chief ceiling plate or accessory with the same thread, at both the top and bottom. It is most often used with a projector mount, but works in the same way with a flat-panel display ceiling mount. For greater drop heights, the CMS range is available in other adjustable lengths, up to more than 1.80 m.
The aluminium tube is hollow: power and HDMI cables run inside and exit through a side opening, avoiding cords hanging between the ceiling and the projector. With a diameter of 59 mm, the column remains discreet once installed. It supports a load of 226.8 kg, far beyond the weight of a home projector, and has UL and TÜV certifications. This rating applies to the column alone: the actual capacity of the installation also depends on the ceiling plate, projector mount and strength of the ceiling, with the weakest component setting the limit for the whole assembly.
Adjustment in one-inch increments provides four lengths: 22.9 cm, 25.4 cm, 27.9 cm and 30.5 cm. These dimensions refer to the column alone; the thickness of the ceiling plate and projector mount must be added to determine the total drop height.
Yes. The column attaches neither directly to the ceiling nor directly to the projector. It requires a Chief ceiling plate with a 1.5-inch NPT thread at the top, and a projector or screen mount with the same thread at the bottom.
The notch system allows you to change position without removing the securing chain. It is advisable to support the projector during the adjustment, then properly tighten the locking screw before letting go of it.
The column itself poses no difficulty; it all comes down to the mounting plate. This must be anchored to the load-bearing structure (concrete slab, joist), not to the suspended ceiling panels, which cannot support a suspended load.
The identical threading at both ends makes it technically possible with a suitable coupling sleeve, but each joint adds a point of play. When the drop exceeds 30 cm, a longer column from the same CMS range is a more rigid solution.
Serge
Double-check your dimensions for the projector installation, as it was too long for my setup.
On the other hand, it was very easy to set up.
Comment from May 26, 2019 — Experience from April 02, 2019
