Mini DVI to Projector Problems

I could use some help figuring out why this setup isn't working...
I'm trying to connect my (early 2009) Mac Mini to my Optoma Projector. The projector isn't getting a signal at all. I already have a 50ft VGA cable running through my attic, so I'm trying to work with that. Here is the signal path I'm trying to run:
Mac Mini mini-DVI port <-> mini-DVI to VGA adapter <-> VGA Cable <-> VGA to DVI-I adapter <-> DVI-A input on projector
The same setup worked when I had a PC laptop VGA output <-> VGA Cable <-> VGA to DVI-I adapter <-> DVI-A input on projector. Therefore, I know the DVI-I adapter and the DVI-A input work properly and play well together.
I tried connecting my Black Mac Book instead of the Mac Mini, and the projector still gets no signal. Since the laptop has its own display, it allowed me to see in the Display panel that the computer in fact 'sees' the Optoma HD72 as a secondary display.
Any ideas to get this thing working?

50 ft. of VGA cable is a pretty long run. The obvious thing to try would be to shorten up that cable and see if it works. I'm guessing that can't be a final solution for your setup, but it's something to try to determine if, in fact, the mini doesn't have enough drive for that length cable run. The problem is more likely with the sync drive level, not the video drive level. So the projector isn't getting sync. That would be my guess. If that is the issue, then you could look into getting a VGA signal amp/booster as a solution.
Is driving digitally an option? Sometimes it can be easier to push digital over those distances, though it's by no means guaranteed. One advantage to digital is that, if it works, it works. There is no degradation. With analog, the signal that arrives at the projector is not the one that left the mini. Not at that distance.

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