Teleprompter
Videography / Dec 2014
In December of 2014, my friend and I designed and built this teleprompter. It is designed to be used with a DSLR and an iPad mini using the teleprompter software of one's choice. It is made from black ABS plastic and aluminum. Two half inch aluminum rods support the camera and the tablet and allow the position of the devises to be adjusted. A iPad holder clamps the tablet in place while a Manfrotto quick release plate is attached to the camera platform.
The glass used is a 8x10" beam splitter teleprompter glass from Teleprompter Mirror. The glass is supported with an aluminum flat bar bent into a U shape. It is then slid into a slot in the center ABS block and supported by a 1/4" aluminum plate ground to match the 45 degree angle of the glass. Small plastic supports were added to the edge to help prevent unwanted bending in the aluminum.
Each of the three ABS blocks were sanded and hand cut out to the proper shape. The center support has a aluminum plate attached to the bottom where a 1/4-20 thread was cut out so that the prompter can be connected to the standard tripod. Metric thumb screws are used to hold each block on the aluminum rods.
To finish off the teleprompter, a black foam core board cover is placed over the top sides and back of the glass. A black clothe surrounds the lens and the foam board to block all light from entering the camera side of the glass.
In conclusion, the teleprompter made for a fun build that resulted in a solid product. The prompter is nicely balanced with a DSLR and tablet and is fairly sturdy. If I were to recreate this, I would want to use a CNC machine to cut out the ABS supports for more precision. I would also want to try to acquire actual 15mm rods instead of 1/2" aluminum rods. In the end though, I am happy with the result.
BACK TO PROJECTS
MichaelJanssen
© Copyright 2017. All Rights Reserved.