The Mobile Teleprompter

I was invited to be videoed speaking about accreditation at my son's school based on a script. The person requesting it gave me a couple of sheets of paper and so I started, as she filmed me with her IPhone. The first few introductory sentences were easy to memorize and speak to, but then we got to a paragraph and we both realized this wasn't going to work and had to postpone. It occurred to me that there were teleprompters that could work, but everything I saw was bulky and I thought we needed something mobile and easy to use. Then it hit me that I could download an app for the IPad and just needed a way to hold the phone for videoing, so I started to sketch out some ideas and "The Mobile Teleprompter" was born!

3/16" hardboard or equivalent (a 2' x 4" sheet should be more than enough)

M3 x 25mm screws, nuts and washers

Wood glue (Titebond is fine; I also use a disposable brush to spread out the glue)

Lacquer spray (I used WATCO Lacquer spray that was left over from another project)

3d printer and PLA (I used Hatchbox Matte Black PLA)

Laser cutter (I give a link for Lightburn files that I used to cut out the hardboard)

Velcro (I used the industrial strength version, but ended up cutting it into strips for the frame, but fuller wooly coverage for the phone frame--see picture)

3/8" insulation foam weather stripping with adhesive backing (heavier version for the bottom and lighter version for the top)

Need to determine the size of the screen you are using. I have an IPad Air 2 tablet that I measured and created a frame in lightburn with large handholds. I also created the tablet edge pieces to hold the tablet. I cut this model on a laser cutter, but you can use a jigsaw or bandsaw if that's more available. The lightburn files posted at (Instructables doesn't support that file format): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/atrd1grajsxj52m8jq9he/h?dl=0&rlkey=sav3jnxomflqneqnoeiqjt4zg

Note that you'll need to cut two of the smaller spacers for an IPad 2 Air 2 tablet to give the frame enough space to slide the tablet in.

You should then test assemble the parts to be sure it fits your tablet. If it does, then start the assembly process by using the wood glue and clamps. I use the screwholes to align each successive layer of hardboard and then bolt it all together. You might want to use clamps to get a tighter fit, but I find the screws and nuts sufficient to clamp them together. Wipe off the excess glue, and then let it dry overnight.

If the hardboard you use has an unfinished side, then you need to coat it with Lacquer to seal and strengthen the surface before you put the velcro on. I found that the velcro didn't hold well to the unfinished side, so I used blue tape to pull loose any stray hardboard fibers and then I then lacquered it with multiple coats both front, back and sides. This process will take about 1/2 day because of the drying time between coats.

One thing to consider is whether to put a screw in where the phone would be mounted. I decided to remove the "nut" and use a smaller screw with some glue for esthetics. The glue and the other screws are more than sufficient to hold the tablet.

I found that the screw tip protruded too much on the backside, so I ended up filing it down and using a black marker to color it in for esthetics.

I originally made one for my Galaxy S20 phone with a case to try it out. I then found that the person who will be using this has an IPhone 14 Pro H, so I designed a case based on the specs off the apple site. I used Tinkercad, which is awesome! I put in flexible tabs and spaces for the buttons. The STL is below.

I originally tried to put on the velcro on the back of the hardboard, but realized that it didn't adhere well. After treating the back with lacquer, I was able to get good adhesion. I resisted the urge to put a full on blanket of the velcro hook side to have a super sturdy bond, because an earlier attempt resulted in a problem (it was too strong a bond!).. I instead went with a smaller hook side on the hardboard, but larger wooly side on the 3d printed case, which would aid in the positioning without causing a later problem of ripping out the velcro hook side or damaging the wooly side. I tested the unit by attaching and detaching the phone a few times to ensure it was secure enough and wouldn't cause an issue.

I wanted to put in some foam strips to prevent the tablet from rattling around the frame. I found that putting the darker, more rigid foam strip at the bottom and the lighter more airy foam at the top added enough resistance to secure the tablet. As an added bonus, it also prevented the tablet from slipping out of the frame since one side was open. Yay!

I was concerned that even though the foam worked to secure the tablet in the frame, there could be a chance that it slips out. What to do? A friend suggested I should make some clips, which I did. After a couple of attempts, I hit upon the right size and heft to do the job as an extra belt to my suspenders. The STL file is below.

I'm thinking of adding a microphone to the frame. Here's one that I'm thinking about:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BR7RD8DF?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

I started to design a holder clip for that unit, but it's still incomplete, but it could be useful to you to finish it for whatever mic you decide to use. The STL file is attached.