Update Jan 26 2022 - After using this build for a few months, I recommend against any plexiglas. It still works great, but due to the statically charged nature of plastic sheeting, it's been nearly impossible to keep clean for long and even with great care during cleaning scratches have appeared. Glass may not be quite as reflective, but I think this outweighs needing to replace the panel multiple times a year. Call ahead to any local Art Framer in your area and they should be able to cut you a piece of glass for around $10.
This project is based off of Toms Teleprompter build, but I redesigned it for an iPad Pro 12.9" 2021 model. Even among purchasable teleprompters, finding one that fits a 12.9" iPad is difficult and expensive.
The iPad tray and Hood have been designed to print on the bed of a Prusa i3 MK3S+ supportless in halves, and feature tabs and alignment guides built in to make sure that everything fits together.
One of the issues Tom brought up in his video with his design was the lack of adjustability for the screen in particular and the short carbon fibre rails, so I've designed the iPad platform higher so that it can sit deeper inside the hood helping get a great reflection. I opted for 5/8" (15.8mm) aluminum rods because it was something I had on hand. A modified 5/8" clamp is uploaded, but if you plan on using 15mm carbon fibre rods any way, then use Toms original clamps.
I printed the Hood and iPad tray components in PLA-F and Galaxy Black Prusament PETG for everything else. These materials aren't the rule or necessarily the best, just what I used.
Hardware:
~ Cut 5/8” Aluminum rod 36” in half: https://tinyurl.com/2p8pcnfb or 15mm 16” Carbon Fibre rails https://amzn.to/3lHVPtz (use Toms original clips if going this route)
~Tripod Quick Release shoe: https://amzn.to/3rRcfmW
~Brass Threaded Inserts: https://amzn.to/31DICdU
~Metric Socket Bolts: https://amzn.to/3rGoId9
~¼ 20 Threaded Insert x 2: https://amzn.to/3lH7s3I or https://tinyurl.com/2j52r4ce
~Polycarbonate 2.3mm Lexan cut to 295mm wide X 240mm: https://tinyurl.com/y7jx5fwh (I’m able to get 2 reflectors out of this sheet with a little extra left over)
~Phone clamp, if you need one: https://amzn.to/31u4gBR
~¼ 20 Bolt(s)for the phone clamp and/or DSLR Camera mount
~Audio 🎤 solution, if interested 🤷♂️: https://amzn.to/3Dx7Jwl and https://amzn.to/300WZIM
Software:
~Teleprompter App for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/teleprompter/id941620509
Printing:
PETG (recommended)
~Rail clips x4
~iPad Base x1
~iPad Base Front Clip x1
PLA
~Hood Left x 1
~Hood Right x 1
~iPad Tray Left x 1
~iPad Tray Right x 1
~iPad Flappy Doodle x 1
Assembly Notes:
The iPad Tray:
Designed around a naked 12.9" iPad Pro M1 or similar iPad (will not work with a case, though a dbrand type skin should be ok), with a small recess for the square camera bump, however the iPad fits either way with the scoop cut outs at the front that make it easer to lift the device out. The tray has tabs that are glued on to hold the iPad in place securely on all sides.
No supports needed with proper orientation.
The Hood:
Before attempting this print, ensure that you have a very clean bed so you don't get corner lifting, this will warp the entire design. Use as much of a Brim as possible. Print in whatever material you trust not to warp. We did get corner lifting which through our hood off by about 10mm once assembled, but it is still functional even with the warp.
Don’t cut the polycarbonate/glass until hood is assembled in case of warping.
We used 2 part Epoxy Gorilla glue for assembling the halves, but use whatever works for you. The more heavy duty the better IMO. Clamps or tape may be required to keep the hood and tray aligned, the alignment teeth don’t clip into place, only act as guides.
Use longest appropriate brass thread inserts when possible. Only the Hood Base rail tightening clamps require stubbier brass inserts.
Tom did thread the rail clips for rail tightening, but I didn't realize until after inserting brass threads. They feel very secure though, so figure you can go either way. You’ll need 2, M3 12 screws for each clip. I inserted M3 brass threads from the top of the clip and cleared the hole with soldering iron for the bolt.
Insert M3 brass threads into the top holes and M4 brass threads into the bottom holes of the iPad Base. Bottom thread secure it to the rail clips. Top holes secure the iPad Tray and Front Clip to the base. Top bolts should recess into the tray and not touch the iPad. If bolts are slightly proud, heat up the bolt head only and insert hot to push bolt deeper, only go as deep as necessary to avoid contact with the iPad. You can alternatively use glue to assemble the iPad tray if you want and avoid the top screwed/inserts all together.
Heat the ¼ 20 Threaded insert before screwing into the Hood Base, use a ¼ 20 bolt or the hot shoe rail as a guide to make sure it’s inserted straight. I used 2 of these inserts to ensure that the teleprompter can’t rotate by accident and has a very strong connection to the tripod.
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The author remixed this model.