- Mounting stand
- Reflecting glass
- Brackets and adapters
- Tray
- Prompter devices (Tablet, phone, or monitor)
- Shooting equipment (Camera, camcorder, or phone)
- Black cloth
Clear about how the teleprompter works and its structure, everything becomes easy to assemble. All that a camera autocue device is simply made by an angled clear beamsplitter mirror placed above a display. Only the speaker can see the script when giving a speech because it is invisible on the rear. This tutorial will tell you the DIY steps and materials you need.
Step-by-step instructions to make a DIY teleprompter
Five simple steps to DIY a home made teleprompter are concluded as follows:
Step 1: Prepare the stand and build the base for supporting the whole rig
Dictate where you want to put the DIY teleprompter and prepare a stand for it, which could be a light stand, tripod, or monopod that is sturdy and secure. Then, put the combined reversible thread adapter and the threaded screw adapter onto the for installing the equipment. Before trying to put the delicate reflecting glass and an expensive camera in this configuration, you should make sure it's robust enough based on the weight of the teleprompter for home use and the shooting device.
Step 2: Mount the DIY teleprompter glass through an adapter or clamp
Take a window mount and insert the beam splitter glass for mirroring the scrolling script. Tighten it in case of shaking or falling, but be careful not to pinch the glass too tightly and cause it to break or deform. Finally, To make the mirror's center at eye level, adjust the height of the mounting stand.
Step 3: Set the text display after attaching the tray
Next, mount a tray in front of the mirror horizontally. It is used to place your prompting device like a tablet, smartphone, or monitor screen. Loosen the clip of the mirror, and tilt it so that your display screen's reflection appears in the middle of it, around 45 degrees. Your script will be mirrored clearly and correctly.
Step 4: Install your shooting device and place it behind the glass.
Use a cold shoe mount, ball head mount, or any other bracket connector to install the shooting equipment behind the glass. It could be a camera, camcorder, or simply a mobile phone. Note again, make sure it is steady and safe before mounting on the DIY iPad teleprompter.
Step 5: Make a shroud with black cloth to block unwanted lights
A black cloth is placed on top to prevent unneeded reflections from above when filming through it. Trim any light-tight dark cloth so it may be cut after to fit your mirror. Then, attach it to the top, sides, and bottom of the glass with the binder clips. Drape it back over your camera lens to prevent light from entering the image and creating undesired reflections.
Now that your DIY smartphone teleprompter is put together. After that, you should upload your speech scripts to the prompting device and make a good clean of it and the image glass. Any smudges will affect the way you reflect and might appear in your video.
What teleprompter App can you use?
Moman Prompter teleprompter App is for free download on both iOS and Android mobile phones and pads. It was originally designed for Moman professional prompters, but now you can download it for your DIY teleprompter as well.
It is versatile for speaking script uploading and editing. It supports txt. files, max 20 pictures of jpg. and PNG., also it features the countdown play for a smoother and prepared recording at the beginning. You can adjust the size and color of the text, font size, background color, and text scrolling speed on the Moman Prompter teleprompter App for iPhone and Android phones.
Recommended gear list for building a DIY autocue
What do you need for a DIY teleprompter? Here is the detailed parts list for you.
1. Beamsplitter glass or the glass from the picture frame for reflecting
Beamsplitter glass gives a clear reflection of your text while enabling a camera to record through with perfect picture clarity without ghosting, which is also called a double image. And it is usually suggested a standard size of 14 by 14 inches for comfortable reading on any device.
If you prefer a more budget way, you can use an ordinary piece of glass for the DIY camera teleprompter. The easiest method is to buy a picture frame with clear glass (Not plastic). It will function as well, but there will be a double reflection. Although it might be obtrusive, this is a good alternative.
2. Heavy-duty light stand, tripod, or monopod for supporting
The teleprompter is built on a sturdy stand, so you want it to be substantial enough to hold the weight of the glass without toppling over. You may center the glass to match the speaker's height thanks to the height's easy adjustment. Weighted bags can be used to offer extra stability, such as when used outside, by weighing down the legs.
3. Threaded screw adapters, mounts, and clamps for connecting different parts
The stand, trays, and camera cold shoe mounts can be connected via the threaded screw kit. It is an important step in how to make a DIY teleprompter since it affects the stability of the setup. Also, the reflecting glass is held and angled by the mount like a clamp or simple clips. A cushioned clasp keeps it firmly in place and guards against breakage and scratches.
4. Sturdy tray and adapters for holding the prompting pad or phone
Your iPad, tablet, smartphone, or even your laptop may be placed on a large tray for prompting teleprompter texts. In addition, the laptop tray and the light stand are connected via the microphone boom mount. The microphone boom mount is attached to the tray via the tray adapter.
5. Black cloth for shrouding from unwanted light
The easiest way is to get a black rag, spread, or T-shirt from home to act as a shroud for the DIY teleprompter. it works by preventing the ambient light from reflecting off the glass and affecting the projection and recording. It should be noted that you'd better find fabrics that are less likely to be dusty and less likely to generate static electricity.
DIY prompter vs on-sale product, which is better?
We can list the advantages and disadvantages of both two kinds to compare for consideration.
Pros and cons of the homemade teleprompter
Pros: It can be assembled from what you already have at home, saving a great deal of money. Ideal for people who don't often need to use a teleprompter for presentations, making YouTube videos, online courses, hosting online meetings, live streaming, and other activities.
Cons: It is not as fully functional and complete as the finished product. And it takes time to follow the tutorials to assemble it. The materials used, if not good, can detract from the final reading, leaving your eyes tired and unnatural in front of the camera.
Pros and cons of the one-construction teleprompter product
Pros: In the case of the Moman MT12, for example, for only $150 you get a one-piece metal construction teleprompter with a 12-inch HD display. It has a sturdy and stable body, clear beamsplitter glass, adjustable clamp, and shroud. And it is packed with a remote control. You can use it with the Moman Prompter App.
Cons: The biggest drawback is the expense. And if you have an unexpected situation where you need a camera teleprompter temporarily, you can't get it delivered immediately after purchasing it online. The only solution is to use existing materials or just DIY with your iPad, phone, or laptop.
Which one should you choose?
In summary, consider a combination of frequency of use, time, and expense. Some people choose to make their DIY teleprompter for the sake of cheaper and more convenience, but find that the cost of self-purchased materials adds up to be even more expensive than a finished product. And the time and effort involved are incomparable. If the final presentation of the projection effect is not good, it will not be worth it.
Conclusion
Hope this guide can help you build the best DIY teleprompter setup in the most budget and fastest way. If you find a better way to build up, you can also post and share with other people!
