Introduction: Simple Smartphone Headmount
DIY headmount for handsfree video recording.
This 10 dollar smartphone telescope headmount is connected to reading glasses. Head movements result in stable and smooth video recordings. The hands are free to operate the menu on the screen or show something in front of the camera.
The best eye - screen distance can be set by the telescopes. From about 5 to 8 inch or 12 to 20 cm.
Some people need reading glasses to see clearly. In folded position the duopod is not much bigger than the specs. The construction is made in an hour with just a few tools. The 5 part telescope pen is a pick-up tool with a magnet at the tip. The grip parts are made from aluminum U-profile. They are connected to the 4th telescope part. The smartphone is holded by this 'claws' with a rubber band at the back. It's that simple.
Step 1: Video
Step 2: Material and Construction
The 2 telescope's are pick-up tools with a magnet at the top. I made 2 grip pieces from alluminium U-profile. The size is 1 inch (25mm) long and 0.4 inch (10mm) square. A hole of 0.2 inch (4.8mm) is drilled In the middle. The photo shows the way this grip piece is connected (glued) to the 4th telescope part. The magnets are cut away and instead I glued a bold with spacer at the top. The telescope's are connected to glasses with tyraps.
Step 3: Conclusion
My expierence with the Duopod was positive. I could make smooth pan and tilt movements with my head. The recorded video shots where stable. There was enough space beside the phone screen for orientation. I was able to operate the menu of the camera freely. My wife advised to make the Duopod more comfortable to wear. There was much pressure at the nose. This prototype needs more fine tuning. All by all I think it is worth a go. It's a simple and cheap device and.... very useful.