Introduction: Phone Scanner Stand
As a teacher, I am always scanning documents (answer keys, student work, etc.) and saving the scans as PDF's. For many years, I have user the scanner function on the office photocopier. Now, with the use of a scanning app on my phone, and this stand, I can scan the documents myself. Then after scanning, I can email the scans, upload them to Google Drive or to Dropbox.
So let's get started!
Step 1: Materials and Cut List
You will need:
- 1/2" PVC pipe cut to the following lengths:
For the base = 4 sections @ 4"
For the upright = 2 sections @ 3-3/4"
For the arm = 1 section @ 7"
- 3 x 1/2" PVC 90 degree elbows
- 3 x 1/2" PVC couplings
- 1 x 1/2" PVC tee
- large 2" binder clip
- rubber band
- paracord
Step 2: Assembly
The Body:
Following the cut list and the photos, simply press the PVC pieces together. Optionally, you could use PVC primer and cement to permanently connect the pieces, but I prefer the flexibility of being able to take it apart for storage/portability.
The Clamp:
I am borrowing this idea from another 'ible. I am finding that this works as a very versatile phone clamp. Follow the directions at this 'ible to assemble the clamp. When the clamp is assembled, simply attach it to the end of the arm.
Step 3: Ready for Use
You're done! Simply slide your phone into the clamp and position the camera over your document. Download your favorite document scanning app to your phone. Optionally, you could remove one of the upright sections to take "close-up-scans".
I'm pleased with this project because it's cheap, simple to assemble, and it works!
Happy scanning and thank you!
20 Comments
3 years ago
This was exactly what I needed to pull together a document camera (and circumvent the outrageous prices they're going for online right now) using a webcam. Mine is arranged a bit differently, but your instructable served as the inspiration. Total price (minus the web cam, which I already had) was less than $7. Thanks for the 'ible.
Question 3 years ago
How large of a paper/page does this work for?
Answer 3 years ago
Should work for a 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper. You might need to adjust the height of the stem for your phone. Good luck!
4 years ago
I was considering making a similar stand out of threaded iron pipe but this was *much* easier and cheaper to build. I wanted to use my Glif to hold the phone so made some mods. My parts and pics are posted above.
5 years ago
This can be used as magnifier for PCB soldering at home! There are magnifier apps that switch on LED too!!! I needed a magnifier and I will use this project!
6 years ago
Anyone had a good idea to use some light using this project?
Reply 6 years ago
When I scan, I just use the flash on my phone.
Reply 6 years ago
Will try. Thannks.
7 years ago
Excellent idea! ? With slight upgrade you make it hight adjustable to scan bigger or smaller pics...
7 years ago
Fantastic. I will try this out. Perhaps it would be cool to add adjustable section to make the stand higher or lower depending or the things we scan/photograph?
8 years ago
This stand is great. I use CamScanner to make photos of contracts and then upload them to my laptop. It breaks down quickly and I can carry it in my laptop bag and assemble it when needed. I may need to swap out one of the uprights for a longer peice so I can get the whole document in the picture.
8 years ago on Introduction
I made a copy of this and it works well. One change I did was to offset the vertical from the base since I have an i-phone. Instead of the base being centered with the 4" pieces, I have one that is 5" and another that is 3". This keeps the offset camera centered over the paper.
Well written and great idea. Thanks.
8 years ago on Introduction
I have just signed up to instructables so I could comment on this.
You have created a cheap and elegant solution to something I've been thinking about for some time!
Well done and thanks for sharing the solution mkaercher!
8 years ago on Introduction
For larger phones (phablets) or tablets, you could fork the top. Creating sides or a platform for the camera.
There is a repair fitting that one could use to make the height adjustable.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
This expansion fitting (in the right diameter of course, could make the height adjustable)
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Good idea. You would probably need to lengthen the "feet" to prevent it from tipping over. Thanks.
8 years ago on Introduction
Nice idea and design. I like since its made out of PVC, (or any conduit for that matter) I can get all the materials from work for free. The only thing I'm going to do different is put an electrical, metal blank cover plate for it to rest on instead of the binder clip. This should also allow me to put a tablet on it as well.
My only concern there would be the weight might make it flip over. In which case, I would use "T" fittings instead of the 90s with 2 pieces of conduit sticking out the back so a book or something could be put across the 2 to provide counter weight. Or, at the top, a 1900 box (electrical box) could be used, with piece of conduit coming off the back of it, with some fishing weights tied to it. There's several different options that can be done to provide some counter weight to prevent a tablet from tipping it over.
8 years ago on Introduction
Hi!!
its great!!! well done!!!
this stand also used for engineering work such as digitizing!!!
i have made a Adjustable Mobile Tripod ,that looks like yours!!! thats interesting!
https://www.instructables.com/id/Adjustable-Mobile-Tripod/
8 years ago on Introduction
The use of binder clip is genious!
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
Thanks. Check out the 'ible link in step 2 for the clamp. That is where I got the plans for the binder clip.