Please find the answers to our most Frequently Asked Questions.
Why would I want a LightBoard?
If you would like to capture your lectures/presentations as you draw complicated concepts, this is the way to do it. Use the lighboard to flip your classroom especially for math, science, art and engineering. You can explain the concepts, then post your video for students to review. Then spend class reviewing the material and working on labs and homework
First developed by Michael Peshkin at Northwestern University, the idea is spreading at colleges and K-12. Our goal is present an affordable alternative.
What is the size of the LightBoard?
The glass portion of the lightboard is 72 x 36 inches. The board is 6 foot 6 inches tall to accommodate most heights. It is mobile, comes on wheels.
Can I buy it now?
We’re taking orders now. Fill out the form so that we can quote you the cost of the board $750 for education/non-profit organizations plus shipping to your location. Once we have the board ready we will request the PO or credit card payment. Because we are a small startup, we start production with your order.
What comes in the Lightboard Kit?
The kit comes in 6 pieces for easy assembly. It has 2 legs, a base and top to the frame and 2 pieces for the stand on wheels. The lights are preinstalled around all sides of the board. You’ll want to do a little wire management on the lights but that’s a simple issue.
The kit does not contain the glass which we find is more cost effective for you to order separately.
Glass can be custom ordered with dimensions 72″x36″x 3/16″ for about $300 plus shipping. We found the 1/4″ a little heavy and unnecessary.
We recommend tempered starfire glass.Starfire glass is low in iron content and makes the colors of your markers much better. Regular glass can give a green tinge. We have two vendors we recommend and will share that info with you in your quote.
You could use plexiglass available from places like Home depot for about 1/2 the price. But the plexiglass does scratch easily. There is non-scratch plexiglass but we have not tried that yet and the cost is generally more.
How do I keep the glass clean?
We found a solution of white vinegar and water to clean with a microfiber cloth. Then take a second microfiber cloth to get rid of any streaking or film.
How hard is it to assemble?
Not at all. That’s why we built it with pieces that all fit easily together. We made many prototypes before we settled on this design. You will need an electric screwdriver or drill and at least 2 people. You can view the parts in the gallery. It takes less than an hour to assemble.
Do you need a lot of space?
Surprisingly not. 8 feet x 8 feet is a reasonable size. Its best to have a black background behind the presenter. The background can hang on a hanger or be painted or tacked on a wall. Its like a green screen but black. Amazon sells them for about $20.00.
What camera do you recommend?
That’s really up to you. We prefer a video camera with a wide angle lens on a tripod. And a good microphone.
What about lights?
It really depends on your environment. We’ve used a desk lamp to reflect on top of the board and spotlight presenter. We also place some even with the presenter but outside the frame to help light.
What about markers and backgrounds?
Neon markers are best. And we prefer to film in front of a black backdrop.
Do I need power?
Yes the lightboard has led lights running inside the frame of the plexiglass. They do need to be plugged in.
Can I replace the lights?
We’ve designed a system so that the lights sit in an aluminum channel on the inside of the lightboard so that they can be removed if you need to replace them. It requires some effort.
How hard is it to flip and edit the video?
Its really simply. Takes about 5 minutes to edit and transpose. There are many video editing products you can use. I prefer Bigasoft Total Video Converter (about $37.00) because it allows me to trim, crop, and transpose all in the same screen. I can also up my volume.Then I just output and I’m ready to share the video. This way I don’t need any help filming. Its a one person job. Check out the video instructions.
I’ve seen people who built a Lightboard for under $100. Why is yours more?
We didn’t find it possible to build a lightboard for under $100 or even close. We wanted it to be sturdy and safe. Our goal was to make a simple kit so that anyone can have a lightboard.
Its not fancy, so if you expect a fancy board, this is not for you. But if you want a functional board that allows you to film and get started with minimal effort and investment, this is it. And we put it on wheels to move. We think it will last for you.
I can’t afford a built kit.
Understandable. Budgets in education, in particular, can be very challenging. So we’ve added the very (17 pages) detailed instructions on how we built this one. The download includes detailed step by step instructions and a materials list. All items can be purchased on-line or at a local hardware store.
Why not build my own?
Sure…It takes time and some budget. You may come up with a great design. We sell this model so that you are not focusing on the board but on the lessons taught with the board.