Camera Slider

thingiverse

It's actually a motorized camera slider, and you can check out how it works at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh0SBud-Cfs. First, the slider runs on slowest speed, then full speed, and finally slowest speed again. I used the original design as inspiration but made significant changes to create this unique project. You can attach it to the ground or use one stand or two stands - I prefer using two stands because there's a slight movement due to weight when the camera is on one side, depending on its weight and connection with the stand. The two rods that connect the stands can move, so you don't need glue like in the original design. A BOM list has been added, but don't worry about the DIN or ISO numbers of the bolts and nuts - they're not crucial for this project. I used a DC motor with gearbox, but there's also a mount (slider-motor.stl) available for a NEMA 17 stepper motor if you prefer that option. I opted for an 80 RPM DC motor, but feel free to use a slower or faster motor depending on your needs. There's also an open mount for the DC motor (slider-dcmotor.stl) in case you want to experiment with different motors. To drive the motor, I'll be using an Arduino with a motor driver (30A Mini VNH2SP30 Stepper Motor Driver Monster Moto Shield module For Arduino), and I plan to add an app connected via Bluetooth later on. You can also use a 6-30V DC Motor speed Controller Reversible PWM Control Forward / Reverse Switch to control the motor, but keep in mind that you'll need limit switches if you choose this option. I'm using two USB battery packs to create a 10V power source for the motor and a separate 5V power source for the Arduino. For now, I'm running the motor on 10V and the Arduino on 5V, but we might explore using a step-up regulator and a single 5V battery pack in the future. The belt is connected to the platform on both sides by simply inserting it double-folded - see the pictures for more details. To put the belt under tension, use the two screws in the belt wheelholder, but don't overtighten it. I'm using a rubber band around the platform to trigger the limit switches, which adds some flexibility to the system. You can choose not to use this feature if you prefer, but keep in mind that a DC motor might take longer to stop than a stepper motor. The current state of the project is still under development, and we're working on creating an Android app that will connect with the Arduino via Bluetooth. The camera functions are designed for Sony LANC cameras, so if you have one of those, you'll be able to use this feature. Here are some printing settings I used: * Printer Brand: Prusa * Printer Model: Prusa Steel * Rafts: No * Infill: 20% * Notes: All parts fit together snugly without any adjustments needed. I printed them with PLA and 20% infill mostly, mostly without support. Some printing remarks to keep in mind: * slider-platform: Place the side with the nut holder on top. * slider-dcmotor-box: Mount the motor side facing down. * slider-holder: Place the flat side facing down. * slider-rods-limit-switch: Mount it on the side (I used support where the PCB is mounted). * slider-rodsbase: Place it on the side. * slider-roller-wheel: Use support if needed. Just assemble everything and watch the video to see how it works.