Hi Robyn2,
I have searched for other camera slider projects, and to me, they seem quite complex. They probably aren't that complicated, just to my inexperienced brain.
I'm going to use the same hardware as this one
http://computers.tutsplus.com/tutorials/motion-control-with-arduino-motorising-a-camera-slider--cms-21539HARDWAREFor me I just want a track fitted with a carriage, all openbuild stuff. At one end a nema17 stepper motor, the other, an idler pulley. The carriage will be driven forwards and backwards with a toothed belt.
ELECTRONICSI would like to use an Arduino uno R3 board fitted with an Adafruit stepper motor controller.
A 3-position switch, or two pushbuttons, will drive the carriage in one direction or the other until a limit switch is triggered. A potentiometer will control speed.
With the 3-position switch midway, no power will be sent to the motor and the carriage can be pushed to one end or the other.
That's about it unless someone can suggest some improvements.
The whole kit and caboodle will be used in the field, and hence, be powered by a decent 12v battery.
AFTER THOUGHT
I'm just wondering whether the carriage should stop when a shot is being taken.
I have no idea how this could be done.
Ken