This is my first post to this forum, I have over the past week browsed for solutions targeted towards time lapse photography/video capture. My main objective is to create/diy a camera slider, powered by a stepper motor.
I have googled similar themes without finding much info except bits and pieces and therefore post here in search for input & ideas.
General parameters:
Sliding dolly, length undetermined
Stepper Motor 1-axis control, both step and continous motion (Step for TimeLapse and Continous for video)
DSLR trigger control working in sequence with stepper motor motion.
Wanted Function:
Variable slide speed, step mode and continous mode
In step mode I want the controller to perform MOVE Slider/STOP Slider/Trigger DSLR/MOVE S/STOP S/Trigger DSLR etc
In contious mode I want the controller to trigger DSLR at certain time intervals
Equipment on order:
Arduino UNO R3
Arduino Starter Kit // A place to start for accessories, caps, resistors, cables and such
EasyDriver Module // Stepper motor driver
1602 LCD shield // Output data LCD
NEMA17 // Stepper Motor - Stepper Motor 2-Phase DC3.4V 1.7A 48 oz.in 4-Lead 1.8 Degree 220 g.cm
ATtiny45 & 85 // Programmable MC 's
+++ misc.
I foresee the UNO as the main controller of the system, relaying output to Stepper motor driver and an ATtiny45 chip handling the DSLR trigger. Is this a feasible way to do it? I am at the moment not looking into code specificly, more a general road map for this system.
Any input? I would appreciate it all and if you know of any external resources links would be great 8)
Start by getting each piece working individually. Some parts will be easy, such as triggering the camera to take a picture (if you have the right kind of camera, that is). Some parts will be a bit harder.
Make the stepper step continuously. Then, play with how often it steps (so the speed is controllable). Obviously, stepping once will then be trivial.
Work on the communication with the ATTinies. Though why you think you need them is beyond me.
NEMA 17 is a mounting plate hole spacing specification. It doesn't say squat about the motor being attached.
Agreed, getting the individual functions going first is the way to go. I do not forsee much problems getting the motor running, my challenge will be the interaction with trigger control etc, in other words the coding There are many example schetches found controlling DC&stepper motors which could lead me in the right direction. The materials of my slider is a solid 18ft alu profile and the drive system is based on a belt drive pulley mechanism similar to this but with one motor:
Mech.construction will not pose a problem, its the coding/electrics that will challenge me. As far as background goes I have 30yrs as a modell aircraft building/pilot and 15yrs of this have been dedicated to electric flight
Camera is Canon 1DsII and judging by the video's online I've found triggering should be fairly straight foward.
However this unchartered territory, I could be way wrong
Through my quick research I think I have the overall picture however this is the time to review options/better ideas and what not
Work on the communication with the ATTinies. Though why you think you need them is beyond me.
The ATTinies are thrown in for other projects AND/OR if some or all processes desired are possible to simplify onto one chip. maybe not this particular project but maybe a stand-alone interval timer for triggering the DSLR or other extra features
Like AF motoring or something like that..
As I said, Arduino territory is new to me and I am not aware of the "optimum way" yet - hence my appreciation of your input
Further research have given my this YT-link showing basically what I would like to achieve
There are many example schetches found controlling DC&stepper motors which could lead me in the right direction. The materials of my slider is a solid 18ft alu profile and the drive system is based on a belt drive pulley mechanism similar to this but with one motor:
