I went to the observatory (see previous post) to capturing some deep sky photos. When the camera was capturing in the meantime I set up my slider. The slider was configured to travel an inclined track with 6m length. The plan was to show the milky way above the observatory, travelling away from the dome.
This is the 3 hour hyperlapse:
Camera slider – build complete :-)
After several hours of designing, 3d printing, drilling, soldering and assembling, my camera slider is ready to use! All components are neatly packed within cases, so that the only wires visible are the power supply from the LiPo battery pack and the shutter release cable to the camera. I have several extensions in mind, like a pan-tilt unit. But for the moment, I will test and use the setup as is. The next improvements will be more on the firmware, for more features: non-linear movement, slow start, slow finish, pre-defined profiles, … for more impressive movies.
Now, concluding the build, I have the following parts in the final setup:
- 12 U-groove wheels, matching the carbon fiber tubes (3D printed plus ball bearings)
- 4 wheel carriages, each holding 3 U-groove wheels (3D printed)
- 1 case for the microcontroller and motor driver (3D printed)
- 1 case for shutter release, power supply and connectors (3D printed)
- 1 hand-controller case (3D printed)
- 1 battery bracket (3D printed)
- 2 end-assemblies (5 parts each, 3D printed)
- 2 supports (3 parts each, 3D printed)
- 1 NEMA17 stepper motor
- 1 A4988 stepper motor driver
- 1 Arduino Nano (Atmel 328 microcontroller)
- 1 4×20 LCD
- 1 Joystick module
- 1 DC-DC converter
- 2 micro switches with long lever as end switches
- GT2 10mm timing belt with wire reinforcement
- 1 GT2 10mm 20 teeth pulley wheel
- 4 GT2 10mm idler wheels
- A whole bunch of M3 to M6 screws and nuts
- 40x3mm flat aluminium
- 30x50x3mm L-shaped aluminium
- carbon fiber tubes
The project was really a fun to make. Even more, the resulting slider provides flexibility and transportability! I may configure the slider in any length, depending on the available tubes. The tubes I use, are 37cm in length and have aluminium screw-in adapters to fit one to the other. I have a bag, which I used as personal item in air travel. The bag holds the complete setup for up to 5 meters (exkluding tripods). The bag weighs in at approximately 5kg – so it is a light weight setup for the length possible.