Are you fed up with lousy video projects that are spoiled by shaky footage? Or maybe you are looking for the cinematic look in your shots? Worry not! We are about to step into making an inexpensive and easy-to-build motorized camera slider with Arduino. This project pledges to enhance your videography skills with gentle, well-defined motion of cameras. Let us jump into the world of cinematography in our hands.
How does our DIY camera slider work?
The concept behind our camera slider is elegantly simple yet highly effective. For each axis of movement, we use two stepper motors which ensure precise control over the position of the camera. A limit switch acts as a homing position detector that guarantees accuracy in every shot. When powered on, the linear axis motor starts moving until it hits a limit switch and homes itself at this point.Arduino then provides instructions on how to set up slide and pan positions as well as speed settings via one rotary encoder. Once done configuring, your camera slider is now ready to turn your creative visions into reality by producing smooth videos that look like they were professionally made.
What do I need for an Arduino Camera Slider?
To get started on this exciting project, please gather:
– Arduino Nano
– Motor Driver (A4988/DRV8825/TMC2209)
– OLED display 128×64
– Rotary encoder module HW-040
– NEMA N17 Stepper motors
– Limit Switches (3 Pin SPDT)
– On/Off Switch
– DC socket 5521
– Aluminium Profile 2040 V slot
– Various bolts, nuts, bearings, and spacers
– 3D printed parts
– Wires, connectors and others.
Arduino Camera Slider : 3D Printed Parts:
Our mechanically controlled camera sliders’ 3D printed parts can be downloaded from the given GitHub link. These are essential for the structure and functionality of your slider. Print with high infill for optimal quality and durability.
Camera Slider Circuit Diagram:
The camera slider’s circuit diagram is simple and easy to follow. The key components include Arduino Nano, OLED display, rotary encoder, stepper motors, and motor drivers. Make sure you follow the connections shown in the diagram well so that your slider works properly. The safety features such as end-stop switches and capacitor protection are inbuilt to protect both the device itself and your belongings.
Arduino Code For DIY Camera Slider:
The core of our camera slider is the code which steers the movement of stepper motors in minute details. Before uploading the code to Arduino Nano, ensure that you have installed Adafruit GFX library, Adafruit SSD1306 library as well as AccelStepper library libraries. Furthermore, modify it according to your specific motor driver and parameters like speed of motor or steps per revolution you chose.Putting this code into action will make your camera slider a reality for cinematic purposes.
cpp
// Electro Global- Innovate with us
// Define motor pins
#define MOTOR_EN_PIN 9
#define MOTOR_DIR_PIN 8
#define MOTOR_STEP_PIN 7
// Define motor speed and direction
#define MOTOR_SPEED 100 // Adjust motor speed as needed
#define DIRECTION_FORWARD HIGH
#define DIRECTION_BACKWARD LOW
void setup() {
// Initialize motor pins as outputs
pinMode(MOTOR_EN_PIN, OUTPUT);
pinMode(MOTOR_DIR_PIN, OUTPUT);
pinMode(MOTOR_STEP_PIN, OUTPUT);
// Set initial motor direction
digitalWrite(MOTOR_DIR_PIN,DIRECTION_FORWARD);
}
void loop() {
moveSlider(DIRECTION_FORWARD);
// After sliding is done, allow for brief pause
delay(2000);
// Slide the camera back
moveSlider(DIRECTION_BACKWARD);
// After sliding is done, allow for brief pause
delay(2000);
}
void moveSlider(int direction) {
digitalWrite(MOTOR_DIR_PIN, direction);
digitalWrite(MOTOR_EN_PIN, HIGH);
for (int i = 0; i < 200; i++) { // Adjust steps per slide as needed
digitalWrite(MOTOR_STEP_PIN, HIGH);
delayMicroseconds(MOTOR_SPEED);
digitalWrite(MOTOR_STEP_PIN, LOW);
delayMicroseconds(MOTOR_SPEED);
}
digitalWrite(MOTOR_EN_PIN, LOW);
}
Conclusion:
The possibilities for creativity in videography are endless, and you can achieve this by using our DIY motorized camera slider. No more shaky footage! No more amateurish shots! The cheap solution is suitable even when taking photos with smartphones or DSLR cameras. This will help your storytelling and take beautiful moments with accuracy and style. As you start your cinematic experience with Arduino, it is worth embracing the innovation and craftsmanship.