Submitted by leodanger on Sat, 10/22/2011 - 21:35
Posted in
Hello all...
As an enthusiastic amateur photographer from the UK for about 25 years, I've just upgraded my 20D to a 60D. I wanted the video facility after our little girl was born, but as an avid tinkerer, I've got the bug for more...
I've bought an IGUS w10-40 rail system to build my own video slider, but having chatted to a photographer at work, I started hearing more and more about motion control. It started with a desire to fit a simple motor and string to my slider for basic stop-motion, but then I realised I'd want an interval based slider for night work. Funny how these things escalate, isn't it?!
I started finding a lot of exciting things about the Arduino, and eventually realised that I might be able to do what I want with an Arduino and the MX2 DIY kit from Dynamic Perception.
In an ideal world, I'd love to build and program my own controller, but I have no programming skill. I am tempted to get a beginner kit and start to learn it, but with the relatively low cost of the MX2 and Arduino, it seems like the best option for me on this build...
My plan is to get the MX2 DIY and the Stage Zero motor (which isn't a stepper), linked to an Arduino Uno. I'll then just download all the Stage Zero Firmware, and the controller is hopefully ready). I then figure I can use one of these on the motor spindle:
http://www.cnc4you.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=34_44&prod...
And this as a long loop of belt, held on one side of the carriage:
http://www.cnc4you.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&path=34_66&prod...
I might add a microswitch at either end of the rail to cut power to the motor if I'm distracted when the carriage gets to the end, but I think that's all I need?
So... am I completely barking up the wrong tree? I emailed Dynamic Perception, but of course it's a bit too much of a diversion from the excellent system those guys use, so they pointed me here. Any advice would be very much appreciated!
Thank you all...
PS – if I've missed an obvious thread where this has all been covered, please take it easy on me!