Want smoother camera moves without buying an expensive motorised slider? In this project I’ll show you how I designed and built a 3D printable robotic camera slider with touchscreen control, adjustable track length and support-free printed parts.

It’s designed for live video work, product shots and motion timelapses, with programmable speed, acceleration and movement time. You can build it for tabletop use, tripod mounting, mains power, or with an optional Ryobi battery adaptor for portable filming.

Direct link to 3D Printable parts: 

https://diymachines.etsy.com/uk/listing/4516449862/robotic-camera-slider-3d-printable-files

BOM

To build one of your own you will need a few items for the relatively simple, but effective, project:

Kit’s of components to help your source parts can be found on my international Etsy store: https://diymachines.etsy.com (will be available by mid-June)

(The links below let you choose between Amazon or AliExpress).

PCB (x1): Available here on PCBWay's project page

2.8" 'Cheap Yellow Display' - ESP32-2432S028 (x1): https://geni.us/CYD-2-8 

Mini560 5v (x1): https://geni.us/Mini560 

TMC2209 Stepper Driver (x2): https://geni.us/TMC2209

Wemos D1 Mini (ESP8266) (x1): https://geni.us/wemosD1

Idle GT2 idle wheel (x1): https://geni.us/6mmIdler5mmBoreToothed

GT2 20T 6mm timing pulley (to go onto stepper motor shafts) 5mm bore (x2): https://geni.us/TimingBelt5m

Contact Switch (x2): https://geni.us/ContactSwitch

Panel mountable power switch (x1): https://geni.us/Power-Switch

Aluminium extrusion 20x40 with both ends M5 threaded(x1) I used a 50cm length: https://geni.us/Extrusion-2040

Female DC Power Barrel (x2): https://geni.us/FemalePowerBarrel

100uf 35v LOW ESR Capacitor (x3): https://geni.us/Capacitor100uF35vESR 

NEMA 17 Stepper Motor (x2): https://geni.us/StepperMotor

GT2 Timing belt 6mm wide (x1) Need’s to be twice the length of the extrusion plus 25cm: https://geni.us/TimingBelt5m

POM Pulley 625zz Linear Bearing - 5mm Bore (x4): https://geni.us/625zzBearing-5mm

6mm GT2 250mm Circular Belt Loop (x): https://geni.us/GT2BeltLoop-250mm

Contact Spring - Keystone Electronics 209 (x2): https://geni.us/KeystoneElec209Contact

Short DC Barrel Lead (x1) or DIY Male connectors (x2): https://geni.us/DCBarrel-MaleToMale

Optional Ryobi 18v Battery (x1): https://geni.us/Ryobi18v

Wire: https://geni.us/22AWGWire

3D Printing Filament (I used PETG): https://geni.us/3DJake

If you want to screw your wires to the PCB instead of solder them on directly:

Screw Wire Terminal - Through Hole Mount - 4 Pole (x3): https://geni.us/PCBScrewTerminals

Screw Wire Terminal - Through Hole Mount - 2 Pole (x5): https://geni.us/PCBScrewTerminals

Nuts, Bolts, and bearings you'll need:

You can buy a kit of the below nut, bolts and bearings on Etsy for convenience:

1/4-20 Locking Nut (x3)

1/4-20x1.4/4 Machine Screw (x1)

M2.5x8mm (x4):

M5 x 30 Countersunk Bolt (x6)

M5x20 Countersunk Bolt (x7)

M5x14 Countersunk Bolt (x8)

M3x6 (x13):

M3x8 Bolt (x12)

M5 Nut (x8)

‘Drop In’ M5 T Slot Nuts (x6):

F8-16M 8X16X5mm Axial Ball Bearing (x1)

Thrust Ball Bearings 20mm x 35mm x 10mm (x1): https://geni.us/ThrustBearing-51104

To attach you slider to tripod's using a universal quick release plate:

Optional - Photography Quick Release Pate (One or Two): https://geni.us/PhotoQuickReleasePlate

For the optional fan to cool the electronics (needed in hot environment or for fast movements for long periods of time):

5v 40mm fan (x1 optional): https://geni.us/40mmFan

M4x16 Bolts to mount optional fan (x4)

Disclaimer: This video is shared for demonstration purposes only.