Posts: 395
Threads: 110
Joined: Jan 2018
I've announced one of my recent Treads to build a Stepper Motor Controller for the Pro Timer. The first version is ready and works very well!!
But first I would like to say a big thank you to Gunther for the initialization of the open source project Pro Timer free. I use the Pro Timer on all my timelapse projects and I do not want to miss the features anymore. For those who are concerned with the matter and are not afraid to take a soldering iron in hand you get a timer with excellent features for little money. Since I do not only static timelapse, but also work with a slider, then quickly came the desire to synonymous with the Pro timer to control. I first created projects with DC motors, but this was not satisfactory in terms of control. That's why I got down to it and developed a Timelapse Slider Motor Controller (TLSMC) for the Pro Timer. Like the pro timer project, I will provide the TLSMC as open source.
My project:
Since I used images for the description and I did not manage to include them in the text of the thread, I attached the description as a PDF.
Motor:
I used a NEMA 17 Stepper Motor with 1.7A on my first try. For the transport of the slider, I used parts of a 3D printer kit and I have gear wheels with 20 teeth and a GT2 timing belt. This worked quite well, as long as the rail was not taken from the horizontal. From a grade of about 25 degrees, the engine could no longer pull a heavy camera. In the second attempt, I used a NEMA17 engine with a 5.18: 1 gearbox and a G5 timing belt. This was also a vertical ride with a heavy camera possible.
Hardware:
Unfortunately it was not possible to buy modules like the Pro Timer Arduino and to finish with a little soldering. I have developed a circuit board on which the necessary components have been placed and the whole thing I have packed in a small case. On the basis of the attached circuit diagram, you can also create the structure on a breadboard circuit board and then install it in a matching housing. For the motor, I have used a Dupont connector. This is not the best, but it is used on most motors.
The components are standard parts and can be bought in electronics shops. However, often the shipping costs are higher than the price for the components.
Since I already have some requests from acquaintances and my photo club, I will hang up a
small series. If anyone is interested in getting in there, I can assemble and deliver a kit of all parts except Adruino Uno, Stepp down Converter and Motor Controller (which is easy to get).
Attached you will find the description, the circuit diagram, the assembly plan, the TLSMC software the Pro Timer software and some pictures.
If someone wants to participate in the project, there is still a lot to do on the software as well as on the hardware!!
Now I am looking forward to your questions and suggestions.
Greetings Hans
TLMC_Circuit.pdf (Size: 54.7 KB / Downloads: 255)
TLSMC.zip (Size: 3.7 KB / Downloads: 87)
LRTimelapse_Pro_Timer_SMC_Free_EXT.zip (Size: 12.68 KB / Downloads: 86)