# Motorized Camera Slider 2-Axis ## Overview ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/752/medium800/3d_printing_hero-white.jpg?1747058070 ) https://youtu.be/5qv4TInZV0k https://youtube.com/live/7giKCuUSC2M?feature=share ## Slide & Pan This project uses two stepper motors to create smooth cinematic motion for capturing video or timelapse photography. You can use it to automate both trucking and panning for beautiful compound camera motion. It features a 1.3in TFT screen for displaying a user interface and a rotary encoder for controlling the stepper motors.  It's powered by an Adafruit KB2040 running CircuitPython. The TMC2209 stepper motor drivers offer smooth and silent micro stepping.  The software features a mode for capturing timelapses and a one shot mode for filming video. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/767/medium640/3d_printing_hero-unicorn.jpg?1747078288) ## DIY Motorized Slider 3D printed parts support two pieces of aluminum extrusion. A timing belt and pulley wheels are used to slide the carriage along the profile offering about 16 inches (40cm) of travel. A second motor is dedicated for panning offering a bit over 180 degrees. A custom PCB reduces the amount of wiring connecting the microcontroller, TFT display, buck converter and two stepper motor drivers. It runs off a 12V AA battery pack making the build portable for filming outdoors. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/768/medium640/3d_printing_hero-outside.jpg?1747079593) ## Crank It! Use the rotary encoder to set the start and ending positions of the panning motor. A 3D printed rotary handle lets you crank the motor making an intuitive interface for setting the panning stepper motor. ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/136/758/medium640thumb/3d_printing_motor2-loop.jpg?1747069575) Primary: This learn guide assumes prior experience with electronics, 3D printing, mechanical engineering and videography. It is not recommend for beginner makers but is achievable with patience and the willingness to learn new skills. # Parts from Adafruit ### Adafruit KB2040 - RP2040 Kee Boar Driver [Adafruit KB2040 - RP2040 Kee Boar Driver](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5302) A wild Kee Boar appears! It’s a shiny **KB2040**! An Arduino Pro Micro-shaped board for Keebs with RP2040. (#keeblife 4 evah) A lot of folks like using Adafruit parts for their Keeb builds – but with the ItsyBitsy not being pin-compatible with the Pro Micro pinout, it... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5302) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5302/guides) ![Angled shot of short black microcontroller.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/5302-07.jpg) ### MPM3610 5V Buck Converter Breakout - 21V In 5V Out at 1.2A [MPM3610 5V Buck Converter Breakout - 21V In 5V Out at 1.2A](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4739) This little buck converter based on the MPM3610 is a marvel, taking up to 21V input and providing a 5V output with up to 1.2A current. It's great for supplying power to popular 5V voltage circuits from a range of battery or power options.  This chip provides up to 1.2 Amp load current... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4739) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4739/guides) ![MPM3610 5V Buck Converter Breakout Board](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4739-04.jpg) ### Adafruit 1.3" 240x240 Wide Angle TFT LCD Display with MicroSD [Adafruit 1.3" 240x240 Wide Angle TFT LCD Display with MicroSD](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4313) We've been looking for a display like this for a long time - it's **so small** only 1.3" diagonal but has a high density 260 ppi, 240x240 pixel display with full-angle viewing. It _looks_ a lot like our 1.44" 128x128 display, but has 4x as many pixels and... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4313) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4313/guides) ![Overhead shot of 1.3" TFT breakout connected via EYESPI board and microcontroller on a half-size breadboard. The TFT breakout displays a colorful hexagon.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/4313-09.jpg) ### Rotary Encoder + Extras [Rotary Encoder + Extras](https://www.adafruit.com/product/377) This rotary encoder is the best of the best, it's a high-quality 24-pulse encoder, with detents and a nice feel. It is panel mountable for placement in a box, or you can plug it into a breadboard (just cut/bend the two mechanical side tabs.) We also include a nice soft-touch knob with an... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/377) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/377/guides) ![Rotary Encoder with rubbery knob](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/377-02.jpg) ### 8 x AA battery holder with 5.5mm/2.1mm Plug and On/Off Switch [8 x AA battery holder with 5.5mm/2.1mm Plug and On/Off Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/875) Make a portable power brick with plenty of juice! Use Alkaline AA's for a 12V 3000-4000mAh power supply, or rechargeable NiMH for 2000mAh 9.6V supply. Either one is good for running electronics that have a 5V voltage regulator (thus requiring a 7V+ supply) or perhaps some motors or... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/875) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/875/guides) ![Angled shot rectangular black 8 x AA battery holder with 5.5mm/2.1mm plug and on/off switch.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/875-04.jpg) ### Part: Adafruit TMC2209 quantity: 2 Stepper Motor Driver Breakout Board [Adafruit TMC2209](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6121) ### Part: 2.5mm Pitch Connector Kit quantity: 1 JST XH Compatible - 560 Piece Kit [2.5mm Pitch Connector Kit](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4423) ### Part: Switch Quick-Connect Wires quantity: 1 0.187" (10-pack) [Switch Quick-Connect Wires ](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3835) ### Part: Micro Switch quantity: 2 Premium Zippy 3-Terminal [Micro Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/817) ### Part: Slotted Aluminum Extrusion quantity: 2 20mm x 20mm - 610mm long [Slotted Aluminum Extrusion](https://www.adafruit.com/product/1221) ### Part: DC barrel jack quantity: 1 Breadboard-friendly 2.1mm [DC barrel jack](https://www.adafruit.com/product/373) ### Part: Terminal Block - quantity: 1 2-pin 3.5mm - pack of 5! [Terminal Block - ](https://www.adafruit.com/product/724) ### Part: Socket Headers quantity: 1 36-pin 0.1" Female header - pack of 5! [Socket Headers](https://www.adafruit.com/product/598) ### Part: Little Rubber Bumper Feet quantity: 1 Pack of 4 [Little Rubber Bumper Feet](https://www.adafruit.com/product/550) ### Part: Red Silicone Wire quantity: 1 25ft 26AWG - Red [Red Silicone Wire](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2513) ### Part: Black Silicone Wire quantity: 1 25ft 26AWG - Black [Black Silicone Wire](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2517) ### Part: Through-Hole Resistors - 2.2K ohm quantity: 1 5% 1/4W - Pack of 25 [Through-Hole Resistors - 2.2K ohm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2782) # Parts from Amazon ### Part: Stepper Motor quantity: 2 Short Body 12V 1A [Stepper Motor](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PNEQ79Q/) ### Part: 6008-2RS Bearing quantity: 1 40x68x15mm Bearings - 2 Pack [6008-2RS Bearing](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MXN3BXZ/) ### Part: Pulley Wheels with Bearing Idler quantity: 4 625zz Linear Bearing [Pulley Wheels with Bearing Idler](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q5WN3GK/) ### Part: GT2 Timing Pulley quantity: 1 36 Teeth - 6mm belt - 5mm bore [GT2 Timing Pulley](https://www.amazon.com/uxcell-Synchronous-Aluminum-Printer-Machine/dp/B0DNFDYX75/) ### Part: GT2 Timing Belt quantity: 1 2mm pitch - 6mm wide - 1164mm (45in) length needed [GT2 Timing Belt](https://www.amazon.com/Timing-Meters-Creality-Anycubic-Printer/dp/B097T3Y6WW/) ### Part: 1/4"-20 x 1/2" Tripod Screw quantity: 1 4pcs - Red Aluminum Tee Wing Knob [1/4"-20 x 1/2" Tripod Screw](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGS2Z6YX) ### Part: 1/4"-20 Rubber Washer quantity: 1 5 Pack - 1/4" Screw Hole for Anti-Scratch Camera [1/4"-20 Rubber Washer](https://www.amazon.com/Anwenk-Anti-Scratch-Accessories-Protection-Anti-Slippery/dp/B07R44FP5C/) ### Part: 8x AA Rechargeable Batteries quantity: 1 Pack of 8 [8x AA Rechargeable Batteries](https://www.amazon.com/Eneloop-8-Battery-Rechargeable-Batteries-Controllers/dp/B00JHKSN5I/) - [Next Page](https://learn.adafruit.com/motorized-camera-slider-2-axis/circuit-diagram.md) ## Featured Products ### Adafruit KB2040 - RP2040 Kee Boar Driver [Adafruit KB2040 - RP2040 Kee Boar Driver](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5302) A wild Kee Boar appears! It’s a shiny **KB2040**! An Arduino Pro Micro-shaped board for Keebs with RP2040. (#keeblife 4 evah) A lot of folks like using Adafruit parts for their Keeb builds – but with the ItsyBitsy not being pin-compatible with the Pro Micro pinout, it... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5302) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5302/guides) ### MPM3610 5V Buck Converter Breakout - 21V In 5V Out at 1.2A [MPM3610 5V Buck Converter Breakout - 21V In 5V Out at 1.2A](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4739) This little buck converter based on the MPM3610 is a marvel, taking up to 21V input and providing a 5V output with up to 1.2A current. It's great for supplying power to popular 5V voltage circuits from a range of battery or power options.  This chip provides up to 1.2 Amp load current... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4739) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4739/guides) ### Adafruit 1.3" 240x240 Wide Angle TFT LCD Display with MicroSD [Adafruit 1.3" 240x240 Wide Angle TFT LCD Display with MicroSD](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4313) We've been looking for a display like this for a long time - it's **so small** only 1.3" diagonal but has a high density 260 ppi, 240x240 pixel display with full-angle viewing. It _looks_ a lot like our 1.44" 128x128 display, but has 4x as many pixels and... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4313) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4313/guides) ### Rotary Encoder + Extras [Rotary Encoder + Extras](https://www.adafruit.com/product/377) This rotary encoder is the best of the best, it's a high-quality 24-pulse encoder, with detents and a nice feel. It is panel mountable for placement in a box, or you can plug it into a breadboard (just cut/bend the two mechanical side tabs.) We also include a nice soft-touch knob with an... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/377) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/377/guides) ### 8 x AA battery holder with 5.5mm/2.1mm Plug and On/Off Switch [8 x AA battery holder with 5.5mm/2.1mm Plug and On/Off Switch](https://www.adafruit.com/product/875) Make a portable power brick with plenty of juice! Use Alkaline AA's for a 12V 3000-4000mAh power supply, or rechargeable NiMH for 2000mAh 9.6V supply. Either one is good for running electronics that have a 5V voltage regulator (thus requiring a 7V+ supply) or perhaps some motors or... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/875) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/875/guides) ### Adafruit TMC2209 Stepper Motor Driver Breakout Board [Adafruit TMC2209 Stepper Motor Driver Breakout Board](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6121) Stepper motors are used for CNC machines, 3D printers, and whenever else one needs precise, powerful motion. But to get good behavior from steppers you need a motor driver chip that can provide high bursts of current, and for smooth motion, be able to PWM that current for microstepping... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/6121) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/6121/guides) ### 2.5mm Pitch Connector Kit - JST XH Compatible - 560 Piece Kit [2.5mm Pitch Connector Kit - JST XH Compatible - 560 Piece Kit](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4423) Totaling 560 pieces, this  **2.5mm Connector Kit with JST-XH Compatible Connectors**  is a must-have for your workstation. You'll have enough sockets and headers to fuel your maker tendencies for days on end! These connectors are really common... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4423) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4423/guides) ### Arcade Button and Switch Quick-Connect Wires - 0.187" (10-pack) [Arcade Button and Switch Quick-Connect Wires - 0.187" (10-pack)](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3835) Quick connector wire sets make wiring up our arcade-style or metal buttons quicky-quick. Each wire comes as a 'pair' with two 0.187" quick-connects pre-crimped. The wires are terminated together in a JST 2.5mm 2-pin connector. This connector will fit in 0.1" headers,... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3835) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3835/guides) ## Related Guides - [Adafruit 1.3" and 1.54" 240x240 Wide Angle TFT LCD Displays](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-1-3-and-1-54-240-x-240-wide-angle-tft-lcd-displays.md) - [Adafruit KB2040](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-kb2040.md) - [Adafruit TMC2209 Stepper Motor Driver Breakout Board](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-tmc2209-stepper-motor-driver-breakout-board.md) - [Big Key Switches Macro Pad](https://learn.adafruit.com/big-key-switch.md) - [Navi10 MacroPad with KB2040 and KMK CircuitPython keyboard firmware](https://learn.adafruit.com/navi10-macropad-with-kb2040-and-kmk-circuitpython-keyboard-firmware.md) - [Planetary Gear Dreidels](https://learn.adafruit.com/planetary-gear-dreidels.md) - [CircuitPython Animated Sprite Pendants](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-sprite-animation-pendant-mario-clouds-flying-toasters.md) - [PB Gherkin 30% keyboard with KMK, CircuitPython, & KB2040](https://learn.adafruit.com/pb-gherkhin-30-keyboard-with-kmk-circuitpython-kb2040.md) - [Arcade Fightstick](https://learn.adafruit.com/arcade-fightstick.md) - [Fisher-Price USB Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/fisher-price-usb-controller.md) - [See N Say Brain Transplant](https://learn.adafruit.com/see-n-say-brain-transplant.md) - [Using QMK on RP2040 Microcontrollers](https://learn.adafruit.com/using-qmk-on-rp2040-microcontrollers.md) - [May Pad Macropad with the KB2040, KMK, and CircuitPython](https://learn.adafruit.com/maypad-macropad-with-the-kb2040-kmk-and-circuitpython.md) - [Stepper Motor Turntable](https://learn.adafruit.com/stepper-motor-turntable.md) - [Super Nintendo USB Controller](https://learn.adafruit.com/super-nintendo-usb-controller.md)