Hello all, and thanks for reading this and helping me with my project.
I have a simple (to experienced guys) project I have been tasked with at work, and the requirements have thrown a wrench in everything I can find in a kit, so I need to find a different solution.
So, what I need
I need a simple turntable to rotate a camera 360 degrees, but it HAS to be able to be controlled with a stepper motor… I argued for the servo option or the standard gear motor but was told it HAD to be a stepper motor. The mount will in turn be on a tripod that is stationary. The entire thing is going to be controlled remotely.
I have found many kits for gear motors, and servos. I was trying to find parts to convert one of those kits to be able to be used with a stepper motor, even if it means a belt, or chain drive instead of direct gears. The camera is about 3 pounds that needs to rotate.
I have been searching and searching and cannot figure out a way except for custom manufacturing something, which the only thing I have access to is a 3d printer, but we cant figure out how to make it print solid instead of hollow parts so it makes flimsy stuff. ( I am not a 3d artist or operator of the 3d printer)
Also I believe that the requestor is going to require it be made of metal if possible for durability.
I thought about using this:
robotshop.com/en/gear-drive-pan-kit-a.html
But I need a stepper motor to attach to it somehow. I could even use something different but it would have to have the ability to attach a stepper motor.
If there is anything you could recommend to help me, please point me in that direction. Thank you and have a great day
As you have likely already seen, we do not offer any stepper-based pan/tilt systems.
If the camera is centered, you can consider a geared stepper motor and a hub:
robotshop.com/en/stepper-motors.html
robotshop.com/en/8mm-screw-hub.html
robotshop.com/en/stepper-mot … llers.html
If would be best to include a thrust bearing between the hub and the body of the gear box so the shaft is not taking the load.
Thank you for the response.
I see you are an employee here so that is great!
The camera is not centered, it has to be the most awkward looking device I have ever seen, but I have a way to mount it maybe to the top of the hub. I may need a plate in between.
The thrust bearing you mentioned, I could not find one when I searched this site, do you have one specifically in mind?
I was thinking after your response that this motor, and actually the hub it shows in the parts bought together should be enough. Would it handle the weight of the camera and be able to turn it or would I be better off with a bigger motor?
Thanks, and sorry for the dumb questions… this is not even close to being in my comfort zone, I just landed the project because I have been able to come up with a few “Macguyvered” ideas to help in the past…
Chris
The geared stepper motor was just one example - we have a few on our site. The gearing is what increases the torque, and 3lbs is not a lot, but the load should be supported.
We do not have a thrust bearing with 8mm diameter, so you’ll need to look around. Worst case scenario, find a Delrin washer with 8mm ID.
I was thinking this motor
robotshop.com/en/2byg-geared … motor.html
Just so im quoting the right parts, this is a NEMA 17 mount, correct?
So this would fit?
robotshop.com/en/stepper-mot … ma-17.html
It is the largest one I found so it may be overkill but make the boss happy
The mount has four mounting holes on a 28mm diameter circle, and the stepper has found also on a 28mm diameter circle. The two should theoretically be compatible.
robotshop.com/media/files/im … c-dime.jpg
robotshop.com/media/files/zi … n-3338.zip
