3-Axis Camera Slider (Pan-Tilt-Mount)
B✓ Confirmed fresh Jun 1, 2026
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3-Axis Camera Slider (Pan-Tilt-Mount)
A stepper-driven, Arduino Nano-controlled motion-control rig for DSLR/mirrorless cameras. Designed for video motion control, time-lapses and panoramic shots. Three NEMA 17 stepper motors drive the pan, tilt and slider axes. The pan axis uses a 144:17 herringbone gear reduction giving 0.0133° resolution; the tilt uses 64:21 for 0.0369°. The slider rides a 2GT belt on V-Slot 2040 extrusion for ~0.0225 mm linear precision.
Hall-effect sensors on each axis allow auto-homing. The rig is silent in 16th microstepping and runs from 12 V DC or a 3S LiPo for ~1 hour of portable shooting. The Arduino can also fire a camera shutter via a 2.5 mm jack, and accepts commands over USB or a JDY-31 Bluetooth pass-through.
Highlights
- 3 NEMA 17 + TMC2208 stepper drivers
- Auto-home via A3144 Hall sensors
- Pan, tilt, slider keyframe sequencing (panoramic-lapse / time-lapse)
- Camera shutter trigger via NPN transistor
- Bluetooth or USB serial control
- Custom PCB (Gerbers in repo)
- Tested up to 1 kg payload
Original creator: Isaac Chasteau (isaac879) License: MIT Source: https://github.com/isaac879/Pan-Tilt-Mount Demo video: https://youtu.be/1FfB7cLkUyQ STL files: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4547074
Hardware Required (BYOD)
This program targets an Arduino Nano running the pan_tilt_mount_nano_code_tmc2208 firmware. Communicate over USB serial or JDY-31 Bluetooth at 57600 baud.
Build Notes
- Skill level: Intermediate (soldering + 3D printing required)
- Build time: ~2-3 weekends
- Estimated cost: $60-110 USD for electronics + extrusion + hardware
- Custom PCB Gerbers included; you can also wire on perfboard
Commands (Arduino serial protocol)
Rp t e c are the most common: R reports status, p<deg> pans, t<deg> tilts, x<mm> slides, c triggers shutter, A auto-homes. See the full commands list PDF.
🖨 Print Files (2)
idle-side-support.stl
lpe6-mount.stl
Required Hardware
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NEMA 17 Stepper Motor (42x42x40mm) | 1 | Slider drive |
| NEMA 17 Stepper Motor (42x42x23mm) | 2 | Pan + tilt |
| TMC2208 Stepper Driver | 3 | Silent microstepping |
| Arduino Nano | 1 | Controller |
| JDY-31 Bluetooth Module | 1 | Or HC-05 / HC-06 / JDY-30 |
| A3144 Hall Effect Sensor | 3 | One per axis for homing |
| 6.4 x 1.7 mm Neodymium Magnets | 2 | Hall sensor targets |
| 3.2 x 1.7 mm Neodymium Magnets | 4 | Hall sensor targets |
| 2N3904 NPN Transistor | 1 | Camera shutter trigger |
| Resistor 330 Ω | 1 | |
| Resistor 470 Ω | 1 | |
| Resistor 15 kΩ | 1 | |
| Resistor 22 kΩ | 1 | |
| Resistor 33 kΩ | 2 | |
| 100 µF Electrolytic Capacitor | 3 | One per stepper driver |
| 2-Pin 5.08mm Screw Terminal Block | 1 | Power input |
| 2.54 mm Female Header Pins (assorted) | — | For Arduino + drivers + Bluetooth |
| 2.54 mm Male Header Pins (assorted) | — | For Arduino + drivers |