Need Arduino Help for Stepper Based Motion Control

[Mark 2000]

Hey there, folks. I'm not working on a particular fan film, but I have an idea that could help with future fan film production as well as other kinds of independent film. Basically, using what should be a very simple setup, I've come up with a method for doing multipass model filming on a very cheap budget (around $150) using off the shelf parts. I have the construction know how to put it all together, but the specifics of the parts and the programming is where I need help.

Some of you might have seen my model work before. You can find my 3 foot Enterprise on my site, as well as some test footage of it taken with a static camera here using several passes for matting, lights, and the torpedo reflections on the hull.

This could be a real boon for people who want to bring model work back into film without the high cost of renting an expensive studio space with a fancy rig. I'd love to have a fellow Trekkie or two help me out with this. Pointing me in the direction of a fan who has this know how would also be appreciated.

The linked text barely reads for me with my current site skin, so in case it's invisible to you too, here are the urls:
http://trekcomic.com/2016/09/08/happy-50th-birthday-enterprise/

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[uniderth]

Now that's what the remastered should have looked like!

Sorry, I don't have any Arduino experience. But I have done some work with Microchip's microcontrollers.

 

[dmac]

If you ever get across the San Mateo bridge by the Hayward Airport I have at least 100 -150 FDK SMP stepper motors (about the size of your thumb) left over from a 2001 project. Probably some pdf spec sheets, they're unused leftovers from an old laser light show project back in 2001. PM me if you want to pick them up because someday they'll hit the dumpster.

 

[Mark 2000]

If you ever get across the San Mateo bridge by the Hayward Airport I have at least 100 -150 FDK SMP stepper motors (about the size of your thumb) left over from a 2001 project. Probably some pdf spec sheets, they're unused leftovers from an old laser light show project back in 2001. PM me if you want to pick them up because someday they'll hit the dumpster.

Dmac, that's awfully kind of you. But what I really need is software help. Would you be available for some brain picking on that end?

 

[dmac]

I've never set them up to run.Just In the warehouse out of the warehouse. There is a lot more information on the web than I know. These are just left over after the contract was finished. It does require a control board to set up the pattern of movements you want it to make. Probably a matter of finding a controller on Ebay and start playing with them.