Building a fully motorized stop motion camera rig using Dragonframe software & 3D printed parts.

As a one-person crew for creating stop motion videos, I built a motorized camera and platform rig that can be automated using Dragonframe software.
00:00 Full Rig View
00:10 Camera Rig
03:30 Slider-Z Rig
08:00 Test Camera Rig
10:19 Table Platform Rig
18:30 Test Animation
Links to pan tilt slider examples I used along the way:
-How to mechatronics: • DIY Motorized Camera S...
-isaac879: • Perfecting My DIY 3-Ax...
Nema Gear Box: Emilostuff
• 3D Printed NEMA 17 Pre...
My slider motorize video
• Automate stepper motor...
My Dragonframe-Arduino-CNC Shield video
• Use Dragonframe softwa...

[@Jakst3r]

Thankyou for making this video, it's an awesome setup!

[@pmarzoccojr]

Very Nice!!!

[@edupuertasfruns]

awesome!!!

[@swoopyfpv]

awesome

[@reallyfurious]

Last night I was watching a documentary about Star Wars and i had this amazing idea for doing stop-motion at home whereby the camera is locked off while the table slides side-to-side and rotates via computerised stepper motors to give the illusion of camera movement for 3D model stop-motion animating. Looks like you've more or less had the same idea. This is interesting...

[@lapsedtime]

I got some of my ideas the same as you. Watched some "making of" videos on the Mandelorian RazorCrest and some Star Wars as well.

[@reallyfurious]

@@lapsedtime This series about ILM called 'Light And Magic is incredible if you're interested in sfx. I'm anxious to check your videos out and see what you're doing with your set-up, it looks amazing.

[@bastsage2809]

Thanks for sharing the amazing work ! Would you have the STL files of your build ?

[@lapsedtime]

I am not good at organizing my projects but I put a step file with all my working models in it. Best I could come up with so hope it helps. www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/kgn5o81h887ai8bbdef42/h?rlkey=jkn4sdndacii4fbz05p1j1kgc&dl=0

[@bastsage2809]

Thank you ! I intend to build something similar to what you did (just the pan & tilt head)

[@ak-gi3eu]

can you create the 3d view type layout ?like 3d model of the motion control .where in 3d view you interact in 3d mode and the 3d paths

[@lapsedtime]

I have not done this myself and not sure exactly what you are looking to achieve but Dragonframe 5 has Autodesk FBX import/export of camera data capabilities.

[@tomtolle99]

but if the table moves and rotates doesnt that mess up the lighting of a shot? But otherwise very cool setup

[@lapsedtime]

It depends on the look you are going for. In this case, the lights are stationary, so I try to evenly light the entire table. But you are correct in that it will not work in all situations. You would need to attach a light to the table and have it rotate with it.

[@hsnorh8180]

Fantastic work. Can you share the schematichs for this project?

[@lapsedtime]

I have a couple of links in the description for other videos I have going into more detail of the configuration. Hope those will help.

[@hsnorh8180]

@@lapsedtime thanks...🙏

[@ELF_Productions]

Are there any issues with the belt driven rig losing any accuracy in repeating a motion exactly due t slippage of the belt?

[@lapsedtime]

Yes, slippage does occur and the repeatable accuracy is OK but not perfect. I did not require exact repeatability given stop motion animation is not perfect to begin with and I can make adjustments along the way.

[@ELF_Productions]

@@lapsedtime im looking through all of the DIY builds to see where i want to go with mine. i love the fact that with dragon frame i can go back to a previous position but the accuracy would be up to the rig. Im leaning more to gear driven than belt driven

[@lapsedtime]

@@ELF_Productions I looked at both options as well but in the end, I felt the belt drive was easier since I was already used to them with my 3D printers. Gear is likely more accurate. The other thing to be mindful of is the backlash from the stepper motors as that will happen with both options. You should be able to find some videos covering that as well. Good luck and let me know when you finish your rig.

[@Seen_film]

is it possible to buy the project to print it in 3d? and an instruction manual?

[@lapsedtime]

Unfortunately, I don't know of (nor have) anything to package all of this up as it was a full DIY project. So best to follow along, use the links and have some fun while doing some trial and error methods.

[@thunderdronefpv1412]

CAn you share the files to that Rig? im buiding my own with ur guide. thank you hope fully youre able to share it

[@lapsedtime]

I posted a link in another comment but here it is again: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7dxe6gsyele0opwbuzxsj/StopMotionRig.stp?rlkey=q5nhw69xxbo6ekfc1xl5nhzbi&dl=0

[@thunderdronefpv1412]

@@lapsedtime thank you 😊

[@officialfanofrichiebricker8324]

Im not understanding the concept. Youre making a motion "dolly rig" for stop motion animation? I understand wanting to have camera movement but how are you going to animate anything while your camera is moving ? Is it gonna take incrementaland making a video

[@lapsedtime]

Yes, this is for stop motion animation. (1) take a picture (2) move or place the object (3) move the camera - repeat. With this setup, I am able to automate the camera movement (3) using software to ensure the movement is consistent and calculated for me. I have some Lego build examples on my channel showing the final results.

[@richiebricker]

Wow, that is very cool. Now I understand. It can be moved very precisely and probably alot smoother than moving a tripod around.