DIY Motorized Camera Slider using Arduino and Stepper Motors for Video Shooting

The DIY Motorized Camera Slider system is orchestrated by an Arduino Nano microcontroller, which acts as the central brain for motion control. The user interacts with the device via a rotary encoder module (HW-040) to input movement parameters, while a 128x64 OLED display provides visual feedback regarding settings, speed, and status. The Arduino processes these inputs and sends precise step and direction signals to dual motor drivers (such as the A4988, DRV8825, or TMC2209). These drivers regulate the high currents required to drive the two NEMA 17 stepper motors smoothly. One stepper motor typically handles the linear travel of the camera carriage along the 50cm 2040 V-slot aluminium profile via a GT2 timing belt and pulley system, while Delrin V-wheels and 625RS bearings ensure frictionless, stable mechanical gliding. To prevent the carriage from traveling past safe boundaries, two 3D SPDT limit switches act as physical hardware end-stops, signaling the Arduino to halt motion immediately. Power is supplied securely through a 5521 DC socket controlled by an on-board On/Off switch, routed across a perfboard housing the wiring. Software libraries including AccelStepper, Adafruit GFX, and Adafruit SSD1306 work together to manage the complex timing of motor acceleration, deceleration, and UI rendering.