DIY 3D Printable Motorised Camera Slider

The Ultimate 3D Printed Robotic Camera Slider (Step-by-Step Guide)

Want smoother camera moves without buying an expensive motorised slider? In this project I’ll show you how I designed and built a 3D printable robotic camera slider with touchscreen control, adjustable track length and support-free printed parts.

It’s designed for live video work, product shots and motion timelapses, with programmable speed, acceleration and movement time. You can build it for tabletop use, tripod mounting, mains power, or with an optional Ryobi battery adaptor for portable filming.

Downloads:

3D models for printing: https://diymachines.etsy.com/listing/4516449862

International shipping Etsy shop (optional kits to help you source components):

www.diymachines.etsy.com (Kit's for this project are still being added)

List of items used in this project and where to find them / BOM:

To build one of your own you will need a few items for the relatively simple, but effective, project:
(The links below let you choose between Amazon or AliExpress).

2.8" 'Cheap Yellow Display' - ESP32-2432S028 (x1): https://geni.us/CYD-2-8
Mini560 5v (x1): https://geni.us/Mini560
TMC2209 Stepper Driver (x2): https://geni.us/TMC2209
Wemos D1 Mini (ESP8266) (x1): https://geni.us/wemosD1
Idle GT2 idle wheel (x1): https://geni.us/6mmIdler5mmBoreToothed
GT2 20T 6mm timing pulley (to go onto stepper motor shafts) 5mm bore (x2): https://geni.us/TimingBelt5m
Contact Switch (x2): https://geni.us/ContactSwitch
Panel mountable power switch (x1): https://geni.us/Power-Switch
Aluminium extrusion 20x40 with both ends M5 threaded(x1) I used a 50cm length: https://geni.us/Extrusion-2040
Female DC Power Barrel (x2): https://geni.us/FemalePowerBarrel
100uf 35v LOW ESR Capacitor (x3): https://geni.us/Capacitor100uF35vESR
PCB (x1): https://diymachines.etsy.com/uk/listing/4516518337/robotic-camera-slider-pcb-only
NEMA 17 Stepper Motor (x2): https://geni.us/StepperMotor
GT2 Timing belt 6mm wide (x1) Need’s to be twice the length of the extrusion plus 25cm: https://geni.us/TimingBelt5m
POM Pulley 625zz Linear Bearing - 5mm Bore (x4): https://geni.us/625zzBearing-5mm
6mm GT2 250mm Circular Belt Loop (x): https://geni.us/GT2BeltLoop-250mm
Contact Spring - Keystone Electronics 209 (x2): https://geni.us/KeystoneElec209Contact
Short DC Barrel Lead (x1) or DIY Male connectors (x2): https://geni.us/DCBarrel-MaleToMale
Optional Ryobi 18v Battery (x1): https://geni.us/Ryobi18v
Wire: https://geni.us/22AWGWire
3D Printing Filament (I used PETG): https://geni.us/3DJake

If you want to screw your wires to the PCB instead of solder them on directly:

Screw Wire Terminal - Through Hole Mount - 4 Pole (x3): https://geni.us/PCBScrewTerminals
Screw Wire Terminal - Through Hole Mount - 2 Pole (x5): https://geni.us/PCBScrewTerminals

Nuts, Bolts, and bearings you'll need:

You can buy a kit of the below nut, bolts and bearings on Etsy for convenience: (a link will be provided shortly)

1/4-20 Locking Nut (x3)
1/4-20x1.4/4 Machine Screw (x1)
M2.5x8mm (x4):
M5 x 30 Countersunk Bolt (x6)
M5x20 Countersunk Bolt (x7)
M5x14 Countersunk Bolt (x8)
M3x6 (x13):
M3x8 Bolt (x12)
M5 Nut (x8)
‘Drop In’ M5 T Slot Nuts (x6):
F8-16M 8X16X5mm Axial Ball Bearing (x1)
Thrust Ball Bearings 20mm x 35mm x 10mm (x1): https://geni.us/ThrustBearing-51104

To attach you slider to tripod's using a universal quick release plate:

Optional - Photography Quick Release Pate (One or Two): https://geni.us/PhotoQuickReleasePlate

For the optional fan to cool the electronics (needed in hot environment or for fast movements for long periods of time):

5v 40mm fan (x1 optional): https://geni.us/40mmFan
M4x16 Bolts to mount optional fan (x4)

Wiring Diagram

If you would like to assemble your own circuit instead of using the PCB I have designed then I have created a graphical wiring diagram you can find below o to help you understand the electronics:

How to Build your Robotic Camera Slider

Full written instructions are on the way (it takes me a few evening to write it all out). They will be done by the end of June 2026. All the information to build your own can be find in my detailed video at the top of this page for now. :)

Community & Help:

Discord server for this project: (A great place for questions and advice): https://discord.gg/E7dwcw5FwR

< Older Post

Sensorless Homing with RP2040 & TMC2209

By Lewis • February 24, 2026

In this video, I’ll show you how to set up sensorless homing using a TMC2209 stepper driver — no mechanical limit switches required! Perfect for 3D printers, CNC machines, robotics, and other DIY electronics projects. I’ll guide you through the wiring, Arduino code, and how to tune StallGuard for accurate, reliable homing. Whether you’re building a CoreXY, a custom motion control system, or just want to learn more about stepper motor drivers, this is a great place to start. Let’s build smarter! Why would we want to use sensorless homing? Well first the Pros…. There’s no need for extra mounts, additional components or running long dangling cables to one or both ends of the carriage or other moving component. And there are always cons, so in this case you’ll need a stallguard-capable driver (they cost a little more and are only manufactured by Trinamic) and accuracy isn’t great at slow speeds.