DIY: Five-axis slider for stop-motion animation with Dragonframe integration

[Magshifter]

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Hello friends! For more than two years now, I've been working on a modular controlled shooting platform - a five-axis slider that I'm developing specifically for the needs of stop-motion animation. The development is focused on maximum accuracy, smoothness of movement, stability, and expandability. The electronics of the future device are already integrated with Dragonframe, the leading software in the world of frame-by-frame animation. Also, in the future, I plan to develop an additional module for standalone use in video shooting. The project is currently in the process of being printed and assembled into a pilot version. Below I will tell you about some of the details.

Main kinematic axes
The system implements five independent axes that cover all the basic parameters of camera positioning in space:
X (linear axis) - horizontal movement of the camera along the slider.
Z (pan) - rotate the slider head around the vertical axis.
Tilt - moves the platform with the camera forward or backward.
Focus - remote module, smooth rotation of the focus ring.
Zoom - remote module, precise rotation of the zoom ring.
I abandoned the use of belts in favor of rigid gears and chevron gears, which significantly improves positioning accuracy and eliminates backlash, although it increases the size of the slider head.

Mechanical implementation
🛠 Main structure.
The main rotating platform is 170 mm in diameter, printed from PLA+, rotated by Nema 17, integrated with a bearing base.
The slider carriage moves along a guide rail using a Nema 17 with a 5:1 planetary gearbox - providing more torque and high smoothness.
Tilt and Z: chevron gear rotary mechanisms provide smooth and reliable backlash-free rotation with a gear ratio of 6.8:1.
The focus and zoom modules are based on Round Nema 14 Bipolar motors with reduction - they are attached directly to the lens ring using flexible ROD systems.
All parts are 3D printed, with the ability to be quickly replaced or adapted.

Electronics and control
The control is based on Arduino Mega 2560 with firmware compatible with Dragonframe DFMoco:
All stepper motors are controlled via A4988 drivers.
XLR connectors (4-pin) are used for reliable connection of all axes.
The focus and zoom modules are connected separately via RJ45 to the frame, which simplifies mounting on stabilizers or in tight spaces.
Two power supplies:
220V via adapter for studio use with Dragonframe
Battery packs (12V or USB PD) - for offline shooting

Modularity and customization
Each component of the system is designed with removability and flexible configuration in mind:
Mounts for different types of rails - V-rails, round rails, rail rails.
Interchangeable carriages for heads with different weights and centers of mass.
Adaptive focus/zoom mechanisms - can be adjusted to any lens.
All axes - easily detachable and upgradeable, allowing you to add other types of movements in the future (for example, camera rotation around the object or parallel displacement).

Additional features
It is planned to support camera weight up to 6 kg - will be tested with Canon R + L-series lens.
It works in both horizontal and inverted positions (for ceiling mounting).
It will have two modes of use:
Dragonframe control - for precise frame-by-frame movement.
Manual autonomous control - for smooth video capture or time-lapses.

Access to materials and support
The materials of this project are available exclusively to patrons who support my development on Patreon. For them, I will provide not just files, but full support and adaptation to specific needs.

Subscribers get access to:
STL files of 3D models of all modules
Electronics and connection diagrams
Bills of Materials (BOM) with references
Step-by-step assembly and setup instructions
Video guides with demonstrations and explanations
Opportunities for feedback and technical assistance
Materials will be published in Ukrainian and English. By supporting the project, you not only get access to the resource, but also influence its further development.

Feedback
The project is still being actively improved. If you have experience in stop motion, mechanics, or Dragonframe, I would be grateful for advice, ideas, or constructive criticism. Write a comment or contact me directly.

Good luck and inspiration to you, friends!