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Photogrammetry Turntable
Electronics + Mechanical Systems
A motorized photography turntable combining stepper motor control, joystick input, an LCD interface, and a modified 3D-printed gear system.
Type
Motorized Turntable
Controller
Arduino Mega
Motor
5V Stepper Motor
Interface
Joystick + LCD
Fabrication
3D Printing
Project Context
Originally documented as Project 2.7 Mechanical, this photography turntable was developed to introduce motors and the mechanical functions of components. The system combines control electronics, a stepper motor, and a 3D-printed enclosure.
Reference
01
A joystick-controlled photography turntable built around a 5V stepper motor, Arduino Mega, LCD display, and a 3D-printed mechanical assembly.
The user moves the joystick to control the direction in which the turntable rotates while the LCD displays the direction.
An Arduino Uno was originally intended for the project, but an Arduino Mega was used because it was the MCU available during development.
02
The control system combines an Arduino Mega, joystick, and LCD display to provide direct control of the turntable.
Joystick input determines the direction in which the turntable rotates. The LCD display provides the user with a visual indication of that direction.
These control components interface with the 5V stepper motor and its accompanying driver to operate the mechanical turntable.
Control Electronics
Arduino Mega, joystick, and LCD interface
03
A 5V stepper motor drives the turntable using discrete rotational steps.
The stepper motor consists of a permanent-magnet rotor surrounded by the windings of the stator. Activating the windings sequentially magnetizes the stator and causes the motor to rotate.
This stepped movement allows the motor to be positioned through controlled increments, making it suitable for the rotating turntable mechanism.
04
The motor drive method was changed during development to increase torque at lower speeds.
The project initially explored wave drive, or single-coil operation. In this configuration one coil is activated at a time.
With four coils, the rotor makes a full cycle in four steps. This approach was later changed so pairs of coils were activated at the same time to increase torque at lower speeds.
05
The enclosure was modified from an existing design while the gear system was redesigned for the turntable.
The chassis was modified from a design by user Birbo12 on Thingiverse. The main chassis remained the same while the gear system was modified.
The first prototype fit very tightly. The print-in-place gear system was redesigned to provide more clearance between parts and improve efficiency at low speeds.
3D Printed Enclosure
Turntable chassis
Gear System
Modified print-in-place gear system
06
Parts Table
Qty.
Arduino Mega
1
5V Stepper Motor
1
Stepper Driver
1
Joystick
1
LCD Display
1
3D Printed Enclosure
Screws
Assorted
Wires
Assorted
07
The completed turntable integrates the 3D-printed chassis and gear system with the stepper motor, Arduino Mega, joystick, and LCD display.
Entire Device
Complete turntable
Gear System
Turntable drive
Individual Components
Mechanical and electronic components