Motorized Camera Slider

Hi Everyone,

I am trying to build a motorized camera slider. I haven’t build anything like this from scratch, but I am good at tinkering etc ( I did the same thing with a modified flatbed scanner). I have spent weeks researching how I should build this, but I think its time for some expert input/ thinking outside of the box.

I have looked at the 3D printers people have built and I have adapted some concepts and came up with a little concept drawing http://i62.tinypic.com/3531dmh.jpg its bad but I think the idea is there

I was looking at stepper motors, and my plan is to have this rig portable and battery powered, so I was looking at some 3.9v Nema 8 steppers. However, most of them have 4mm shafts, and all the pulleys/belts I can find are for 5mm. Is there some kind of solution for this?

Also, I was going to use some liner rail for the slider, in particular the round stuff with some linear bearings… Anyone have any better ideas… suggestions? comments? Your input will be highly valued

Thanks

-Doug

This would be perfect.

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13140