I am interested in purchasing V-Slot® NEMA 17 Linear Actuator (Belt Driven) to use at my church to mount a Cannon Vixia HF G50 video camera (2 lb) onto a wall above a door. I am hoping to span the entire door which is about 8 ft wide. I am new to V-Channel and open builds and I have a couple questions I am hoping someone can guide me through the process. 1. If I buy this particular Linear Actuator (V-Slot® NEMA 17 Linear Actuator) can I add an additional 1500 mm rail or does it come in a single 8 ft piece? Can the belt be extended to accommodate the 8 ft span? What size rail will hold both the camera (2 lb) and the Bescor motorized mount (2.6 lb) across the 8 ft span? Do you suggest mounting it vertical or horizontal? I was thinking 20 x 40 track vertical with base on top for rigidity. I plan on mounting it at each end and in the middle. Do you feel this is enough for the weight I am putting on it? Would you recommend possibly 4 mounting points along the 8' span. 2. Does the motor operate in both directions (forward and reverse)? Does the motor operate remotely or wired? If wired or remote, can the unit be operated from about 75 feet away? Can I stop it at any point along the rail? Is the speed adjustable? 3. I am not sure how big a plate I will need to mount the camera. I have a Bescor Pan Tilt Zoom head (2.6 lbs) and camera (2 lb) that will be on the plate. I think a base plate of around 6" x 6" would be adequate for the hardware, but how is the the motor attached?. 4. The only other question I have is mounting it to the wall (studs). I would like to make the rail be at least 8 inches off the wall possibly more (10 - 12 inches) to allow the camera to move without interference from the Exit sign or TV mounted in same area. Is there anyone who can help guide me through this process before purchasing? Thanks, Jeff
Short answer in case this is a deal breaker: No, and no. V-slot doesn't splice easily, there'll be a noticable jiggle in the footage from the transition and over time it would degrade your wheels. The longest lengths (for shipping purposes, I'm sure) are the 6ft/1500mm rails. Given the size of the gantry and end mounts, you'd end up with a ~5.5ft motion length. If that is a dealbreaker, you'll have to figure out a more DIY solution using 10ft lengths of EMT conduit or similar and U-groove wheel bearings like these: Letool 4Pcs 608Zz Coated Pa66 Nylon 1.57Inches Bearing Roller Wheel 8X40X20Mm U 6518887515295 | eBay If not, everything else you're wondering about is pretty easy to work on, though does require some technical DIY know-how. If you're familiar with microcontrollers and digital electronics, it should be simple enough, there are several possible options for what you're trying to do. If not, it could potentially be a very difficult project. Perhaps more of a description of what you're trying to accomplish will help suggest other possible solutions as well?
Thanks for your knowledge. I was able to accurately measure the span over the weekend and the is 76 inches. I believe that translates into about 2000 mm. I am willing to work with the longest track available, so if I need to go with 1500 mm I will. I really want to use this track to simply move the camera into place and leave it for the filming them move it back to a safer location when finished. I am most worried about the stepper motor size (17 or 23) (needs to move 5.5 - 6 lbs. Rail needs to support same weight. Most of all I need a stepper motor controller! Nothing fancy just FWD and RVS and speed control that is wired to extend 75 feet to my sound/video control booth. I am a one man show and I need the single camera mounted in the best location which is center of the sanctuary. However, I have to be in the sound booth for other operations. I have been mounting it on a tripod for now but when people start returning to church the tripod is right in the middle of the main isle. When I do mount it to the wall, the camera becomes very hard to operate manually. I have purchased a Bescor Pan, Tilt motor that I can control from the booth. That works great! I have a remote for Zoom for the camera that I can control from my booth. That works great. Now I just need a track on the wall to hold it all out of the way. The reason for the long track is the Exit lights that have to be mounted above the door are right in the center so I need to move the camera into position, then move it back out when finished during the service. Hope this helps.
Is mounting it 1 foot to the left or right, next to the exit sign really that big of difference in framing the shot? RE motion control: Depends on your skill: Arduino, with a stepper driver, and running AccelStepper: AccelStepper library for Arduino if you can hack it together Otherwise, seeing as it seems to be out of work's pocket: Pro Video Camera Slider Motion Control Accessories | B&H Photo Video
Can not give response with 1 ft off center, but when I first started this streaming endeavor, I mounted the camera to the right or left side of the door, removing one seat for the tripod and you could never get a good framed and square background image the way our church is setup behind the pulpit with choir seats, large lighted cross and baptism tub. When I move the tripod to the center of the isle, the framing and background were spot on. I also like having the ability to shoot from one side or the other above the door for different programs, if needed. Thought it would be better with multiple angles instead of being restricted to one side or the other. If I am going to the trouble to mount it, why not have options all along the length of the rail?
Was just wondering - doesnt seem like it should make a difference, but if it does, cool. Refer me two suggestions after of course
