{"id":1536,"date":"2024-06-26T17:36:34","date_gmt":"2024-06-26T21:36:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/makerspace\/?p=1536"},"modified":"2026-02-11T18:05:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T23:05:51","slug":"spinning-tales-arduino-turntable-step-by-step-tutorial-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.williams.edu\/makerspace\/projects\/spinning-tales-arduino-turntable-step-by-step-tutorial-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Spinning Tales : Arduino Turntable Step-by-Step Tutorial (Part 2)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome back to my deep dive into the creation of a low-cost DIY Arduino turntable designed for photogrammetry enthusiasts. In this continuation, I will share a detailed, step-by-step breakdown of the build process, highlighting the technical challenges and solutions, while providing comprehensive resources to empower you to replicate this project.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Completed Turntable with the control board<\/p><\/div>\n

Components<\/h2>\n

The primary goal was to design a reliable and cost-effective turntable that can be easily assembled by hobbyists. The focus was on using readily available parts and open-source software to keep the project accessible. Below is a detailed component breakdown, including links, for each part needed, for the project:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

1. NEMA 17 Stepper Motor<\/b><\/a>
\nQuantity:<\/strong> 2-3
\n<\/span>Why?<\/b> Chosen for its balance between cost and performance. NEMA 17 offers sufficient torque for precise rotations necessary in photogrammetry without being overly robust for lightweight platform applications. Compared to larger steppers like the NEMA 23, which offers more power but at a higher cost and size, the NEMA 17 is more suited for desktop projects where space and budget are limited.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

2. A4988 Stepper Motor Driver<\/b><\/a>
\nQuantity:<\/strong> 2-3
\n<\/span>Why?<\/b> The A4988 is a reliable and widely used motor driver that offers easy interfacing with Arduino, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate users alike. It supports micro-stepping which is essential for smooth and accurate rotation. Other drivers like the DRV8825 could also be used but typically cost more and require additional adjustments, making the A4988 a more straightforward choice for this project.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

3. 608 Bearing 8x22x7<\/b><\/a>
\nQuantity:<\/strong> 4-6
\n<\/span>Why?<\/b> These standard skateboard bearings are cost-effective and easily available. They are durable and provide smooth rotation with minimal friction, which is crucial for the accuracy of the turntable. Alternative options like specialized robotics bearings offer higher precision but at a significantly higher cost, making them overkill for this application.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

4. 12V Adapter with Female Adapter<\/b><\/a>
\nQuantity:<\/strong> 1
\n<\/span>Why?<\/b> This adapter provides a reliable and stable power source for the project. 12V is typically needed for the stepper motors, and using a dedicated adapter ensures consistent performance. Alternatives like USB power sources do not generally offer sufficient current for larger motors and can lead to performance issues.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

5. Male – Male Jumper Wires<\/b><\/a>
\nQuantity:<\/strong> 1 pack
\n<\/span>Why?<\/b> Essential for making connections between the Arduino, motor driver, and other components. Chosen for their flexibility and ease of use, they can be quickly reconfigured as needed without soldering, making prototyping faster and simpler. Compared to other connectors, these are very cost-effective and work well in a breadboard setup.<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

6. Breadboard<\/b><\/a>
\nQuantity:<\/strong> 1
\n<\/span>Why?<\/b> A breadboard is ideal for this type of project because it allows for easy adjustments and experimentation without permanent changes. This medium-sized breadboard was selected for its sufficient size to fit all components while remaining compact, offering a balance between workspace and portability. I do have plans for using a PCB board in future iterations. More details on it later.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Arduino Uno R3<\/b><\/a>
\nQuantity:<\/strong> 1
\n<\/span>Why?<\/b> The Arduino Uno R3 is the standard for many DIY electronics projects due to its robust community support, extensive libraries, and compatibility with a wide range of shields and accessories. It strikes an ideal balance between functionality, price, and user-friendliness, making it preferable over more powerful boards like the Arduino Mega when simplicity and cost are considered.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Push Buttons<\/b>
\n<\/b><\/a>Quantity:<\/strong> 3
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

9. 330 Ohm Resistors<\/b><\/a>
\nQuantity:<\/strong> 4<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The control board<\/p><\/div>\n

STL Files<\/h2>\n

For each part, I\u2019ve created STL files that you can download and print. The files are designed to be printed with common filament materials like PLA or ABS, which offer a good balance between strength and ease of printing. You can download the .stl files from: <\/span>https:\/\/github.com\/tashrique\/DIY-Turntable-Makerspace-Resources<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n