CAIBI project benchmark: ESP32 3-Axis Camera Slider
Prompt version 1.0

Help me build ESP32 3-Axis Camera Slider using the existing creator project at https://github.com/dmcke5/ESP32_3Axis_CameraSlider. This is a CAIBI benchmark adaptation of the project build brief, not a claim about how the creator used AI.

Project context:
- A current open pan, tilt and slide camera rig using an ESP32 web interface, stepper motors and a fabrication-heavy mix of printed and machined parts.
- Build context: ESP32 development board and 5 V regulator; Three NEMA 17 34 mm stepper motors; Three compatible step and direction stepper drivers selected by the builder; V-slot 2060 extrusion, V wheels, bearings and GT2 belts; 20T and 80T GT2 pulley hardware, including source-required machining on the 80T route; Printed carriage, motor mounts, covers, electronics enclosure, quick-release pieces and spacers; Laser-cut tripod mount plate and folded/welded tilt bracket; Machined aluminium linear slider plate; M2, M3, M5, M6 and M8 fasteners, T-nuts, springs and small mechanical hardware; Driver-specific power supply, connectors and wiring selected to match the chosen motors and drivers.
- Where AI helps: Turn the source BOM and CAD set into a staged sourcing and fabrication checklist, Help compare fabrication routes when you provide real machine, material or supplier constraints, Review ESP32 configuration for travel, microsteps, gearing, GPIO and WiFi without inventing missing hardware limits, Help adapt the web interface, keyframe logic and motion code for a documented camera workflow, Diagnose motion, direction, acceleration and repeatability problems from measured behaviour and configuration, Review the selected stepper-driver datasheet and wiring plan while leaving current, voltage and physical inspection to the builder, Help create a low-consequence commissioning plan before a valuable camera is fitted.
- Physical work: Choose whether the required printing, laser cutting, folding, welding and machining will be done in-house or outsourced, Fabricate and inspect the printed and metal parts, including tapped holes and modified pulley features where the source requires them, Choose three compatible step and direction drivers plus a suitable power route, then verify current, voltage, grounding and wiring against the actual hardware, Assemble and align the linear, pan and tilt mechanics so belts, bearings and wheels move freely without excessive play, Support the rail and camera securely with suitable tripods, mounting plates and a reliable quick-release arrangement, Set real travel limits and motor configuration from physical measurements rather than copying defaults, Commission the rig unloaded and at low speed, then use a low-consequence test mass before fitting valuable camera equipment, Keep WiFi credentials private, replace weak defaults where practical and avoid exposing the controller to an untrusted network.
- Main limitation: The fabrication chain is the project. The source relies on many printed parts plus laser-cut sheet, a folded and welded tilt bracket, machined aluminium, modified pulleys and three builder-selected stepper drivers. The creator does not publish an all-in cost and reports problems with the driver choice used on the original build. Outsourcing every custom part can change the economics completely. A moving camera also creates pinch, collision, tipping and equipment-drop risks that software cannot remove.

Read the source first. Use its published design, files, dimensions and parts as the baseline; do not redesign it unless a missing detail requires a clearly labelled proposal. If you cannot access a source or verify a revision, say so.

Provide one practical build package:
1. Design and files: explain the source design, link the original editable files, and identify missing files or modifications.
2. Parts and fabrication: give quantities, exact variants and compatibility, plus a cutting or printing list where applicable. Preserve source dimensions; flag anything unconfirmed.
3. UK and US purchasing: direct product links, checked dates, stock, pack sizes, taxes, delivery and regional costs. Mark unverifiable details as unknown; do not invent links, prices or availability.
4. Assembly: an ordered guide covering fabrication, fitting, wiring or software as applicable, setup, checks and troubleshooting.
5. Cost and time: separate parts, fabrication, delivery, hands-on time and machine time, with assumptions and exclusions.
6. Function and ease: a test plan for the project's stated purpose, likely difficulties, required skills and any corrections or limitations.

Keep source facts, your proposals and items needing physical verification distinct. An estimate is not a measured build result. Do not claim to have built or tested hardware. Include failed attempts and omissions. If a section does not apply, say why.

Use the source as accessed during this run and record its revision or access date. The prompt is fixed; the linked source can change.