Creator thumbnail showing the three-axis camera slider · Daniel McKenzie / CNCDanSource ↗

Image credits and source versions

Creator overview of the three-axis camera slider ↗ · dmcke5 / ESP32 3-Axis Camera Slider contributors · CERN-OHL-S-2.0
Creator ESP32 wiring diagram for the slider ↗ · dmcke5 / ESP32 3-Axis Camera Slider contributors · CERN-OHL-S-2.0

CAIBI ASSESSMENT

ESP32 3-Axis Camera Slider

CAIBI VERDICTWORTH CONSIDERING

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.

See what the build involves Original source ↗

Build or buy?

Compare the documented build with the purchase reference.

Build it yourself

Known parts cost£110–£190Build total not establishedCore hardware only; custom fabrication and power extra

Time: Multi-stage. The source does not publish a total build time.
Difficulty: 5/5
Physical processes: 3D printer or print service · Laser cutting · Metal folding and welding · CNC machining and tapping · Soldering and electronics tools

See build requirements →

Purchase reference

Buy price reference£1,269Zeapon AXIS 100 Pro SS-E2PRecorded 5 Sep 2026

Check the source for the exact model, availability and what is included.

Check comparison evidence →

Prices are not directly comparable

What the prices cover

Low-confidence planning allowance for the source-listed commodity mechanics and electronics plus three ordinary step and direction drivers. The creator publishes no all-in total and used spare 3D-printer parts. Custom laser cutting, folded and welded sheet, machined aluminium, pulley machining, printing, driver-specific power and shipping can dominate the actual first build.

Includes: Three NEMA 17 motors; V-slot extrusion, V wheels, bearings, belts and standard pulleys; ESP32 development board and 5 V regulator; Planning allowance for three ordinary step and direction drivers; Source-listed fasteners, T-nuts and small commodity hardware.

Not included: Laser-cut tripod plates; Folded and welded tilt bracket; Machined aluminium slider plate and pulley machining; 3D printing, filament or print service; Driver-specific power supply, connectors and cabling; Camera, tripods and quick-release hardware not already owned; Shipping, taxes, fabrication labour and assembly time.

Build evidence recorded 5 Sep 2026. Currency conversions are approximate.

The exact Zeapon AXIS 100 Pro SS-E2P is £1,269 including VAT in the UK and $1,179 in the US. It is a turnkey carbon-fibre system with materially higher rated payload, integrated control and warranty. The DIY slider is a fabrication-heavy open rig with a creator-tested 1.4 kg payload and no complete all-in build cost. CAIBI records the commercial reference for context and does not publish a saving from the numerical gap.

UK purchase/source reference ↗US purchase/source reference ↗

BUILD AT A GLANCE

Source view and main parts

Check the source ↗

**Creator overview of the three-axis camera slider**dmcke5 / ESP32 3-Axis Camera Slider contributors · CERN-OHL-S-2.0Source and version ↗

Creator thumbnail showing the three-axis camera slider · Daniel McKenzie / CNCDan ↗

PHYSICAL BUILD10 key parts or groups

No.	Source specification
01	ESP32 development board and 5 V regulator
02	Three NEMA 17 34 mm stepper motors
03	Three compatible step and direction stepper drivers selected by the builder
04	V-slot 2060 extrusion
05	20T and 80T GT2 pulley hardware
06	Printed carriage
07	Laser-cut tripod mount plate and folded/welded tilt bracket
08	Machined aluminium linear slider plate
09	M2
10	Driver-specific power supply

Full source specifications

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

TOOLS / PROCESSES5 involved

3D printer or print service
Laser cutting
Metal folding and welding
CNC machining and tapping
Soldering and electronics tools

The real-world work

YOU STILL HAVE TOThe real-world 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

THE BUILD SEQUENCE

How it comes together

1Preparation

Decide the fabrication route first
Review every printed, laser-cut, folded, welded and machined part before buying electronics. Get real fabrication access or quotes because the custom metal work can dominate the first-build cost.
AI + YOU
Source the commodity motion hardware
Use the source BOM for motors, bearings, V wheels, belts, pulleys, extrusion, ESP32, regulator and fasteners. Keep the three stepper drivers separate because the creator deliberately leaves that choice open.
AI + YOU
Print and fabricate the custom parts
Print the published parts with the required strength, then laser cut, fold, weld, machine and tap the metal pieces to the drawings. Do not assume a cosmetic print setting is sufficient for load-bearing parts.
YOU

2Build and assembly

Assemble and align the three axes
Build the slider carriage, pan axis and tilt axis while checking bearing preload, belt tracking, pulley alignment and free movement. Fix mechanical binding before adding software tuning.
YOU
Choose and wire the drive electronics
Select three step and direction drivers and a power supply that match the actual motors and operating current. Verify the selected driver datasheets, wiring and thermal requirements rather than copying the original driver choice blindly.
AI + YOU
Configure motion from measurements
Set the real linear travel, steps, microsteps, gear ratios, GPIO and network configuration. The source notes that incorrect ESP32 pin choices can affect booting, so prove the electronics before enclosing them.
AI + YOU

3Configure and test

Commission without a valuable camera
Run homing, direction, stopping, keyframe and slow-move tests unloaded first. Then use a safe test mass to prove supports, repeatability, acceleration and clearances before fitting camera equipment.
YOU
Validate the real shooting workflow
Program representative multi-keyframe and timelapse moves, watch for cable snagging, support flex, missed steps and camera clearance, and keep a human able to stop the rig whenever people or valuable equipment are nearby.
YOU

Benchmark this project

Use the ESP32 3-Axis Camera Slider prompt. Compare what different models deliver, then add what happened when you tried it.

Try this benchmark

View the project prompt

CAIBI adaptation · Prompt 1.0 · Project source

Prompt for ESP32 3-Axis Camera Slider

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.

Open and copy prompt →

Benchmark results 0

No reviewed results yet for ESP32 3-Axis Camera Slider. Add the first result →

AI IN THIS PROJECT

Get AI help on this build

CAIBI · AI CAN HELP

AI can help with

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

CAIBI · AI CAN'T DO

You still need to

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

Original source AI use and prompts

SOURCEThe original project does not publish an AI prompt

The prompts below are CAIBI helpers for this build. They are not presented as instructions from the creator.

CAIBI STARTING PROMPTS

Copy a prompt for this build

Each prompt tells AI to keep the original project source as the reference and to flag anything you must verify on the real build.

Ways to take it further

AFTER THE FIRST BUILD

Ways to take it further

Source 3-axis slide, pan and tilt buildShorter or longer linear extrusion after recalculating real travelAlternative step and direction drivers3D-printed low-load pulley experiment instead of machined pulley

More routes and resources

OTHER WAYS TO GET THERE

You do not have to follow one route.

ORIGINAL BUILDFollow the creator route

Use the published files and instructions as the baseline.

OUTSOURCE A PROCESSGet specialist fabrication done

You do not necessarily need to own every capability used here: 3D printer or print service, Laser cutting, Metal folding and welding, CNC machining and tapping, Soldering and electronics tools.

ALTERNATIVE PROJECTImageGenCam

A buildable Raspberry Pi camera designed around a Codex-assisted hardware and software workflow.

REVIEWED RESOURCES

Useful places beyond the main source

GITHUB REPOESP32 3-Axis Camera Slider source

Current 2026 CERN-OHL-S-2.0 hardware and software source with BOM, CAD, printable parts, fabrication drawings and ESP32 control code.

DOCSSource build and BOM guide

Creator BOM, fabrication notes, mechanical assembly, wiring, WiFi setup and motion configuration. The creator reports testing with a 1.4 kg camera load.

DOCSHackaday project coverage

Independent May 2026 editorial coverage of the physical build, gear-ratio iteration, custom carrier work, ESP32 interface and the creator’s successful finished rig.

DOCSAdafruit project coverage

Independent May 2026 editorial coverage confirming the project and its multi-axis ESP32 control route.

DOCSZeapon AXIS 100 Pro UK reference

Current exact-model UK commercial reference for the three-axis Zeapon AXIS 100 Pro SS-E2P. It is a materially different turnkey product, not a like-for-like savings comparator.

DOCSZeapon AXIS 100 Pro US reference

Current exact-model US commercial reference for the three-axis Zeapon AXIS 100 Pro SS-E2P. It provides useful market context without making the DIY rig equivalent.

SOURCE · CAIBI · BUILDERS

What supports the verdict

SOURCEDaniel McKenzie / CNCDan

The project is current and unusually well documented for a new maker build. The repository was created and pushed in March 2026 and includes the BOM, complete assembly CAD, individual fabrication files and source code. Hackaday and Adafruit independently covered the finished project in May 2026. CAIBI found strong evidence that the creator built and tested the rig, but not an independent builder replication, so the assessment remains Moderate rather than Strong.

Open source ↗

CAIBIWORTH CONSIDERING

This is a serious custom motion project rather than an electronics demo. It can produce programmable slide, pan and tilt moves with up to five keyframes and a browser-based controller, while keeping the mechanics, gearing and code open to modification. The case is strongest if you already have fabrication access, spare motion hardware or a reason to tailor the rig around a specific camera workflow.

Evidence: Moderate

BUILDERSNo published reports yet

Actual time, cost, changes and outcomes appear here after submitted builds are reviewed.

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HAVE YOU MADE THIS?

Leave a build review.

First-hand evidence improves the assessment

What we want to know

What happened when you actually tried to make it.

Did it work?
Actual time and cost
What did you change?
What was harder than the source suggested?
Would you build it again?