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Make A Time-Lapse 3D Print Video With A DSLR
Continuing our short series on how to create time-lapse 3D print videos, this time we are going to cover how to use Robox's Go Pro Trigger function to trigger a DSLR Camera, and make a time-lapse video.

3d-print-video-with-a-dslr-intro-870

We will again make use of the Robox's clever Go Pro trigger function, where when printing, at the end of each layer the head and the bed of the printer will move to a specific position and then usually trigger a GoPro over WiFi. However, in this mini 'how-to' we will show you how to use this very same function to work with a normal DSLR.  

Level Of Difficulty:

  • Intermediate.
 

You Will Need;

3d-print-video-with-a-dslr-parts-870

 

You Will Learn:

  • How to set up Automaker's GoPro trigger function for a DSLR.
  • How to add a custom switch to automate the camera trigger.
 

Make A Time-lapse 3D Print Video With A DSLR:

  • Step 1: Setup Automaker.
  • Step 2: Setup the Hardware.
  • Step 3: The Time-Lapse Tips And Post Editing.
 

Step 1 - Setup Automaker:

You will need to enable the time-lapse function within Automaker, this is done by clicking the settings icon in the top right hand side of the application. Then time-lapse, you will need to change the seconds delay to between 4 - 6 seconds. This is the amount of time the bed will stop for after each layer. Experiment with a couple of test shots to ensure the bed has stopped whilst the photo is being taken. 3d-print-video-with-a-dslr-automaker-870  

Step 2 - Setup The Hardware:

This diagram shows how to wire up the switch to make it compatible with a camera jack. 3d-print-video-with-a-dslr-connections-870   You will need to 3D Print yourself 'this' mount, or you can design your own. You can download the one that we designed here.

3d-print-video-with-a-dslr-mount-top-view-870

Screw the M3 screws into the Micro-switch and through to the 3D Printed part. Then use sticky pads or glue to mount the 3D Printed part into the correct position. Finally, bend the lever switch so it activates when the bed is close to the front of the printer, i.e when it takes the photo.

3d-print-video-with-a-dslr-mount-side-view-870

 

Step 3: The Time-lapse Tips And Post Editing.

  • Focus the camera on the subject, then turn 'OFF' auto-focus.
  • If you can, use manual mode, this will ensure all your photos have the same lighting.
  • Put a delay on the camera for 1-2 seconds, this means when the camera receives the signal to take the photo, it will wait a couple of seconds before actually taking it. If this is not enabled then you may get some blurry shots where the printer is still moving the bed into the right position.
  Post Editing: Finally you need to import your image sequence into your desired software and export as a video. We used Adobe Premiere Pro, but you can use your own movie making software. You can see our video below.
    Coming soon - How to make a custom lighting rig for your time-lapse 3D prints.

2 comments

Mark Donnison

Mark Donnison

Hi Lydia, thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately, we don't stock any 3D printers at the moment. It is something we may look into again at some point, but probably not in the immediate future. Good luck with your channel, the content looks great!

Lydia Streccius

Lydia Streccius

Hello, My name is Lydia Streccius. I am a young teenage girl who loves 3d printing. I have my own YouTube Channel named LE 3D Printing and I love to 3d print and teach others, like me, and older about 3d printing and my journey though learning more about it everyday. I am interested in doing a review on your robox 3d printer. My channel is growing more and more everyday and I know most companies are looking for huge 3d printing channels for review but even though I am smaller, I am just like them. I would do an unboxing and build(if needed) for this printer. I am working on coming out with a couple 3d printer unboxing videos soon but I’m interested in your awesome Printer! I would use this printer to help me build and print more bionic arms faster. Yes Bionic arms. I am Printing bionic arms for children and adults in need across the world. I am going to try and start printing legs too. With this printer it could help me print faster and make for for those people in need. The review would get the word out there about your printer and get more people to know about it. In the review I would print many test prints, big and small. Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you soon. ~Lydia Streccius My Channel: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCAmYIDI_f62Jm3jfMv_9pdA

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