PanoBot

PanoBot is a rudimentary panorama-taking device for any Canon camera running the CHDK firmware. This project was made back in ’08 so there are numerous projects that are much more full-featured than this implementation; nevertheless, I am making the code available for reference.

What The Current Code Does:

• Takes a photo via usb pulse sequence
• Rotates X degrees
• Takes a photo via usb pulse sequence
• ^REPEAT^
• When it goes 360 degrees, it rotates 360 degrees in the opposite direction
  • Keeps the camera cable from wrapping around the base
• Operation pauses, waits for user input
  • At this time, the user tilts the camera to a different angle
  • After tilting, the user presses the button on pin 10
• The camera begins this sequence again

Features

• 360 Degree rotation
• .9 Degree Accuracy per shot
• Programmable Delay
• USB Shutter Control
• Portable

Parts

• Arduino Microcontroller
• Stepper Motor (1.9 Degree step or less recommended)
• Some sort of battery for standalone operation
• A Supported Camera
• A tripod (old all-metal tripods with bolt interconnects are best)
• Bolts and nuts to fit your motor and tripod
• Scrap wood or sheet metal (Sheet metal recommended for camera arm)
• Set Screw and metal tube to fit around motor shaft (or use whatever you have lying around)

Supports

• Canon S* IS Series
• All other cameras that support CHDK

Sample Panorama

Resources:

• PanoBot Code

About Ethan Zonca

Ethan is a computer engineer and open source hardware/software developer from Michigan. He enjoys AVR and linux development, photography, mountain biking, and drinking significant amounts of home-roasted coffee. Find out more at ethanzonca.com.