I'm looking to create a wireless zoom adapter for my Canon EOS M6 Mark II mirrorless camera, which has a 15mm-45mm lens. The camera is mounted above a table, and I want to eliminate the need to manually adjust the lens to zoom in or out. Ideally, I'd like to control this zoom feature from a PC using a Unity application, with a button on a UI to handle the zoom action. Here's what I think I might need to get started:
- **Computer:** I'm considering a Raspberry Pi Pico to control everything, but I'm open to other suggestions.
- **Motor:** I need a motor that can adjust the zoom in both directions, with speed control and limits on how far it can turn.
- **Housing/Gear Assembly:** I'm experienced with CAD and have a 3D printer to create the necessary parts.
- **Power Supply:** It should be compatible with the motor and computing unit to keep things simple. My camera is already wired for power.
- **Programming:** I want to connect the Unity app over TCP/UDP, preferably using Wi-Fi, and am ready to learn some Python or similar.
I'd appreciate any tips or guidance on where to start, especially regarding additional components, and if there's a better forum for these kinds of questions! Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
There are some existing devices out there, like the DJI Ronin, that might inspire your design. While I don’t own one, their mechanisms look pretty straightforward. It might be worth checking into their technology for ideas!
The hardware setup might be similar to the PZ-E1 zoom unit; however, I would recommend considering if you really need it to be wireless, as that adds a layer of complexity. If you decide to stick with it, a microcontroller with Bluetooth can help. But if not, a simple gearmotor with a speed controller should do the trick and might be less of a hassle. You could even think about a hardwired solution that connects via USB, allowing you to control it directly from your Unity app without pairing hassles. Keeping the speed manageable is crucial; a basic motor should allow you to control that easily!
That makes sense! I want to keep it simple so my coworkers can use it without any pairing issues. I’ll look into gearmotors that can connect directly through USB or something similar so that we can use a zoom button integrated into the camera interface.