“When you think of the word turntable, you might think of something that you play a record on, but for this project, at least, we’re going to build a different type of turntable. A turntable, in the video and photography world, is a flat platform on a stand that spins around, allowing you to get a 360 degree view of an object. This is great for adding movement to video, focusing on details that you otherwise might miss, and to raise an object up for better lighting. Turntables, much like other pieces of production equipment, can carry a premium price tag with minimum features.
For this project, we’ll go over how to build your own turntable with the ability to have adjustable rotation speed, rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise, and 3D print interchangeable platforms.
Electronics by Liz Clark
The circuit for this project is fairly simple, using only five main components including the Itsy Bitsy board. The Itsy Bitsy M0 is running CircuitPython code to control everything and to supply power and ground via USB or battery power. A LiPo backpack is soldered on top of the Itsy Bitsy to easily add-in a LiPo battery for power that can be charged via the Itsy Bitsy’s USB port and to allow for a power switch.
A potentiometer with a built-in switch controls the rotation speed and can turn everything on or off. A SPDT switch controls whether the turntable spins clockwise or counterclockwise and of course, the star of the show, a servo motor, of the continuously rotating variety, receives its orders from the components while sporting a circular horn that will fit into its 3D printed part.”