That's a good deal, I occasionally get time in a real shop when I consult.

This would not be too hard to build without CNC. OK, might need a drill press. And I'd hate to have to cut that thick 3.5" x 1.5" aluminum bar stock with a hacksaw. The Remanent metal suppliers can usually make a cut off for you.OK a lot of filing. I'd hate to pay to have the parts made.

I'd like the 410 geared head, but I can't buy it for a while. I got my rails mounted on my tripod last night, and it's obvious that the Manfrotto ball head positioned below the rails would not work. I think the quick mount can be removed, but that only leaves a little post to mount the base plate of the rails on. So that's a no-go.
I have what Sherline (my mill mfgr.) calls a 'tilting angle table'. Basically two 3/8" thick 5"x5" aluminum plates hinged together. I think I can adopt that design to the baseplate on my rails. Tilt!
http://sherline.com/product/3750-tilting-angle-table And it won't cost me US$115!

Sounds like a good cell. I could use two packs in series (assuming there is no output regulation/circuitry) to get my 24V. No rush on all that.
I went to the Gecko website, and it looks like a G210X would be a nice driver. But I will run with mine for now.
Oh, I thought you had converted the StackShot signals to that of the WeMacro. Maybe you were talking about the batteries... Do you know Rik or Paul? Maybe they are on this list?
Just having the StackShot controller box would be nice. I'll bet it could drive my stepper.

I have 12V packs with gel cells that could drive either of the rails. My stepper drivers require a minimum of 12V. The use the LMD18245 chips. I have used 24V NiMh (heavy!) battery packs on one of my robots, that would probably work.
I am interested in the communications protocol between the Zerene software and the StackShot. Is it published? I'd like to study it. I can probably add interface code to my camera rails controller.
Lot of great information here! Thanks all!

I'll figure out my end-play at a later date. 5-pounds is a lot! I'll bet mine will be more, what with a NEMA #34 stepper and heaver rails and spacers. The slotted end of my leadscrew is probably recessed in about 1/4" to my endplate. I suppose I could make a tongue to apply pressure to it. I'm still thinking.

I'm glad you brought up the subject of axial loading. I haven't tried to measure the end play. But with such a light load, I wouldn't expect there to be much. More thought needed. How did you add it?

From what I've read, Zerene would be my program of choice. I haven't ordered (or demo'd) it yet. I'll watch for that lateral motion. I have a lot of macro study work to do yet. I did get Manfrotto rails (slider) for Christmas!

Thanks for the info on the StackShot. 1.5875mm would be 1/16", so 16TPI. Better then my 8TPI. What is use for a leadscrew nut? Delrin? My microstep is set at 8. So I can realize only 1/4 of your resolution. Should be plenty for a while.
I didn't say it, but I suspected that the microsteps would be irregular if greater the 8 (4?). I ran into that from my CNC projects. I CNC'd my Sherline lathe and mill, and wrote the CNC controller program that I use to run both. I use Gecko Drives: http://www.geckodrive.com
Gecko has information on the problems with stepper drive systems. The G201 drives are now 'legacy' drives, but I've used them in several CNC driver boxes. That would be an upgrade from my inexpensive MicroStep driver boards (bare PCB available) if I need it. I'll probably order either a G201 or one of the newer driver modules to experiment with. My old driver modules have resonance dampening for steps, and superior microstepping.

Lateral motion from the stepper movements? Do you have a solid or a flexible coupling on the stepper shaft? I have a Lovejoy coupling, similar to the following: http://www.lovejoy-inc.com/products/motion-control-couplings/curved-jaw.aspx Mine was surplus. Plenty of others make this part with a rubber web and zero backlash.

I don't have a thrust bearing, just two ball races on the end plates. I can think on that. Backlash is not really a problem, as I intend to step only in one direction per stack (unlike CNC). The Delrin leadscrew block is typically low on backlash. I also remember a plastic material that can be used to cast a nut. I can also step in the reverse direction if I want to.
I'm curious about the lateral motion. Maybe that gets dampened in a CNC XY table.
You have an interesting job! I've lately done contract work as a Test Engineer for medical companies. I design microcomputer hardware for medical and industrial controllers, and well as programming them. MicroChip PIC's are probably my favorite.
I looked up WeMacro, not a lot of info there compared to StackShot.

Thanks for posting the pictures of your rig! I am certainly interested in the 410 geared head. Nice tripod too! I have a Manfrotto, and also an ancient Husky that I can use.
I was thinking of buying a StackShot, but decided to design and build my own. How do you like yours? The StackShot has a great amount of resolution; they use a high level of micro-stepping, from what I gather. Maybe they use matched stepper motor and micro-step driver? Interesting. I don't think I can use more the 8 micro-stepping with my stepper and driver. Thanks again for the replies!

Yeah, it's quite an advantage to have the tools. I also am well set-up to do software development for the MicroChip PIC's (used to run my rails). Something I enjoy almost as much as machining parts and of course, photography!
I'll need to use my rails for a while before an IF I make another version. What changes do you want to make?

Hi Mike, I'm actually an EE as well! But I wrote a CNC controller program for my CNC'd Sherline mill and lathe, as well as the program to run the camera rails. Yes, HAM call letters.
I've heard of the ARCA mount, but after buying Manfrotto monopod and tripods, I gravitated to their quick releas mount system. Oh well...
I can add pins to the quick mount, as someone suggested.
I haven't thought much about the alignment of the camera axis. How do I test for it? maybe pick a spot on-axis, and travel back and forth to observe if it stays at the same spot on the LCD viewer? A lens chart?
I drilled and tapped my 1/4" base plate with three 3/8"-16 holes, which is what the Manfrotto tripods take. Or the 3-way ball mount (I think). I can always bolt on another plate, or modify mine to take new mounts. Sounds like I have a learning curve to go through. Thanks, Alan

I hadn't heard that. I'll watch for that problem. Just starting out on Macro photography, the rails will probably not be used much right away, but it is a fun project. Gooseneck is probably out. My magnification won't be high at first.

Yes, I think you're right. As long as I can tilt the rails w/ the camera, and there are no clearance issues, I think it'll work. It might be that the goose neck is needed to allow the knob to secure the camera body to the rails. The quick release obviates that.

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To prevent the quick release from spinning? I'll have to take it apart, I think I saw some additional holes on the bottom of the quick release. Thanks