The microcontroller could drive a number of PWM outputs directly, either using the (numerous) internal counters or bit-banging in software. I chose an ATSAM3S2A microcontroller - full speed USB interface, plenty of Flash, and the SAM-BA bootloader which makes programming easy. Up to 24V operation (to allow for more powerful halogens if necessary)Ĭurrent capacity of 15A per channel Component choice What is needed therefore is a device which can interface over USB with DragonFrame, and directly drive a number of 12V lights. In addition, 12V power supplies are readily obtainable as IT surplus. 12V halogen lamps are very cheap indeed, can run over thinly insulated wire, and can run cool enough to allow primitive twisted-wire fixtures. In addition they can be hot, and the voltage hazard necessitates bulky wiring.Īn alternative is to use 12V lights. Such powerful lighting (the lamps/dimmers are mainly aimed at theatre/stage use) is overkill for stop-motion, where long exposures and relatively weak lights can be used. Mains-voltage lamps, fixtures and lighting dimmers are then used, which makes the cost of 8 or more channels of lighting considerable. Camera settings, lighting level and camera position can all be preset and interpolated automatically, saving the animator a lot of time and effort.ĭZED (the authors of DragonFrame) supply a range of hardware which their software will talk to, including several USB to DMX interfaces. Stop motion animation is a very laborious process, but it has been made a lot easier by software such as DragonFrame.
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