The best way to control this unit is through the eMotimo TB3. In my case, I gutted my TB3 and made an enclosure for the electronics. You might be better off using the TB3 in it's stock configuration to turn this into a 3-axis system. The TB3 is by far the best motion control solution for affordable time-lapse. The firmware and user interface is intuitive and incredibly powerful. It offers power saving features that are optimized for use with my custom worm drive. You can multiply the amount of usage from a single battery by about 10x with the worm drive and eMotimo power save mode. While doing so, you will still be able to do full vertical moves with the motor powering down between shots. This is impossible with any of the planetary geared motors available. The worm drive solves this problem and opens up some additional flexibility like the quick disconnect "sliding" worm mount. This allows you to disconnect the worm drive (without removing it) in a matter of seconds. Once disconnected, you can freely move the cart to reposition or shoot video moves. The base motor mount is also compatible with the planetary geared steppers. Easy belt tensioning with a sliding belt block. The mini-legs inspired by Dynamic Perception for low shooting angles. If ultra-light is not a requirement for your shooting needs, I highly recommend investing in the aluminum legs from Dynamic Perception. I own a set and absolutely love using them when I'm not in the backcountry. Parts List: 2 spools of 3mm PET filament - $70 Recommended filaments - MadeSolid PET+ or Taulman3D T-glase Thermoplastic Inserts and other hardware from McMaster Carr. I use an inexpensive wood burning soldering iron from Home Depot to insert these, no need to buy the special tips from McMaster Carr. http://www.homedepot.com/p/25-Watt-Short-Barrel-Wood-Burning-Kit-15-Piece-WSB25WB/204712975 Thermoplastic Inserts (Heat-Set Inserts for Plastics) - You have to buy more than you need, but these inserts are extremely valuable for any 3D printer! McMaster Carr Part #s: 1/4-20 x .5" - 93365A160 - Pack of 25 - $9.15 1/4-20 x .3" - 93365A162 - Pack of 25 - $12.06 8-32 Insert - Part # 93365A140 - - Pack of 100 - $14.03 m3 Insert - Part # 94180A331 - - Pack of 100 - $14.03 10-24 Insert - Part # 93365A150 - Pack of 50 - $9.15 Rubber End Caps for the CF mini feet - Pack of 50, although you only need 4! McMaster Part# 6448K78 - Chemical Resistant Rubber Cap, Fits 5/16" OD, Packs of 50 $11.01 Clamp Handles for end caps (to lock down the CF tube) x4 handles required (2 per end cap) - $4.58/each ($18.32 total) McMaster Part# 6305K11 Other various hardware required: 1.5" 10-24 spade head A few handfuls of 1/4-20, m3, & 8-32 bolts. Detailed list coming soon// x8 bearing insert space (nylon, fits inside skate bearing to bring ID down to 1/4". I got mine for 5 cents each at a local Ace Hardware. Carbon Fiber (0.995" OD) - 72" length x 2 + additional mods (contact RW below) Rockwest Composites can custom build the CF track for you. More info and pricing here: http://www.rockwestcomposites.com/browse/film-photography Mini Feet CF legs - 8cm x 302mm ($12.50, Prime) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H6ZDYZU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Levels (x3) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054G62KW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - 2 packs required, $7.46 total for 2 packs, Amazon Add-On Item x8 Standard Skate Bearings (22mm) WITH built in stand-off spacers - $31.37, Prime http://www.amazon.com/Skateboard-Bearings-Spacers-Extended-Ceramic/dp/B002N33WF2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1411663906&sr=8-4&keywords=skate+bearing+with+spacer Worm Drive for Slider Axis: Nema 17 motor - $18 (you can get these with wires or QD options, do your research to find one that works best for your needs) Example 1: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10846 Example 2: http://www.lightobject.com/NEMA-17-42HS03-Stepper-motor-P727.aspx Gears from SDP-SI for 20:1 worm drive: 24 pitch worm for Nema 17 stepper Part Number: A 1M 5-N24 - $2.43 24 pitch 20:1 worm gear, Part #: A 1T 6-N242008 - $6.13 Available from: http://www.sdp-si.com/eStore/Catalog Mini Bearings (used for end cap pulley and worm drive) 2 packs Part #535020 (ServoCity) - $1.99/2pack ($3.99 total) http://www.servocity.com/html/non-flanged_ball_bearings.html 1/4" D-Shaft 1" - $0.99 - Part# 634058 (used for end cap pulley) http://www.servocity.com/html/1_4__precision_d-shafting.html 1/4" D-Shaft 2" - $1.49 - Part #634068 (used for worm drive shaft) XL pinion pulleys http://www.servocity.com/html/timing_pinion_pulleys.html 10 tooth, 6mm bore - Part#615384 $6.99 10 tooth, 1/4 bore - Part#615376 $6.99 3/8" wide, 1/5pitch (5.08mm) XL series timing belt - 25' pre-cut option is the cheapest - $29.99 - Cut to size for your rig - Part #615413 http://www.servocity.com/html/xl_timing_belt___foot.html WIRING; Canon N3 shutter release cable - $12.99, Prime http://www.amazon.com/Triggertrap-TC-N3-CL-N3-cable/dp/B0081W2RAA/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411663789&sr=1-3&keywords=canon+n3+cable 6 foot 2.5mm stereo cable (shutter cable extension) - $5.79, Prime http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z13844/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 6.5' Extension cable (or make your own to match your stepper motor) - $21 http://store.emotimo.com/stepper-motor-cables-p53.aspx Extra options: LiFEPO4 battery - 12.8v, 3aH - $54.95 http://www.batteryspace.com/lifepo418650battery128v2700mahrectanglepack3456wh7aratewpcb.aspx Total w/ out CF track = $318.90 Total w/ 72" CF track set custom built by Rockwest: $648.90