http://nanwang.org/DtoA-Printer

why i want to build it?

For filmmakers who love flat printing( use torch light to expose materials on film), i like the aesthetic of transparent materials touching the emulsion, however i like would like to have more control over the light source of this method. on 27th of july 2016， i laser cut the first prototype and test out the result of the images.

construction of the printer.

1, hardware:

DIY camera bellows. a stander bolex lens, some laser cut rollers to transport and hold the film, a laser cut structure to hold everything together.

electronics: Arduino board, stepper motor, stepper motor driver(easy driver), 12v power supply, two push-buttons.

2, software:

Arduino software to write and upload the code to the board, maxmsp to read the push-buttons to display the sequence of frames from a video. a stand-alone software to sent the image to a smart phone via wifi.

3, workflows from the printer:

push-button A trigger the stepper motor to transfer film to next frame, while sent a signal to Arduino and pick up by maxmsp vis the usb port to display next frame of the digital video from the computer. the smart phone on top the printer sync with the screen of the computer.

Push-button B trigger a servo motor to open and close the shutter to expose the frame.

repeat the step above..

the video documentation from the printer.

during construction

the test images from the printer: frame shifting problems….(((

the problems of the first prototype:

1, frame shifting problems caused by stepper motor because of the non-precision steps.

2, need to design a structure to let go of materials from the bottom of the machine, and change the materials from MDF to waterproof light-tight materials

3, breakdown the design into smaller piece that can be put together and tear down easily, can be easily folded and carried in a box.

update-09-08-2017

the frame shifting problems current fixed with worm gear a mechanical system that reduces the speed by certain ratio. (stepper spin 360 degree to transfer one frame on 16mm)this led to a more accurate frame by frame transfer motion.