Developed and Perfected Since 2020
Since 2020, MIGUELDC has continuously refined this controller based on real-world experience and feedback from photographers specializing in extreme macro photography.
The result is a highly advanced motion-control system designed to deliver outstanding precision, reliability, and ease of use for professional focus stacking.
Take Your Focus Stacking to the Next Level
In extreme macro photography, depth of field is often measured in just a few microns. At high magnifications, even the smallest positioning error can affect image quality.
Accurate focus stacking is therefore essential to produce perfectly sharp images with maximum detail.
The MIGUELDC Intelligent Rail Controller automates this entire process, providing micron-level precision while eliminating the need for complex calculations and manual adjustments.
Whether you’re photographing insects, minerals, scientific specimens, jewelry, or any other high-magnification subject, the controller ensures consistently accurate results.
Ultra-Smooth Motion with the TMC2209 Driver
At the heart of the system is an Arduino Nano 33 BLE paired with the industry-proven TMC2209 stepper driver, delivering exceptionally smooth and precise control of NEMA17 stepper motors.
The result is virtually silent operation with extremely smooth movement and minimal vibration—critical for high-resolution macro photography.
Key Advantages
- Virtually silent operation
- Exceptionally smooth motion
- Micron-level positioning accuracy
- Advanced UART motor control
- Dynamic microstepping configuration
- Optimized motor performance
Fully Automatic Focus Stacking
Forget complicated calculations.
Simply select:
- Lens
- Magnification
- Linear rail
- Desired stacking quality
The controller automatically determines:
- Optimal step size
- Total number of images
- Required travel distance
- Recommended image overlap
Everything is calculated automatically to maximize image quality while minimizing unnecessary exposures.
Intelligent Step Size Calculator
Every macro setup is different.
The controller calculates the ideal motor movement for every shot based on:
- Lens characteristics
- Magnification
- Motor resolution
- Linear rail specifications
This ensures perfect image overlap while avoiding both excessive redundancy and gaps in focus.
The result is cleaner, sharper stacks with maximum efficiency.
Intelligent Vibration Detection
Even the smallest vibration can ruin a high-magnification image.
To solve this problem, the controller incorporates a configurable vibration sensor that continuously monitors system stability.
If vibration is detected, the controller automatically:
- Pauses the sequence
- Delays the camera shutter
- Waits until vibration disappears
- Continues the stack automatically
This provides an additional layer of protection for obtaining consistently sharp images.
Configurable Electronic Limit Switches
Safety is essential when working with expensive photographic equipment.
The controller includes fully programmable electronic limit switches providing:
- Automatic homing
- Collision protection
- Programmable travel limits
- Independent adjustment of both rail limits
This improves both repeatability and equipment safety.
Advanced Touchscreen Interface
The system is controlled through a 320×240 full-color touchscreen powered by an ESP32.
Its intuitive graphical interface allows users to quickly configure every aspect of the system.
Functions include:
- Creating stacking projects
- Selecting lenses and rails
- Manual rail control
- Advanced motor settings
- Real-time sequence monitoring
- Sensor and protection system configuration
Everything can be accessed directly from the display without requiring a computer.
Professional Motor Control via UART
Unlike conventional stepper controllers, the UART communication with the TMC2209 unlocks advanced professional features including:
- Motor current adjustment
- Up to 256 microsteps
- Real-time diagnostics
- Torque optimization
- Ultra-smooth motion control
- Continuous motor monitoring
This allows the controller to adapt perfectly to virtually any rail or motor configuration.
Bluetooth Smartphone Control
The controller can also be operated wirelessly from your smartphone via Bluetooth.
Once a stacking sequence has finished, the system can send an audible notification to your phone, allowing you to work on other tasks while your images are being captured.
Designed for Serious Macro Photographers
The MIGUELDC Controller has been developed for demanding enthusiasts, researchers, laboratories, and professional photographers who require uncompromising precision.
Its intelligent automation, advanced motor control, and active vibration monitoring combine to produce more reliable focus stacks with exceptional image quality.
Main Features
- Arduino Nano 33 BLE controller
- ESP32 320×240 color touchscreen
- Compatible with NEMA17 stepper motors
- TMC2209 driver with full UART control
- Automatic focus stacking calculations
- Intelligent motor step calculator
- Configurable vibration sensor
- Electronic limit switches
- Ultra-smooth and ultra-quiet operation
- Advanced microstepping configuration
- Intuitive graphical user interface
- Micron-level positioning accuracy
- Bluetooth smartphone connectivity
Precision Measured in Microns
When your depth of field is measured in microns, precision is everything.
The MIGUELDC Intelligent Motorized Rail Controller removes the technical complexity from focus stacking, allowing you to focus on creating stunning macro photographs with maximum sharpness, detail, and repeatability.
Built by macro photographers, for macro photographers.