GoPro "The Remote" Mount for Timelapses

This print replaces two of the Prusa MINI+ parts with modified versions: A mount for the remote and a clicker to press the shutter button on the remote. Using a few lines of Gcode, this setup can perform Octolapse-like timelapses, without using Octoprint or Octolapse.

That's not to say Octoprint can't be used, because it can! This just allows for a better quality external camera to take care of the timelapse side of things.

Designed to fit GoPro's The Remote for Hero's 8 and newer. Not tested with older GoPro remote variants.

How it works

Octolapse-Like Timelapse

Instructions

Note: I printed mine in PLA, but it's probably best to print with PETG as that's the material Prusa printed these parts in.

Slicing

• 0.2mm Layer Height
• 15% Infill
• Supports needed

Print the two parts in the orientation they import in. You need supports on both prints, however for the mount, make sure to paint support exclusions on the Prusa part of the model. It should look like this once sliced.

Removing Stock Parts

To remove the X-Axis end, you need to completely release the X-Axis belt. To do that, you need to separate the front and back of the print head from the rails. Don't worry, it's really straightforward!

(1)

Unscrew the three bolts located in the photo below. Remove the mesh bed sensor and remove the nut that the middle bolt screws into.

(2)

Then on the backside of the printer, unscrew these two bolts. The bottom one releases the fan.

(3)

Remove the fan by pivoting upwards like the photo shows. It's still plugged in, so just put it somewhere safe where there's no unnecessary tension on the wires.

(4)

You now have access to this hidden bolt. Unscrewing this will allow you to remove the front part of the print head. You can also leave the bolt in here - one less thing to lose! The print head is still plugged in, so just like the fan above, position it so it's safe.

(5)

You now have access to the belt! It can be a little tricky to remove, but gently pushing it from behind with the allen key helps a lot.

(6)

Now remove the belt from the X-Axis End and unscrew all 5 bolts in the photo below.

(7)

Remove all the hardware that lives inside the printed part. You should have the exact same as below.

(8)

Transfer those bits into the modified X-Axis End part, pop it back onto the rails and insert the belt back into the print head (step 5). IMPORTANT before tightening everything down, see the official Prusa build guide and follow steps 30 & 31.

(9)

Final stretch! Follow steps 4, 3, and 2 in reverse to reassemble the print head.

Once you've done that, grab the modified bed leveling sensor holder print and pop the sensor in so the top lines up with the middle section, as shown below. This ensures the sensor is higher than the tip of the nozzle. You will have to perform a first-layer calibration!

Double-check you've transferred the nut over from the stock piece as well.

(10)

Screw all three bolts back in and tighten everything down. You're done installing the new parts! 🥳

Important - First Layer Calibration

After installing the new parts, you need to perform a First Layer Calibration. On your MINI+ go to Calibration and First Layer Calibration. I highly recommend you use the default value of 0.000, rather than whatever it's already set to.

You must remove GoPro Remote from the mount while performing First Layer Calibration!

Gcode

Now everything's back together and you've performed the first layer calibration you need to insert the custom Gcode. In PrusaSlicer goto Printer Settings, Custom G-code, then copy and paste the block below into “After layer change G-code”.

;AFTER_LAYER_CHANGE
G00 X-1 Y90 ; Moves the X-axis to click the button and the Y-axis to the middle.
G00 X2 ; Moves the X-axis off of the button, ensuring a quick click.
G04 P1000 ; Waits for 1 second to allow the GoPro enough time to take the photo.
;[layer_z]

You have to do this for every print you want to take a timelapse of. Of course, you can save a preset to make things quicker.

GoPro

In your GoPro settings, increase the “Auto Power Off” setting to a high number or never. Prints with slow first layers can take a while and the GoPro might turn off before a photo is triggered.

That's it, you're ready to go! If you would like to support me and are a gamer, consider purchasing my game Out of Sight on Steam :)