Core Rotation Modes of ComXim Programmable Turntables

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Introduction

At the heart of every ComXim programmable turntable lies a versatile motion control system capable of executing multiple rotation modes. Whether you need smooth continuous rotation for video capture, precise step‑by‑step movement for 360° product photography, or oscillating motion for dynamic presentation, the turntable delivers with precision and repeatability.

This guide explains each rotation mode in detail – what it does, when to use it, and how to activate it. Understanding these modes is the key to unlocking the full potential of your ComXim turntable.

All rotation modes can be accessed through any of the four control methods: infrared remote, PC software (TurntableX), mobile apps, or CT commands. The turntable remembers your last settings, so you can switch between modes seamlessly.

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Mode 1: Continuous Rotation

What It Does

The turntable rotates at a constant speed without stopping. This is the most basic rotation mode – the motor turns continuously in a single direction until you stop it.

When to Use

Application	Why Continuous Mode
Video recording	Smooth, uninterrupted motion for dynamic product videos
Live presentation	Continuous rotation allows viewers to see a product from all angles without interruption
Basic display	Simple rotation for exhibitions, trade shows, and retail displays
Scanning preparation	Quick rotation to preview an object before switching to step mode

How to Activate

• Remote control: Press the [Continuous Rotation Mode] button – the turntable starts rotating immediately and continues until you press [Start/Stop] to stop it.
• TurntableX software: Select “Continuous” from the mode dropdown, then click the rotation direction button (Left/Right).
• Mobile app (TurntableBLE / TurntablePlus): Select Continuous mode and tap the direction control.
• CT command: CT+SETMODE(0); followed by CT+RUN();

Parameter Control

In continuous mode, you can adjust:

• Rotation speed – Increase or decrease via remote [Accelerate]/[Decelerate] buttons, software sliders, or CT commands
• Rotation direction – Switch between clockwise and counter‑clockwise

Note: Parameters like rotation angle, pause time, and repeat count – which are used in step and pendulum modes – have no effect in continuous rotation mode.

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Mode 2: Single Step Rotation

What It Does

The turntable rotates by a specified angle once and then stops. This is the simplest form of indexed motion – perfect when you need to move to a specific position and hold.

When to Use

• Manual photography – Rotate to a specific angle, take a photo manually, then rotate again
• Positioning – Move an object to a precise orientation
• Testing – Verify angle accuracy before running automated sequences

How to Activate

Remote control – Method 1 (Direct Angle Setting):

1. Press the [Set Angle] key on the remote.
2. Enter the desired angle using the numeric keypad (e.g., press 9 0 for 90°).
3. The turntable immediately rotates to that angle and stops – this is single‑step rotation.
4. There is no separate “Single Step” button – the [Set Angle] key performs single‑step rotation by default.

Remote control – Method 2 (Step‑by‑Step with Start/Stop):

1. First set the turntable to step mode using [Repeat Step Mode].
2. Set your desired angle with [Set Angle].
3. Press [Start/Stop] – the turntable rotates one step and stops.
4. Press [Start/Stop] again – it rotates another step.
5. This gives you manual, single‑step control with each button press.

TurntableX software:

• Enter the angle value (e.g., 45.0) in the angle field.
• Click the Single Step button in the Function Operations panel – the turntable rotates to that angle and stops.

Mobile app (TurntableBLE / TurntablePlus):

• Enter the angle and tap the Single Step control.

CT command:

• CT+TURNSINGLE(0,45.0); – rotates 45° clockwise.
• CT+TURNSINGLE(1,90.0); – rotates 90° counter‑clockwise.

Parameter Control

• Rotation angle – Any positive floating‑point value in degrees (e.g., 15.0, 22.5, 45.0, 90.0). On the remote, you can enter whole numbers directly via the numeric keypad.
• Rotation direction – Clockwise (default) or counter‑clockwise (toggle with [Counter‑Clockwise Direction] button).

Example: 90° Single Step

Remote control operation:

1. Press [Set Angle].
2. Press 9 then 0 on the numeric keypad.
3. The turntable immediately rotates 90° clockwise and stops.

CT command equivalent:

CT+TURNSINGLE(0,90.0);

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Mode 3: Repeat Step Mode (Intermittent Rotation)

What It Does

The turntable rotates by a set angle, pauses for a set duration, then rotates again by the same angle – repeating this cycle continuously until stopped. The rotation direction does not change between steps.

When to Use

Application	Why Repeat Step Mode
360° product photography	Rotate, pause (shoot), rotate again – the perfect workflow for automated imaging
3D scanning	Step‑by‑step rotation ensures consistent overlap between scans
Sequential presentation	Show each angle of a product with a pause for observation

How to Activate

Remote control:

1. Press the [Set Angle] key and enter the desired angle (e.g., 1 5 for 15°).
2. Press the [Repeat Step Mode] button – the turntable starts rotating in steps.
3. The turntable will continue rotating and pausing until you press [Start/Stop] to stop it.

Note: If you press [Repeat Step Mode] without setting a new angle, the turntable uses the previously stored angle value.

TurntableX software:

1. Enter the angle, pause time (in seconds), and repeat count.
2. Check “Auto Shutter” if needed.
3. Click the rotation direction button to start.

Mobile app (TurntableBLE / TurntablePlus):

1. Set the angle, pause time, and repeat count.
2. Enable Auto Shutter if needed.
3. Tap the direction control to start.

CT command:

• CT+START(0,1,1,15,2,24); – clockwise, step mode, auto‑shutter on, 15° per step, 2‑second pause, 24 repeats.

Parameter Control

Parameter	Description	Range
Rotation angle	Degrees per step	Positive float (e.g., 15.0, 22.5, 45.0)
Pause time	Pause duration between steps	Positive integer (seconds)
Repeat count	Number of steps to execute	Positive integer
Direction	Clockwise or counter‑clockwise	0 or 1
Auto shutter	Enable/disable automatic camera trigger	0 or 1

Auto Shutter Integration

When auto shutter is enabled, the turntable triggers the camera at the midpoint of the pause. For a 4‑second pause, the shutter fires at approximately the 2‑second mark. This timing ensures the turntable has completely stopped before the photo is taken, eliminating motion blur.

Pro Tip: The default pause time is 4 seconds, but you can adjust it via software or CT commands to match your camera’s shooting speed.

Example: 24‑Shot 360° Product Photography

CT+START(0,1,1,15,2,24);

This command tells the turntable:

• Rotate clockwise (0)
• In step mode (1)
• With auto shutter enabled (1)
• 15° per step
• 2‑second pause at each position (shutter fires at ~1 second)
• 24 repeats = 24 × 15° = 360° full circle

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Mode 4: One‑Circle Multi‑Step Mode

What It Does

This is a convenience mode that automatically divides a full 360° circle into equal segments. Press a preset numeric button (e.g., 8, 12, 24, 36, or 48), and the turntable calculates the step angle automatically: 360° ÷ n.

When to Use

• Quick 360° product photography – No need to calculate angles manually
• Standardized workflows – Consistent results with preset divisions
• Beginners – Simplest way to get started with automated photography

How to Activate

Remote control:

• Press any preset numeric button on the remote: [8], [12], [24], [36], or [48].
• The turntable immediately starts the one‑circle multi‑step sequence.

TurntableX software:

• Click the corresponding step shortcut button (8, 12, 24, 36, or 48).

Web console:

• Use the step shortcut buttons on the web interface.

CT command:

• Send a START command with the calculated angle (e.g., for 24 steps: CT+START(0,1,1,15,4,24);).

Preset Options and Corresponding Angles

Button	Step Angle	Total Steps	Full Circle
8	45.0°	8	360°
12	30.0°	12	360°
24	15.0°	24	360°
36	10.0°	36	360°
48	7.5°	48	360°

Auto Shutter Behavior

For shutter‑enabled turntables:

1. The turntable first triggers the shutter (capturing the first photo)
2. Then rotates by the calculated step angle
3. Pauses (default: 4 seconds)
4. Triggers the shutter at the midpoint of the pause
5. Repeats until the full circle is complete and all n photos are captured

For non‑shutter turntables, the turntable simply rotates and pauses without triggering a camera.

Example: Pressing [8]

The turntable:

• Divides 360° into 8 segments: 45° per step
• Rotates 45°, pauses 4 seconds (shutter at 2 seconds)
• Repeats 8 times
• Returns to the starting position with 8 photos captured

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Mode 5: Pendulum (Swing) Mode

What It Does

The turntable swings back and forth within a set angle range. It rotates to the set angle in one direction, pauses, then reverses direction and rotates back to the same angle on the other side – creating an oscillating motion.

When to Use

Application	Why Pendulum Mode
Dynamic presentation	Show a product from multiple angles in a continuous back‑and‑forth motion
Video capture	Create smooth panning shots without full rotation
Limited space	When you cannot rotate a full 360° due to space constraints
Comparison presentation	Show front and back of a product alternately

How to Activate

Remote control:

1. Press the [Set Angle] key and enter the desired angle (e.g., 4 5 for 45°).
2. Press the [Pendulum (Swing) Mode] button – the turntable starts swinging.

Important: When you press the [Pendulum (Swing) Mode] button, the current position is immediately set as the center of the swing. The turntable will swing equally to both sides of this center point.

Note: If you press [Pendulum (Swing) Mode] without setting a new angle, the turntable uses the previously stored angle value.

TurntableX software:

1. Select “Pendulum” from the mode dropdown.
2. Enter the swing angle and pause time.
3. Enable Auto Shutter if needed.
4. Click the direction button to start.

Mobile app (TurntableBLE / TurntablePlus):

1. Select Pendulum mode.
2. Set the swing angle and pause time.
3. Enable Auto Shutter if needed.
4. Tap the direction control to start.

CT command:

• CT+START(0,2,1,45,4,0); – swing 45° with 4‑second pause, infinite repeats.

Parameter Control

Parameter	Description
Swing angle	The total angle range (e.g., 45° means 45° to the left and 45° to the right of center)
Pause time	Pause duration at each extreme position
Auto shutter	Enable/disable camera trigger at each extreme

Auto Shutter in Pendulum Mode

When auto shutter is enabled, the turntable triggers the camera at the midpoint of the pause at each extreme position – just like in repeat step mode.

Example: 45° Pendulum with Shutter

CT+START(0,2,1,45,4,0);

This command tells the turntable:

• Clockwise direction (starting)
• Pendulum mode (2)
• Auto shutter enabled (1)
• 45° swing range (45° left + 45° right of center = 90° total travel)
• 4‑second pause at each extreme (shutter at ~2 seconds)
• Infinite repeats (0 = continuous until stopped)

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Mode 6: Return to Origin

What It Does

The turntable remembers a set position (origin) and can return to it at any time, choosing the shortest path.

How It Works

1. Set Origin: Press [Set Origin] – the current position is stored as the origin point
2. Return to Origin: Press [Return to Origin] – the turntable rotates back to the stored position via the shortest route

When to Use

• Repeatable positioning – Return to the same starting position after each shooting sequence
• Batch processing – Ensure consistent positioning across multiple objects
• Calibration – Reset to a known reference point

CT Commands for Origin Management

Command	Description
CT+SETZERO();	Set current position as origin
CT+TOZERO();	Return to origin via shortest path
CT+TOZEROBYDIR(0);	Return to origin clockwise
CT+TOZEROBYDIR(1);	Return to origin counter‑clockwise
CT+GETOFFSETANGLE();	Query current position relative to origin

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Mode Comparison Table

Mode	Remote Control Operation	Stops	Best For
Continuous	Press [Continuous Rotation Mode]	No	Video, live presentation
Single Step	Press [Set Angle] + enter angle value	Yes	Precise positioning, manual photography
Repeat Step	Press [Set Angle] + angle, then [Repeat Step Mode]	Yes (repeated)	360° photography with custom settings
One‑Circle Multi‑Step	Press preset [8][12][24][36][48]	Yes (repeated)	Quick 360° shooting
Pendulum	Press [Set Angle] + angle, then [Pendulum Mode]	Yes (at extremes)	Dynamic presentation, panning
Return to Origin	Press [Set Origin] then [Return to Origin]	Yes	Calibration, repositioning

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Selecting the Right Mode for Your Application

For 360° Product Photography

Best choice: One‑Circle Multi‑Step or Repeat Step Mode

Both modes provide the rotate‑pause‑shoot workflow essential for automated photography. Use One‑Circle Multi‑Step for quick setups with standard divisions (8, 12, 24, 36, 48). Use Repeat Step Mode for custom angles and pause times.

For Video Production

Best choice: Continuous Rotation

Smooth, uninterrupted motion is essential for video. Adjust speed to match the desired visual effect – slower for detailed presentation, faster for dynamic shots.

For Dynamic Product Display

Best choice: Pendulum Mode

The back‑and‑forth motion attracts attention and shows products from multiple angles without completing a full rotation. Perfect for trade shows and retail displays.

For Scanning and 3D Reconstruction

Best choice: Repeat Step Mode with custom settings

3D scanning often requires specific overlap percentages between scans. Use Repeat Step Mode with precisely calculated angles to ensure consistent coverage.

For Positioning and Calibration

Best choice: Single Step or Return to Origin

When you need to move to a specific orientation or reset to a known reference point, these modes provide the precision you need.

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Best Practices

1. Save your settings – Use the [Save] button on the remote or CT+SAVECONF(); to store your preferred parameters in the turntable’s flash memory. The turntable will use these settings the next time it powers on.
2. Start with One‑Circle Multi‑Step – If you are new to automated photography, press a preset button (e.g., [24]) and let the turntable handle the calculations. This is the easiest way to get professional results.
3. Adjust pause time for camera speed – The default 4‑second pause works for most cameras, but if your camera has a slow autofocus or write speed, increase the pause time via software or CT commands.
4. Use auto shutter for consistent results – Enabling auto shutter ensures every photo is taken at the exact same point in the rotation cycle, eliminating timing inconsistencies.
5. Test with a single step first – Before running a full 360° sequence, test with a single step to verify angle accuracy and camera triggering.
6. Monitor load capacity – Step mode requires higher torque than continuous mode due to the start‑stop motion. Always stay within the rated step‑mode load capacity.

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CT Command Quick Reference

Mode	CT Command
Continuous	CT+SETMODE(0); CT+RUN();
Single Step	CT+TURNSINGLE(0,45.0);
Repeat Step	CT+START(0,1,1,15,2,24);
Pendulum	CT+START(0,2,1,45,4,0);
Set Origin	CT+SETZERO();
Return Origin	CT+TOZERO();

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Conclusion

ComXim programmable turntables offer a comprehensive set of rotation modes that cater to virtually any application – from simple product display to sophisticated automated 360° photography. Each mode is designed with a specific use case in mind, and all are accessible through your preferred control method.

Key takeaways:

• Continuous for smooth, uninterrupted motion
• Single Step for precise positioning (activated via [Set Angle] on the remote)
• Repeat Step for automated photography with custom settings
• One‑Circle Multi‑Step for quick, standardized 360° shooting (preset buttons)
• Pendulum for dynamic back‑and‑forth presentation
• Return to Origin for repeatable positioning

Master these modes, and you will have complete control over how your turntable moves – enabling consistent, professional results every time.

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Additional Resources

Resource	Link
Official Website	comxim.com
User Manual & Documentation	comxim.com/user-guide
Software & Apps	comxim.com/softwareapps-demo
Developer Tools	comxim.com/development-kit
Latest CT Command List	comxim.com/the-new-command-list
Video Tutorials	comxim.com/application-video-tutorial