Choose the setup around the object—not the other way around

Choose the setup around the object—not the other way around

The turntable configuration determines how the object is supported and how it is presented to the camera during rotation. Choose it by looking at the complete object: its footprint, width through every orientation, height, balance, supports and the surfaces that must remain visible.

The practical principle is to use the smallest documented configuration that supports the object with the required clearance while keeping the complete subject and coded reference observable throughout rotation. A needlessly large setup can leave a small object occupying too little of the image. A setup that is too small can create instability, overhang, cropping or obstruction.

This is a configuration decision—not a performance guarantee. Turntable choice does not by itself establish accuracy, completeness, scan volume or fitness for a later use.

Compare the configuration families

Measure and assess the object

Start with three configuration families

Standard coded turntable

The standard coded turntable is the normal starting point for objects that it can support comfortably. It provides the rotating surface, stable axis and visible patterned band used as orientation-reference evidence.

Choose it when the object remains stable, has suitable clearance and can be fully framed without hiding the required coded region.

Mini-9 / Macro configuration

The documented Mini-9 attachment is a smaller-object configuration mounted on the standard turntable. It rotates with the base and uses a coded sleeve appropriate to the smaller capture surface.

Choose this route when an appropriately small object would otherwise occupy too little of the recorded image. Verify the current kit, installation and camera guidance before use.

Larger-support configuration

A documented extension can provide a broader support surface for objects whose footprint is not suitable for the standard platform. Some documented attachments rely on the standard turntable; a separately documented large turntable may be an independent unit.

Choose a larger setup only when it solves a real support problem and the complete rotating object can still be framed and observed.

Configuration	Primary reason to consider it	Depends on standard turntable?	Verify before use
Standard coded turntable	Suitable object fits and remains stable with clearance	It is the base configuration	Current dimensions, payload, controls and supported workflow
Mini-9 / Macro	Small object needs a more useful capture scale	Yes, in the documented architecture	Current components, coded sleeve, mounting and camera guidance
Larger-support attachment	Object needs a broader physical support area	Yes, where documented as an attachment	Exact model, mounting, payload, clearance and framing
Standalone larger turntable	Object exceeds the verified attachment route	No, where documented as a standalone unit	Current availability, complete specifications and workflow compatibility

The names above describe documented configuration families. Confirm the current commercial names and available versions before publication or assembly.

Measure the complete rotating envelope

Do not choose a turntable from one front-view measurement. As an asymmetrical object turns, its outermost point may move through a much wider circle than its support footprint suggests.

Before selecting a configuration:

1. Measure the footprint. Record the area that actually contacts the platform or support.
2. Find the widest orientation. Consider handles, limbs, projections and diagonally placed parts.
3. Check the height. A tall object can remain inside the platform edge yet leave the camera frame or become unstable.
4. Include every support. Putty, cradles or fixtures become part of the rotating envelope and can hide geometry.
5. Assess the center of mass. A centered footprint does not guarantee a balanced object.
6. Secure movable parts. Anything that changes position during rotation breaks the stable-object assumption.
7. Identify hidden surfaces. The selected upright pose may conceal the base, underside or deep recesses even when the object fits physically.

The support footprint, rotating envelope, visible capture area and reconstructable geometry are different things. A turntable can physically carry an object while the camera still cannot observe the required surfaces.

Assess object suitability
Understand complementary orientations

Use the standard coded turntable when the object fits comfortably

Begin with the standard setup unless the object provides a clear reason to change scale.

Place the unpowered object or a size-equivalent reference on the stationary platform and check:

• the object can stand securely without relying on the outer edge;
• its complete rotating envelope remains clear of nearby equipment;
• the required patterned band remains visible from the intended camera position;
• the whole object can remain in frame with useful margins;
• the phone can stay fixed while maintaining suitable focus and depth of field;
• the background remains visually separate from the object through the full turn.

The supplied photograph shows the standard platform’s black surface, white housing and visible patterned band. It does not establish the real-world size of a pictured object, the supported load or the correct camera position.

If the standard configuration satisfies every check, it is usually the simplest route into capture-station setup. If the object is very small in the available frame or cannot be supported with suitable clearance, assess the relevant alternative rather than improvising a platform.

Explore the coded turntable

Use the Mini-9 configuration when a small object needs more useful image coverage

The Mini-9, also described in the product architecture as the Macro Expansion Kit, places a smaller capture surface and coded reference above the standard turntable. The base supplies the rotation; the attachment does not operate independently.

Use this decision sequence:

1. Confirm that the current Mini-9 kit is compatible with the standard turntable revision in use.
2. Confirm the exact included attachment and coded sleeve components.
3. Check that the object fits the verified usable surface with the required clearance.
4. Install the parts only according to the current assembly guidance.
5. Verify that the attachment is secure, level and unobstructed through rotation.
6. Frame the object and required coded reference using current camera guidance.
7. Test the full rotation before recording.

A smaller setup can help the object occupy more of the image, but it does not manufacture detail. Focus, lighting, resolution, surface behaviour, stability and visibility still govern the observations. “Macro” does not mean microscopic imaging, certified measurement or a guaranteed minimum feature size.

Do not transfer a zoom value from another phone or an older guide without verification. Camera modules, focal lengths, digital processing and focusing behaviour differ.

Explore the Macro Expansion Kit
Understand why capture scale matters

Use a larger support only when the object requires it

A larger platform addresses physical support area. It does not automatically expand every other part of the capture system.

Before choosing an extension or standalone large turntable, verify:

• whether it is an attachment or an independently driven unit;
• which standard-turntable revision or other base it requires;
• the current usable support area and permitted payload;
• how it is secured, centered and kept level;
• the rotational envelope of the object and platform;
• whether the complete object and required code remain visible;
• whether the camera position, focus and lighting can cover the larger scene;
• whether the intended capture method and optional hardware support that configuration.

Increasing the support surface may require the camera to observe a wider area. The object can then occupy fewer pixels, while small vibrations, imbalance or runout may become more consequential. An overhanging object may also remain physically supported while hiding the coded band or leaving the frame.

Historical documentation refers to Max-30 and Max-40 attachments and a separate Max-60 turntable. Treat those names as technical history until the current offer, dimensions, assembly, load and compatibility are confirmed. Do not improvise an extension from a drawing or photograph.

Explore the Turntable Extension
Why support area is not scan volume

Verify the selected setup through a complete rotation

Selection is complete only after the assembled, unpowered setup passes a full-rotation check.

1. Installation: The documented components are correctly mounted, level and secure.
2. Object stability: The object and any approved support remain fixed relative to the platform.
3. Mechanical clearance: Nothing contacts the camera support, background, cables or nearby objects.
4. Complete framing: The entire object remains inside the intended frame with useful margins.
5. Reference visibility: The required coded region remains observable and is not hidden by the object or support.
6. Image usability: Focus and depth of field remain appropriate for the complete object.
7. Stable surroundings: Lighting, background and camera position do not change as the object turns.

Stop and change the setup if the object shifts, approaches an obstruction, leaves the frame or hides required reference information. A different orientation, configuration or support method may be necessary.

Passing this check means the physical relationship is ready for the next preparation stage. It does not prove that every surface will be visible or that processing will produce an accurate, complete, watertight or usable model.

Set up the capture station
Record the scan video

Configuration chosen? Build the capture station around it

Choose the smallest verified configuration that supports the complete rotating object, preserves clearance and allows the object and coded reference to remain observable. Then confirm the current assembly, compatibility, payload and camera guidance for that exact configuration.

The next tutorial establishes the wider relationship among turntable, object, fixed phone, background and lighting.

Set up the capture station

Return to Getting Started
Compare ASCAND optionsYour first ASCAND scan starts with a controlled observation