Calibration Device for Scintillators

The objective is to create a linear motion device that will calibrate a set array of scintillators using light pulses

Ideas

Printer disassembly and take-over of printer head linear motion through use of parallel port programming with C
Worm gear connected to DC motor with micro controller set up
Linear Rail system
Stepper Motor Belt System

Disassembled printer casing
Installed cygwin on computer for C interface and read up on programming language C
Investigated Computer Numerical Control but found it was not useful for this application
Investigated serial port programming and the use of Printer Control Language on an HP printer click here for documentation on PCL

Interfacing directly to the printer proved very challenging . For help, click here.
Unsuccessfully accessed printer

Stepper motor with micro controller stands stationary on one end and calibration device would be connected to a slide rail system for stability

Clamping Plate Setup http://www.polytechdesign.com/images/gears_01.gif
We need to find something that is low cost but is accurate enough to be stopped at each fiber array block. Because the intended light source for calibration is most likely going to have a wide range, the step size does not have to be too small.
For support: Overhead Enclosed-Track Conveyor Bracket, linear guide rail

Linear Motion Setup

LinEngineering 1.8 Degree Motor 'WO-5718X-05E' was found to be appropriate and cost effective. [1]

With a LinEngineering 1.8 Degree Motor and a radius of .5" for the pulley, the step size would be 0.005" or 0.127mm which is well within a 2mm scintillator.

The deflection at the center of the slide rail is calculated using a simply end supported beam as a model with beam deflection equations only considering the weight of the bar.