RunRyder - Opto-switches for camera trigger and zoom

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Aerial Photography and Video > Opto-switches for camera trigger and zoom

Angelos
Key Veteran
Location: nr Oxford, OX11, UK

I have received many requests for the circuit schematic of my infrared camera trigger. Unfortunately, the opto-couples I use are SMD parts and most people can’t solder them. So, I though to have a small batch of PCBs made.

The circuit reads two channels from the RC receiver and provides two opto-isolated contacts for each channel (4 contacts in total). Each contact can draw 150mA. This is sufficient for activating the camera directly or activating an infrared remote control like I do. The module also includes a 3.3V regulator that can supply power to the IR remote control from the RC battery if you like to save weight and the cost of lithium batteries.

For my implementation the first servo channel activates the zoom in and out buttons of the IR remote that came with my camera. The second servo channel activates the shutter button of the IR remote. This leaves a free contact that could be used for any other purpose.

The PCB for the circuit will be 1inch x 1inch and about 1/4 high. Due to the small batch run the cost of the PCBs will be quite high. The cost for having the units professionally assembled will be similarly more expensive than usual. The epxtected prices are as follows:

1. Kit form including PCB and all parts. Requires soldering. Note that the SMD parts include 0805 size LEDs and resistors. US$25

2. Assembled and tested: Requires soldering the required cables between the module and your IR remote. US$35

If you are considering getting one please vote above and post a message below. The PCB batch will be just enough to cover requests with very few spares. Do obligation to get one if you change your mind but they won’t be available if you decide to get one later. Payments from outside UK via PayPal only.

I must clarify that this is not an infrared remote control. It is four opto-isolated switches that you can use to activate four functions of your existing infrared remote control via the RC system.

-Angelos

11-12-2003 Over year old.

yogibeara
Heliman
Location: UT

I will for sure get one. The servo I have mounted now on my camera is kind of crappy.

Thanks
Alan

11-13-2003 Over year old.

jonasl
Senior Heliman
Location: From Denmark, but live in Hong Kong

I would get one too, but no paypal

11-13-2003 Over year old.

HOMEPAGE

Angelos
Key Veteran
Location: nr Oxford, OX11, UK

guys,
if you vote please also post at this thread. when the modules are ready I will not have a way to notify you unless you post here. As an update, the PCB design is ready, I will order the PCBs and components this weekend right after I finilise the firmware.

-Angelos

11-14-2003 Over year old.

grak
Heliman
Location: Nottingham UK

Opto-switches for camera trigger and zoom

Hi Angelos,

Pop me down for a switch please.

Keith.

11-14-2003 Over year old.

ELOSSAM
Veteran
Location: Es

One more for me. Want to test it with my IR unit and the Canon G1
Thks
Elossam

11-14-2003 Over year old.

HOMEPAGE

Angelos
Key Veteran
Location: nr Oxford, OX11, UK

Update:

Components for 24 units arrived today. PCBs should be here by the end of next week. The new firmware for the PIC is also ready. Can’t wait for these PCBs to arrive since I also need a couple of them for my own use.

11-21-2003 Over year old.

agmss
Heliman
Location: California

Opto-switches

Please put me down for 2. Thanks

11-22-2003 Over year old.

Angelos

Key Veteran - Location: nr Oxford, OX11, UK -

This should give you an idea of what the device will look like and help you assemble it if you go for the kit version. If you want to build one from scratch by yourself for personal use the firmware is freely available; just send me an email.

11-22-2003 Over year old.

Angelos
Key Veteran
Location: nr Oxford, OX11, UK

UPDATE:

The PCB passed the DRC (design rule check) yesterday and it is scheduled for production this week. They should be here by the end of the following week. Unfortunately the manufacturer could not fit 24 units on the small 160x100mm panel that I ordered and thus I will now receive 18 instead. These are enough for everyone who asked for one replying on this thread or directly to me. However, I will have much fewer spares.

11-25-2003 Over year old.

Angelos
Key Veteran
Location: nr Oxford, OX11, UK

UPDATE:

The PCBs arrived today and look great. I will assemple one tonight, test it and post photos here.

12-04-2003 Over year old.

Angelos
Key Veteran
Location: nr Oxford, OX11, UK

Here is a photo of the first couple of modules.

The four white rectangulars on the top are the contact outputs. Two wires for each button of the IR remote you want to control. The middle +3.3V and GND can give power to your infrared remote if you wish and thus you won’t need batteries for that. The 2 sets of 3pins on the bottom are the inputs from the receiver.

If you want one send me a private message.

12-04-2003 Over year old.

Angelos
Key Veteran
Location: nr Oxford, OX11, UK

Two variations of the switch are now available.

The first type has two channels which are both ON1/OFF/ON2. This type you can use with infrared remote controls to activate a total of four buttons. I would use one channel for zoom in/out and the other for video camera start/stop and there is one more spare contact for an extra command. You could use this for any other command available on the IR remote control. For example, lets say you connect the elevator stick on the first channel of the switch and the two outputs of this channel to the Zoom in/out of your IR remote. This means that your elevator stick now controls zoom. Also lets say that you connect the second channels of the switch to Channel 7 of your radio which is for example the trainer switch. Every time you press that switch the camera will start/stop.

The second type is aimed for direct connection inside the camera. This has one channel ON1/OFF/ON2 for zoom. And the second channel is OFF/ON1/ON1+ON2 and can be used with still cameras to focus on the first stage (ON1) and take the photo on the second stage (ON1+ON2). This type can also be used with IR remote controls but you can only make use of 3 contacts since the remote can't understand two buttons pressed at the same time during ON1+ON2. In this case I would use ON2 to activate the start/stop of a camcorder and leave ON1 unused.

You should be able to use any of these switches with any type of IR remote control. All you need to do is pull out two wires from each button of the remote and connect them to the corresponding points of the switch. In fact the switch PCB is very small (just 1inch x 1inch and a few mm thick). You might be able to fit it inside the IR remote of just stick it underneath and just pull out the servo cable that goes to your receiver.

-Angelos

12-30-2003 Over year old.

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Aerial Photography and Video > Opto-switches for camera trigger and zoom

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