The universal trigger interface (The little box)

[cowasaki]

Originally Posted by Kaouthia

Interesting, I might have to grab one or two of those. I just bought 3 of these from Proto-Pic, but they're out of stock now.

http://www.sparkfun.com/products/594

Not as powerful than the ones you've linked, but I've had successful setups with the laser & photoresistor a good 20ft apart with no problems.


Hmmm... I would've said so too. Anything mechanical is going to have some kind of delay, no matter how small. For water droplets it's probably not a big deal (as long as that delay is consistent) as you'll be adding a delay anyway to get the impact, but for a sound trigger, that may be problematic.

Looks like there's a few of us building systems off Arduinos. Just etched my first ever shield last night. Today I need to drill and see if it actually works.

I'm using opto-isolators for the camera and LP ports. The relays are for the HP ports which will control upto mains level. I will be calibrating the system so that if the relays take 5mS to fire they get the pulse 5 seconds earlier! Most people will never use the HP ports anyway!

[cowasaki]

Originally Posted by ST8

you're going for relays rather than opto isolators? dont they incur some latency?



heh, ive just finished a similar setup myself. arduino system written from scratch based on the cameraaxe. 2 flash/camera triggers, wireless nikon camera trigger (the d70 has no remote cable so i just imitated the nikon remote). then droplet valve, gate sensor and laser trip wire I'll have my arduino source code up soon if you want to nick owt.

I am virtually there with the software! I'm using a rectangular screen for mine and a menu system so its rather different. With the inclusion of a real time clock for time lapse etc, PS2 and remote control it does change it somewhat. The 1280 is a rather capable controller so I'm using that.

Relays have their uses but most they do have latency as has been said but firing them just before they are needed is the thing to do I am timing the latency to calculate the time to fire them so that they line up time wise. Like I've said though, most people will not bother using the HP section but it is there for those that need it.

I will keep adding more and more to the software as time goes by so people can come up with suggestions plus with the I/O port taking inputs and output outside there is scope for people to add all manner of extras later.

[cowasaki]

Originally Posted by Kaouthia

Looks like there's a few of us building systems off Arduinos. Just etched my first ever shield last night. Today I need to drill and see if it actually works.

I will have a 3 tank etching system by this time next month if anyone needs PCBs making up

[leftcurl]

BLOOMIN' NORA DAZZA! you have been a busy boy! only just noticed this thread... looks like a brill project you've undertaken there, can't wait to see the thing in action.

it sounds almost as groundbreaking as my electric self-stirring coffee mugs

[cowasaki]

Originally Posted by leftcurl

BLOOMIN' NORA DAZZA! you have been a busy boy! only just noticed this thread... looks like a brill project you've undertaken there, can't wait to see the thing in action.

it sounds almost as groundbreaking as my electric self-stirring coffee mugs

Haha Did you notice the piece of slate on my bench

[mmcp42]

Originally Posted by ST8

you're going for relays rather than opto isolators? dont they incur some latency?



heh, ive just finished a similar setup myself. arduino system written from scratch based on the cameraaxe. 2 flash/camera triggers, wireless nikon camera trigger (the d70 has no remote cable so i just imitated the nikon remote). then droplet valve, gate sensor and laser trip wire I'll have my arduino source code up soon if you want to nick owt.

if he doesn't want to see your code - I certainly do!!
pretty please cherries++

[Kaouthia]

Originally Posted by ST8

Missed this picture before, are those 40x2 HD44780 LCDs? Where'd you find 'em? All I can find is 20x4 and 16x2. Would love to get my hands on some 40x2 if you know where I can get some.

[mmcp42]

Originally Posted by cowasaki

I'm using opto-isolators for the camera and LP ports. The relays are for the HP ports which will control upto mains level. I will be calibrating the system so that if the relays take 5mS to fire they get the pulse 5 seconds earlier! Most people will never use the HP ports anyway!

I was also worried about the delay from using a relay
Is it consistent enough that you can anticippate it like that?
could you not use a thyristor (or is that so 20th century?)?

(probably a typo but if it takes 5mS to fire a 5mS earlier pulse is best!!)

[cowasaki]

Originally Posted by mmcp42

I was also worried about the delay from using a relay
Is it consistent enough that you can anticippate it like that?
could you not use a thyristor (or is that so 20th century?)?

(probably a typo but if it takes 5mS to fire a 5mS earlier pulse is best!!)

Arr yes. I have looked with the scope and they are repeatable. We are talking about quite small time delays but remember this is a working prototype so if it doesn't work then I dig out some SCRs (they were always the fall back). IF it works well with relays then I can use the relays to turn on MAINS for studio lights in the time lapse section too......

I've actually got a full day tomorrow which will be brilliant.

[mmcp42]

Originally Posted by cowasaki

Arr yes. I have looked with the scope and they are repeatable. We are talking about quite small time delays but remember this is a working prototype so if it doesn't work then I dig out some SCRs (they were always the fall back). IF it works well with relays then I can use the relays to turn on MAINS for studio lights in the time lapse section too......

I've actually got a full day tomorrow which will be brilliant.

cool
if you ever need one beta testing just bellow

[cowasaki]

Originally Posted by mmcp42

cool
if you ever need one beta testing just bellow

I may need some testing but John has first dibs on that job

I am starting the PCB design tonight. The current prototype is using...... POINT TO POINT wiring It looks brilliant with literally a hundred wires soldered onto the back of point to point board.

[cowasaki]

I didn't know everyone else was into electronics!

I have a spare oscilloscope going so if anyone wants one let me know and I will stick an advert in! There are a few things I need like an angle poised magnifying lamp, bench PSU, hot air SMD rework station etc so anything I get goes into the pot. I think I have decided on my PCB making setup...... http://www.megauk.com/pcb_kits.php (KIT D) So if anyone needs a board making let me know.

[Kaouthia]

Don't suppose you'll be able to do solder masks, screen printed component overlays and plated through hole vias?

[mmcp42]

Originally Posted by cowasaki

I didn't know everyone else was into electronics!

I have a spare oscilloscope going so if anyone wants one let me know and I will stick an advert in! There are a few things I need like an angle poised magnifying lamp, bench PSU, hot air SMD rework station etc so anything I get goes into the pot. I think I have decided on my PCB making setup...... http://www.megauk.com/pcb_kits.php (KIT D) So if anyone needs a board making let me know.

depending on price, I could do with a 'scope, £what you looking for

btw what software are you using for circuit design/routing?

I've had some success with EAGLE

currently working on a CNC PCB mill

[Kaouthia]

Originally Posted by mmcp42

I've had some success with EAGLE

I've been playing with that too recently. Seems rather nice, but I still end up doing a fair amount of touch up in Photoshop before printing out for etching.

Good that there's a lot of good libraries out there for it though.

Originally Posted by mmcp42

currently working on a CNC PCB mill

That one's a bit beyond me just yet, and definitely beyond my allowable budget right now. Would like to do that eventually though, even if just for cutting out custom PCB shapes if not for the actual "etching" itself.

[tijuana taxi]

There are a few things I need like an angle poised magnifying lamp, bench PSU, hot air SMD rework station etc

Might want to add curtains to that list

[cowasaki]

Originally Posted by Kaouthia

Don't suppose you'll be able to do solder masks, screen printed component overlays and plated through hole vias?

I think that kit D basically includes all the bits needed to make 1 or 2 sided boards, tin them and drill the holes. Silk screening would be extra. I am thinking of getting a through hole plater next month.

[cowasaki]

Originally Posted by tijuana taxi

Might want to add curtains to that list

What are you saying about my curtains

[tijuana taxi]

What are you saying about my curtains

Just thought you might need something heavier to stop prying eyes intent on industrial espionage

If they ever remake Abigails Party your onto a winner

Oh ****, sorry, might actually want one of your devices

[acs]

Try: http://www.pcb-pool.com/ppuk/info_pc...d49f7bdc5cced8

They'll take Eagle files and handle complex shaped boards, cutouts, etc.

[Kaouthia]

Originally Posted by cowasaki

I think that kit D basically includes all the bits needed to make 1 or 2 sided boards, tin them and drill the holes. Silk screening would be extra. I am thinking of getting a through hole plater next month.

Yeah, single and double sided boards should be a doddle, the hard bit's making sure your second side is lined up appropraitely. There's a bunch of different methods people use, so you'll have to just experiment and see what works best for you.

I've just been ironing on toner prints for my component side overlay, but it's a pain as it always ends up with a bunch residue left on it in areas that just won't go away (without risk of also pulling off the toner). Does the job, but wouldn't stand up to saleable scruitiny.

Interested in finding out about your through hole dealy if you end up getting it. You have a link to something you're interested in already?

[Kaouthia]

Originally Posted by acs

Try: http://www.pcb-pool.com/ppuk/info_pc...d49f7bdc5cced8

They'll take Eagle files and handle complex shaped boards, cutouts, etc.

ooooh..

Originally Posted by PCB Pool

Free gift
New PCB-POOL® customers will receive a free desoldering pump with their first Prototype order.

Only while stocks last.

[cowasaki]

Originally Posted by Kaouthia

Yeah, single and double sided boards should be a doddle, the hard bit's making sure your second side is lined up appropraitely. There's a bunch of different methods people use, so you'll have to just experiment and see what works best for you.

I've just been ironing on toner prints for my component side overlay, but it's a pain as it always ends up with a bunch residue left on it in areas that just won't go away (without risk of also pulling off the toner). Does the job, but wouldn't stand up to saleable scruitiny.

Interested in finding out about your through hole dealy if you end up getting it. You have a link to something you're interested in already?

They show how to do it on their site. print one backward and on a slightly smaller piece of the media. Line them up correctly and then tape them together then slide the copper board between the sheets

[mmcp42]

the toner method is surprisingly effective
I've used it a couple of times now
you have to watch that not all laser printers print 100% full size though
but the error is so small it's unlikely to be a problem

I have heard that a couple of strategic drill hole help with lining up double sided

once I get my CNC mill done double sided (and drilling) should be a doddle
(at least that's what the documentation says!!!)

I've been using cheap Staples glossy photo paper
seems to do the trick

[cowasaki]

I was looking at using Fritzing but it is WAY too buggy and missing LOADS of parts....

No 25 way D connectors
No 2.5mm stereo sockets
No 3.5mm mono sockets
No 16KHz watch crystals
No low pF caps
No part for the relay layout I have
etc etc etc

I need to find a decent PCB layout package that is usable and on a Mac if possible.

[mmcp42]

Originally Posted by cowasaki

I was looking at using Fritzing but it is WAY too buggy and missing LOADS of parts....

No 25 way D connectors
No 2.5mm stereo sockets
No 3.5mm mono sockets
No 16KHz watch crystals
No low pF caps
No part for the relay layout I have
etc etc etc

I need to find a decent PCB layout package that is usable and on a Mac if possible.

I refer the honorable gentleman to my earlier post where I mention the use of EAGLE

[cowasaki]

Originally Posted by mmcp42

I refer the honorable gentleman to my earlier post where I mention the use of EAGLE

Arr yes, down loading it now.....

[cowasaki]

Is it easy to use? ......... We will find out

[mmcp42]

one of the reasons I like it is you can make your own libraries if you have a component they don't include
takes a bit of getting used to, though

the "free" version limits the board size, but not so much that it isn't useful

if you get stuck, I'll see if I can help...

Mike

[mmcp42]

Originally Posted by cowasaki

Is it easy to use? ......... We will find out

well if a dummy like me can use it...