This sounds very interesting just wondering how it's going so far and I'm very interested in buying one if it is what I think it is sound,light,laser...input to trigger Flash and camera wirelessly or wired not sure after reading the whole thread but would be definatly be interested.
Will it be able to trigger all nikon cameras?
Yes anything with a 10 pin Nikon plug or anything that you can get an RF603 lead for
Both hardware and software heading towards the finishing line
Sorry if this is a stupid question but what is an RF603 lead,
because i know my camera doesn't have a 10 pin nikon plug (its a D90) and i don't know what to look for to see if its compatible with a RF603 lead.
Thanks
I have to say your "Mad Scientist Lab" looks much neater than mine.
Looks like it's coming along nicely.
Niiiice so that can be seen on the desk.
How much might you be after for that?My old 20MHz analogue scope is now redundant
Looking good Mr. Darren
Question; is this to be a battery powered device, or AC? Same for the rugged version?
Love the pictures
Any idea if the 'rugged' version will be as they're normally phrased 'water resistant'?
I know it's probablt a pita with electronics but I'm sure like as few other I'd probably use such a device out in the field, maybe once the final box is knocked up and we know sizes one of these sealed plastic bags with cable outlets can be used.
PS
Keep up the good work
I looked but I couldn't see a first aid kit
Most things are not visible, the Mac pro, proliant server and linux box are behind those drawers too!
Well I've been at it since 8:00 am, Fnarr! Fnarr!
Anyway just to keep everyone informed.....
The full on "cased prototype" has now gone past the breadboard version with:
All low power ports fully setup, wired and working.
All camera ports fully setup, wired and working.
Buzzer wired in and working.
RTC wired in and working.
Separate board for HP section built and populated (just needs wiring).
I/O port wired up for beam breaker circuit board.
All LED are state changeable by the software.
IR receiver fitted.
Board keepers fitted.
Now everything works from 5V USB so no need for external PSU.
Addition of 3.5mm sockets on rear as low power ports.
Then tonight in software land...
Re-written menu routine.
Added section into the setup menu allowing all IO functions to be tested.
Might finish the hardware tomorrow so long as nothing changes......
Still have the HP board to wire up.
IR output section to build.
Oh and a box with all the ports normally on a camera, flash etc to test the device.
Then I can start on the trigger leads
It would depend a lot on the power and focus of the laser; the really big ones can be bounced off the moon.
Maplin offer an IRLED beam breaker kit. You could try swapping out the LED module for an IR laser module and see if that extends the range if the kit is insufficient for your needs.
I've got something similar 99% finished - based around the open source Arduino with four sensor inputs and four trigger outputs. I'm not planning to market mine though, I just wanted something that would work for wildlife, water drops, bursting balloons, shattering glass and similar
Good luck with it
I'll have my arduino source code up soon if you want to nick owt.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
Did you notice the piece of slate on my bench 
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
(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......
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
I've actually got a full day tomorrow which will be brilliant.
