Programmable timer remote for Canon EOS cameras

My first "serious" project (besides playing with lights, as my friend Alan put it) is almost done.

This is going to be a configurable remote for my Canon EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT (and possibly for all the cameras of that series). The shutter is closed when two lines of the 2.5 mm stereo jack are shorted; this is achieved by using the relay.

My remote has two modes of operation, chosen through a simple deviator used as a switch: time lapse and bulb.
In time lapse mode, it counts down to the specified interval and quickly closes the relay switch to fire the camera's shutter, then starts counting again. In bulb mode, it immediately closes the relay switch and starts counting; when the counter reaches zero, the relay switch is opened (the camera's shutter opens too) and it goes back to idle mode.

The interval is defined in seconds and can be any multiple of 5 between 5 and 995 (that's over 16 and half minutes, and it's close to the camera B mode limit of 999 seconds). It is changed through two buttons (UP and DOWN).

The third button, ENABLE, starts or stops the counter; I had originally thought about using a deviator switch for it, but I realized that the counter should have been stoppable by software too, therefore a push-button proved most useful for that.

In this video, the shutter control is replaced by a green LED as I currently lack a wire long enough for my needs. I will solder it to the connector tomorrow, and test it in the field. Hopefully my camera won't be fried by it. ;)

The software takes 1262 bytes.

Equipment used:
1 x ATmega8
1 x 5V-operated relay
3 x 74HC595 (8-bit serial-in parallel-out shift register with latches)
3 x 7-segment C.A. displays
5 x 1N4148 diodes (4 for the buttons/switch, 1 as a protection for the relay coil)
3 x 3mm red LEDs
1 x 7805 (voltage regulator)
1 x BC239B (NPN)
1 x 100 nF (smoothing)
1 x 1 µF (deounce)
1 x 1 kΩ (debounce)
1 x 2.2 kΩ (NPN base)
6 x 470 Ω (LEDs and LED displays)
3 x momentary push buttons
1 x deviator (as switch)
1 x switch (main)

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• electronics
• atmega8
• atmel
• avr
• firmware
• relay
• camera
• remote
• control
• canon
• eos
• 350d
• digital
• rebel
• xt

[dfsc33n]

really cool im getting those push button switches and really need to know fast like does electricity go through them when you push them or does it push down? if it is electric stuff do u know of any that push down?

[jollino]

I'm not sure what you mean, electricity travels close to light speed. Pushing down one of those switches is basically instantaneous, the only thing you need to take care of is using a low-pass filter to debounce it (google for 'debounce'), or do that in software.

[jollino]

Thank you very much. ;)

I am waiting to have some LCD displays delivered so I can replace the LED displays with a single LCD. It would be easier on the battery, I suppose.

Perhaps I might even build these in my free time and sell them, at some point!

[killerpapercut]

Do you have a circuit diagram and/or code for the microcontroller? I would very much like to build one of these.

[jollino]

Not yet, it's still on the breadboard as you see it in the clip (I only replaced the LED displays with a more efficient LCD display). I haven't had much time lately. :(

[titoo3071]

youtube.com/watch?v=PhE7WMBmSI­c

[S00rabh]

How can I do this with my arduino..???

[Frikkadel1980]

Please, can you give me schematics for this project. I need this for the project I'm building

[wexford8595]

can you give me a parts list and pin out on this awsome timer circuit its exactly what i need for my project....please

[gilesvang]

0:57 New instant message, iChat fTW