KAP & UAV Exposure Control Intervalometer Script

waterwingz

hab_hab
Sorry! I made a mistake in my previous test. When I power cycled the camera, I forgot to switch off the KAP script. So theecond image is also taken with the script running!

I thought something like that must have happened. Thanks for checking.

Also, from the log files it appears you are no longer running the test version of the script that I posted ?

Latest download link > kap_uav.lua 3.6 beta 3

Here are the two images (one with script running and then switched off the camera, turned off the script by making the SD card RW and then using the P mode of the camera to take the picture): The images look pretty identical..

Different exposures though ...
CHDK : IMG 5456 : 1/1500s Æ'/8 ISO100
Canon: IMG 5457 : 1/1250s Æ'/8 ISO500

I'd suggest that for KAP, UAVs, or just normal shooting, CHDK made a better choice than Canon!

We still have not found the original issue. In these two shots, both Canon & CHDK left the ND filter engaged (reported as an f8 aperture setting). Your original problem came when CHDK did not want the ND filter and Canon did. That's only going to happen over a limited range of brightness - on either side of that both programs will pick the same ND filter position and we won't see an issue.

Edit : looking at the exposure settings again, its clear that the CHDK setting (despite the exif info) have the ND filter out and the Canon settings have it in. So I think that with the camera in P mode, things are working.

I'll try testing on my ixus120 today instead of my A1200. Maybe I can simulate the problem that way.

I have also uploaded the log.

The image information is missing again - likely due to the script being unable to open the log file while it is exiting. Maybe it's because the previous image is still being saved - especially if you have RAW enabled. Can you wait an additional 5 seconds next time before and after exiting the script? Meanwhile, I've updated the test script with code that should prevent that.

Update : I can reproduce the problem on my ixus120(sd940) if I pick a fixed ISO value in the Canon menu (not Auto). This may be a problem on some cameras and not others : CHDK ISO override.

hab_hab

Hello

Yes, I was indeed using the regular KAP script. I was able to run some tests today with your latest test script. Here are the results:

https://www.anony.ws/image/D6tD
https://www.anony.ws/image/D6tJ

I did wait 5 seconds after stopping the script to see if the error would occur and it did not.

On a side note:

Yesterday, I had let the regular KAP script run for sometime and when I checked it in the middle of recording a video (I think), it was showing me this error:

https://www.anony.ws/image/D6t5

I have attached the two log files for you to review. Let me know what you find.

KAP.log

208.86KB

LOG_0002.TXT

260b

waterwingz

hab_hab
I have attached the two log files for you to review. Let me know what you find.

The second attached file ( LOG_0002.TXT ) is from the test script. I you have a log file from after the issues with video mode?

hab_hab

When the video recording error occurred, I was using regular KAP script. I did attach the KAP log also with my previous post. Here is it again. Are you looking for a different log file? I did not find any other log file either in the root folder of SD card (I did find this KAP.log in the root folder which I have attached) or in the logs folder.

KAP.log

208.86KB

waterwingz

hab_hab
Are you looking for a different log file?

My mistake - the log messages related to video recording are in the log you posted. I just did not look far enough back.

What seems to be happening is the script is not waiting long enough for the camera to actually complete writing the video file to the SD card. I'm not sure right now what to do about that. I could insert a really long delay after you leave video recording mode to give the camera time to complete saving the video to the SD card. But that will slow the script down a lot if the extra delay time is not actually needed.

I'll see if I can find a way to determine when writing to the SD card has completed. Maybe looping until the script can open the log file also indicates that the write operations for the video file have completed?

Meanwhile, the new set of images you posted earlier look good of course. Perhaps we can mark this 'solved' if you have the camera in P mode - I've updated the wiki documentation to include a camera setup section that says this.

hab_hab

I agree that this problem is solved. Appreciate your help through this!

hab_hab

Hopefully last question. Should I use the beta version of the script or the regular version? I am assuming that you felt that the problem is solved in the beta version. Am I right?

waterwingz

hab_hab
Hopefully last question. Should I use the beta version of the script or the regular version? I am assuming that you felt that the problem is solved in the beta version. Am I right?

The "fix" is to run the camera in P mode (along with the other settings mentioned here. So either version of the script will work for you.

The beta version tried to improve the logging. I'll encorporate those changes into the next release. I'm still adding a change so that you don't get those warning messages about the log file failing to write after video recording finishes.

Witterings

I'm trying to figure out how to use shutter release using a TX / Receiver and what settings I need / what they mean??

In the KAP Script menu near the bottom there's USB Shot Control and the options toggle between none, On/Off, OneShot, and PWM, I'm guessing this needs to be enabled but I wouldn't know which setting to select and is I need a 3 position switch and if so whether the 1st click would focus it and the 2nd take the shot???

I also tried to put the Shot Interval down to 0 but the lowest it'll go is 2 seconds, will it still continue taking shots of it's own accord or is there another way I can switch that off to use a manual trigger rather than the intervalometer??

I also found in the Main CHDK menu, CHDK Settings, Remote Parameters and the 3 further headings

Remote enable ... I'm guessing I need to enable this??

Switch type ... Options ... None, OnePush, TwoPush, CA-1 I'm not sure what these mean and if I should do anything with them????

Control Mode ... Options ... None, Normal, Quick, Burst, Bracket, Zoom .... again I've no idea what these are and if I need any of them ???

Also can I use the zoom with this and again any idea how to set it up??

Any help would be much appreciated!!!!

waterwingz

Witterings
I'm trying to figure out how to use shutter release using a TX / Receiver and what settings I need / what they mean?? In the KAP Script menu near the bottom there's USB Shot Control and the options toggle between none, On/Off, OneShot, and PWM, I'm guessing this needs to be enabled.

As is happens, somebody wrote a little bit of documentation for the script. The section about Parameter Setup covers much of what you are looking for.

I wouldn't know which setting to select and is I need a 3 position switch and if so whether the 1st click would focus it and the 2nd take the shot???

There are several ways to set things up but the default is for the script to manage the complete shot when the USB 5V pin goes to 5V.

I also tried to put the Shot Interval down to 0 but the lowest it'll go is 2 seconds, will it still continue taking shots of it's own accord or is there another way I can switch that off to use a manual trigger rather than the intervalometer??

The shot interval will not go lower than 2 seconds because for the most part, Canon Powershots cannot complete a shooting cycle any faster without using the camera's continuous mode. And using continuous mode has its own complications, although I have considered adding it as a script option.

However, if you enable the USB controller OneShot or PWM modes then the timer is ignored, so setting USB Shot Control [ OneShot ] will do what you want.

I also found in the Main CHDK menu, CHDK Settings, Remote Parameters and the 3 further headings
Remote enable ... I'm guessing I need to enable this?? Switch type ... Options ... None, OnePush, TwoPush, CA-1 I'm not sure what these mean and if I should do anything with them???? Control Mode ... Options ... None, Normal, Quick, Burst, Bracket, Zoom .... again I've no idea what these are and if I need any of them ???

All of those options are essentially only for shooting via a USB remote switch when you are not using a script. The kap_uav.lua script ignores them so it makes no difference how they are setup (although Enable Sync [ ] should probably not be enabled).

Also can I use the zoom with this and again any idea how to set it up??

The script will let you set a fixed zoom position to use when shooting. If you want to be able to zoom in and out then you need USB Shot Control [ PWM ] and a suitable flight controller like a pixhawk than can send pulse width modulated signals.

Witterings

waterwingz,
Brilliant and thank you again, I'll work through those in the morning and hopefully should be there 😁

Witterings

I wouldn't know which setting to select and is I need a 3 position switch and if so whether the 1st click would focus it and the 2nd take the shot???

There are several ways to set things up but the default is for the script to manage the complete shot when the USB 5V pin goes to 5V.

I've got it all working, it's on a 3 position switch and I have to move it 2 clicks to get it to take a shot, can I set it so it'll trigger the shot on 1 click ..... I'm guessing it's probably something in the TX that I need to change???

Not the end of the world if I can't but the switch is in quite an awkward place to reach and it'd jut make it that smidge easier.

waterwingz

Witterings
I've got it all working, it's on a 3 position switch and I have to move it 2 clicks to get it to take a shot, can I set it so it'll trigger the shot on 1 click

Sorry - I'm not sure what you are describing here. What kind of switch are you using? A data sheet, link, diagram, or just post a picture here might help.

Witterings

waterwingz

Witterings
I've got it all working, it's on a 3 position switch and I have to move it 2 clicks to get it to take a shot, can I set it so it'll trigger the shot on 1 click

Sorry - I'm not sure what you are describing here. What kind of switch are you using? A data sheet, link, diagram, or just post a picture here might help.

I'm using a Futaba Transmitter / receiver on a multirotor so a standard switch that's built into the transmitter some of which are 2 position and some of which are 3 positions switches.

Any idea as well at beyond what distance you're best off using the infinity setting, I'm guessing if most of the shots I'm doing are going to be beyond 20 mtrs then it's probably going to select infinity anyway even if it was set to auto focus.

zeno

It sounds as though that 3 position switch works like a joystick with just up, center and down positions. In that case, why don't you leave the switch in the middle position (shutter off) and then you'll only have to move it one click to trigger the shutter.

waterwingz

Witterings
I'm using a Futaba Transmitter / receiver on a multirotor so a standard switch that's built into the transmitter some of which are 2 position and some of which are 3 positions switches.

The more important question then is what receiver are you using and what output channels does the receiver have? Only three wire servo output control or does it have on/off ( 5v/0v ) outputs?

Any idea as well at beyond what distance you're best off using the infinity setting, I'm guessing if most of the shots I'm doing are going to be beyond 20 mtrs then it's probably going to select infinity anyway even if it was set to auto focus.

It should select infinity anyway, but focusing takes time and slows down your maximum shot rate. And if your kite or UAV is moving much, it may have trouble actually locking the focus. Which will either result in it not focussing or in it taking a long time to focus.

Witterings

Zeno,
If there's no other way then that may be a good alternative although the only reason it bothers me is I can keep my fingers on the throttle to push it up to the half way / middle position but have to take them off to go to the top position, it really is that close a call and if I'm taking lots of photos don't really want to keep relinquishing full control.
I may try and reverse the servo and see if I can get my finger round to pull it down easily and then push it back up to the half way.

Longer fingers would be another alternative 😁

Witterings

waterwingz

Witterings
I'm using a Futaba Transmitter / receiver on a multirotor so a standard switch that's built into the transmitter some of which are 2 position and some of which are 3 positions switches.

The more important question then is what receiver are you using and what output channels does the receiver have? Only three wire servo output control or does it have on/off ( 5v/0v ) outputs?

Cheers for the infinity that makes sense!!!!!

The RX is a Futaba R7008SB, I'm just googling the specs as well to see if I can make head or tale of it!!

zeno

If you don't mind a bit of DIY you could always relocate the switch. Most TX switches are easy to unscrew and have a fair bit of cable attaching them to the circuit board. You could try drilling a new hole in a more convenient position.

Witterings

The very 1st time I tried it last night I was getting a waiting for USB input signal I think I re-started the camera and then it worked.
Today I can't get it to respond at all and nothing has changed. I've tried unplugging the USB, re-plugging it in, staring the camera with the USB in and without it in and it just sits and says waiting for USB input signal.
I tried switching it to PWM in case that makes a difference and again nothing ...... any ideas???

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