building usb-remote-cable

Jonathan

Microfunguy
The script is waiting for you to press the remote switch.

Not sure I'm following. I choose the script, then press the shutter button on the camera to get the script running. Then press the remote, right. Now it takes one shot when I release the switch, despite the camera in continuous mode. I make sure it is in continuous mode every time.

The usb indicator is blinkin in alt mode with the pressing of the switch.

/Jonathan

Microfunguy

I assume you are keeping the switch pressed for as long as you want to capture images ?

Jonathan

I am, regardless of how long i keep it pressed, it takes one shot when I release.

Microfunguy

Try this version :-

@title Remote Burst 
sync_off
:loop
line_1 " Waiting for switch press"
wait_for_switch_press
press "shoot_full"
:loop1
do
line_1 " Waiting for switch release"
until not (is_key "remote")
release "shoot_full"
release "shoot_half"
goto "loop"

Jonathan

Right on! That ones working!

One thing at first testing. It seems like when using this script in Tv mode, the first shot gets auto shutter speed (correctly exposed) while the following are at the set shutter speed(underexposed, in this case). I'll do some more testing tomorrow.

I definitely think this will work fine for me though. Awesome job.

Thank you so much for your help. I'll get back with further results soon as the snow is gone 🧑‍🎄

Jonathan

Microfunguy

Jonathan
Right on! That ones working!

Good !
When SDM is in Synch mode, image-capture is paused until the switch is released.
That enables you to synchronise two cameras to 1/5000 sec on average for action stereo.

The command 'sync_off' turns-off that mode so that we do not have to wait for switch release.

I'll get back with further results soon as the snow is gone 🧑‍🎄

Still snow here in North Wales.
It makes the images from my wireless TV cameras mounted on the aerial mast a bit brighter of a night time.
Better than watching the normal TV programmes 😀

David

Jonathan

Sorry to bother again.

I tried the script on the regular CHDK, but it didn't work. Do you know which of the commands used that differ between the SDM and the regular CHDK build? I tried to find it on the scripts page but with no previous experience I could not find all the commands used in the script.

I've had a few problems when trying the SDM, could probably be fixed but since I wont be taking any stereo images I thought it might be easier just use the regular CHDK.

zeno

There's no "Wait_for"switch_press" in CHDK. You need to replace it with:

do
a = get_usb_power
until a>0

Jonathan

Appreciate your response.

Does not seem to solve the whole problem though. Seems like nothing happens when running the script, except for the word "STARTED" showing in lower left corner. I still get no response from the remote and the camera seems to lock after a while.

Microfunguy

Jonathan
since I wont be taking any stereo images I thought it might be easier just use the regular CHDK.

SDM is certainly not just for stereo photography, it has many powerful features for general photography.
However, that is your choice.

See if the following works with CHDK, I have not tested :-

@title Remote Burst 
:loop
print  "Waiting for switch press"
do
until  is_key "remote"
press "shoot_full"
do
print "Waiting for switch release"
until not (is_key "remote")
release "shoot_full"
release "shoot_half"
goto "loop"

Jonathan

Seems to work perfect at first testing. Thank you so much once again.

It gets the first image in a burst at the set Tv value as well.

I will probably use SDM for other purposes in the future, seems like an awesome tool. For a variety of reasons it seems to me CHDK will be more suitable for my skydiving project.

Jonathan

Microfunguy

Jonathan
For a variety of reasons it seems to me CHDK will be more suitable for my skydiving project.

As a matter of interest, what are the reasons ?

David

Jonathan

Yeah, I probably didn't express that right. SDM would probably do just fine, only at this point I got a few things left to sort out before SDM is doing perfect. I got CHDK doing exactly what I want it to now, or, more correctly, you got chdk doing exactly what I want it to. The few SDM related issues that comes to mind though:

I found no user menu feature in the SDM. As i will use only a few of the features this is very valuable.

I built a neoprene case which shows only part of the screen. This was designed to show the User menu I put together with the few features I use from CHDK.

As mentioned, the script used in SDM shot the first image in a burst at automatic shutter speed also when set in tv-mode. No idea why but CHDK did not.

I could not access the regular canon menu when having the SDM installed. It also showed the pictures taken upside down(These to could be fixed I'm sure)

The toggle wheel on my Ixus870 did not work to scroll the menus with in SDM.

I use a mac, which made the installation of CHDK much easier than the SDM (for which I used my girlfriends PC)

I found it more easy to access basic information on how to use CHDK than I did for SDM.

/Jonathan

Microfunguy

OK, those comments are useful.

I found no user menu feature in the SDM.

Although a useful feature for some, this will not be supported by SDM.
It leaves room for other features that are planned.

As mentioned, the script used in SDM shot the first image in a burst at automatic shutter speed also when set in tv-mode. No idea why but CHDK did not.

I will check that.

I could not access the regular canon menu when having the SDM installed. It also showed the pictures taken upside down

The two 'problems' are related.
In Stereo menu, Invert playback Image is selected ... deselect it.
In SDM 1.83, the default value will be deselected.
After you have deselected, you free memory in the Edge Overlay menu item.

In Record mode, you will then be able to use Canon menu .. this is a safety feature that prevents some cameras crashing if both SDM and the Canon firmware require a large amount of memory.

The toggle wheel on my Ixus870 did not work to scroll the menus with in SDM.

No, that is not supported.
No-one has complained but I may look at it.

I use a mac, which made the installation of CHDK much easier than the SDM

Can you describe the exact procedure that you use ?

Jonathan

The statement was based on the info on the SDM installation page, where it was recommended to use a PC for installing, as the installation from a mac could be a bit complicated. So i used my girlfriends PC and downloaded the automatic installation program which worked perfect.

When installing CHDK there is a similar program written for mac that I've used with no complications.

If you like I could make a try installing SDM from my mac and come back. I may not have time for it until sunday though.

Jonathan

Microfunguy

Jonathan
The statement was based on the info on the SDM installation page

Yes, that is because I have no knowledge of the Mac.

If you like I could make a try installing SDM from my mac and come back.

Thanks, I have already asked another Mac user to investigate the various options.
An SDM tester also reminded me that enabling the scroll wheel caused problems with certain cameras.

I will look at the bracketing problem in a day or so.

David

stuart noble

As a recent convert to CHDK, I'd just like to say a big thank you to all the previous posters in this thread, without whom etc etc
My remote cable works fine on the S2 (s2is-100e-0.9.9-875-full) with 2xAAs in a battery holder and a push to make switch. Now I know it works I'll rig up something more sophisticated...one of these days maybe.
In case it helps other beginners, it took me a while to realise that you have to enable remote AND have the remote.bas script loaded AND push the shutter button before it becomes active. Dim or what!

yardleydobon

I once saw a USB remote made from an LED flashlight. I believe it used a magnet as a spacer. He also made a remote with two connectors for a two camera SDM setup. He was selling them as well. I hope this description sounds familiar to someone, because I can't find his site again. Can anyone point me to it? Or could someone recommend a cheap flashlight that is easy to modify?

Edit:
Found it here!

Microfunguy

They are my favourite switch, I use them for stereo.

Thay are very neat.

David

jblc

I'm using the first pre-release of CHDK for the S90 (by ERR99), and have successfully hooked up a USB remote. Just a heads up that it works for the S90, no surprises there, but it's cool to have and hence the report here.

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