building usb-remote-cable

thepanoguy

@ Super_Dork_42

We all live busy lives; no-one is going to waste time reading torch specifications because you are too tight to part with some cash.

I am a qualified electrician who worked with commercial electronics. I have also many years of experience interfacing electronic equipment into mains voltages.

As fvdk said building equipment and getting it to work reliably for an application is not as easy as it looks. There are many sites on the net with instructions on learning basic soldering and electronics. I would suggest that if you want to build equipment learn the basics, otherwise purchase the equipment ready made.

I have an oscilloscope and a digital voltmeter to work with; even then difficulties arise. Off the shelf components do not work reliably when modified to be used for an application they were not designed for. That is why you pay a premium for photographic equipment - RELIABILITY FOR THE APPLICATION.

The torches available in my locality, Perth, Western Australia are not suitable as a cable remote. The switches cannot be de-bounced. Once you consider the amount of work required, it is easier to go to Jaycar and purchase a quality switch, a plastic box and a cell holder.

The remote doorbells available in Australia generate erratic waveforms and not suitable for camera remote control. The Jaycar unit when modified produces a clean waveform and works reliably.

I spent a few hours tracing the circuit, observing the waveform, modified and unmodified. The unit has been tested using a Canon S3IS. The first press turns on the camera, second press zooms the lens, double press as per the CHDK instructions, takes a photo. With extra electronics and a little modification of the hand remote it will probably take repetitive photos.

For anyone contemplating using the Jaycar unit it will take them at the most 15 minutes to dismantle the unit, carry out the modifications and assemble.

Considering that Jaycar sells the units for $5.00AUD; you will not find a cheaper remote control.

Super_Dork_42

Didn't mean to offend, it is just that I am a waiter and so I don't make a lot of money. That's why I wanted to build it myself as cheaply as possible. Now that I know there is no possible way with what I have, I will just forget about it and use the timer.
Sorry. My comment wasn't meant as sarcasm.

Microfunguy

No offence, but without soldering equipment I do not see a way of doing this.

This is good value ... Ebay item # 250644120689

That will work straight out of the box.

Super_Dork_42

Well, just broke down and got some soldering equipment new on ebay for like US $2.50. So, I guess the next purchase would be the light from you, franz.
Also, for everyone's information, I looked up the batteries in this light : http://www.ledlight.com/1-led-flashlight-low-profile.aspx
It will not work as they are 1.5v. So, if you are thinking about that one, think again.
Also, @microfunguy, are you sure? It runs on a single AAA battery. Is that enough voltage?

Super_Dork_42

Well, I was wrong about the batteries. I stacked them up and touched the wires to them, AND THEY WORKED! I guess I tried them too late inside the light, but now that I know, I will definitely buy another and make it. As soon as my soldering iron comes, I will solder the cable, which is a 15 ft, not a 25 ft (just a typo on my part, people) to the contacts in the remote and then, as soon as I can figure out how, I will post pictures of the project all the way through with notations inserted with ms paint. It will be a how-to that will be more in-depth than I have seen anywhere else.

Super_Dork_42

Well, the soldering iron is going to take a while to get here, so I am just going th post a link to my pictures of my temporary remote build, using the batteries from that flashlight.

http://www.lbpcentral.com/forums/album.php?albumid=1573

Yes, I love Little Big Planet. Shut up about it.

Microfunguy

Super_Dork_42
@microfunguy, are you sure? It runs on a single AAA battery. Is that enough voltage?

I am more than sure, I am absolutely certain.

The electronics steps-up the 1.5V to 5V.

That is called a 'boost converter'.

Super_Dork_42

Cool, although now I don't need it. Also, through a mix-up @ the bank, I can't afford it anyway.

Super_Dork_42

My soldering equipment arrived yesterday, so now I am able, as soon as I get paid again, to make it.
Finally.

Super_Dork_42

Just got paid, now to get the light and make it! (with pictures of course)
EDIT : GRRRR
Now the soldering iron burned out on the first test, right after I tinned the tip!
I may never finish this. >🙁

Super_Dork_42

Well, they are sending me another soldering iron for free, so I guess that part is solved, just have to wait two or three weeks for it to get here, leaving me plenty of time to go buy a light.

fvdk

Super_Dork_42
Well, they are sending me another soldering iron for free, so I guess that part is solved, just have to wait two or three weeks for it to get here, leaving me plenty of time to go buy a light.

If I remember well, you have one of these lying around. If so, you could even do it without any soldering, I just tried and it works but I think it is a crappy solution. For the picture I held the cable in place with some gum.

Frans

Super_Dork_42

Actually, I had one, but those pesky screws stripped themselves, so it wouldn't work anymore, as the particular model I was dealing with needed the pressure of the closed case to make electrical contact. I am for sure either going to buy the one from you, Frans, or get another one of the one you are talking about in the picture. Also, what is up with the login difficulties?!
P.S. I was trying to do the exact thing you showed there, dear Frans, when my light pooped out on me. See how I could do it like that, but reinforce the connections with a little wire glue? That is what I was proposing early on.

Super_Dork_42

On an unrelated note
NEVER BRING CONFETTI TO A PARTY AT A RESTAURANT!
That is all.

Super_Dork_42

On another unrelated note, how do you change your avatar? I have an awesome one I want to put up there, but I don't know how.

Super_Dork_42

Okay, for those of you shopping at Target, DO NOT get this light. The led is not removable, as I found out the hard way. The batteries are workable but you cannot use the housing, so skip it.

fvdk

I made a small PCB (50x14mm) for a remote with external port.
The external port can be used to attach a standard Canon Wireless remote or interval timer

http://cgi.ebay.nl/Wireless-Remote-Control-WRSII-for-Canon-1000D-550D-500D-/180534384281?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Camera_Camcorder_Remotes&hash=item2a08b01699

If anyone is interested, I sell these for US$ 10.- (assembled + batteries but without USB cable)
Worldwide priority airmail shipping is US$ 2.-

If you need plugs to make your own cable, I can include them for US$ 0.70 each

Frans

Super_Dork_42

Nice. But what does the button there do?

fvdk

Super_Dork_42
Nice. But what does the button there do?

The button is there so you can use it as a regular CHDK / SDM remote as well.
Connecting a wireless remote to the port is an option but not needed.

Frans

Super_Dork_42

Well, fvdk. I have decided to buy that light from you. I am sick of spending money only to find another light that doesn't work. If you could send me an e-mail with instructions on how to get the payment to you, I would appreciate it.

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