building usb-remote-cable

Microfunguy

user1
Part of schematics of some DIGIC2 camera (attached). RN4983 has 10 V maximum input voltage.

Very interesting.

Do you have other schematics for the Canon cameras ?

Where did you obtain them ?

David

jetzt

Indeed interesting, where to get the schematics, I will etch my own Canon camera board 😁.

PhyrePhoX

can it be assumed that all these chdk cams can withstand 10 V at max then? if yes, this should be added to the wiki and the first post of this thread very fast 😁

fudgey

PhyrePhoX
can it be assumed that all these chdk cams can withstand 10 V at max then? if yes, this should be added to the wiki and the first post of this thread very fast 😁

While the assumption is likely correct, it's not a particularly safe one. It assumes all old and new cameras use the same sort of chip for cable detect and that none of these cameras use the USB supply for anything but cable detect.

The said 10 V is a maximum limit specified at room temperature. Note that a fresh 9 volt alkaline battery voltage is typically about 9.5 V, which is too close to 10 V in my opinion.

PhyrePhoX

hm, ok. so we need those bloody schematics for all the cams... somehow we have to bribe someone at canon... 😁

Aristoc

I have built my usb remote using vine's method. And I want to test it out now. Do I have any worries about camera damage or not ?

The photos of my remote are here...

Need remote shutter release for wheelchair photographer

wrybread

Aristoc - I coudln't really tell from that link how you built yours (yes, I have a short attention span), but I gather from the picture that you used a voltage regulator. I did the same and have been using it absolutely without incident on my S3. I've probably pressed the button 500 times.

Aristoc

Yes I used the voltage regulator and want to use that switch for the a570. I guess we shall test it out soon.

wrybread
Aristoc - I coudln't really tell from that link how you built yours (yes, I have a short attention span), but I gather from the picture that you used a voltage regulator. I did the same and have been using it absolutely without incident on my S3. I've probably pressed the button 500 times.

ssjchar

I have seen USB mics before. do you guys think that there would be a way to integrate those into the chdk? or do those too need some sort of amplifier. i'm thinking that they can just send info to the camera, and once it sends a big chunk of data(if thats what happens during loud noises) then that could be a trigger to take the picture. i really don't know how they work though, and i'm assuming i'm wrong.

PhyrePhoX

please stay on topic, this is about usb remote (as in - hey, there is current/voltage).
by using the search you may have found this thread: USB Audio Input???
it already has grown to a lengthy discussion, as of now there is no way to use usb mics.

edit: ah now i get it, you're thinking that the mic itself doesnt really "talk usb" with the camera, but just "spits out" the needed voltage. i guess a normal usb mic doesnt work, as it needs voltage. a non-usb mic also needs voltage. but by building another device this can be possible.

fudgey

If you just want a loud noise to trigger the camera, you're best off building some sort of a device which has an electret mic connected to a sound level detector and a knob to set a threshold (or if you really want to be advanced, AGC) and switch the USB supply voltage like all other USB remotes.

A_Str8

I've been looking through the wiki and this thread trying to find instructions to make a basic remote trigger cable for my A720. I've had no luck. There are plenty of pictures and discussion of more advanced remotes, but nothing telling me the basics. Can anyone tell me what I need to know or point me in the right direction? I will try to document what i learn to make things easier on other newbies.

Thanks ahead of time

Pauls9

Back to basics, A_Str8:

Here's the simplest circuit:

On this page are pictures of a finished release:

http://ewavr.nm.ru/chdk/remote.htm

And you need to run this script:

@title Remote button
while 1
  wait_click 1
  if is_key "remote" then shoot
wend

end

Notes:

1. For some cameras the single lithium cell doesn't provide enough voltage, hence the discussions about higher voltages and regulators in this thread.
2. You could omit the connector and wire a USB lead directly to the PCB.

Microfunguy

Pauls9
you need to run this script:

You may like to know that with 'StereoData Maker' you do not need to run a script.

As well as a home-made switch you can also use a Ricoh CA-1 http://stereo.jpn.org/eng/sdm/ca1.htm
This focuses on half-press and takes photo on full-press-and-release.

A_Str8

Thanks Pauls. That's exactly what I was looking for

A_Str8

I just created a page on the wiki. Pauls, I hope it's ok that i used your image. As I learn more, I'll try to update the page. Everyone else - feel free to add your knowledge.

USB Remote Cable - CHDK Wiki

ssjchar

that Ricoh CA-1 looks pretty neat. does it only run off a single AAA battery? i wouldn't mind getting one just so i dont have to do any more work, but i assume the cost greatly outweighs the work i'd put into making a usb cable.
on a related note, i bought the wrong type of mini-usb cable for this project and didn't notice until i was all done ripping it apart, ripping up a mini flashlight apart, soldering everything together and hot glueing it all tight. is there a converter to convert one mini usb to the other type of mini usb? i assume i bought a 4 pin instead of a 5 pin.

Microfunguy

ssjchar
that Ricoh CA-1 looks pretty neat. does it only run off a single AAA battery?

Yes, and the pulse voltage is 5V so it reliably triggers any camera.

i assume the cost greatly outweighs the work i'd put into making a usb cable.

I got one yesterday. In the UK it was £16.

is there a converter to convert one mini usb to the other type of mini usb?

The problem is, one also has to be a receptacle (socket) and one a plug.

Very unlikely you can buy that, why would anyone want one .. apart from you ? 😀

This is the sort of thing available :-

http://www.ntcdistributing.com/products/usbcables.htm

Pauls9

A_Str8
I just created a page on the wiki. Pauls, I hope it's ok that i used your image.

Yup - no problem A_Str8.

Heh - if I'd known about the Ricoh CA-1 at the start, I'd have bought it. 😀

drippinsnowman

I have CHDK & SDM compatible, wireless shutter remotes. These are professionaly designed, built to order modules. Assembled transmitter/receiver pair cost $80.00. Just the transmitter or just the receiver cost $50.00 if purchased separately. Shipping depends on where it's getting sent, but I will typically use a flat rate box within the US.

Email: DanielRoy119@gmail.com for photos, or if you are interested in purchasing. I accept PayPal.

Technical Specs:
*Over 100ft wireless range.
*Compatible with SDM Software
*One remote can shutter 1 through 256 cameras simultaneously
*Script coming soon to let wireless remote change the focus, Tv, Av, & ISO settings in CHDK

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