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SD940/IXUS120 Turn off backlight/lcd while using time lapse

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SD940/IXUS120 Turn off backlight/lcd while using time lapse
« on: 14 / August / 2012, 19:43:38 »
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Hello, I just recently purchased an AC adapter for my 940, and I would like take long time lapse shots with it. However, I want to be able to turn off the LCD, or at least the backlight, to keep the camera from getting too hot and risking damage.

So far I've read ways to create scripts to turn off backlights, but it is to my understanding that I can only run one script at a time. 

I have also read that people plug a dummy plug into the AV out to turn it off. However, mine only has a mini HDMI port, and that does not turn off the display.

Is there any solution to this?

Thank you!

Re: SD940/IXUS120 Turn off backlight/lcd while using time lapse
« Reply #1 on: 14 / August / 2012, 19:48:45 »
However, I want to be able to turn off the LCD, or at least the backlight, to keep the camera from getting too hot and risking damage.  So far I've read ways to create scripts to turn off backlights, but it is to my understanding that I can only run one script at a time. 
You can add a single line to any time lapse script to turn off the backlight.   Speaking from experience, I'd be surprised if you notice the heat from the SD940 backlight but don't let that stop you.  The script function you are looking for is :

link > set_backlight()

Ported :   A1200    SD940   G10    Powershot N    G16

Re: SD940/IXUS120 Turn off backlight/lcd while using time lapse
« Reply #2 on: 14 / August / 2012, 21:43:50 »
The script I'm using is the ultimate invtervalometer. Do I want to edit the ult_intrvl.bas file and just add that function (set_backlight(x)) anywhere in the script with value 0/1?

-edit-
This is what it currently looks like

Quote
rem Author - Keoeeit
rem Written for S-Series
rem Should be okay on others
rem Use Endless mode with caution
rem See documentation for important info
rem first version
@title Ultra Intervalometer
@param a Delay 1st Shot (Mins)
@default a 0
@param b Delay 1st Shot (Secs)
@default b 0
@param c Number of Shots
@default c 5
@param d Interval (Minutes)
@default d 0
@param e Interval (Seconds)
@default e 0
@param f Interval (10th Seconds)
@default f 5
@param g Endless? No=0 Yes=1
@default g 0
p=a*60000+b*1000
t=d*60000+e*1000+f*100
if c<1 then let c=5
if t<100 then let t=100
if g<0 then let g=0
if g>1 then let g=1
if p<0 then let p=0
z=t*c
y=p+z
print "1 Cycle Time:", y/60000; "min", y%60000/1000; "sec"
goto "interval"
:interval
  if p>0 then gosub "pause"
  print "Shot 1 of", c
  shoot     
  if c=1 then end
  for n=2 to c
  sleep t
  print "Shot", n, "of", c
  shoot
  next n
  if g=1 then goto "interval" else end
:pause
  n=(a*60)+b
  for m=1 to n
  q=n-m
  print "Intvl Begins:", q/60; "min", q%60; "sec"
  sleep 930
  next m
  return
« Last Edit: 14 / August / 2012, 21:51:08 by trdsupragt »

Re: SD940/IXUS120 Turn off backlight/lcd while using time lapse
« Reply #3 on: 14 / August / 2012, 21:50:25 »
The script I'm using is the ultimate invtervalometer. Do I want to edit the ult_intrvl.bas file and just add that function (set_backlight(x)) anywhere in the script with value 0/1?
Please post a link to exactly which script you downloaded.  There are a lot of them out there with that name.

Ported :   A1200    SD940   G10    Powershot N    G16


Re: SD940/IXUS120 Turn off backlight/lcd while using time lapse
« Reply #4 on: 14 / August / 2012, 22:02:31 »
It's been quite some time and I can't quite remember which it was, but I want to say it was from this page, and Version 1

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/UBASIC/Scripts:_Ultra_Intervalometer

Re: SD940/IXUS120 Turn off backlight/lcd while using time lapse
« Reply #5 on: 14 / August / 2012, 22:24:15 »
It's been quite some time and I can't quite remember which it was, but I want to say it was from this page, and Version 1

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/UBASIC/Scripts:_Ultra_Intervalometer
</rant on>
I just looked at that script for the first time in detail.  We probably owe an apology to the CHDK community for continuing to call it the "Ultra Intervalometer".   It really does no more - and no more accurately - than the simple intervalometer script that comes with the base CHDK install. There are many better and more sophisticated intervalometer scripts posted on the wikia.
</rant off>

So,  to turn off your LCD with this script,  here's what the middle of the code portion of the script needs to look like :

Code: [Select]
...
 print "1 Cycle Time:", y/60000; "min", y%60000/1000; "sec"
 goto "interval"
 :interval
   if p&gt;0 then gosub "pause"
   print "Shot 1 of", c
   shoot
rem ********new code for backlight************************   
       sleep 2000
       set_backlight 0
 rem ****************************************************   
   if c=1 then end
   for n=2 to c
   sleep t
   print "Shot", n, "of", c
   shoot
rem ********new code for backlight************************
       sleep 2000
       set_backlight 0
rem **********************************************   
   next n
   if g=1 then goto "interval" else end
 :pause
   n=(a*60)+b
   for m=1 to n
   q=n-m
   print "Intvl Begins:", q/60; "min", q%60; "sec"
   sleep 930
   next m
   return

The rem statements are just there so that you can see what I have changed

Ported :   A1200    SD940   G10    Powershot N    G16

Re: SD940/IXUS120 Turn off backlight/lcd while using time lapse
« Reply #6 on: 14 / August / 2012, 23:27:19 »
That did it! Thanks so much for your help. At first it wasn't working, but after a few seconds, it turned off the backlight and began taking shots.  I shined a flashlight into it and could see that it was still working.  Thanks again!


You also mentioned that there were better scripts. Are there any that you suggest?

Thanks

Re: SD940/IXUS120 Turn off backlight/lcd while using time lapse
« Reply #7 on: 14 / August / 2012, 23:33:47 »
That did it! Thanks so much for your help. At first it wasn't working, but after a few seconds, it turned off the backlight and began taking shots. 
You could also add a
Code: [Select]
set_backlight 0near the start of the script to turn it off right away.  But it turns back on after every shoot command, which is why I put the changes where you see them.

Quote
You also mentioned that there were better scripts. Are there any that you suggest?
That's a bit like asking me what color you should paint your kitchen :-X

Try this search link .. lots of things to see there : http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/index.php?search=intervalometer&fullt
Ported :   A1200    SD940   G10    Powershot N    G16


 

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