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Lightning

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Offline Microfunguy

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Re: Lightning
« Reply #30 on: 28 / June / 2010, 10:11:38 »
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Because the first two transistors comprises an oscillator.

An oscillator output  is an alternating voltage.
« Last Edit: 28 / June / 2010, 13:47:31 by Microfunguy »
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Offline CanonBlue

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Re: Lightning
« Reply #31 on: 28 / June / 2010, 12:50:54 »
@kachar--

Actually, now you've got me thinking more and more about getting another camera. Do you think an A640 is a good one to start with if I want to be able to use things like wide-angle lenses and ND filters? I've never used anything more advanced than my SD1100 so I don't know that much about the differences between more advanced cameras. I have the general impression that DSLR's are too big and heavy and expensive for me, but if there are smaller and lighter and cheaper cameras that still take lens filters (and maybe have a better zoom) that might be worth it.

Living in a city with huge skyscrapers for the first time, I find myself really wishing for a wide angle lens, even though I don't really know how well it would turn out.

Thanks for all the advice everyone! (Clear skies still, so no more tries on lightning yet.)
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I use the chdk on my SX230 and SD1100 cameras, and I installed them using a Macbook, currently running 10.6.8.
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Offline kachar

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Re: Lightning
« Reply #32 on: 28 / June / 2010, 15:05:59 »
CanonBlue

A640 + CHDK will give you all you need! Of course there are other Powershots that allow full manual control but, to me, the A640 is a solid trusted workhorse with pretty good IQ, and with an adapter you may screw on anything that fits! But, with the adapter plus whatever, forget about pocketing ... it's even a bit big and heavy without add-ons. Four AA batteries are heavy but sooo convenient and long lasting.

Drawback to many would be lack of IS. A650 has that, but ... more money and all plastic body that leaked light and was recalled for a fix. A630 would be OK, (8MP sibling to A640).

Look in Imaging Resource and DP Review to read all you need to know. Imaging Resource has a "Comparometer" to see different camera images side by side ... very useful.

Remember --- an automatic camera controls you; you control a truly manual camera.  ;) ;)

Ahh - decisions, decisions!

« Last Edit: 28 / June / 2010, 15:07:56 by kachar »
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Offline colinbm

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Re: Lightning
« Reply #33 on: 28 / June / 2010, 20:21:19 »
Microfunguy
Well that is interesting, Thanks.
Col
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Offline thepanoguy

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Re: Lightning
« Reply #34 on: 30 / June / 2010, 10:01:32 »
@colinbm,

I just had some time to read the posts. The circuit you used has been used by a number professional photographers and used as a front end for micro-controller inputs. I have not read any negative reports about the circuit.

Silicon Chip magazine have addressed the following a few times, especially with amplifier building.  For some stupid reason manufacturers using the same part number use a different transistor pin-out. You can have BCE, ECB, EBC, CBE. If your circuit is not oscillating check your transistor pin-out with Jaycar. If they can tell you the manufacturer check on at http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/ for the pin-out. I would suggest that you search by the part number for pin-out variations.     
« Last Edit: 30 / June / 2010, 10:12:18 by thepanoguy »
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Offline colinbm

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Re: Lightning
« Reply #35 on: 30 / June / 2010, 10:09:45 »
Thank you thepanoguy
Will do :-)
Col
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Offline thepanoguy

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Re: Lightning
« Reply #36 on: 02 / July / 2010, 01:46:01 »
If you are contemplating building any of the RF lightning detector circuits circulating on the internet, the following link contains a RF probe circuit for testing the RF lightning detector.

http://sound.westhost.com/project74.htm
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Offline colinbm

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Re: Lightning
« Reply #37 on: 02 / July / 2010, 05:17:01 »
Thanks thepanoguy
"Same part number use a different transistor pin-out. You can have BCE, ECB, EBC, CBE."

OK I have some info here.
Jaycar local shop can't help, "We are not Techs".
But I purchased a new Digital Multi-Meter with transistor & capacitor testing too.

The original board & the first choice of transistors I haven't checked yet, legs now too short :-)
I will have a look at them when next at the shop.

The second board & second choice of transistors has blown transistors (must be me ) but the one spare is CBE from the flat side. So to rescue this board I need to get some more transistors.

The third choice of transistors have EBC from the flat side.
So thanks for making me aware of this.

The RF probe I will make, as I probably have most of the bits now.
It will be nice to see what is happening.

Cheers
Col

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Offline colinbm

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Re: Lightning
« Reply #38 on: 03 / July / 2010, 07:47:33 »
Thanks guys
I have a new Lightning Detector now, same as before but with the last choice of transistors that 'are' EBC from the flat side.
With the AC range on the multi I am getting 6.8 volts AC at TP1.
TP2 I am getting 6 volts DC, but it quickly drops to zero, until I retouch the point ?
The intersection of R3, TR2 & C4 is 8.9 volts AC & fluctuates up to 5 volts DC ??

Now for the RF probe.
Then next week Gregg's SD card should arrive & more testing in camera, fingers crossed :-)
Cheers
Col
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Offline thepanoguy

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Re: Lightning
« Reply #39 on: 03 / July / 2010, 11:20:53 »
@colinbm,
Judging by the circuit diagram, I would say you are within operating parameters. I would suggest that you go near a running motor car and measure the AC voltages. I was say that the AC voltage would be constant at the high end. If you can convert the the output at the buzzer point through a 555 timer to create a continuous square wave that may be an ideal continuous rapid shoot shutter trigger. One of the programmers may know what the ideal square wave timing would be.   
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