Waterwingz, Update:I'm running into a problem using usb remote with a pair of A1200s, one modified to shoot IR. The Remote parameters are set: Enable Remote, on; Switch Type, OnePush; Control Mode, Normal; Enable Synch, on.
Sounds about right.
I have a timer circuit that makes the 5v circuit, currently set for every 4 sec, so takes image every 8 sec.
So its a square wave - 5V on for 4 seconds, 0V for the other 4 seconds ? Any way to make that 5V for 6 seconds, 0v for 2 seconds ? (see below)
However, the cameras are not triggering in synch, looks like one is a pulse off. I used similar setup (but older CHDK) with A490/495 pair. Sometimes ran into same problem, but got to work, not sure how. See processed result at:
http://mapknitter.org/map/view/ewb-regional-cal-poly-ndvi
I think that the most likely issue here is focus lock. If the camera does not successfully get focus (&exposure) lock during the 4 second half press, it may not take a picture when the 5V is removed. This is an aerial application and your timer circuit allows just 4 seconds for the camera to lock focus for each shot. Also, I have no idea if the IR mod makes this even more difficult ?
So first of all, make absolutely sure you have the Canon focus mechanism setup correctly. You definitely need "
Servo AF" turned
OFF! Its probably also a good idea to set
AF Frame to
Normal and
AF Frame Size to
Small. This could explain how you got things to work in the past.
If that doesn't clean things up, you can use a script to set the focus and lock it a few seconds into your fllght. You can then operate the shutter under script control (with AE lock as well) on the falling edge of the USB signal - but I'll need to check the code to make sure the "sync" function still works. Alternately, it might be possible to have the script issue an "Exit Alt" command to allow normal timed shooting to continue - I need to look into that too to make sure focus stays locked in that mode.
You can also set focus lock manually with the Canon buttons. Point the camera(s) off into the distance and press the "left/flower" button after first "half pressing & holding" the shutter release button. You will see the letter AFL appear in yellow on the Canon OSD if you do it right.
If you can change the power pulse duty cycle as mentioned above, that could help too.
I'm looking for troubleshooting help and a reliable startup/turn on sequence so can reliably get the cameras to shoot together.
Why are you thinking this is a startup/turn on sequence issue? Are you just guessing that the sync problem is always with the first shot or can you tell that for sure from the pixs? If so, it might still be a focus problem, but it might be something different I guess.