USB shutter release signal? DIY?

[CardBoardBoxProcessor]

Hello, I was wondering how the signal in the USB triggers work. I see diagrams labeling what pin does what as far as the USB cable is concerned. To cause the shutter to fire do I simply complete the circuit between the shutter wire and the ground wire? any specific voltage?

[Jack Dahlgren]

If you are doing DYI the typical 10 pin connector is likely to be easier that working with USB, unless you are familiar with USB.
The 10 pin is simple - just short pin 4 to pin 6.

Here is the pinout:
1 – Data receive
2 – Battery voltage
3 – +5V regulated, meter on
4 – Shutter release signal Fully depressed release button
5 – Shutter Release Pulse to Second Camera
6 – Signal Ground
7 – Power Ground
8 – Data transmit
9 – Activate signal. Half depressed release button
10 – Not connected

This article is a good place to get started and has a pinout diagram:

http://www.alldigi.com/2010/04/making-a-nikon-camera-remote-control-release/

[Seapy]

Hello, I was wondering how the signal in the USB triggers work.

A simple way would be to buy a cheap USB release unit and disassemble, maybe use some of the connections.  I haven't done this with a USB release, I suspect you would need an oscilloscope to identify the signals, in order to understand and replicate them.  I very much doubt it will be a matter of shorting two of the USB wires from the camera.  You may be able to make a connection in the remote release and do it from there.  I would expect a signal to be generated to change the 'state' of the release command from low to high.  Bit like sending a Morse code message rather than simply pressing a bell push.

Remember there is the half release (focus etc.) and full (shutter) release.

[richardHaw]

A simple way would be to buy a cheap USB release unit and disassemble, maybe use some of the connections.  I haven't done this with a USB release, I suspect you would need an oscilloscope to identify the signals, in order to understand and replicate them.  I very much doubt it will be a matter of shorting two of the USB wires from the camera.  You may be able to make a connection in the remote release and do it from there.  I would expect a signal to be generated to change the 'state' of the release command from low to high.  Bit like sending a Morse code message rather than simply pressing a bell push.

Remember there is the half release (focus etc.) and full (shutter) release.

this is what I am doing right now. I wanted to make a grip for my Df 

[Seapy]

this is what I am doing right now. I wanted to make a grip for my Df 

Hope you are writing it up with some pictures too, please. 

I'm not currently interested in USB release because my main cameras are all ten pin but would be very interesting.  I did make a sensor based release some years ago but didn't really get beyond development stage.   

[Erik Lund]

Just for info.:
Here is how we did it by using a remote control and relocating the IR emitter to the grip on a Nikon 1V1
http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php/topic,479.msg3580.html#msg3580

[Seapy]

Thank you Erik, fascinating!   

[Erik Lund]

Thanks Yes the rest of that thread is also quite a fun re-read, modifying the FT1 for adapted MF lenses,,,

[CardBoardBoxProcessor]

Thanks for the advice. Got a sound sensor firing the camera via optocoupler now. Really nice and simple