Author Topic: USB shutter release signal? DIY?  (Read 2615 times)

CardBoardBoxProcessor

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USB shutter release signal? DIY?
« on: March 22, 2018, 03:07:42 »
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

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Re: USB shutter release signal? DIY?
« Reply #1 on: March 22, 2018, 04:10:42 »
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

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Re: USB shutter release signal? DIY?
« Reply #2 on: March 22, 2018, 08:22:59 »
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.
Robert C. P.
South Cumbria, UK

richardHaw

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Re: USB shutter release signal? DIY?
« Reply #3 on: March 22, 2018, 08:44:29 »
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  :o :o :o

Seapy

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Re: USB shutter release signal? DIY?
« Reply #4 on: March 22, 2018, 09:07:08 »
this is what I am doing right now. I wanted to make a grip for my Df  :o :o :o

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

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.   ::)
Robert C. P.
South Cumbria, UK

Erik Lund

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Re: USB shutter release signal? DIY?
« Reply #5 on: March 22, 2018, 09:31:05 »
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
Erik Lund

Seapy

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Re: USB shutter release signal? DIY?
« Reply #6 on: March 22, 2018, 09:53:31 »
Thank you Erik, fascinating!   ;D
Robert C. P.
South Cumbria, UK

Erik Lund

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Re: USB shutter release signal? DIY?
« Reply #7 on: March 22, 2018, 10:51:21 »
Thanks ;) Yes the rest of that thread is also quite a fun re-read, modifying the FT1 for adapted MF lenses,,,
Erik Lund

CardBoardBoxProcessor

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Re: USB shutter release signal? DIY?
« Reply #8 on: April 05, 2018, 15:07:57 »
Thanks for the advice. Got a sound sensor firing the camera via optocoupler now. Really nice and simple