Check out how the Camera Trigger operates in more detail and what components are used for its operation. We explain how the signal connections are made, how different parts of the device work and in general how the Gizmo is built. By using these comments and schematic descriptions you can make your own cables and sensors that could help you make better pictures and use the Gizmo in applications we never thought could be possible.

 

There are several Hardware aspects of the Camera Trigger that any user should know about. Below we shall describe this aspects and explain the pin-outs, operation and other areas of operation.

Powering the device

One of the first things that the person who made the wish had as a criteria was for the device to be at-least Weather resistant and have some stamina to water and rough weather. Having this in mind we couldn't place any normal power switch on the device and the Water resistant switches that were on the market were simply to expensive to implement. So instead we used a different approach. The Gizmo's power switch is a "Reed Switch" or simply a magnetic switch as shown on the picture below.

The magnet is placed on the circle named "Power" on the front of the device, powering it for as long as needed. The magnet is composed of Neodymium/Iron/Boron (NdFeB), meaning that it will stay there for as long as required with a strong grip to the metallic plating on the back side of the enclosure.

LCD

The device uses a 128x64 Back-lit graphical LCD for operations in the dark as well as in bright sunny areas. Graphical LCD's help in rich User Interfaces as well as ease of navigation and understanding of menus available for the user.

Connections

The camera trigger has the following connections for sensors and camera control:

• 1 x Light Sensor (input)
• 2 x Microphones (input)
• 1 x General use Digital (input & output)
• 1 x General use Digital & Analog (input & output)
• 2 x Camera (output)
• 3 x Flash (output)

Below is an illustration with location of each sensor on the enclosure:

All inputs (except for the General use connections) are specifically designed for sensors they are named after. The reason for this is to eliminate the need for additional external components. Also sensors such as Microphones require amplification so that is also included in the Gizmo internally.

Light Sensor

You can see below the pin-outs for the Light Sensor connector and the part of the schematic which is responsible for this operation.

As you can see from the schematic, it doesn't have to be any specific sensor for sensing light but you can make one your self to suit your needs since the circuitry is more or less universal for most applications. The sensor that we have available in our shop measures light intensity but any sort of reaction from light, such as an interrupter could be very easily implemented.

Microphone Sensor

Below is the diagram for the Microphone connections to the Camera Trigger and a partial schematic of the preamp used for the sound triggering applications.

You can see the full schematic for this part of the device (or for the entire device) in our Download section.

General Use Digital & Analog inputs

Except for the sensors we have in our shop you can also use any other sensor you can think of for the Camera Trigger. We have included 2 general purpose inputs on the device so that you can use sensors such as a simple push switch or something more complicated that uses I2C interface (thus the 2 inputs).

These signals come directly from the micro-controller so if you are going to use an I2C sensor then don't forget to externally include the 2 10k or 4.7k resistors on both signals and have them pulled high. One of the signals is to be used only for Digital applications such as an "ON - OFF" switch or a serial interface where the other one can be used for Analog interfacing since the signal comes from the RA3 pin on the micro-controller which already has a Analog to Digital converter.

Camera Control

There are 2 available outputs for controlling 2 separate cameras on the Camera Trigger. Both connections can control not only Shutter but also Focus signals for the camera, below is the diagram for the pin-outs on these connectors:

We have a large variety of plugs for different types of cameras for this Gizmo, allowing you to use same or different type of cameras at the same time without needing to change the cable. Different Timings and Burst modes among other features are available for camera control and is explained in the Software Description of this Gizmo.

Flash Control

Among other requests of the person who made the wish was to have multiple Flash connections for different types of setup and configurations. There are 3 available Flash outputs on the Gizmo and you can control up to 3 external Flash units separately or simultaneously, depending on the configuration you set up on the device.

The signals are controlled through internal circuitry on the device, allowing your Flash or Camera units to stay safe without damaging you expensive equipment in case of malfunction.

Remote Control

As an additional piece of equipment for the Camera Trigger we offer a small, Key-Fob remote control which was especially designed for this Gizmo.

The remote control has 3 buttons for controlling different modes of the user interface such as triggering the camera, starting or stopping countdowns among functions. The remote operates on a single Coin Cell battery and has a very low power consumption which makes it ideal for long term operations.

Buttons

There are 3 available buttons on the device. They are completely waterproof and conveniently spaced apart for use with gloves in winter time. Only 3 buttons are available simply due to lack of available signals on the micro-controller and with the help of simple menus and entering techniques 3 buttons is all you shall ever need for controlling and navigating through the user interface of the device.

Battery

The Camera Trigger Gizmo uses a 9v standard battery, available from any shop. The entire enclosure of the Gizmo is watertight and the compartment for the battery is also sealed with rubber sealing to ensure it's safety.

USB

There is a USB plug on the front side of the Camera Trigger. The connector is completely Water-proof for external applications. The USB connection is intended for Firmware upgrades and connecting the Gizmo to a computer for external control.