DIY electo-Shutter Trigger

[enigma]

Been having problems with my servo hitting the button consistently lately. Here's my fix: First, some cameras can be very tricky to re-assemble, taking them apart is easy! This Olympus is super easy, here's how to do it. Seperate the cases and locate the shutter button, remove the "cap, rubber and pressure plate. Solder a wire to the center and one side tab, being very careful not to bridge the contacts, they are very close together. Pick an exit location for the wires, preferably not one that has a tab in the way (oops :oops: ) or you'll have an extra hole. Now take the servo that used to push (sometimes) the shutter and mount a switch to it, cutting a notch in the servo wheel for the switch lever. Attach the two wires from the shutter to the switch, plug the switch into your radio and set end points and trims. It works best with a momentary switch or in this case a gimbal. Done, no more missed shots or camera movement from the servo pressure. Word of caution: The condensor in these things holds a lot of energy, be very careful not to short anything out, even with the batteries out they can pack a huge punch (ask me how I know!). Hope this helps someone, it made my life much easier, until my wife gets home and sees the wires sticking out of the camera :shock:

[AZ ChopperCam]

some intricate work. once you've gone this far you should consider using an e-switch and drop the servo all together. you're 99% there already.

you've got some steady hands!

I've been considering opening up my Nikon L1 and working some magic like this.

[enigma]

Haven't seen an e-switch, I had a relay hooked up but couldn't get the signal to trigger it.
you've got some steady hands!
Actually I was shaking like crazy!! I tried it on my old camera first, it was much harder to access though. I had to rest my wrist on the bench, I'm on lots of meds so that doesn't help much :oops: Eventually I do want to lose the servo, lately though all of my projects have been based on what's available around the house :lol:
Edit: I just realized my pics are in reverse order :lol:

[enigma]

I'm going to try this: http://www.uoguelph.ca/~antoon/gadgets/rc-sw.htm

[phil007]

I'm going to try this: http://www.uoguelph.ca/~antoon/gadgets/rc-sw.htm
Also take a look at this Quad e-Switch (http://www.webberaerialimaging.com/products.html), it's easier than building your own.

Phil

[askman]

I also have rc flysoft single and dual switch. about 20 bucks. for single

[dreslism]

Yeah, get the askman rc flysoft. I have used one in the past on my first aiptek camera many years ago, and I just bought another for my rebel xt.


It's like $20 shipped to your door.

It has some programable features also.

[AZ ChopperCam]

man.... spent the last 1.5 hours tearing into my Nikon Coolpix L1. Took me nearly 20 minutes just to crack the case open without damaging it.

One inside I had to do some seriously delicate work. Managed to solder some small guage wires to the switch. It has a circuit where both the half push for focus and full push needs to be closed together at the same time or the shutter will not snap. I jumped the focus and snap together and it works fine. I don't need the half step for focus anyhow. took some tricky soldering but I managed.

On mine I didn't tear into the stock button but rather soldered small wires to the mounts for the button as shown by the yellow arrows (shown in your photo below). This retain stock function with the button.

all done. I now have two small wires exiting the L1 where the wrist strap would go. a very clean install that I am happy with.

just placed an order with Askman for the switch.

Can't wait to ditch the servo!!!!!

[enigma]

Funny, I went back in for the focus jump as well, but I wasn't as smooth this time, good thing it was a fairly cheap camera cause i let the magic smoke out. :arggg: :arggg: Anyone have a cheap camera they are willing to part with? I'm out of business until a certain realtor decides to write a check. Help :oops: