Summary of Camera and flash trigger module using arduino
Summary: This project is a camera and flash trigger module for Arduino photographic projects using three 4N26 optocouplers: one to trigger a flash and two to control Canon EOS 40D shutter and focus via its N3 remote plug. The builder salvaged an N3 plug from a remote release, wired the optocouplers to short the common pin to focus or shutter pins, and notes the method applies to other Canon models using simpler plugs.
Parts used in the Camera and flash trigger module:
- Arduino (microcontroller board)
- 3 × 4N26 optocouplers
- Canon N3 remote plug (salvaged from a remote release)
- Wires for connections
- Flash trigger wiring (for flash unit)
- Remote camera trigger module enclosure or prototyping board
Here we go again, here is a picture of the camera and flash trigger module I made for my arduino photographic projects:
It includes three 4N26 optocouplers. One (first one from the left side) to trigger a flash, as I did in the arduino controlled flash trigger project; and two more for triggering my Canon EOS 40D camera.
The trigger mechanism is quite simple in modern EOS cameras, they simply have three pins in the trigger plug, short-circuit one (the common one) with one of the others and the camera will focus, short-circuit the common with the other pin and the camera will take a picture.
My camera has a propietary plug, called N3, so I had to “canibalize” a remote camera trigger I bought somewhere in eBay to take the wire and the plug apart. This is the safest way to check which wire is each one, but you can get the wiring diagram in lots of sites around the Internet. Or you can check the site of Glacial Wanderer, that also this this hack.
This trigger thing can easily be accomplished with other models of Canon cameras (at least with the 350D and sisters, as they use a simple stereo mini-jack plug, easier to get) and may be with other brands too. I made myself a custom remote trigger for my old 350D, even before I knew about arduino
For more detail: Camera and flash trigger module
- How does the trigger module activate the camera focus and shutter?
It uses two optocouplers to short the common pin with one pin for focus and the other pin for shutter on the N3 plug. - Can the same method be used for other Canon models?
Yes, the article states it can easily be accomplished with other Canon models such as the 350D and sisters. - Why was an N3 plug salvaged from a remote release?
Because the camera uses a proprietary N3 plug and salvaging a remote is the safest way to obtain and identify the correct wires. - What component is used to trigger the flash?
The first 4N26 optocoupler is used to trigger the flash. - Does the article provide wiring diagrams?
It says wiring diagrams are available on many sites and suggests checking Glacial Wanderer for the hack. - Is this trigger approach safe for the camera?
The article implies safety by using optocouplers and salvaging the proper remote plug to ensure correct wiring. - Can this module be used with non-Canon cameras?
The article suggests it may work with other brands too, though it specifically confirms Canon models.
