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Using Magic Lantern => General Help Q&A => Topic started by: v1rt on September 06, 2013, 06:51:24 PM

Title: Built-in intervalometer and Arduino
Post by: v1rt on September 06, 2013, 06:51:24 PM
Hey guys,

Is there a way for our Canon camera to send out a signal to Arduino when a shot has been made? The reason I'm asking is because I would like to build a camera slider. Once the Arduino receives the signal, Arduino will execute a code that will move the stepper motor.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Built-in intervalometer and Arduino
Post by: v1rt on September 06, 2013, 07:13:04 PM
Here is what I am going to do once I get home. I'll use a multimeter to test the 3 pins while I'm pressing down the shutter. If I see some voltage change, I can use that as a trigger. I'll keep you posted.
Title: Re: Built-in intervalometer and Arduino
Post by: SDX on September 06, 2013, 08:52:06 PM
There is no voltage change.
#1 is ground,
#2 is half-press and #3 is full press and both are usually loose. When active they are pulled low.
You'll need a pull-up resistor, or just use the Arduino internal ones. Just use input_pullup in pin mode.
Title: Re: Built-in intervalometer and Arduino
Post by: arrinkiiii on September 06, 2013, 09:46:21 PM
This guys use this for timelapse and they connect to the camera http://www.dynamicperception.com/products/mx2-motion-controller  even they got one pack for DIY. I think they connect to the camera with this cable http://www.elysiavisuals.com/content/camera-cable-mx2  i think  the connect is were you connect the intervelometer remote  (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Timer-Intervalometer-Remote-Shutter-Control-For-Canon-5D-II-7D-50D-40D-TC-80N3-K-/281163585242?pt=Camera_Camcorder_Remotes&hash=item4176a7d6da)

With Arduino would be very nice. Keep posting your work  :D
Title: Re: Built-in intervalometer and Arduino
Post by: dmilligan on September 06, 2013, 09:58:01 PM
Toggling the mic power causes a detectable change on the audio input line. Others have exploited this for very similar purposes. I think someone used it to trigger an external audio recorder to sync video/audio or something like that. I tried to search and find the thread but I couldn't find it.
Title: Re: Built-in intervalometer and Arduino
Post by: wolf on September 06, 2013, 10:21:38 PM
@v1rt
It's possible to trigger a stepper motor.
http://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=4577.0
I believe there is no way to script with the actual ML version. You could fetch an older release.
But I think it's also nice to trigger the camera with other hardware, arduino with a little LCD for example like in the link above.

Title: Re: Built-in intervalometer and Arduino
Post by: SDX on September 07, 2013, 12:04:31 AM
Sorry, my post was more or less useless since i was thinking the other way around :P

The following post should cover all your needs. After having done some research i figured that using a USB host shield is by far the easiest solution, since PTP libs are already ported and ready for use. That would allow clean and simple 2way communication.

Read this! http://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=1269.msg22449#msg22449

This is certainly not the first time this is being discussed here. People have tried allot from optocouplers via camera LED to the mentioned audio-out jack thing (which doesn't work on all cameras).
Title: Re: Built-in intervalometer and Arduino
Post by: v1rt on September 07, 2013, 03:18:04 AM
Quote from: wolf on September 06, 2013, 10:21:38 PM
@v1rt
It's possible to trigger a stepper motor.
http://www.magiclantern.fm/forum/index.php?topic=4577.0
I believe there is no way to script with the actual ML version. You could fetch an older release.
But I think it's also nice to trigger the camera with other hardware, arduino with a little LCD for example like in the link above.

Wolf, this is so cool. However, my Canon 50D doesn't have any mic input. It doesn't have support for it.
Title: Re: Built-in intervalometer and Arduino
Post by: v1rt on September 12, 2013, 06:10:37 AM
Hi folks! Here is my BIG update! :D

I decided to build my own intervalometer instead. I've also incorporated the triggering of the shutter using an opto isolator. Here is a video taken few minutes ago :)