High speed flash remote

I am considering making some experiments with high speed photo, and I've seen this link: https://petapixel.com/2017/05/10/build-simple-sound-trigger-high-speed-photos-arduino/ Has someone of you built one of these?

Thx for the update Hope you get it done successfully!

I have built a unit, based on the Arduino, that reacts to light, sound, distance/range and movement. It also has an intervalometer, and a water solenoid controller. If you are interested, I can give you further details.

Piranha215 wrote:

I have built a unit, based on the Arduino, that reacts to light, sound, distance/range and movement. It also has an intervalometer, and a water solenoid controller. If you are interested, I can give you further details.

I am sure that not just me but everyone would be interested in knowing more about your project. It seems great. I don't know if I will be able of using your info to get a working unit but probably I will try

Thanks!

Here are a couple of my early results. Needless to say, these got me very excited and encouraged me to persevere with the project. I would like fellow photographers to give me subject ideas outside the sphere of water drops and balloons, so that we can get more people interested in this topic.

I must say that having the speed response to capture a balloon popping, without requiring water to add inertia, makes this a hobby that can be done in any setting. You don't need a wet lab.

It's very interesting material. You may be interested in working with firecrackers

Thank you for that suggestion. I could use the sound activation.

Hope you'll show us the results soon

This unit turned out to be so successful and versatile that I planned on releasing it as a product. Unfortunately, one of the sensors went obsolete, or at least its footprint did, and I had to abandon the idea. I had a website ready for the launch, which you can view at www.snaperturepro.com

Thx!

Hi Boblug,

The sensor in question is the HC-SR04 Ultrasonics Range-finder. My case was designed around the original footprint and I hit a wall when all the suppliers altered their mounting method. It was a total show-stopper, however I believe I may have located a source for the originals. I would consider resurrecting the product but there is no immediate need. I developed it alone so don't owe money to investors or group-funders.

My prototype unit was housed in Radio Shack project box and was definitely not attractive or convenient to use. I still use it to test code, since it houses an Arduino and I can upload code to it.

Thank you for your kind comments.

Yes, they are readily available, however not with the original mounting hole arrangement. There are now four mounting holes, one in each corner, and they are of a tiny diameter. They even are coated with solder internally, since they have through hole plating, further reducing the diameter. You will see pictures of the original units for sale, only to find they are now the useless second generation circuit boards. Believe me, I have bought dozens of these on the promise that they are as shown on the website, only to be frustrated and disappointed.

The size of my unit is defined by the keypad and the LCD display. I have thought about replacing both with a phone app, but that leaves me vulnerable to changes in third party products. I think a GUI would take away the mS resolution, without gaining anything except size reduction. I realise some may see this as a disadvantage but if you had ever held one of these units, you would feel how well-balanced and ergonomically contoured it is. You almost don't feel it in your hand.

Piranha215 wrote:

This unit turned out to be so successful and versatile that I planned on releasing it as a product. Unfortunately, one of the sensors went obsolete, or at least its footprint did, and I had to abandon the idea. I had a website ready for the launch, which you can view at www.snaperturepro.com

Your web site could do without irritating popups that appear on just about every page view.

Thank you for that input. I will see to it.

boblug wrote:

I see, that's unfortunate. Could you possibly clamp the edges of the circuit board instead. Of course means a redesign but you have a nice device so its a shame to stop the project.

Could you just leave that section out even?

As for the size it is fine I just wondered if you considered it.

Thank you for acknowledging that this is a nice device. I honestly believe that is has more functionality than anything on the market at the moment. Added to that, I am in a unique position of having no employees, creditors or crowd-funders. I am under no pressure to produce and sell these units, however it would be nice to see my product getting the recognition it deserves. A couple of years ago my wife and I retired to Italy and live a sedate, quiet life here.

Recently I contacted the designer of these sensors and was able to procure some with the original board layout. I had them shipped to the US, and my daughter sent me photographs confirming they are indeed the units that will fit my instrument case. I will be in Colorado in December, for her wedding, and will incorporate them in units I have in my workshop there. There are a few people interesting in buying these units, so I will be able to meet that demand, with lovingly hand-made products. Finding a source for these sensors has been a great relief, and I can now produce them as the need arises. Of course, mass production would introduce economies of scale and make the units less expensive, but then I would have to deal with rejects from faulty production and all the headaches that go with third party involvement. Having spent my career in electronics engineering, I'd rather avoid all that.