Article

Camera Interval Timer

With infrared remote control

The camera shutter operating system described here makes it possible to take photos at a predefined interval, or to trigger two cameras together for stereoscopic shots. This device makes it possible, for example, to take a series of photos every 30 minutes of a flower as it opens, a baby bird hatching, etc. so as to include them in a video. The system was originally designed for a Canon EOS camera, but it can readily be adapted for other cameras that are able to be remote controlled.

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Materials

081184-PCB.pdf

081184-11.zip

Gerber file

CAM/CAD data for the PCB referred to in this article is available as a Gerber file. Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can exclusively download these files for free as part of their membership. Gerber files allow a PCB to be produced on an appropriate device available locally, or through an online PCB manufacturing service.

Elektor recommends the Elektor PCB Service service from its business partner Eurocircuits or AISLER as the best services for its own prototypes and volume production.

The use of our Gerber files is provided under a modified Creative Commons license. Creative Commons offers authors, scientists, educators and other creatives the freedom to handle their copyright in a more free way without losing their ownership.

PCB

Download Gerber file: 081184-1-V11

Extra info / Update

* PIC16F886 microcontroller
* Compatible with Sony SIRC remote controls
* Number of photos programmable between 1 and 100
* Interval programmable between 1 and 3,599 s
* Automatic standby
* Optimized for Canon EOS camera, but can be used for any other purpose

Component list

Resistors
(5%, 0.25 W unless otherwise indicated)
R1 = 4.7kOhm
R2 = 100Ohm
R3 = 10Ohm, 0.5 W
R4 = 2.7 kOhm
R5,R6 = 68kOhm
R7,R8 = 1kOhm
R9,R10 = 100kOhm
P1 = 10kOhm trimpot, horizontal
Capacitors
C1 = 470µF 25V radial
C2,C3,C5,C6 = 100nF ceramic
C4 = 47µF 16V radial
C7,C8 = 22pF ceramic NP0
C9 = 4.7µF 16V radial
Semiconductors
D1,D2 = 1N4004
D3,D4 = LED, red, low current, 3mm
IC1 = 7805, TO-220 case
IC2 = PIC16F886-I/SP, SPDIP28
IC3 = TSOP1138, 38 kHz IR receiver (e.g. Farnell # 4913036)
T1 = BC337
T2,T3 = BC547
Miscellaneous
BZ1 = piezo buzzer, lead pitch 7.62mm (e.g. Farnell # 1502726)
RE1,RE2 = relay, miniature SPST-NO, 5 VDC (e.g. Farnell # 9561757)
K1,K4,K5 = PCB terminal block, lead pitch 5mm
K2 = 8-pin pinheader, lead pitch 0.1 inch
K3 = 5-pin pinheader, lead pitch 0.1 inch
K6 = 2.5mm 3-way jack socket (e.g. Farnell # 1308867)
LCD1 = LCD, 4x20 (e.g. Elektor # 050176-73)
S1-S4 = SPNO pushbutton (e.g. Farnell # 1555982)
S5 = 2-element DIP switch
X1 = 4MHz quartz crystal
SPDIP28 socket for IC2
PCB, Elektor # 081184-1