Electronic circuitry is not easy to build, but DIY projects can save you lots of money on pre-built camera accessories.
Digital photography has made many types of photography possible. One type that is becoming increasingly popular and accessible to the average photographer is time-lapse photography. It used to be that expensive specialized equipment -- or a lot of patience -- was required to do time-lapse photography. Now you can buy a wired timer remote, sometimes called an intervalometer, for between $50 and $150. However, if you have considerable technical aptitude and some extra time, you can a own time-lapse remote using a 555 timer for under $20.
Instructions
Build the Prototype
1. Organize all of the components on a table so you know find them and what they look like. It is essential to be organized so that you do not confuse parts or lose small components.
2. Open the microphone on the cell phone headset and examine the three leads attached to the microphone board. Disconnect them. Plug the headset plug into the camera's remote port. Short two wires together at a time to determine which wire goes to ground, which one activates focus and which one trips the shutter. Label them accordingly.
3. Assemble the circuit on the breadboard according to the provided schematic (see Resources), using the required components.
4. Test the functionality of the circuit by plugging the headset jack into the camera and turning on the camera. Flip the on-off switch to the "On" position to activate the circuit. The red LED should illuminate. Turn the knob on the 1M variable resistor to change the interval between shutter actuations. If the camera takes pictures at regular intervals when the knob is left alone, the circuit is functioning correctly. The green LED should also flash each time a photo is taken.
Reduce the Project's Size
5. Solder components into a Radio Shack IC PC board if desired. This reduces the overall size of the project and means fewer wires dangling out.
6. Place the soldered IC board inside a project box and install the switch, LEDs and 1M variable resistor in the door of the box, facing outward. Leave a hole on the side for the headset jack wire.
7. Test your circuit now that it has been completed.
Tags: headset jack, into camera, time-lapse photography, variable resistor