Ahh, the rear curtain thing is Cannon specific? Any idea how Nikon does things? I would need to make my own (or buy) the hot shoe adapter and also double check that my Subal has room to fit that, but it is something I've wanted for backup (or primary, and keep the electrical as backup)
Lights, Strobes, and Lighting Technique / Archived topic
El-cheepo Nauticam Optical triggerhttps://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?/topic/62959-el-cheepo-nauticam-optical-trigger/
Started by Bevanj ·
- 37Posts
- 37Replies
Read-only discussion
El-cheepo Nauticam Optical triggerhttps://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?/topic/62959-el-cheepo-nauticam-optical-trigger/
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I should point out that if you are wanting to use this LED trigger (or any LED trigger for that matter), you NEED high quality multi strand fiber cables. Single strand wont allow enough light transmission to trigger strobes.
With a bright flash from a cameras intetnal flash tube, you can get away with higher losses in the fibre from single strand cables and still have enough light left at the far end to trigger a strobe.
With a relayively weaker pulse from an LED, the cables need to be as efficient at passing light from one end to the other as possible.
Personally, I'm using the howshot brand multicore ones.
Bevan
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Its good ! How can I have one
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Hi Bevan,
Great job! Any update for the compatibility with Sony version? Would like to have one if it works fine for Sony

I believe it should work with Sony. Next time I catch up with a friend who has an A7RII, I'll see if he minds if I try it on his camera.
Oh, and I tried the V5.6 board shown above with the YSD2 - they fire just fine!
Bevan -
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Hi Bevan:
Any chance you might publish the circuit diagram and parts list, so it can be adapted for other uses?
Many thanks, elias
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Hi Kraken,
I could do... let me give it some thought. It took me quite a while to design and tune the circuit for optimum performance.
Also, all of the components are only available in tiny packages like SOT-23 which there is pretty much no way to use without hot air soldering and custom designed PCBs.
In short, it is some schmitt inverters, logic gates, and an RC circuit to control the time length the LEDs turn on for when triggered.
I've got the Canon E-TTL protocol completely worked out now, and can get a Attiny chip to read the communication (MOSI/CLK) from a 5dmk3 to a 580EX2 speedlight and give the correct output responses (MISO) - proving my modeling of the protocol is correct. It is incredibly similar to the SPI protocol, but I have had to do some trick work to get it to function correctly with the Attiny chip.
I've also tested this protocol model with other Canon cameras my family own such as a 7Dmk1, 20d and G12 - it successfully works for all of them. Now I just need to design a circuit board to fit in my housing...
Bevan -
Hello Bevan,
Very interesting. I'd like to try it with my a7RII, with the LEDs on two short stalks to mate with a custom fiberoptic interface window. Any way I could get one?
Thanks,
Dave
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Hi Dave,
I've replied to your PM.
Bevan -
Thanks,
And replied to your PM.
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Hi, I will be interested to get one for 500d canon... Please advice!!
Thanks
Sent from my HMA-L29 using Tapatalk -
At my wits end with commercial triggers. Are you still making these? Interested in one for a Nauticam A7R2.
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Hi HCldiver,
Sorry - I've been being slack at keeping an eye on the thread I started.
Sure, I can make something that will hopefully fit your A7R2 housing and be cheap and reliable.
Fire me a PM.
Bevan -
Waiting for ur outcome for the TTL circuit

Sent from my HMA-L29 using Tapatalk -
On 10/14/2018 at 3:21 PM, jviss said:On 10/14/2018 at 3:21 PM, jviss said:
Triggerfish (Drywh) on Jan 18, 2019, pages one of this subject, posted two photos of a simple and ingenious trigger. From it I have extracted a Parts List to encourage others to design and build their own boards, hopefully more sophisticated ones, and of course, tell us about them:
T6 LED, two, available as CREE XML T6 LED's on eBay. Mouser Electronics, Digikey and similar may also sell them.
23A-12V battery, the Duracell 21/23 model may be the best.
TIP-22 transistor from Mouser or Digikey electronics.
Roer RS black part shown in photo may be a Roer RockerSwitch, needs clarification.
Resistor 1K.
Cable mini connector, need suggestion.
Board and mount for the LEDs and components.
Hot Shoe mount - A design is needed. Please make suggestions, additions and corrections to the above.
Let us hope other knowledgeable Wetpixelers will design and publish simple triggers and TTL boards.
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On 2/16/2020 at 7:27 PM, Bevanj said:
Hi HCldiver,
Sorry - I've been being slack at keeping an eye on the thread I started.
Sure, I can make something that will hopefully fit your A7R2 housing and be cheap and reliable.
Fire me a PM.
BevanHi Bevan,
Just wondering if you are still making the trigger, looking for one for a Sony A6300.
Have sent you a PM.
Thanks!
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@Bevanj
Like oisin, I am curious if you are still in the flash trigger making game. I have an a6400 that I am looking for a trigger for. I sent you a PM as well.
Thanks!