Photo Strobe Trigger
John R.
Posts: 1,376
I am working on a "box" to accept various triggers for a photo flash, and then have a variable delay before the flash is actually triggerd (uSec to mSec). The object is to have to tool for "high speed" flash pictures like the obligitory milk drop splash, bullistics, etc.
I have "hacked" into a disposiable camera to recover the flash unit. When charged the two contacts that trigger the flash have about 300V across them when open. One of the contacts is connected to the "ground" (battery minus). The other to a trigger coil.
I do not know the current draw, but based on conductor and component size, I don't think it's too high. I do know that if you tough the wrong things, it does a little more than tingle
but not terrible.
I'm looking for a devide to take the output from an SX/Stamp/Propeller and close the contact to trigger the strobe.
My thought was an FET like this one:
www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?Ref=26242&Row=412348&Site=US
Spec Sheet:
www.irf.com/product-info/datasheets/data/irfr9310.pdf
I've also seen references to using an SCR. Would this be a good choice:
www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?Ref=31570&Row=626046&Site=US
Does these make sense, or would another divice be more appropriate? Does one make more sense than the other?
Is this any easier using the "normal" sync connection on a commercial flash?
I'd like to use the hacked flashes because the price is right, and I'd like to have more than one flash setup. I've seen stuff done (instructables and elsewhere) with "mechanical" switches, but I'd like to build an electronic box so I can adjust delay and use different trigger sources (I/R, Sound, etc.). I'd also like something "fast" and repeatable (e.g. not a mechanical relay).
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
John R.
8 + 8 = 10
Post Edited (John R.) : 5/20/2006 3:04:00 PM GMT
I have "hacked" into a disposiable camera to recover the flash unit. When charged the two contacts that trigger the flash have about 300V across them when open. One of the contacts is connected to the "ground" (battery minus). The other to a trigger coil.
I do not know the current draw, but based on conductor and component size, I don't think it's too high. I do know that if you tough the wrong things, it does a little more than tingle
but not terrible.I'm looking for a devide to take the output from an SX/Stamp/Propeller and close the contact to trigger the strobe.
My thought was an FET like this one:
www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?Ref=26242&Row=412348&Site=US
Spec Sheet:
www.irf.com/product-info/datasheets/data/irfr9310.pdf
I've also seen references to using an SCR. Would this be a good choice:
www.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?Ref=31570&Row=626046&Site=US
Does these make sense, or would another divice be more appropriate? Does one make more sense than the other?
Is this any easier using the "normal" sync connection on a commercial flash?
I'd like to use the hacked flashes because the price is right, and I'd like to have more than one flash setup. I've seen stuff done (instructables and elsewhere) with "mechanical" switches, but I'd like to build an electronic box so I can adjust delay and use different trigger sources (I/R, Sound, etc.). I'd also like something "fast" and repeatable (e.g. not a mechanical relay).
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
John R.
8 + 8 = 10
Post Edited (John R.) : 5/20/2006 3:04:00 PM GMT