Introduction: Wireless Shutter Remote


On a whim I decided to look for a remote for my trusty Panasonic FZ100. Turns out, the remote is wired and costs $50! I decided I was going to make myself a remote of my own- but I was going to make a better, cheaper version. But, I had also seen randofo's easy intervalometer - I decided to combine the two projects to make.... The Wireless Camera Remote/Intervalometer!!

My completed project will have cost about 20$ total, not including atmega chip programmer (arduino)

The box is a standard Radioshack 3x2x1" box

The wireless controller and receiver were bought from tinkerage_shop on eBay. It is 4ch, but you really only need 1ch for most cameras- I payed a bit extra for the extra channels. Also available from other vendors by searching RF remote on ebay


Photo 1. Almost completed box. I am still trying to work in batteries and am having trouble with the atmega chip, but when powered the wireless remote can trigger the camera from a distance

Photo 2. Most parts needed for project (tagged in photo)

Photo 3. The entire project in a box. As you can see, there is not much room for anything else.

Photo 4. Detail of project inside box

Photo 5. Project out of box, wiring showing slightly

Photo 6. Detail of receiver. 

Photo 7. Photo halfway through build process

Photo 8. It works! Powered it up and tried the transmitter, got a nice view of... er.. a desk

As of now, this project is not 100% complete. I have some bugs to work out with the intervalometer (programming issues) and batteries (case issues), but the receiver works and triggers the camera fine, when powered by an external 5v. I hope to do a full write up of this soon :)

A brief explanation of how it works.

Method 1- Wireless

1. Transmitter button is pressed
2. Receiver receives signal, applies 5v to out pin.
3. out pin triggers transistor
4. Transistor drives relay
5. Relay shorts shoot resistor
6. Camera receives signal (triggered by less resistance on wire)
7. Camera shoots

Method 2- Intervalometer.

1. Atmega chip counts to a set time
2. Once time is reached, 5v is applied to out pin
3. out pin triggers transistor
4. Transistor triggers Relay
5. Relay jumps resistor
6. camera takes signal
7. Camera shoots
8. Atmega chip repeats timing loop


Finally- credit where credit is due
Randofo - for providing intervalometer project, which I used here
Xyzzy , for posting schematic for DMW-RSL1 remote (saved me!)
iceng , steveastrouk, for answering my questions
Scriptone - for providing a project (that I didn't use here) but may use later for this, or other projects
The folks that created the nightingale arduino circuit, which is the base of my intervalometer circuit


And Instructables . Just 'cause its awesome. Thanks guys!


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