D60 Remote options

[jswayze]

Well, I just plopped down $50 for the RS-80N3 remote for my d60 because I HAD to. Apparently there are no other options out there besides the even more expensive timer version. This kind of ticks me off because I love my $24 infrared remote for my Elan bodies.

Anyhow, time to fight back. I'm willing to invest some time and money in designing a "black box" that will read the IR signal from the old remote and fire the shutter in the D60 (or any body with the N3 terminal). Do you think there's a market for this? (obviously I think so, since I'm writing this...) I'm thinking I can produce it for under $40, and while I'm at it, I can also make an extension cord and for that matter any other gizmo that you'd want to fire the shutter.

Let me know if you think I'm on the right track. I'm definitely going to make a few of these for myself - then I'll have to see what it takes to produce them on a larger scale.

-Jeff

[robertwgross]

Jeff, I think you will run into trouble with the special connector where the remote shutter cord plugs into the camera body.

I searched high and low looking for a replacement connector when I had a similar idea.

---Bob Gross---

[lziering]

If your price is just 20% under Canon it will be hard to compete. Either you need to be 50% or the device should be a whole lot better.

BTW - If I can by a universal programmable IR remote for my home theater for $12 why won't this work on my camera?

[Dans_D60]

I think it would be difficult to design cost effective IrDA device that requires self power and a special connector for the D60.
Dan
http://www.pettusphoto.com

[jswayze]

lziering : You can't use a universal remote because the D60 doesn't have an IR receiver (at least not that I'm aware of).

Bob: You're absolutely right about the connector - it's proprietary to Canon, and it's very non-standard. However, I've had success in making a replacement connector, and that's the basis for looking at all these options. I imagine Canon has a patent on that connector, but my method won't infringe.

[Dans_D60]

lziering wrote:
If your price is just 20% under Canon it will be hard to compete. Either you need to be 50% or the device should be a whole lot better.

BTW - If I can by a universal programmable IR remote for my home theater for $12 why won't this work on my camera?

You certainly could use an existing remote control if you designed a “fun” project building an IR receiver and electronic circuit that connects to the D60. Is it worth it? I think not. That $12 remote targets a market that’s apples vs. oranges with regards to the D60 market:

1. Over 100,000,000 TV sets worldwide that already has an IR receiver and the control electronics built in.

2. I’m sure the $12 remote was manufactured in mainland China where skilled electronic labor goes for less than $2/Day.

3. Total cost for the $12 remote is most likely no more than $5 in quantities of 100,000 or more. A similar D60 project that requires self power, IR receiver, and control electronics would cost $30-$50 is small quantities. Applying “normal” gross margins of 67% would mean a “selling” price of approximately $90-$150.

4. Fun project for sure …. Business proposition for a D60 remote …. Not likely

Dan
http://www.pettusphoto.com