Reverse Engineering the RS80N3

Having refused to pay what Canon wants for the Remote Switch, I am now going to build one of my own.

I have figured out how to make the N3 plug and how the 3 connectors work, but I do have one question.

The top pin to right pin connect causes the camera to Focus, the top pin to left pin connect releases the shutter.

Question: should the top pin to right pin connect be made when the shutter is released? In other words, must I always Focus then Expose with the Focus connect still made when I Expose?

Or can I Focus once and the Expose Expose Expose without the Focus connection remaining made ?

I realize that the Remote Switch probably does Focus then Expose simply because it is a switch, I just wonder what the timed remote does?


Thanks!

I guess you know that there are some very cheap non-Canon versions available.

---Bob Gross---

"how to make your own N3 plug out of hot glue and other stuff"
http://www.diff.net …n_n3_connector_​info.shtml

Hi Bob, I didn't know. Can you please post a name or a URL?

Thanks

Search here for "Adidt" or "RS80N3".

---Bob Gross---

Thanks Bob!

Tom, I found this site:

http://www.lukemiller.​org …e-remote-release-for.html

Thanks for all the replies, but my original question still stands (more to satisfy my curiosity than anything else):

Does the common to focus connection have to be made when making the common to expose connection?

One website says the way to expose is to connect all 3 wires together, while another website says focus by connecting the common and focus leads and expose by connecting the common and expose leads.

Perhaps someone with a timer / remote control could verify?

(seems to me that focus and expose would be independent, but I've been fooled by Canon before)

Thanks,

They both can be made simultanius, It could be that the shutter to common signal throw is much like a computer command and interupts the focus to common, probly why safety shift and AI servo programs are inplace to take over once the shutter has been pressed durring burst mode, it apears that the camera tries to grab a focus point between shutter relases while holding both contacts. I prefer them on separate buttons as momentary up'down toggle looses the AF between shots when you move to the shutter release. Use a light weight switch that is wide so you don't get bumps in your finger/thumb or muscle strain.

I could test continuity on either my Canon switch or one of the Adidt switches I have, but that wouldn't really tell you what I think you are looking for. The easiest way to prove the answer to your question is to manually short the pins on the camera and see how it reacts. I doubt you could hurt anything, as the Adidt switches have a nominal zero ohm continuity when made. In other words, there doesn't seem to be a current limiting resistor - at least in the 3rd party cheap switch.

a question to SkipD
I have plans to buy a remote cable for my 20D but have been slow/reluctant
to spend the $80 (Cdn) which it costs here. I note from your post that you have purchased the Adidt unit. Can you recommend it? It seems so much cheaper than the Canon unit.

thx

Frank, the cheap Adidt units are just that - cheap. They work, but I found that I needed to trim the plug end so that it would go far enough into the socket of my 20D to make reliable contact. The button feel on the Adidt units is nothing like that of the Canon switch. There's a world of difference between the two in build quality, feel, etc. However, both will trigger the camera and the photo won't show any difference.

The reason I got a couple of the Adidt units is so that I can cut them up and make 100-foot extensions (or more) for them and sneak up on some critters around here (for example a squirrel attacking some seeds put out for the purpose).

The focus is still connected when the shutter fires. I checked mine out with a meter after plugging it in and nothing happened. There's nothing wrong with my RS80. My 20D has a faulty board or something and will be returning to Canon

I bought the Adidt remote switch for $12 shipped and it works great. I didn't need to make any modifications for it to work flawlessly. Before buying it I planned to hack my own, but the 20d uses a strange plug.

Bought my Adidt switch on ebay.co.uk for a few pounds (8?) - used it may times with no problems - At that price you can afford to replace it a few times and not worry too much when you accidentally tread on it .
I appreciate you want to 'have a go' but how much do you value your time