DIY high-speed flash sync trigger

I'm building a high-speed flash trigger activated by sound... here are some pics.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

For my version 1, I am using an electret microphone powered by 9V battery.This will be fed to an external amplifier, and the output of the amp will be connected to an SCR. The SCR will control the firing of the camera or flash.

On a future version 2, I'll build a small amplifier and put it in the same box.

On my version 1 box, I can use other types of sensor like a PZM mic, or photocell. For now, I'm using an external monitor as my amplifier.

I've tested the operation successfully (on a breadboard), but haven't taken any high-speed shots yet.

Save money! Check out my DIY projects!
Canon EOS 30D, Canon Digital Rebel
Canon 10-22mm EFS, 70-200mm f4L, 24-105 f4L IS
Canon 50mm f1.8 EF, Canon 75-300mm EF lens
Sigma 150mm Macro, Canon 380EX Flash
DIY High-Speed Sound-activated Flash Trigger and Nikon SB-26 Flash

UPDATE::

I hooked up a Nikon SB-26 flash to my DIY project. I'm using the flash's external PC jack to hook it up. (Since I don't have a PC jack, I jury-rigged one using alligator clips and jumper wires.)

I set the mic's sensitivity... adjust the flash to 1/64th power... adjusted the mic volume and headphone volume so it's very sensitive....

When the mic picked up the sound of me pressing the shutter, it flashed. (actually, it flashed first when my chair squeaked.)

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

In real world use, you would be in a darkened room, with the camera set to BULB setting on a tripod.... when the sound is picked up (say a drop of water, balloon pop, gun shots, etc), the flash will fire automatically.

If anybody is interested, I'll post the circuit/plans. No PCB required. I just used point-to-point wiring since the circuit is so simple.

It should cost $10 or even less if you already have the case, wires, jack etc...

Save money! Check out my DIY projects!
Canon EOS 30D, Canon Digital Rebel
Canon 10-22mm EFS, 70-200mm f4L, 24-105 f4L IS
Canon 50mm f1.8 EF, Canon 75-300mm EF lens
Sigma 150mm Macro, Canon 380EX Flash
DIY High-Speed Sound-activated Flash Trigger and Nikon SB-26 Flash

DIY mic for the sound-activated flash trigger.

Using an Electret mic capsule, an empty ballpoint pen, and some tape...

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

This device is pretty sensitive and directional.

Save money! Check out my DIY projects!
Canon EOS 30D, Canon Digital Rebel
Canon 10-22mm EFS, 70-200mm f4L, 24-105 f4L IS
Canon 50mm f1.8 EF, Canon 75-300mm EF lens
Sigma 150mm Macro, Canon 380EX Flash
DIY High-Speed Sound-activated Flash Trigger and Nikon SB-26 Flash

-Lloyd
The BOUDOIR - Edmonton Intimate Boudoir Photography
Night and Day Photography - Edmonton Studio Family Baby Child Maternity Wedding Photographers
Night and Day Photography - Edmonton Headshot Photographers
Facebook | Twitter |Instagram | Gear

okay... I did a quick setup to test the project in actual use. After 22 test shots, I got a few nice ones.

First... here's my setup.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

The microphone is situated at the edge of the bowl so I don't have to turn the sensitivity too high. Otherwise, I'm picking up the sound of footsteps, TV, washing machine, etc...

And the sample shots...

I call this "The Alien"

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

This was a nice one but the drops weren't centered. It's hard to control a drinking straw, and remote release at BULB setting at the same time.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

Centered-shot, but not too exciting.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

Nice one, a little better.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

A water drop just hitting the water in it's first millisecond.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

Notice the cavitation at the bottom of the bowl...

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

A very nice drop, you can see the wall clearly and the rebound... but the shot is not perfectly centered.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

Save money! Check out my DIY projects!
Canon EOS 30D, Canon Digital Rebel
Canon 10-22mm EFS, 70-200mm f4L, 24-105 f4L IS
Canon 50mm f1.8 EF, Canon 75-300mm EF lens
Sigma 150mm Macro, Canon 380EX Flash
DIY High-Speed Sound-activated Flash Trigger and Nikon SB-26 Flash

Dave
Perspiring photographer.
Visit NorwoodPhotos.com

Aaron
FOR SALE
- My Gear - Some of my Work - POTN Aussie Club -

www.JAM1PHOTO.com | JAM1PHOTO @ FACEBOOK

1DsMkIII | 1DMkIIN | 70-200 f/2.8L IS | 24-70 f/2.8L | 24-105 f/4L IS | 17-40 f/4L | 50 f/1.2L | WFT-E1 & E2 Transmitters - Click Here for setup advice | CP-E4 Battery Pack x 2 | ST-E2 | 580EX | 550EX | 430EXII | 420EX | Tripod + monopod | Bowens Esprit Gemini 500W/s heads & Travel-Pak | All this gear - and still no idea

"Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not purchase"

My Gear
http://underwoodphotog​raphic.zenfolio.com/

Save money! Check out my DIY projects!
Canon EOS 30D, Canon Digital Rebel
Canon 10-22mm EFS, 70-200mm f4L, 24-105 f4L IS
Canon 50mm f1.8 EF, Canon 75-300mm EF lens
Sigma 150mm Macro, Canon 380EX Flash
DIY High-Speed Sound-activated Flash Trigger and Nikon SB-26 Flash

-Jim
Please Visit My Website!
I'm no Einstein, but I do own 3 of them...

-Jim
Please Visit My Website!
I'm no Einstein, but I do own 3 of them...

[[Gear List]]

Skype: Stealthlude