smatriger

Description: This is the project home page of the SmaTrig 2.1, the improved version of the SmaTrig 2. On this site, complete instructions on how to use and build the versatile and compact (27 grams) 15-in-1 camera trigger SmaTrig 2.1 are provided. Everything needed to build the device is included, such as the PCB design, firmware, drill plans, etc. The SmaTrig 2.1 is based on an AVR microcontroller and is equipped with sensor circuitry for detecting sound and light pulses for capturing lightning or high-speed photography. The 15 functions can be divided into four groups: bulb mode bracketing programs for HDR photography, interval and timer modes, sensor modes, and other functions like manual camera triggering or configuration. Many of the modes have hidden advanced options, but usability has been prioritized. Users can operate the SmaTrig intuitively without extensive instructions. The SmaTrig 2.1 controls the camera using a remote release cable or wirelessly via IR signal, with no modifications needed to the camera. Various sound or light trigger functions utilize either the integrated photodiode for light detection or an external microphone that can be connected to the sensor port. Flash units can also be directly connected to the trigger for high-speed photography. The functions of the SmaTrig are categorized into two groups. Functions marked with a black symbol do not require a time specification and are typically activated with a single button press. Functions marked with a red symbol, such as interval or long exposure, require a time specification, which is set by pressing the button multiple times according to a printed table on the trigger label. To overcome the ±2 EV bracketing limit and the 30-second maximum exposure time found in many cameras, the bulb mode can be used for user-controlled bracketing series over a range of exposure times. This image series can be utilized to generate HDR (High Dynamic Range) images, also referred to as Dynamic Range Increase (DRI). The nominal exposure time for this function ranges from the theoretical 1/1000s to 8 minutes, allowing capture of the last photon in the scene. The shortest effective exposure time in bulb mode varies by camera; older pre-live-view Canons perform well, achieving approximately 1/180s, while newer models from Canon, Nikon, and other manufacturers range from 1/8s to 1/2s. Shooting bracketing series on sunny days may not be feasible with these cameras. A table is available to verify the minimum bulb exposure time for specific camera models. In each mode, 3 to 9 images are captured around the center time, depending on the number of button presses at the start. The number of presses corresponds to the number of side images: one press results in 3 images, two presses yield 5 images, and so forth. The EV step can be set to 1, 2, 3, or 4 EV, with a default of 2 EV. The bracketing mode supports the mirror lock-up function and long exposure noise reduction, where a dark image is captured internally by the camera after the actual exposure. These optional features can be activated by holding the button longer during the final press. The SmaTrig 2.1 emits beeps every second while the button is held down (up to three times), corresponding to the following options: For exposures longer than 4 seconds, the exposure gap is automatically increased by approximately 3 seconds to allow a quick review of the histogram and to abort the bracketing in case of overexposure. The bracketing can be configured to proceed from short to long (default) or long to short (ideal for sunrise). Additionally, there is an option to initiate the bracketed exposure using a cable remote release, which must connect the ring contact of the sensor port to ground.

The SmaTrig 2.1 camera trigger is designed for versatility and ease of use, making it an essential tool for photographers engaged in high-speed photography and HDR imaging. The device's reliance on an AVR microcontroller enables efficient processing of sensor inputs and control signals, allowing for rapid response to environmental stimuli such as light and sound. The integration of both wired and wireless control options ensures compatibility with a wide range of camera models without necessitating any modifications, thus preserving the integrity of the camera's original design.

The operational modes are thoughtfully structured to accommodate varying photography needs, with intuitive controls that allow users to quickly adapt to different shooting scenarios. The ability to customize exposure settings through button presses provides flexibility in capturing dynamic scenes, while the bracketing function enhances the potential for creating visually stunning HDR images. The inclusion of features such as mirror lock-up and long exposure noise reduction further elevates the SmaTrig 2.1's capability, ensuring that photographers can achieve optimal results even in challenging lighting conditions.

Overall, the SmaTrig 2.1 represents a significant advancement in camera triggering technology, combining a compact form factor with a robust feature set that meets the demands of both amateur and professional photographers alike. The comprehensive documentation available on the project home page facilitates easy assembly and operation, empowering users to harness the full potential of this innovative device in their photographic endeavors.This is the project home page of the SmaTrig 2. 1, the improved version of the the SmaTrig 2. On this site you will find complete instructions how to use and build the versatile and compact (27 gram) 15-in-1 camera trigger SmaTrig 2. 1. Everything needed to build the device is provided including the PCB design, firmware, drill plans, etc.

The SmaTr ig 2. 1 is based on an AVR microcontroller, and is equipped with sensor circuitry for detecting sound and light pulses for capturing lightnings or high-speed photography. The 15 functions can be divided into four groups: bulb mode bracketing programs for HDR photography, interval and timer modes, sensor modes and other functions like manual camera triggering or configuration.

Many of the modes have some hidden advanced options, but I paid great attention not to obscure their usability. Ritual instruction manual spurners can use the SmaTrig just using their intuition. The SmaTrig 2. 1 controls the camera using a remote release cable, or in a wireless way per IR signal. There is no need to modify the camera in any way to use the trigger. The various sound or light trigger functions use either the integrated photo diode for light detection, or an external microphone that can be plugged into the sensor connector.

Flash units can also be connected to the trigger directly to allow high-speed photography. The functions of the SmaTrig are devided into two groups. The functions with a black symbol on the label don`t need a time specification and are started usually with just one button press. The functions with a red symbol, e. g. intervall or long exposure need a time specifiction. The time is set by pressing the button several times according to this table (printed also on the trigger label): To overcome the +-2 EV bracketing limit and the 30 s maximum exposure time found in many cameras, the bulb mode can be used to shoot user-controlled bracketing series in a certain range of exposure times.

The image series can be used to generate HDR (High Dynamic Range) images. The technique is also called DRI for Dynamic Range Increase. Read the description of the HDR-Jack 2 for more details on the idea. The nominal exposure time of this function ranges between the purely theoretical 1/1000s and 8 minutes, letting you catch the last photon in the scene. The shortest effective exposure time in bulb mode depends on the camera used. Older pre-live-view Canons are the best performers going down to approx. 1/180 s. Newer Canons, Nikons and cameras from other manufacturers range between 1/8 s and 1/2 s. Shooting bracketing series on sunny days with these cameras won`t work. Refere to this table to check the minimum bulb exposure time of your camera. In each mode, 3 to 9 images are shot around the center time, depending on how many times the button has been pressed at start.

The number of presses corresponds to the number of `side images`. One press means 3 images, 2 presses 5 images and so on. The EV step can be selected in the configuration between 1, 2, 3 or 4 EV and is 2 EV by default. The bracketing mode supports the mirror lock-up function, as well as the long exposure noise reduction where a dark image is taken internally in the camera after the actual exposure. These optional features are activated by holding down the button for longer time during the last press.

The SmaTrig 2. 1 beeps every second while the button is held down (up to three times). The beeps correspond to the following options: For exposures longer than 4 s, the exposure gap is increased automatically by approx. 3 s to allow a quick look on the histogram and abort the bracketing in case of overexposure. The bracketing can be configured to go from short to long (default) or long to short (e. g. nice for sunrise). There is also the ability to start the bracketed exposure using a cable remote release. The release must connect the ring contact of the sensor port to ground to