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Mr. Truman Brain
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Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 12:59 PM

OK, just to let you know, I have no idea when it comes to electronics! Good, that's out of the way, then I shall begin!

I want to see if I can build a simple circuit to close a contact (no voltage) and then open it, then close it, then open.......etc! I hope all you electronic guys and girls say 'OK that's simple, use a 555 timer' Easy for you to say! I want to be able to control the length of the closed state and I want to have the open state open for about 10 seconds (+/- a second or there abouts) this open state will always be about 10 seconds. The closed state I need to be variable between 30 seconds and 3 minutes.

This is why I'm looking at building this! I'm trying to get into Astrophotography and most of the time is spent sat outside in the cold! I have a Canon 1100D which now sports a homemade remote shutter button so I can use the camera on BULB mode! This remote is just a toggle switch! If I can make up a 12Vdc (or 9Vdc or 6Vdc) magic box that can open and close this contact then that would be great! I want to limit it to 3 minutes because any longer than that, star trails start to show on the exposures!This little magic box will take repeat exposures with a 10 second delay between the shots until I turn the box off (or press a magic button on the magic box!)

Any help on this project would be just dandy! Please remember, I have no idea about electronics, but, I do know about electrics

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Pathfinder Tags: astrophotography camera remote times electronic timers
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kramarat
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#1

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 1:14 PM

Not real cheap, but it looks like just the ticket.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/tc-80n3.shtml

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Mr. Truman Brain
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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 1:33 PM

Well, that's $200 that I won't be splashing out on! ( It's a case of 'You spend too much money on bla bla bla' syndrome!) Looking to build a cheap simple version of that. Thanks anyway Kramarat

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kramarat
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#3
In reply to #2

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 1:41 PM

Can you solder?

http://www.diyphotography.net/diy-time-lapse-photography

http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-dslr-discussion/131633-absurdly-simple-diy-k-x-remote-timer-using-mp3-player.html

http://cs-sales.net/veintikitras.html

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Mr. Truman Brain
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#5
In reply to #3

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 2:02 PM

No problem soldering but I think that circuit (top one) only creates a pulse to use the cameras internal shutter speed! I need to have the pulse lasting up to 3mins so I can use the 'BULB' setting on my camera!

I thought you had it that time!

Thanks for trying tho.

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ozzb
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#4

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 2:01 PM

$20.00 US Unless you just want to play around making one.

http://www.linkdelight.com/R8A9-US-LCD-Timer-Remote-for-Canon-600D-550D-60D-500D-400D-450D-USA.html?keyword=timer

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Mr. Truman Brain
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#7
In reply to #4

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 2:08 PM

Ozzy, If you lived closer I'd, I'd.......You get the idea! Wow that is just spot on! Now to find one of those in Spain and I'm in business!

Thanks

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ozzb
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#9
In reply to #7

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 2:34 PM

Hey I found this manufacture that makes photo equipment.

http://www.aputure.com/en/product/digital_timer_remote_shutter.php

Call around to local shops

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kramarat
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#10
In reply to #4

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 2:40 PM

Good one!

I'm guessing that the reason they only ship to US and Canada addresses is that it could probably be used as a detonator..................maybe.

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ozzb
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#11
In reply to #10

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 2:54 PM

The linkdelight is being made in China don't think that's the reason.

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velisj
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#19
In reply to #4

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/19/2012 8:31 AM

I bought my daughter one of these and it works great.
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WJMFIRE
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#6

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 2:05 PM

Try reading through this material. You do not have to understand electronics to build this. Instead of a fixed resistor, use a variable resistor (potentiometer) to adjust your duty cycle and pulse width. If you can solder, you can do it.

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Mr. Truman Brain
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#8
In reply to #6

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 2:13 PM

I'll have a look at this too! Thanks WJM

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Kilowatt0
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#12
In reply to #8

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 3:09 PM

WJM is right. What you need is a 555 astable multivibrator circuit. Here is amother link:

http://ecelab.com/circuit-astable-555.htm

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Mikerho
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#14
In reply to #8

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 3:21 PM

Along with the other helpful replies, if you do end up making your own 555 circuit, make sure the output has enough current to close the contacts. If it doesn't, you can amplify the signal with a transistor.

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Mr. Truman Brain
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#13

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 3:20 PM

Finally found one in Spain! Thanks all for the help Guys! Ozzy, you are a star

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garth
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#18
In reply to #13

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/17/2012 5:59 AM

These are a bit cheaper from China if you can wait for the post to arrive.

Ebay No 150655846878

Salute

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SavvyExacta
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#15

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/16/2012 3:28 PM

There was a series on these (complete with YouTube videos) a few years ago. Maybe one of these will help:

Electronic Project I (Part 1) - 555 Timers

Electronic Project I (Part 2) - 555 Timer with an LED

Electronic Project I (Part 3) - 555 Timer with a Speaker
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Cliff Peters
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#16

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/17/2012 1:57 AM

Hi there, I've found a pre made timer that has adjustments both sides. I have used one of its basic flipflop functions but there are many & no soldering involved. http://www.surplustronics.co.nz/shop/product-RLYATI.html Regards Cliff
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JWthetech
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#17

Re: Timer Circuit Help!

02/17/2012 2:22 AM

Try this site: They have entire forums on 555 timers

www.electro-tech-online.com
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Users who posted comments:

Cliff Peters (1); garth (1); JWthetech (1); Kilowatt0 (1); kramarat (3); Mikerho (1); Mr. Truman Brain (5); ozzb (3); SavvyExacta (1); velisj (1); WJMFIRE (1)

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