next topic »

[Reply #15 on:]

I should have stated this in the beginning but the flash is a disposable camera flash and the idea is just to make a high speed photography trigger with the parts available at www.allelectronics.com. What parts would I need? I was thinking of using this:
but I cant find a Opto Isolator at All Electronics that works.

[Reply #16 on:]

MOC3020

[Reply #17 on:]

I cant seem to find that at the Allelectronics website.

[Reply #18 on:]

http://tinyurl.com/4xdy2ne

[Reply #19 on:]

I know how to use google. I want to get the optoisolator from All Electronics as it is 5 minutes from where I live.

[Reply #20 on:]

Maybe they don't stock such useful items, and you'd have to spread your seach a little wider.

[Reply #21 on:]

What are the specs that I need on the optoisolator for this to work. I will go to all electronics today and compare the selection to the specs and buy a few. All Electronics has the following on there website:

NPN transistor output. 6 pin DIP package.
NPN darlington output. 6 pin DIP package.
Would any of these work?

When I went there previously they had a few more in store than they had online.

[Reply #22 on:]

Opto triac, or opto-transistor plus external triac or thyristor.
An optotransistor by itself isn't going to work at flash trigger voltages.

[Reply #23 on:]

By searching that I found a Triac-output, 400V optoisolator. 6-pin DIP package at allelectronics: http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/MOC3022/OPTO-ISOLATOR-TRIAC-OUTPUT/1.html

That will work right?

Datasheet here: http://www.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/pdf/27237/TI/MOC3022.html

[Reply #24 on:]

A MOC3022?
Yes, I think that's close enough to a MOC3020.
There's a very subtle difference, can't remember what is is - maybe the datasheet will make it clear.

[Reply #25 on:]

I will get it. When I do get it though is there a chance that I could fry my arduino?

[Reply #26 on:]

Not if you wire it up right.
I use MOC3020s to fire 20-odd year old flashguns, plus some home-brew devices.
One commercial unit has a voltage of around 180V across the terminals.
Another, with the same model number, but about 5 years younger, has about 6V.
Just make sure that all the output terminals of the isolator are connected to is the flash.
Nothing common, hot-side.

[Reply #27 on:]

Thanks! I will post back here if I run into any problems.

[Reply #28 on:]

Don't forget to add a current-limiting resistor to the input side.

[Reply #29 on:]

Got it, Thanks again!