4066 or 4016 to control canon camera shutter release.

Other Hardware General Electronics
1

Folks,

A project I have in the works is shutter control for my camera. (Canon)

I know the "mechanics" of what to short to FOCUS and SHOOT.

But as much as I love them: Relays won't cut it.

So solid state would be the way to go.

I remember a 4066/4016. Would they work, or are they any other "switches" I could use?

2

I believe optocouplers are commonly used.

3

Or possibly just a FET such as a 'Fetlington' 2N7000 ?

4

I've used transistors with success: npns in the "open-collector" or nFETs in the "open-drain" configuration. But I prefer opto-isolators just because it's harder to damage the camera. I used a MOC8103x, but it's likey most common types will work. Tested with an EOS 40D.

5

I've used 4N25 and 4N26. They work like charm on Canons and are cheap enough.

6

Thanks folks.

Got the opto isolators.

4N25

I got the DMM and measured the voltages on the cable release. All working.

Just downloaded the data sheet.

(Here's the stupid question)

Just asking: I am guessing I will need a resistor between the Arduino and the LED/input. Right?

7

Yes. The forward voltage is in the datasheet (1.3 typical, 1.5 maximum). The absolute maximum forward current is 60mA. Obviously don't exceed that current.

You'll be using it as a switch. I assume you have to provide a minimum current for it to act like a switch. I have no idea how to extract that value from the datasheet.

8

Coding,

The max fwd current of 60ma.... That's base, right?

So I = E/R.

If I do it for 50ma - which should be on strong enough - I just plug in the numbers for the resistor.

9

You don't need 60mA through the LED. A 1k series resistor will work fine.

(4mA through the LED gives you up to 2mA through the phototransistor, and you need less than 100uA to trigger the camera.)

10

Note 60mA exceeds the absolute maximum output current from an Arduino pin.

Just use 20mA, its the normal value for most opto couplers, from 5V than means
a 180 ohm resistor.

11

Thanks thanks thanks guys.

Very appreciated.

(I am kinda looking after a fish right now and it is difficult to know what he is feeling/doing.)

Anyway, I shall get going on the next phase.