chasingame
New Member
Hi,
I am not trained in EE and have little knowledge here.
1. I have an InfraRed flash camera (motion based Scouting camera or Trail Camera).
2. I want to detect when the flash is ON and switch on a 12V power source
The goal is to power an external IR Flash unit which runs on 12V and switch it on when the camera is powering its built in flash. The cameras will be outside in forested environments in all weather conditions rain or shine. The switch has to work in dim light or bright sunlight.
I want a solution that does not require any mods to the camera.
The camera's IR LED flash units are in the 800 to 950 nanometer range.
I have the IR slave flash and it is powered by a 12V DC source.
When my camera flashes (in the low light conditions) I want a photodiode (or similar) on a 3 foot length of wire such that I can velcro it in place over one of the camera LEDS on its flash array. Then I want to build a small waterproof box to house the circuit board with a 12V power In and a 12V power Out port and a sensor lead port. Thats it. I would like for the circuit board to draw power from the 12V source but if need be I can understand have a9V battery inside the unit for example.
While the camera IR flash is ON, I want the 12v OUT to be ON. when off -> off. Its straight forward in english but doing this is over my head.
The sensing delay must be as short as possible obviously. I find the most cameras have a lag time between when the IR flash is turned on and the shutter opens.
Future: Possibly add sensitivity selector knob (or something) where I can adjust it (fine tune) to the particular IR LED flash intensity and range of each camera for optimal operation. [assuming this really makes a difference]
I can offer to pay someone to help me build a prototype circuit board. I can build everything else.
Thanks in advance for all your help.
Anthony
ps: How do I "watch" a thread and get email notification of replies ?
I am not trained in EE and have little knowledge here.
1. I have an InfraRed flash camera (motion based Scouting camera or Trail Camera).
2. I want to detect when the flash is ON and switch on a 12V power source
The goal is to power an external IR Flash unit which runs on 12V and switch it on when the camera is powering its built in flash. The cameras will be outside in forested environments in all weather conditions rain or shine. The switch has to work in dim light or bright sunlight.
I want a solution that does not require any mods to the camera.
The camera's IR LED flash units are in the 800 to 950 nanometer range.
I have the IR slave flash and it is powered by a 12V DC source.
When my camera flashes (in the low light conditions) I want a photodiode (or similar) on a 3 foot length of wire such that I can velcro it in place over one of the camera LEDS on its flash array. Then I want to build a small waterproof box to house the circuit board with a 12V power In and a 12V power Out port and a sensor lead port. Thats it. I would like for the circuit board to draw power from the 12V source but if need be I can understand have a9V battery inside the unit for example.
While the camera IR flash is ON, I want the 12v OUT to be ON. when off -> off. Its straight forward in english but doing this is over my head.
The sensing delay must be as short as possible obviously. I find the most cameras have a lag time between when the IR flash is turned on and the shutter opens.
Future: Possibly add sensitivity selector knob (or something) where I can adjust it (fine tune) to the particular IR LED flash intensity and range of each camera for optimal operation. [assuming this really makes a difference]
I can offer to pay someone to help me build a prototype circuit board. I can build everything else.
Thanks in advance for all your help.
Anthony
ps: How do I "watch" a thread and get email notification of replies ?
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