Laser camera trigger is both cheap and effective

Photography & Video Technology
Laser camera trigger is both cheap and effective
A BB being fired out of an air gun. The flash was triggered as the BB broke the laser circuit
A BB being fired out of an air gun. The flash was triggered as the BB broke the laser circuit

Getting the perfect shot can be difficult, especially when the subject or object is moving at a high rate of speed. Specialized equipment is often used, such as high-speed cameras and remote digital triggers to capture images at just the right moment, which carries a hefty price tag.

Matt Kane of Vela Labs has designed a high-speed trigger that’s both effective and will not break the bank. In fact, the trigger costs just under $2 to make provided you already have all the other materials. Matt’s trigger setup consists of a visible (as opposed to IR) laser, reflective mirror and sensor board to capture high-speed objects. The sensor board is outfitted with a phototransistor, 3.5mm jack for a Triggertrap flash adapter connection, an octocoupler and a couple of resistors soldered to an Adafruit Permaproto board.

The schematic.. So simple!
The schematic.. So simple!

The cost for the trigger materials costs just over $1.44 minus the Adafruit board (which is more expensive than a typical breadboard), laser and reflective mirror. The trigger itself allows cameras to grab objects moving at 400fps, albeit with a little motion blur but it is still impressive.

0 thoughts on “Laser camera trigger is both cheap and effective

  1. Tim Kemp says:

    If you trigger an external flash along with the camera you should be able to get a much sharper picture.

    1. MattKane says:

      That’s exactly what I’m doing! I’ve got a few more details on the setup over at DIY Photography: http://www.diyphotography.net/build-22-gallon-high-speed-photography-studio/

      1. Tim Kemp says:

        I like your plastic storage container studio. I probably would have over thought and over designed it and ended up with a heavy plywood box. I wonder how you could reduce the flash period to freeze the bullet.

        1. MattKane says:

          The flash problem is what I’m working on right now. Aiming for a Kickstarter later in the year.

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