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 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.
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