Digisnap 2100

User manual: Click here.

The 2100 has the capability of controlling multiple style cameras, such as most SLR cameras, the earlier Nikon Coolpix cameras, point & shoot cameras with IR remote capability, as well as selected others.

The DigiSnap 2100 provides an entry level solution to external interface applications.

One contact on the DigiSnap's connector is dedicated to trigger from external switches or sensor systems, allowing the DigiSnap and camera to be controlled by a "real world" event. The DigiSnap can be configured to perform one of a number of functions when triggered.

The input is buffered by a transistor with a pull-up resistor, meaning that a simple contact to ground will suffice to trigger the DigiSnap 2100.

A second contact on the connector is provided which is driven by the internal processor, allowing control of external devices. The output signal is designed to turn on before the camera takes a picture, and off after the image is stored. The timing and active state are programmable.

The output is simple logic level signal (0/5V) requiring additional buffering to control any substantial power.

Externally, the DigiSnap 2100 is identical to the DigiSnap 2000.

Connections:

• DB9 Male Connector
• 2- Serial Data from Camera
• 3- Serial Data to Camera
• 5- Ground
• 7- Output Control
• 9- Input Control

The DigiSnap 2100 uses a single AAA battery, will fit into small pockets of camera bags, comes with a 1 year warranty and personal support from Mark and Deborah at Harbortronics.

Accessories

Harbortronics Serial Cable

The DigiSnap 2000 series requires a serial connection to utilize the shutter release. Many compatible digital cameras come with the required serial cable, except the Nikon CP990, 995, 880, 885, 4300, 4500, 5000, 5400, 5700, and 8700. A serial cable for these cameras must be purchased separately. If your camera is not listed, please check our compatibility page for the required connector. (Compare to the Nikon Brand (SC-EW3 $30).)

FastSnap

The FastSnap feature improves the responsiveness of the camera / controller in some limited applications. When FastSnap is enabled, the camera is set to the Half-Press state immediately after each image is taken, so that when the DigiSnap is subsequently triggered, the shutter is released very quickly (on the order of 1/10 sec). Note that this feature is only supported by cameras that use extended protocol, such as the later models of the Nikon Coolpix series. Most applications permit the photographer to control the Half and Full press states of the camera manually, or do not require the minimum trigger delay. FastSnap was developed in particular for sports photography, where a camera & DigiSnap might be mounted behind a basketball backboard, and triggered via an RF slave, such as the PocketWizard.

External Power Mod

Most DigiSnap 2000 models use an internal AAA alkaline battery. This may not be enough power for long term time-lapse applications. The external power modification substitutes a rechargable alkaline battery, and provides an AC wall adapter to keep it charged. Note that the DigiSnap 2500 and 2800 can be powered from an external regulated 5V supply, and the 2800 can also be powered from an unregulated 6V - 16V power source.

Palm Mod

If you have a Palm/ HandSpring computer that you would like to use for advanced configuration of your DigiSnap 2x00, select this option and we'll modify your DigiSnap. You will be able to connect your DigiSnap, using the hot sync cable, with no other adapters.

Low Temperature Modification

The DigiSnap has been used in many applications to well below freezing, but for operation to about -25C, we can modify the DigiSnap, substituting some temperature sensitive components.

MultiSnap

The MultiSnap feature causes the camera to take multiple (1..255) pictures each time the DigiSnap is triggered manually, or during time-lapse operations. This allows use of the Auto-Bracketing feature of the Coolpix cameras! It is also often used for motion control applications, such as with the Snap360.

RC Switch Modification

A number of customers use the DigiSnap to control cameras mounted on small blimps, large kites, and RC controlled airplanes and helicopters. We can modify any of the DigiSnap 2000 controllers with an additional 6 pin cable, for connection to a set of 'RC Switches'. These are devices connected to a standard RC receiver which provide simple switch outputs, rather than the normal servo type signal. This then allows for radio remote operation of the camera system from the ground, allowing control over 5 different functions.

STL Preface Feature

This feature is useful for a limited number of applications, such as underwater time-lapse photography. In some applications, a long initial delay is desired between triggering the DigiSnap, and the actual start of the picture sequence. When STL Preface is enabled, the DigiSnap will take 5 pictures at an interval of 20 seconds immediately after the time-lapse operation is triggered, as a verification that the camera system is functioning.