Notice: Nikon has recently release a firmware update for the
Coolpix 990, updating from version 1.0 to 1.1.
We have found some improvements in some aspects of the serial
interface which may enable the use of additional features in
subsequent firmware updates for the
DigiSnap 1000, but also a bit of an issue for current DigiSnap
users.
The initial power-up delay used by the DigiSnap serial cable for
the Coolpix 990 using the modified serial cable may now be
insufficient. When the DigiSnap is activated, it signals the camera
that the serial port is active, which shuts the LCD off and puts the
camera into a low power mode. After about 0.8 seconds, the DigiSnap
then tries to establish communication with the camera. With version
1.0 this delay appeared to be sufficient, but with version 1.1, it
does not. In fact, if the delay is not long enough, the simple act of
trying to communicate with the 990 can cause it to lock up! This is
rather exasperating, but there is an easy work-around.
The DigiSnap 1000 has a
number of programmable constants to tailor it's operating time
constants. It is relatively simple to increase the delay to
re-establish proper operation. Connect the DigiSnap to a terminal, as
if to configure the time-lapse settings. Enter the command "CC_PU",
which then prompts you to enter a value. The factory programmed value
is 90, but we have found that increasing it to 110 or 120 may be
required to get it to work with the updated camera firmware. Quit the
terminal as normal, and the new value will be saved.
Note that this change is only required for
DigiSnap 1000 owners that use the
Coolpix 990 with the modified serial cable. Note that if you use
another camera, or the standard Nikon serial cable, this delay value
can be reduced to zero to minimize the overall delay.
Nikon has recently honored Harbortronics by releasing to us, under
a non-disclosure agreement, the full serial protocol specification for
the Coolpix 950!
Having access to this specification will allow us to refine our
product's firmware to better comply with the camera's protocol, as
well as provide other feature of which we were previously unaware.
Since the protocol is common to other camera makes, we anticipate most
of the future enhancements will also be applicable to cameras beyond
the Nikon Coolpix series.
Since receiving the protocol we have already improved the support
for the Coolpix 990! When using the 990 with the modified serial
cable, the camera will sometimes fail to recognize the attempts made
by the DigiSnap to communicate with the camera, which obviously tests
the patience of the photographer! We have developed a workaround to
this problem, making the process much more reliable. All units shipped
starting from July 10, 2000 will incorporate this workaround. This
firmware is now available as Version 1.2, and is available to all
DigiSnap 1000 owners. They simply
need to return the unit to Harbortronics, where we will re-program the
unit and return the following working day. The only cost to the owner
will be the shipping and handling charges!
We have also determined that it IS possible to use the LCD on the
Coolpix 950 when controlling the camera via it’s serial port! This is
a VERY exciting development, tremendously increasing the functionality
of the DigiSnap 1000 for use as
a simple remote release, in addition to it’s excellent performance as
a time lapse controller. This feature improvement will be available in
Version 2.0.
We anticipate a general release of firmware Version 2.0 in mid
September, which will incorporate all of the above changes, plus
enhanced features for time lapse photography, and possibly other
goodies! This firmware release will again be free to all owners.
Another exciting feature of the 2.0 firmware is that it will provide a
much easier upgrade path to further feature improvements, allowing the
owner to upgrade the DigiSnap firmware via a PC! The upgrade to
Version 2.0 will be the last time the owner would need to return the
unit to Harbortronics for feature improvements!
Harbortronics has plans to continue supporting the
DigiSnap 1000 product, adding
features and enhancements. The comments by the owners have been a
great source of inspiration to enhance the product, and we encourage
feedback!
We have already begun development of an accessory board for the
DigiSnap 1000 (the entire package
will be released as the DigiSnap 1500),
adding external I/O all within the same small package. The
DigiSnap 1500 will incorporate
relay outputs which could be use for external lighting (i.e. charging
a flash, illuminating a time lapse scene at night), as well as
Infrared signaling for wireless control of the DigiSnap and camera! No
other information is yet available about this product, but feel free
to email
Mark@Harbortronics.com if you have specific I/O requirements.
Keep checking here for further announcements!
Shopping
Cart
