ESP8266-remote

EDIT 2015-05-29: Full instructable available

Trigger a camera from a smartphone connected to ESP8266 running NodeMCU (configured as access point).
Tested with a Canon DSLR, but it should work with any cameras with built-in shutter switch terminal (cf. http://www.doc-diy.net/photo/remote_pinout/).

Main functions

• Instant trigger
• Self-timer
• Intervalometer

Shopping list

1. ESP8266 running a recent version of NodeMCU (I used nodemcu_integer_0.9.6-dev_20150406)
2. battery AAA x 2
3. battery holder
4. switch
5. optocoupler 4N25 or equivalent
6. resistor 220 Ohm (actual value depends on optocoupler charateristics)
7. tablets tube (nice enclosure :) )
8. cable and connector depending on your camera model

Wiring

• 4N25 pin 1 to VCC throught resistor
• 4N25 pin 2 to ESP GPIO0
• 4N25 pin 4 to ground wire of the release cable
• 4N25 pin 5 to shutter wire of the release cable

2DO

• Wrap self adhesive velcro around the tablets tube and my tripod
• Play with another ESP in client mode to trigger with PIR sensor

Resources

• http://www.martyncurrey.com/activating-the-shutter-release/
  Great tutorial with excellent explanations of optocouplers

• http://www.instructables.com/id/Automatic-Camera-Shutter-Switch/
  About the different ways to trigger a remote camera

• http://www.doc-diy.net/photo/eos_wired_remote/
  All you need to know about remote control for Canon EOS cameras

• http://github.com/marcoskirsch/nodemcu-httpserver
  Excellent entry point to understand how to play with NodeMCU and Lua to get a working HTTP server (many thanks @marcoskirsch!)

• http://www.esp8266.com/viewforum.php?f=17
  ESP8266 Community Forum (inevitable...)

Credits

Favicon by Turbomilk

   

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By the way, this project includes many "first time":

• First GitHub project
• First contact with NodeMCU and Lua
• First use of a stand alone ESP8266
• First time I publish something usefull (I hope so :)) on the Internet

Have a nice day playing with ESP8266!