Using pixhawk as a relay?

Posted by Gabriel DeVault on March 2, 2015 at 11:52am

I need to short 2 pins on an camera to trigger it. Is there a way to do this directly from a pixhawk? Or perhaps I have to make an external relay circuit driven by the pixhawk? I have tried several RC switches with no luck.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__46040__Turnigy_Receiver_Controlled_Switch.html

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__43894__Dr_Mad_Thrust_Electronic_On_Off_Switch.html

Both of these seem more like they are intended as power supplies and not as actual "switches" or "relays".

The Pixhawk has a "relay" setting, but I guess that is intended to drive a relay, not actually "be" a relay?

I have ordered a picoswitch and I think that will work. But I'm just curious what other solutions may exist...

Thanks!

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Replies

  • Jacko March 30, 2015 at 4:43pm

    Yes I can make one up for you. It does however needed to be connected (soldered) to the camera shutter button. 

    Or I can hard wire it for you.

    What exactly are you hoping to achieve with it? 

    We made it to give the most rapid possible capture rate - gives good overlap in windy conditions for one thing.

    • Eric Coronel > Jacko March 30, 2015 at 7:15pm

      I'm looking for a cable to connect a Canon camera to the Pixhawk for auto missions and triggering. Thanks for replying.

    • Jimmy Oliver > Eric Coronel May 5, 2015 at 9:35pm

      3701676530?profile=originalThis is the schematic that works (I'm told)

  • Daniel Hanson March 30, 2015 at 9:54am

     Here is a relay that is designed for use in RC systems. https://www.pololu.com/product/2804

    Pololu RC Switch with Relay (Assembled)
    This RC relay enables easy control of large, electrically isolated loads in radio control (RC) systems. The activation threshold and direction are c…
  • Jacko March 5, 2015 at 1:13am

    I have the cam trigger you need if you can't get it elsewhere.

    Connect to Aux 6 on Pixhawk.

    3701949174?profile=original

    https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3701949378?profile=original
    • Eric Coronel > Jacko March 30, 2015 at 9:36am

      Do you sell the trigger cable? 

  • Rodney Johnson March 2, 2015 at 2:22pm

    see if this will work

    http://www.hansenhobbies.com/products/onboardacc/ers/nersv2/

    Hansen Hobbies - Nano Electronic Receiver Switch - V2
    Hansen Hobbies - Electronics for Radio Controlled Aircarft
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