Using Stratosnapper V2 with Pixhawk

Thanks for adding me to the group!

I read a really good thread recently about using a Stratosnapper V2 IR trigger with the Pixhawk to operate my camera, but I wasn't exactly sure about how they were powering the Stratosnapper's IR transmitter. The diagram showed a servo cable from the Pixhawk to the input side of the Stratosnapper and appeared to show the 5V BEC connected to the Pixhawk and the input side of the Strato.

Neither the diagram nor the pictures or text clarified exactly where the BEC was drawing it's input power from. Unless I'm mistaken, I didn't think any of the Pixhawks outputs were significant enough to power a servo, much less power the IR transmitter unless you used a BEC to power the Pixhawk's output rail.

I can't help but feel that I'm missing something really obvious right in front of me with this, but I've been trying to find an answer for a couple of days now with no luck.

Also, I've never had cause to purchase a BEC as an individual item before. Any recommendations as to who makes and sells a high quality 5V BEC? Also, I've seen the output amperage range from 2.5A - well above 5A. Any recommendation as to the amperage I might want to use?

Thanks for any information anyone here can provide. It's such a cool system to be able to control the camera from the Pix Misson controler so I'm really looking forward to being able to make this set-up work.

Hi Sammy,

I've been using a StratosnapperV2 in a SkyWalker2013 with a PixHawk to trigger a Sony NEX5N for the last year. It's never missed a beat and I've flown 40+ missions with it.

I fitted a BEC to power the servo rail, but make sure you disconnect the ESC + wire from the ESC servo plug!

This is the BEC I've been using, below are the settings I've been using, with a 2D FlatMap1 gimbal;

Once you have configured the StratosnapperV2 via a USB connection using its config program and entered the parameter settings and camera settings in MissionPlanner, made sure the camera is in the IR trigger mode / shutter priority / manual focus/ etc. You can carry out a bench test using MissionPlanner, by right clicking on the "Flight Data" screen, you can select "Trigger Camera Now", I also do this just before launching, to be sure all is well and I can here the camera "click". Please note the Pixhawk must be armed, as you need a servo output, the image below was a screen grab and shows disarmed, so remove the prop if indoors, or take great care!

Best of luck,

Keith,

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Keith Geary May 11, 2015 at 2:59am

Hi Sammy,

I've been using a StratosnapperV2 in a SkyWalker2013 with a PixHawk to trigger a Sony NEX5N for the last year. It's never missed a beat and I've flown 40+ missions with it.

I fitted a BEC to power the servo rail, but make sure you disconnect the ESC + wire from the ESC servo plug!

This is the BEC I've been using, below are the settings I've been using, with a 2D FlatMap1 gimbal;

Once you have configured the StratosnapperV2 via a USB connection using its config program and entered the parameter settings and camera settings in MissionPlanner, made sure the camera is in the IR trigger mode / shutter priority / manual focus/ etc. You can carry out a bench test using MissionPlanner, by right clicking on the "Flight Data" screen, you can select "Trigger Camera Now", I also do this just before launching, to be sure all is well and I can here the camera "click". Please note the Pixhawk must be armed, as you need a servo output, the image below was a screen grab and shows disarmed, so remove the prop if indoors, or take great care!

Best of luck,

Keith,
- Keith Geary > Keith Geary May 11, 2015 at 5:57am
  
  There is also a guide online here; Pixhawk auto camera trigger without CHDK
- Sammy Van > Keith Geary May 11, 2015 at 8:44pm
  
  Thanks keith - that's the guide I read. I was really cool. I ordered the Stratosnapper last night and just got my a6000 Sat. I really liked the idea of being to switch between video and stills not to mention being able to adjust the zoom, all while flying. I need to take a look at my ESC to see if I can disconnect it - I'm using the quatro 4 in 1. I've never used one before, but Duran said they've been working really good for them so I'm giving it a try. I might have to put a BEC between my power distribution board and the FC and then another between the FC and the Strato. I've got a couple of weeks to work it out before the strato gets here though.
  
  I appreciate the help. Blue Skies man

This reply was deleted.

PIXHAWK

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