DigiSnap 3000
Digital Camera Remote Controller
Rev B Copyright 9/25/2003
Gig Harbor, WA, 98335
Harbortronics LLC
PO Box 2663
USA
DigiSnap 3000
Digital Camera Remote Controller
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 3
Features of the DigiSnap 3000 ....................................................................................................................... 4
Interfaces .................................................................................................................................................... 4
Camera Control........................................................................................................................................... 4
Operating Mode.......................................................................................................................................... 4
Power Management....................................................................................................................................5
Other Features............................................................................................................................................. 5
DC Power ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Video Output .......................................................................................................................................... 5
High Speed Image Download................................................................................................................. 5
High Capacity Lighting .......................................................................................................................... 5
Auxiliary Power...................................................................................................................................... 6
External Strobe.......................................................................................................................................6
Temperature Monitoring......................................................................................................................... 6
Real Time Clock..................................................................................................................................... 6
Board Edge Connections ................................................................................................................................ 7
DC Power : J6........................................................................................................................................ 7
Manual Control : J2............................................................................................................................... 7
Remote I/O: J5....................................................................................................................................... 7
Camera Connections : J3.......................................................................................................................8
Other Connections.......................................................................................................................................... 8
Programming Port : J1........................................................................................................................... 8
Expansion Port : J7................................................................................................................................ 8
Serial Port Configuration : J4................................................................................................................8
Strobe Buffer Input : P1......................................................................................................................... 8
Appendix A .................................................................................................................................................... 9
Terminal Interface Menu Structure............................................................................................................. 9
Main Menu ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Main Menu ............................................................................................................................................... 10
O - Toggle Half-Press........................................................................................................................... 10
X - Take Picture.................................................................................................................................... 10
T - Zoom Tele....................................................................................................................................... 10
W - Zoom Wide.................................................................................................................................... 10
R - Image Review................................................................................................................................. 10
S - Start/Stop Simple Time-Lapse ........................................................................................................ 10
A - Start/Stop Advanced Time-Lapse................................................................................................... 10
C - Configuration Menus...................................................................................................................... 10
Playback Menu.........................................................................................................................................11
T - Show Next Image............................................................................................................................ 11
W - Show Previous Image.................................................................................................................... 11
N - Select Image...................................................................................................................................11
O - Delete Image................................................................................................................................... 11
E - Erase All Images............................................................................................................................. 11
F - Reformat Memory........................................................................................................................... 11
Q - Quit to Main Menu......................................................................................................................... 11
Configuration Menu ................................................................................................................................. 11
C - Camera Menu ................................................................................................................................. 11
D - DigiSnap Operation Menu.............................................................................................................. 11
T - Time-Lapse Menu........................................................................................................................... 11
P - Power Control Menu....................................................................................................................... 12
L - Set Clock: 2001/12/29 23:59:20 ..................................................................................................... 12
F - Temperature Monitor......................................................................................................................12
S - Set Start-Up Mode (Attended)........................................................................................................12
R - Remember Changes / Reset DigiSnap............................................................................................ 12
Q - Quit to Main Menu......................................................................................................................... 12
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Camera Configuration Menu.................................................................................................................... 12
C - Set Camera Parameters................................................................................................................... 12
D - Display Camera Parameters............................................................................................................12
F - Set Parameters to Default................................................................................................................12
Z - Camera Zoom Step size .................................................................................................................. 13
S - Serial Control of Camera ................................................................................................................ 13
P - Toggle Protocol............................................................................................................................... 13
Q - Quit to Configuration Menu...........................................................................................................13
DigiSnap Operation Menu........................................................................................................................ 13
B - Terminal Baud Rate :...................................................................................................................... 13
G - CommGap Delay :.......................................................................................................................... 13
D - Display Current Settings................................................................................................................. 13
I - Display Device ID............................................................................................................................ 13
V - Display Firmware Version.............................................................................................................. 14
F - Reset All to Factory Defaults.......................................................................................................... 14
Q - Quit to Configuration Menu...........................................................................................................14
Time-Lapse Configuration Menu ............................................................................................................. 14
S - Simple Time-Lapse settings............................................................................................................ 14
1..8 - Advanced Time-Lapse Period.....................................................................................................14
T - Display Time Lapse Settings .......................................................................................................... 14
Q - Quit to Configuration Menu...........................................................................................................14
Power Control Menu ................................................................................................................................ 14
V - Toggle Video Driver / LCD............................................................................................................14
E - Toggle High Power Switch............................................................................................................. 15
I - Toggle Low Power Switch............................................................................................................... 15
C - Toggle Camera Power .................................................................................................................... 15
T - Set Auto Power Control.................................................................................................................. 15
S - Set Startup Power............................................................................................................................15
D - Display Power Settings................................................................................................................... 15
Q - Quit to Configuration Menu...........................................................................................................15
Appendix B................................................................................................................................................... 16
Configurable Camera Parameters............................................................................................................. 16
Resolution.............................................................................................................................................16
Flash Mode........................................................................................................................................... 17
Focal Length......................................................................................................................................... 17
White Balance....................................................................................................................................... 17
Focus Mode .......................................................................................................................................... 17
Exposure Compensation....................................................................................................................... 18
Metering Mode.....................................................................................................................................18
Image Adjustment................................................................................................................................. 18
Focus Distance...................................................................................................................................... 18
Shutter Speed........................................................................................................................................ 18
Shutter Aperture (F-Stop)..................................................................................................................... 18
Introduction
The DigiSnap 3000 provides remote control of an inaccessible digital camera, and associated equipment.
Harbortronics, the developer and manufacturer of the DigiSnap line of products, is the world leader in
electronic remote controls for digital cameras, and has detailed protocol descriptions under NDA from
several camera manufacturers.
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Features of the DigiSnap 3000
Interfaces
The DigiSnap 3000 provides a communication interface to the operator via a standard asynchronous
interface. This interface is field selectable for full duplex RS232 (short range) or half-duplex RS485 (long
distance). Two protocols are offered.
1) Terminal Interface.
Control is via a ‘dumb’ terminal, such as a terminal emulator program running on any type of computer
equipment (i.e. laptop, palmtop). All commands are very simple menu based interactions with typically
single key stroke entry. All operations to the remote camera system are accessible through this terminal
interface, including camera control and lighting.
2) Program Interface (Not Yet Implemented)
All functions are also available through a multi-character protocol, intended for use with a dedicated GUI
program. This program will be initially developed for PC / Windows, but may be ported to other equipment
if required. This program will also support the image download option.
The DigiSnap 3000 firmware may be upgraded at any time in the field via the program interface, possibly
even in-situ! It is conceivable to have an issue in the field, contact Harbortronics, and have new firmware
emailed directly to the site, and uploaded to the DigiSnap 3000 to provide a solution to a particular issue
with absolutely minimum downtime.
Camera Control
The DigiSnap 3000 controls the operation of a wide range of digital cameras via serial port commands.
Compatible cameras include those from Nikon, Olympus, Sanyo, Toshiba, and Epson. The Nikon Coolpix
990 / 995 / 5000 are often considered for remote applications given their feature set, and acclaimed quality.
The DigiSnap 3000 can support all of the remote control functions permitted by each camera model.
The base firmware of the DigiSnap 3000 includes the fundamentals of camera control (camera parameters,
picture acquisition, focal length (zoom), and image review). More advanced features, such as image
download, are additional options will be offered subsequent to the initial release. Other camera control
features may be added upon request to support various mission profiles.
Operating Mode
As with the other DigiSnap product offerings, the DigiSnap 3000 provides the ability to operate in attended
or non-attended modes. Two different time-lapse modes are available to the user for non-attended
operation. When configured to operate in either Time-Lapse mode, the DigiSnap 3000 automatically
configures the camera per the parameters saved within the DigiSnap 3000, and begins the time-lapse
operation upon power-up.
1) Attended Operation
In Attended operation, the user may manually control the camera, auxiliary lighting, and all other
features of the system. Note that STL and ATL operations (describe below) are also available
within the attended operation.
2) Simple Time-Lapse (STL)
There are three configurable STL parameters: Interval, Number of Images, Initial Delay.
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?? The interval is programmable from 0 seconds (takes pictures as fast as the camera can cycle), to
255 Hrs, 59 Mins, 59 Seconds (over 10 days).
?? The number of images can be set from 0 to 65535, where 0 indicates Infinity (takes pictures
forever).
?? The initial delay can be set from 0 to 65535 minutes, allowing a delay between power-up and the
beginning of the time-lapse sequence.
3) Advanced Time-Lapse (ATL)
ATL allows for time-of-day triggering of time-lapse sequences, unrelated to when the system is
powered on. Up to eight sequences may be enabled, with start time (per 24 hr clock), interval, and
number of pictures all configurable.
Power Management
The DigiSnap 3000 is designed for minimum power drain, and can control the timing of external lighting
and camera power maximum battery life. The DigiSnap 3000 controls the power to the camera, external
lighting, and auxiliary internal power, timing each to come on as required to support image acquisition.
As an example, consider a battery powered, un-attended ATL application, where 10 images are to be
acquired at each of four times per day, with an interval of 5 minutes. The camera, and external lighting
would be configured to power on just before each image is acquired, and turned off after it is stored on the
camera’s internal memory card. The DigiSnap 3000 would operate full-time, but is itself designed for low
power.
Other Features
The DigiSnap 3000 manages the electrical signal flow for all of the equipment associated with the camera
assembly and housing. Many of these signals are controllable via the terminal interface. All electrical
connections are made to this circuit board through connectors designed to be polarized and unique to each
function. Replacement of a camera assembly, housing swaps, etc. may be readily accomplished with
minimum potential for miss-connection.
DC Power
The DigiSnap 3000 incorporates an isolated switching power supply to convert the applied DC power to
the bias levels required for all internal functions, including the camera. The acceptable DC power input
range is 9-36 VDC.
Video Output
The video output of the camera is buffered by the DigiSnap 3000 for driving long cables.
High Speed Image Download
The USB port of the camera is routed through the DigiSnap 3000 as well, however USB is not suited for
long distance operation.
High Capacity Lighting
The DigiSnap 3000 has an on-board isolated switch for controlling local lighting for the camera, having a
switching capacity of 10 amps for short periods (i.e. 30 seconds, 10% duty cycle). The long term current
capacity is 5 amps, due to thermal dissipation on the circuit board. The voltage is the same as that supplied
to the housing, so at 36 volts, the total external switched power can be as high as 360 watts.
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Auxiliary Power
A separate switched power output is available for other devices, for example, lower power lighting at the
camera such as an LED ring light for extreme macro applications. The voltage is approximately 8.25 volts,
with a current capacity of about 750 mA.
External Strobe
The DigiSnap 3000 also incorporates a strobe trigger output, to accommodate an external strobe. In many
cases the camera itself will have a strobe output connector.
This buffer is intended for those applications where the camera is disassembled and re-configured. The
trigger output is simply a buffered extension of the camera’s internal strobe signal, and will not
accommodate strobe quench for ‘TTL’ operation.
Temperature Monitoring
The DigiSnap 3000 includes an on-board temperature monitor, having an accuracy of about 1/3 deg C., and
a displayed precision of 1/10 deg C. The DigiSnap 3000 can be configured via the interface to read and
display the temperature on a predefined periodic interval. Note that the thermal sensor is located on the
DigiSnap 3000 circuit board, so the temperature may not perfectly reflect the ambient temperature, due to
the localized heating on the circuit board itself from the switching regulator and the power switch.
Real Time Clock
The DigiSnap 3000 includes an on-board clock, with a battery backup. The accuracy of this clock is not
calibrated, so long term drift is a possibility. The time and date may be configured via the interface.
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Board Edge Connections
All of the connectors are keyed, latched, and have a different number of pins, to eliminate crossconnections. The physical connectors are Molex Micro-Fit 3.0 style.
Connectors from left to right (top to bottom):
DC Power : J6
1 DC Power Input (+) 2 DC Power Return (-)
3 DC Power Input (+) 4 DC Power Return (-)
5 Low Voltage DC Pwr 6 LV DC Pwr Return
7 Low Voltage DC Pwr 8 Switched Pwr Return
The DC Power Input / DC Power Return signal pairs are connected to the power source for the system,
which can range from 10 to 32 VDC. Only one pair of pins are required to be connected to supply the
DigiSnap 3000, allowing the second pair to be used to ‘daisy chain’ to another device requiring connection
to the DC supply. The DC Power Input and Return signals are electrically isolated from the rest of the
DigiSnap 3000 signals.
Low Voltage DC Pwr is nominally +8.25V above the LC DC Pwr Return. The total current from theses two
pins is limited to about 1 amp, and is protected by a 1 amp thermal protection device.
The switched return signal is an open drain MOSFET, using a flyback diode to the LV DC Pwr, allowing
control of small inductive devices.
Manual Control : J2
1 Switch #1 Input 2 Switch #2 Input
3 Switch #3 Input 4 Switch #4 Input
5 LED Output 6 Return
For applications that require manual control of the operation of the camera as well as the terminal interface,
the DigiSnap 3000 provides four inputs that can be driven by simple switches (normally open, switched to
Return), or logic level signals from other electronic devices (normally +5V/High). The switch functions
are configurable within the DigiSnap 3000 menus [Not currently implemented].
The LED output is suitable to directly drive the anode of an LED (cathode to Return), for feedback to the
operator [Not currently implemented].
Remote I/O: J5
1 USB D+ 2 USB D3 USB +5V 4 USB/Serial Return
5 Strobe Output 6 Strobe Return
7 Video Output 8 Video Return
9 Serial From Terminal 10 Serial To Terminal
These signals are used for interface to the remote operator.
The USB signals are connected through the DigiSnap 3000 board directly to the camera, and may not be
accessible simultaneously with camera serial port control. For use with the Nikon Coolpix cameras, the
operator should set the camera to the ‘Standard’ protocol with the LCD off, before connecting the USB to a
host device.
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The video signal is buffered by the DigiSnap 3000, allowing use of longer video cables. The buffer
normally has a gain of 1 (0 dB), but can be configured via the remote serial interface for a gain of 2 (+6 dB)
[Not currently implemented].
Camera Connections : J3
1 Power to Camera 2 Power Return
3 Serial From Camera 4 Serial To Camera
5 Video from Camera 6 Video Return
7 Strobe from Camera 8 Strobe Return
9 USB +5V 10 USB/Serial Return
11 USB D+ 12 USB D-
Other Connections
The DigiSnap 3000 has several other connection points, used for specific applications and future product
enhancements.
Programming Port : J1
1 Return 2 +5V
3 MCU Clock 4 MCU IRQ
5 MCU A0 6 MCU RST
This port is used for initial programming.
Expansion Port : J7
1 Exp6 2 +5V
3 Exp5 4 Return
5 Exp4 6 Exp2
7 Exp3 8 Exp1
This port is intended to provide expansion capability for unanticipated applications, and is not currently
used.
Serial Port Configuration : J4
1 Return 2 MCU C2
This connector is used to configure the DigiSnap 3000 serial interface. If left un-connected, standard
RS232 is implemented at the terminal interface pins (full-duplex single-ended signals). If a shunt device is
installed, shorting the two pins, the terminal serial port will implement an RS485 half-duplex interface,
where the two serial pins to the terminal form alternating differential transmit and receive functions. RS485
is not currently implemented.
Strobe Buffer Input : P1
1 Strobe Input
This signal input is intended for use with cameras that do not have a standard strobe output signal, such as
in the SeaSnap990-3K system, where a Coolpix 990 is mechanically reconfigured to fit within a cylindrical
housing, and the internal flash unit is removed.
This signal is connected within the DigiSnap 3000 to an IGBT gate, which is lightly pulled to return, and
whose collector is connected to the strobe signals on ports J3 and J5.
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Q - Quit to Main Menu
Digital Camera Remote Controller
Appendix A
Terminal Interface Menu Structure
Main Menu
O - Toggle Half-Press
X - Take Picture
T - Zoom Tele
W - Zoom Wide
R - Image Review
S - Start/Stop Simple Time-Lapse
A - Start/Stop Advanced Time-Lapse
C - Configuration Menus
Configuration Menu
C - Camera Menu
D - DigiSnap Operation Menu
T - Time-Lapse Menu
P - Power Control Menu
L - Set Clock: 2001/12/27 15:23:20
T - Temperature Monitor
S - Set Start-Up Mode (Attended)
R - Remember Changes / Reset DigiSnap
Playback Menu
T - Show Next Image
W - Show Previous Image
N - Select Image
O - Delete Image
E - Erase All Images
F - Reformat Memory
Q - Quit to Main Menu
Power Control Menu
V - Toggle Video Driver / LCD
E - Toggle High Power Switch
I - Toggle Low Power Switch
C - Toggle Camera Power
T - Set Time Lapse / Power
D - Display Time Lapse / Power
Q - Quit to Configuration Menu
Camera Configuration Menu
C - Set Camera Parameters
D - Display Camera Parameters
F - Set Parameters to Default
Z - Camera Zoom Step size
S - Serial Control of Camera
P - Toggle Protocol
Q - Quit to Configuration Menu
Time-Lapse Configuration Menu
S - Simple Time-Lapse settings
1..8 - Advanced Time-Lapse Period
T - Display Time Lapse Settings
Q - Quit to Configuration Menu
DigiSnap Operation Menu
B - Terminal Baud Rate
G - CommGap Delay
D - Display Current Settings
I - Display Device ID
V - Display Firmware Version
F - Reset All to Factory Defaults
Q - Quit to Configuration Menu
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Main Menu
When in attended operation, this is the menu that will be used the majority of the time. From here the
camera zoom can be controlled, and pictures taken.
O - Toggle Half-Press
This command alternately sets and clears the half-press feature cameras that support it.
The Nikon Coolpix 885, 990, 995, and 5000 utilize an extended command protocol, offering a few
additional functions. Half-press is the same as pressing the camera’s shutter release button half-way down,
whereby the camera will auto-focus, and set the exposure. These operations form the bulk of the delay from
when the shutter release button is pressed, to when the picture is taken. By pre-setting the half-press, the
shutter release delay is reduced to less than 100 mS.
X - Take Picture
Command the camera to take a picture.
If the Half-press is already enabled, the delay will be minimized. If the half-press is not already enabled,
the camera will set the focus and exposure first, adding some delay (up to about 2 seconds).
If the camera power is set for automatic, then the camera will first be powered up and configured, which
will take as much as 15 seconds before actually taking the picture.
T - Zoom Tele
This command alternately starts and stops the zoom process, moving to greater focal lengths.
W - Zoom Wide
This command alternately starts and stops the zoom process, moving to smaller focal lengths.
R - Image Review
Switch to the Image Review Menu.
Typically the extended protocol will be in use for standard operations, but image review requires use of the
standard protocol. The protocol will be switched automatically, but may blank the video signal for a short
period.
S - Start/Stop Simple Time-Lapse
Toggle in and out of STL operation. Depending on how the camera LCD is configured during time-lapse,
the video signal may be disabled.
A - Start/Stop Adva nced Time-Lapse
Toggle in and out of STL operation. Depending on how the camera LCD is configured during time-lapse,
the video signal may be disabled.
C - Configuration Menus
Switch to the Configuration Menu.
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Playback Menu
This menu allow review of acquired images, and allows for their deletion and memory card formatting.
When the menu is entered, the camera will be configured to display the last image acquired.
T - Show Next Image
Displays the next image in memory. If the current image is the last one acquired, the camera will cycle to
the first image.
W - Show Previous Image
Displays the previous image in memory. If the current image is the first one acquired, the camera will cycle
to the last image.
N - Select Image
Given a large number of images in memory, it may be much faster to index to a particular image number.
The first picture acquired is 1, and so on up to the last image. This command requests which image number
is of interest, and then displays that image.
O - Delete Image
The currently displayed image is deleted, after a positive confirmation.
E - Erase All Images
All of the images on the memory card are erased, after a positive confirmation. Note that this is somewhat
different than reformatting the memory card, in that if images are present on the card that were previously
protected, those images will not be erased, whereas if re-formatted, everything on the memory card will be
eliminated.
F - Reformat Memory
Reformats the memory card, after a positive confirmation. All information on the card will be destroyed,
and the directory structure re-established.
Q - Quit to Main Menu
Return to the main menu, where images can be acquired. Note that if supported by the camera, the
extended protocol will be used, which may add a slight delay.
Configuration Menu
The DigiSnap 3000 has a host of user accessible configurations, controlling the camera, power
management, temperature monitoring, etc. This menu is the entry point to accessing these configurations.
C - Camera Menu
Switch to the camera configuration menu.
D - DigiSnap Operation Menu
Switch to the DigiSnap configuration menu.
T - Time-Lapse Menu
Switch to the Time-Lapse configuration menu.
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P - Power Control Menu
Switch to the power management menu.
L - Set Clock: 2001/12/29 23:59:20
Set the time and date of the on-board real time clock.
F - Temperature Monitor
The DigiSnap 3000 incorporates an internal temperature sensor. The sensor may be periodically checked
and reported by this configuration.
S - Set Start-Up Mode (Attended)
When the DigiSnap is powered on, it will determine the configured start-up mode, and act accordingly.
If configured for attended mode, then it will merely display the menus, and wait for user input.
If set to either of the two time-lapse modes (STL, ATL), then it will wait briefly to determine if it is
connected to a terminal, and if not will proceed with the time-lapse operation unattended. If connected to a
terminal, then the DigiSnap will enter attended mode.
R - Remember Changes / Reset DigiSnap
As changes are made to configurations, the changes are saved in RAM (volatile memory). If the power is
removed from the system, the changes will not be saved. To save the changes, execute this command,
which will load the configurations to FLASH (non-volatile) memory, where they will be retained until
changed again. This process will also re-boot the DigiSnap 3000.
Q - Quit to Main Menu
Return to the main menu, where images can be acquired.
Camera Configuration Menu
This menu allows configuration of the camera specific parameters.
C - Set Camera Parameters
There are a number of camera parameters which the DigiSnap maintains and loads into the camera when it
is powered on. The command requests input values for each of these parameters. Refer to Appendix B for a
list of the configurable parameters.
Note that when powered on, the camera is first set to factory default, so some parameters may simply be
configured as default, whereby the DigiSnap will not make any change.
D - Display Camera Parameters
The current parameter values are loaded from the camera, and displayed.
F - Set Parameters to Default
The camera parameters are reset to the factory default state specific to each camera model.
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Z - Camera Zoom Step size
When using the standard camera protocol (if for instance not supported by the camera, or manually
configured to use the standard protocol), the camera focal length cannot be smoothly transitioned in and
out, but is set to progressively changing focal length settings. The parameter determines the step size used
to change the focal length.
If set to a higher value, then the zoom function is more rapid, but less precise. If set to a lower value, the
zoom may be more precisely set, but will take longer to move.
Note that the actual value used has photographic relevance. The actual focal length change (in mm) is the
entered value / 10.
S - Serial Control of Camera
When using a standard digital camera, where communication is via the camera’s serial port, the serial port
should be enabled. If an SLR type camera is used, where the camera shutter is controlled via a switch
contact, then the serial port control should be disabled, to ignore serial protocol errors.
P - Toggle Protocol
When supported by the camera, the extended protocol is preferentially used, as it allows for smoother
zoom, half-press state, and potentially more accurate image exposure. If desired, the protocol may be
toggled from extended to standard or vice versa. Camera configurations, image review, etc. can only be
controlled remotely via the standard protocol, so the DigiSnap will automatically switch if needed.
Q - Quit to Configuration Menu
Return to the main configuration menu.
DigiSnap Operation Menu
The DigiSnap Operation menu allows configuration of various constants associated with the DigiSnap
3000.
B - Terminal Baud Rate :
The communication to the terminal / GUI can be set to a number of baud rate values. The default is 19.2
Kbaud.
G - CommGap Delay :
Between each serial command exchanged with the camera is a small time gap, apparently required by the
camera. This value is set by the factory to work with most cameras, but is configurable to potentially
address some communication issues.
D - Display Current Settings
All of the DigiSnap configuration values are displayed.
I - Display Device ID
Each DigiSnap 3000 is serialized at the factory, to allow tracking, and distribution of firmware and
features.
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V - Display Firmware Version
Displays the DigiSnap 3000 firmware version.
F - Reset All to Factory Defaults
Changes all DigiSnap 3000 configuration values to factory default.
Q - Quit to Configuration Menu
Return to the main configuration menu.
Time-Lapse Configuration Menu
This menu provides configuration of the time-lapse options.
S - Simple Time-Lapse settings
Simple Time-Lapse (STL) provides a means of taking pictures on a periodic interval. The number of
pictures to take can be configured from 1 to 255, or infinite. The interval can be set from 0 seconds (as fast
as the camera can cycle), to up to about 10 days.
STL can be initiated while operating in the Attended mode, where the user is controlling operation directly,
or in Un-Attended mode, where the time-lapse is started when the system is powered up. In un-attended
operation, there are applications where there is no need to start taking pictures immediately. For instance,
the system could be powered up, and then some time taken to place the camera into position. There is an
initial delay parameter that can also be configured.
1..8 - Advanced Time-Lapse Period
Advanced Time-Lapse (ATL) provides a means of taking time-lapse sequences, triggered at particular
times of the day. Up to eight sequences may be enabled or disabled, where the start time, number of
pictures, and interval can be configured.
T - Display Time Lapse Settings
The STL and ATL parameters are displayed.
Q - Quit to Configuration Menu
Return to the main configuration menu.
Power Control Menu
The DigiSnap 3000 provides power management for the camera system, and has been designed for use in
long-term battery operated applications, where power minimization is an important factor.
V - Toggle Video Driver / LCD
The greatest power drain on a digital camera is due to the LCD monitor on the camera. If turned off, the
power drain can be reduced significantly. In most camera models, the video output from the camera is also
disabled when the LCD is off. This command allows the LCD of the camera, as well as the video driver on
the DigiSnap 3000 to be turned on and off manually, to save power.
When using the extended protocol with the Nikon Coolpix cameras, the LCD is enabled by default, and
cannot be remotely turned off. The protocol is automatically switched to standard to allow the LCD to be
turned off. Note that even if the LCD is turned off manually, the power drain from the camera is much
higher when using the extended protocol.
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E - Toggle High Power Switch
The high power switch is provided for control of external lighting. This command allows the light to be
turned on and off manually.
I - Toggle Low Power Switch
The low power switch is provided for control of auxiliary devices, such as an internal ring light. This
command allows this power source to be turned on and off manually.
C - Toggle Camera Power
The camera can also be turned on and off manually, again to save power if no pictures are to be taken for
some time.
T - Set Auto Power Control
The camera, high power switch, and low power switch can independently configured for automatic control,
as well as through the manual methods provided above. This is particularly useful for applications that
operate autonomously (un-attended), though it can also be used for attended operation.
For instance, when operating un-attended in STL mode, with say, a 10 minute interval between pictures. By
shutting the camera and lights down between images, the only power drain would be due to the DigiSnap
3000, which is also designed for minimum power operation.
When the camera is configured for automatic control, it is turned on when it is time to take a picture. Note
that it can take as long as 15 seconds to power up, initialize, and configure the camera before it is ready to
take a picture, and as much as 10 seconds to power it down. During the power up and down process, the
camera may be drawing a significant amount of power, therefore, the interval between pictures should be
significantly longer than 30 seconds to achieve any real power savings.
When any of the devices are configured for automatic power control, the power is enabled for a
configurable period of seconds before the picture is taken, to allow for camera focus, etc. Similarly, the
power is kept on for a configurable period of seconds after the image is acquired.
S - Set Startup Power
While camera power, high power switch, and low power switch may be manually controlled in Attended
mode, they must be preset for operation during un-attended operation. This configuration independently
sets the power-up state for these three devices.
For instance, in a time-lapse operation, it may be desirable to control the camera and external lighting (high
power switch) automatically, yet keep the auxiliary power enabled at all times. By enabling the low power
switch at start-up, and disabling it’s automatic control, this can be accomplished.
D - Display Power Settings
Displays the automatic and startup configuration for the various switched power devices.
Q - Quit to Configuration Menu
Return to the main configuration menu.
www.Harbortronics.com 15 9/25/03
Rev B
DigiSnap 3000
Digital Camera Remote Controller
Appendix B
Configurable Camera Parameters
Resolution
Setting
Value CP950 CP990 CP995 CP5000
0 Default Default Default Default
1 640x480
Basic
2 640x480
Normal
3 640x480
Fine
4 1280x960
Basic
5 1280x960
Normal
6 1280x960
Fine
7 1024x768
Basic
8 1024x768
Normal
9 1024x768
Fine
10 1600x1200
Basic
11 1600x1200
Normal
12 1600x1200
Fine
13 N/A N/A N/A N/A
14 N/A 2048x1360
15 N/A 2048x1360
16 N/A 2048x1360
17 N/A 2048x1536
18 N/A 2048x1536
19 N/A 2048x1536
20 N/A N/A N/A N/A
21 N/A N/A N/A N/A
22 N/A N/A N/A N/A
23 N/A N/A N/A N/A
24 N/A N/A N/A N/A
640x480
Basic
640x480
Normal
640x480
Fine
1280x960
Basic
1280x960
Normal
1280x960
Fine
1024x768
Basic
1024x768
Normal
1024x768
Fine
1600x1200
Basic
1600x1200
Normal
1600x1200
Fine
Basic
Normal
Fine
Basic
Normal
Fine
640x480
Basic
640x480
Normal
640x480
Fine
1280x960
Basic
1280x960
Normal
1280x960
Fine
1024x768
Basic
1024x768
Normal
1024x768
Fine
1600x1200
Basic
1600x1200
Normal
1600x1200
Fine
2048x1360
Basic
2048x1360
Normal
2048x1360
Fine
2048x1536
Basic
2048x1536
Normal
2048x1536
Fine
640x480
Basic
640x480
Normal
640x480
Fine
1280x960
Basic
1280x960
Normal
1280x960
Fine
1024x768
Basic
1024x768
Normal
1024x768
Fine
1600x1200
Basic
1600x1200
Normal
1600x1200
Fine
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
www.Harbortronics.com 16 9/25/03
Rev B
DigiSnap 3000
Digital Camera Remote Controller
25 N/A N/A N/A N/A
26 N/A N/A N/A 2560x1710
Basic
27 N/A N/A N/A 2560x1710
Normal
28 N/A N/A N/A 2560x1710
Fine
29 N/A N/A N/A 2560x1920
Basic
30 N/A N/A N/A 2560x1920
Normal
31 N/A N/A N/A 2560x1920
Fine
32 N/A N/A N/A N/A
33 1600x1200
TIFF
34 N/A 2048x1360
35 N/A 2048x1536
36 N/A N/A N/A N/A
37 N/A N/A N/A N/A
38 N/A N/A N/A 2560x1710
39 N/A N/A N/A 2560x1920
1600x1200
TIFF
TIFF
TIFF
1600x1200
TIFF
2048x1360
TIFF
2048x1536
TIFF
1600x1200
TIFF
N/A
N/A
TIFF
TIFF
Flash Mode
Given the difficulty of providing flash intensity feedback to the camera in underwater applications, the
external flash may be configured to be either fully on, or fully off.
Value Setting
0 Off
1 On
Focal Length
The focal length is set using the zoom functions, via the main menu.
White Balance
Value Setting
0 Auto
1 Daylight
2 Incandescent
3 Fluorescent
4 Cloudy
5 Strobe
Focus Mode
Value Setting
0 Auto
1 Macro
2 Infinity
www.Harbortronics.com 17 9/25/03
Rev B
DigiSnap 3000
Digital Camera Remote Controller
Exposure Compensation
Value Setting
0 Auto
1 -1 Stop
2 +1 Stop
3 -2 Stop
4 +2 Stop
Metering Mode
Value Setting
0 Matrix
1 Spot
2 Center
3 Spot – AF Area
Image Adjustment
Value Setting
0 Normal
1 + Bright
2 - Bright
3 + Contrast
4 - Contrast
Focus Distance
This parameter cannot be set via the remote control protocol.
Shutter Speed
This parameter cannot be set via the remote control protocol.
Shutter Aperture (F-Stop)
This parameter cannot be set via the remote control protocol.
www.Harbortronics.com 18 9/25/03
Rev B
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