Sony DSC-S40 User Manual

How to hardwire the Sony DSC-S40 Digital Camera

This document covers in detail how to modify the Sony DSC-S40 digital camera for remote shutter control from the PixController Universal or LE camera control board. Please see http://www.pixcontroller.com or email

support@pixcontroller.com for more information.

Please note that if you make this modification to your Sony camera that you will void your camera’s warranty. This modification can also result in damage to your digital camera if you do not follow the instructions properly.

Tools/Parts Needed

1. 2.4 mm #0 Philips Screwdriver & Small Flat Blade Screwdriver.

2. Fine tipped soldering iron with heat control.

3. 30 Gauge wire. Wire Wrap type wire can be purchased from your local Radio Shack store. Find one of the 3 part numbers: 278-501, 278-502, 278-503. They come in a spool of 50 feet of wire for $2.99

4. Small tweezers.

5. Flat blade screw driver or knife.

6. Sony DSC-S40 flat flex cable from Nature-Qwest, LLC., or purchase the Universal or LE Sony S40 kit.

7. PixController Universal board with Sony S40-U PIC chip, or LE board with LE II PIC chip

Remove batteries and media card

Before starting your project be sure to remove the 2 AA internal batteries and the Media Card.

Remove the camera case screws

Remove all 3 screws from the camera case. Be sure to place the screws in a safe place while modifying the camera.

Remove the 2 AA batteries and Media Card

Remove screws 1,and 2 from the bottom of the camera case.

Note, screw 2 is under the memory card door.

Remove screw 3 from the right side of the case.

Remove the case

Carefully remove the back of the camera case from the camera exposing the interior electronics, Figure

Next, remove the front of the camera case, Figure 2. This is a little harder to remove, but take your time and unsnap all of the hinges. The front of the case will be attached with a small ribbon cable, so take care as not to handle this too hard or damage the ribbon cable.

Prep the S40 Shutter Assembly Cable

You must use the S40 Shutter Assembly Cable in order to modify this digital camera. The solder contacts are too small even for the most skilled technician to handle.

You must add 2 small gauge wires to the cable before you start. Add the wires to the solder points shown in Figure 3. In our example we added a Red wire to the solder pad “P” for Power on/off, and Blue to solder pad “S” for shutter.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Sony S40 Shutter Assembly cable from Nature Qwest, LLC.

Figure 3

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