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Time Lapse Camera
The project
The project is born from an idea of Michele G. The (first but not last) purpose is to take a time-lapse-shot of the traditional bonfire preparation (3-4 days) and burning (1-2 days).
For the purpose we needed something cheap, but powerful. There were many options, this is not the better, simply the one we used.
The camera
If you use a Canon camera take a look at CHDK. This firmware hack maybe would allow you to skip the controller realization. We used a Nikon because was the only affordable and reperible at the time. You should then take it apart and see how the switch works, and take some wires out of it.
The controller
The simple controller goal is to take a photo at regular intervals.
It should trigger the autofocus switch first, and then the shutter switch to take the photo.
Hardware
* Issue #1: The timer. An atmega8 microcontroller (or any other) would be fine. * Issue #2: Power. I've used a pre-built module that converts 9-12V into 5V through an LM2576 based switching step-down converter, and a 7585-3.3 linear regulator that provides 3.3v. An additional diode provides about 0.6v drop, so the camera is powered at about 2.7v. Other cameras may need different power requirements.
