Pixhawk Camera Trigger Cable
 

Overview

Pixhawk based UAVs can automatically take pictures at a set distance using GPS distances or points. In order to do so you must configure your Pixhawk, Install CHDK on a compatible Canon Powershot camera, install KAP UAV Exposure Control Script, and connect the Pixhawk to the camera with a trigger cable.

Requirements

Configure your Pixhawk

Use Mission Planner to connect to your Pixhawk based UAV. Go to INITIAL SETUP >> Optional Hardware > Camera Gimbal and set the following.

 

    Notes:
  • Some setting will be Out Of Range. Accept anyway.
  • You can use SERVO 9 through 14. This is where you plug in your trigger cable,

Install CHDK on a Canon Powershot camera.

CHDK is free, non permanent software that runs in addition to the firmware on certain Canon cameras. Among other things, it allows you to run scripts that can remotely trigger the camera by sending a signal through a USB cable. It is installed on the camera's SD memory card, so no modifications are made to the camera. The easiest way to install CHDK is by using a program called Stick.

  1. Downlaod Stick.
  2. Follow Stick's instructions to install CHDK on your camera's SD memory card.
  3. Follow the CHDK instructions for loading and using CHDK on your camera.

 

Configure KAP UAV Exposure Control Script

KAP Exposure Control Script runs under CHDK and automatically controls shutter speed, aperture, ND filter, and ISO settings so as to maintain the fast shutter speeds needed in aerial photography. Additionally it allows you to trigger your camera by sending a PWM signal to the camera's USB port. Do the following to install and configure KAP UAV Exposure Control Script:

  1. Download KAP UAV Exposure Control Script. (kap_uav.lua)
  2. Copy kap_uav.lua into your (SD Card:)\CHDK\SCRIPTS.
  3. Lock your SD card, insert it into your camera, and turn your camera on.
  4. Press the Play button.
  5. Press the FUNC SET button to select the Script Menu.
  6. Press the FUNC SET button to Load Script from File.
  7. Select KAP_UAV.LUA using theOuter button and FUNC SET button.

  8. Set Shot Interval (sec) to Burst if you are using a Precision Geotag cable, otherwise use Fast.

  9. Set USB Shot Control? to Pixhawk. Press the Menu button to exit the KAP_UAV.lua options.
  10. Half Press the shutter to start KAP_UAV.lua.
  11. Your camera is ready when you see Waiting on USB.
  12. The default exposure values should work on a sunny day. If necessary, use the KAP UAV Exposure Control Script documentation to modify exposure values.

Connect the camera trigger cable

A special Pixhawk camera cable is required to trigger your Canon camera. As your UAV flies past predetermined points, the Pixhawk will provide a pulse to the RC Channel you specified.

Do the following to verify your system is working:

  1. Connect the servo style connector from Pixhawk camera cable the RC Channel you specified on the back of your Pixhawk. Note! the Pixhawk does not provide power to the AUX OUT pins. You must provide 5 volts to the AUX OUT pins by plugging in an ESC with a Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) or a Universal Battery Eliminator Circuit (UBEC) into any open pin set. Read here to determine if you need a BEC.
  2. Connect the mini USB connector from the Pixhawk camera cable to the USB port on your Canon camera.
  3. Turn on your camera with CHDK and start the kap_uav.lua script so that waiting on USB signal is displayed.
  4. Start Mission Planner, Connect to your Pixhawk and go to the Flight Data screen.
  5. Right-click on the map and select Trigger Camera NOW. If everything is setup correctly your Pixhawk will trigger the Canon camera to take a picture and is capable of triggering pictures using GPS distance.

Troubleshooting

  • Make sure you don't have more than one RC#_FUNCTION set to 10.
  • Make sure you don't have RELAY_PIN set to the same OUTPUT channel that you have RC#_FUNCTION set to 10. Your Pixhawk can't do both.

Errata, kudos, brian.christal@gmail.com