DSUSB cable alternative - tested and works in BackyardNIKON

[SteveRosenow]

I have improved upon a design that is over on CloudyNights, and I am pleased to announce that this does work in BackyardNIKON. 

I may consider taking orders for this - and I find it to be much more ergonomically friendly in design, as opposed to the Shoestring Astronomy DSUSB kit - as it's all one-piece.

A test in BackyardNIKON had full functionality and BULB exposure is done via the "Serial 1" connection in the drop-down dialog.

Saved $90 - Homebrew USB cable for remote USB shutter operation - Nikon D5100 by Loowit Imaging - Steve Rosenow, Photographer, on Flickr

[benjamindenantes]

Hi,

For those who want to do it by themself you can also read this:

 

http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Number/6455477

 

Another way using the Wireless remote:

 

http://www.cloudynights.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/6444548/page/0/view/collapsed/sb/5/o/all/fpart/1

 

Very easy job...

 

 

[SteveRosenow]

The first order is in the can.

 

[mlois]

Hello I am interested in getting one of your shutter/cable control for Nikon D7000

Can you tell me how much it cost and how do I get it?

Appreciate your help in advance

[charles]

please help me catch up and experience that aha moment. I don't get it.

I have the D5100.
So the usb_mcdc2 cable that comes with the camera works for < 30sec non-bulb exposures? or no.
Requires serial? there's no native mcdc->serial?

does this DSUB alternative use the shutter button or can it be controlled from a computer?

sorry I feel like a Neanderthal staring at a lightbulb for the first time. 

[astroman133]

I would suggest that you find another supplier. I do not believe that Mr Rosenow is making and selling cables any longer.

 

Scroll to the bottom of this page, click on the Camera Support Grid for BYN and scroll to the very bottom of that page to find a link to the Shoestring Astronomy web site.  You can purchase a compatible cable from there.

[SteveRosenow]

please help me catch up and experience that aha moment. I don't get it.

 

I have the D5100.

So the usb_mcdc2 cable that comes with the camera works for < 30sec non-bulb exposures? or no.

Requires serial? there's no native mcdc->serial?

 

does this DSUB alternative use the shutter button or can it be controlled from a computer?

 

sorry I feel like a Neanderthal staring at a lightbulb for the first time. 

 

There is no native MC-DC2 serial that I am aware of, and Nikon chose for whatever reason, not to support BULB exposures over USB. The Nikon D5100 can be completely controlled via USB in BackyardNIKON but it cannot do BULB exposures over that USB port.

The cable here serves as a workaround. It allows for full shutter control over the FT232/RTS-Serial output line in the USB dongle, enabling the user to capture exposures longer than 30 seconds in BULB.

Now, since you mentioned non-BULB exposures, then you don't need this.

However, for the purpose of long-exposure astrophotography, you will want this cable to go longer at a lower ISO, for not only less noise, but for better quality images.

 

 

[SteveRosenow]

Update:

My first order has shipped, and should be arriving to its destination shortly!

I will be shipping a total of four more this week. Those with whom I've PM'ed (or will soon PM) will receive a tracking number once I ship their respective orders.

As always, I am enjoying making these for those of us who are using this or at some point may use this program in the future. I have gone ahead and pre-ordered a small bulk lot of components to build these so orders don't take two to four weeks' processing time.

 

[SteveRosenow]

Yes, that option is left open, but what may be an easy job for one might be an uncomfortable task for another.

I choose to offer it to people who might either be A.) uncomfortable in building their own and B.) would like to do it in such a way that it retains all the components in the order list without having exposed wiring or worse.

I also chose to offer it as I had asked the guy who posted that thread (he is also a member here) to build my own, and expressed little desire to do it. So I stepped up.

It should be noted that I also do telescope repairs on older classic Meades (LX3, LX5, and LX6) and these come with a guarantee of experience behind the build, a guarantee of testing in BYN before it ships.

 

 

 

[SteveRosenow]

I have two more cable orders pending in queue for testing and a shipment set for next week. One overseas, one domestic.

I am - as always - open to taking orders to build more. I enjoy building each one!

-Steve

[ccs_hello]

Yes, I am fully aware of Steve's effort and fully support his active engagement on building, supporting, etc.

Thank you Steve for helping out this community!

 

Of course the DIY option is always there .  In my view, nothing is proprietary.

 

Clear Skies!

 

ccs_hello

[SteveRosenow]

The most important part of this - I really enjoy building them. Not only do I enjoy building them, it gives me something to do in the time Washington State is filled with cloudy nights!

 

I'm open to building more! Bring them on!

[SteveRosenow]

I have two confirmed orders for these cables so far. Both are awaiting the final components. Preliminary work is all done.

If anyone else is interested, please let me know - also I am going to set up a website with more information on them. 

I would like to offer this as a reasonable cost alternative to the Shoestring Astronomy kit for those who would like to do this on a reasonable budget. 

 

[admin]

I have two confirmed orders for these cables so far. Both are awaiting the final components. Preliminary work is all done.

 

If anyone else is interested, please let me know - also I am going to set up a website with more information on them. 

 

I would like to offer this as a reasonable cost alternative to the Shoestring Astronomy kit for those who would like to do this on a reasonable budget. 

 

 

Steve, feel free to -push- your cables here as well

 

Guylain

[radman8]

Thanks, Steve for putting this together for the astro community at large.  I've just fired off a PM to you as well.

[SteveRosenow]

 

Steve, feel free to -push- your cables here as well

 

Guylain

 

It would certainly be nice if I could get more takers!

I actually enjoy building them - and providing a financially-viable alternative. It's a good feeling being able to give something back to the astrophotography community - especially us Nikonians!

That being said, I've ordered more components to build a few more. 

I also have a listing set up on eBay for those who prefer to go that route.

 

-Steve

[SteveRosenow]

All five of my current orders will be shipping out on Saturday morning!

You will each receive a PM from me when they ship!

 

-Steve

[cicsprog]

Still haven't received mine.

[ADeane]

My cable has been received and is 100% operational!  Thank you Steve.

 

I've started another thread with details.

 

~Andy

[Cvigenser]

Today I received cables that I ordered. Have just finished playing around with it in BYN and let me just say that Steve has done an amazing job! I would recommend it to anyone! Now just to wait for a clear night before school goes back

[MattKingsnorth]

 

Steve, feel free to -push- your cables here as well

 

Guylain

 

It would certainly be nice if I could get more takers!

I actually enjoy building them - and providing a financially-viable alternative. It's a good feeling being able to give something back to the astrophotography community - especially us Nikonians!

That being said, I've ordered more components to build a few more. 

I also have a listing set up on eBay for those who prefer to go that route.

 

-Steve

 

I'll take one! Are they up on eBay yet?

[SteveRosenow]

Yes they are.

 

You can also PayPal me directly, I've PMed you the details.


I prefer direct payment through PayPal which gets the process going much quicker. I'm still relatively new to selling on eBay and eBay withholds the funds for two and a half weeks, which makes it hard for me to expedite the process.

 

 

[SteveRosenow]

All five of my current orders will be shipping out on Saturday morning!

You will each receive a PM from me when they ship!

 

-Steve

 

Scratch that.

A few things prevented me from going to the Post Office this morning, so I will ship on Monday!

[fade2black]

I'm interested in one of these.  What is the shipped price?  Feel free to PM me the details and I'll take one too.

[skdmarx]

Hey Steve,

 

I'd love to get one for my D7000. Thank you for all the work you have done on this project as well as providing all the directions on making one.  I'd love to give you some business. Please PM me what I need to do to order one from you.

[Saltcod]

Well it's been over a month and still haven't recieved my cable back from Steve.Anyone have any luck with contacting him?

[SteveRosenow]

I'm interested in one of these.  What is the shipped price?  Feel free to PM me the details and I'll take one too.

I have sent you a PM

 

-Steve

[cicsprog]

Still no cable - Hello

[SteveRosenow]

This is an alert that four more orders will be shipping within this week.

I also did an inventory of my components list (including components on order) and I am now sitting on a surplus, which means I should have at least one to two surplus cables left after the final order ships out next week. Those interested PM me for order details. I ordered a bit too much.

-Steve

 

[s3igell]

Perhaps you should try to Email directly to Steve, rather than use this Forum as a 3rd-party mechanism.

Surely, that is how you communicated your original Order and its Payment Details...

[SteveRosenow]

Hey Steve,

 

I'd love to get one for my D7000. Thank you for all the work you have done on this project as well as providing all the directions on making one.  I'd love to give you some business. Please PM me what I need to do to order one from you.

 

I have sent you a PM.