For those of you who have Canon cameras and have tried using the CHDK to extend the camera's capabilities then this may be of interest.

It is well documented that by using the USB port on the camera you can remotely release the shutter and if you actually have the camera in your hands you can alter certain parameters manually. Well now as with the shutter you can now alter some of those parameters remotely along with the shutter. Simply put it is achieved by altering the timing of the voltage pulse given to the camera through the USB port.

The pulse is controlled by the use of a standard multi channel radio control set up as used by modelers. Currently the set up I use is limited to one function through one servo out let on the receiver, namely, remote shutter release. Now there is a new cable which will use 2 of the servo outlets allowing the camera to perform up to six additional tasks. If you then allot one of those tasks to change the preloaded scripts then you have a very powerful remote camera. That's a simple explanation.

A simple script could for example allow you to zoom and take pictures. A more complex script allowing you to take so many pictures and then take a short burst of video automatically reverting back at the end of the routine, if looped it will start again and continue until the memory card is full.

OK what's all this got to do with taking photos down mines. Well if you add a video link to the process so you see what the camera is looking at, add some of Simon's excellent LED lighting, then you have one hell of a tool for carefully lowering down abandoned mine shafts to see what's there before committing life and limb. The video link depending on your choice could either be hardwired or transmitted.

It is undoubtedly a very cheap way of putting together an exploratory/survey package. Using E-Bay and if you are handy making things, I reckon a complete system with a good spec camera could come in under £200

The main limitation of course is that underground you are limited to line of site. So mobilizing the kit and stuffing it down a hole and out of sight could well prove fruitless.

All the details can be found here: http://www.gentles.ltd.uk/gentled/chdk.htm  There are links at this location as well to the wiki (very important) and to ready made scripts to get you started. There is also a link to a basic install tutorial, compiled by yours truly.

Peter.

Tech Note: The so called bridge cameras i.e. half point & shoot, half DSLR which are so popular these days lack the ability in many cases to allow the use of cable release. Even if the camera is tripod mounted you can still get camera shake by pressing the shutter release carelessly. With Canon cameras by using the CHDK remote script and making a simple battery circuit with a switch connected to the USB port, you have a cable release mechanism. If this is all you require then you have 2 choices to make one. Either use the original type of GentLED CHDK and include that in your circuit. Possibly cheaper buy a mini USB cable discard one of the plug ends (or chop in half and make 2) and use that in your circuit.
If there is enough interest I will compile a how to do page on my web site or here (? Simon, if preferred). NB You may invalidate any manufacturers warranty by carrying out modifications to your camera or by loading 3rd party software.