I built a new buzzer for photo booths. The new case is even more stable than its predecessor. As a bonus, it allows charging two AA cells independently without opening the case. The receiver is implemented using a Yongnuo RF-603. It may be expanded with a USB-dongle that emulates a left mouse click or hitting a key on a keyboard.
I performed tests to power Olympus cameras (OM-D E-M1) from a 5 V source. The voltage of 7.5 to 7.6 V required by the camera was delivered by a DC-DC step-up converter.
In general, powering a camer this way is possible. I just couldn’t find a power source yet that allows to drive the camera without restrictions. Even a wall wart delivering 2 A maximum current wasn’t enough to get single frame pictures at a decent pace. Too short image intervals caused troubles saving the taken pictures. Common USB chargers won’t drive the camera even in idle mode.
Maybe a power source delivering 2.5 or 3 A may do the trick. I couldn’t verify it yet.
I am in the process to evaluate a converter that allows to power Olympus cameras (and others, with appropriate voltage settings) from Powerbanks, that provide up to 2000 mA at 5V through USB sockets.
If the tests are successful, I will present the solution here with cabling and a 3D printed housing.
I am intensely working on a project for the next two weeks. This prevents me to be online as often as usual. Please apollogize for any inconvenience caused by late responses to inquiries.
After a series of tests I have built a BLH-1 battery dummy for Olympus cameras (currently the OM-D E-M1 Mark II). Since the battery is larger than other models, the lid of the battery compartment is also bigger. This allows to cut a slot for the cable to pass through while the lid is closed. You shouldn’t do this to the original lid. That’s why I currently try to get spare battery compartment lids for the camera.
You may find more details about battery dummies on my Battery Dummy Page.
I got already requests for BLH-1 battery dummies (for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 mark II). Therefore, I made first measurements and built a prototype. During the next few days, I will test and refine the prototype.
If the test results are promising, I will have PCBs built and launch a first series.
More about the new battery dummy in a few days.
Recently, I had the chance to take measurements on the PEN-F. Good news, the VA-1 angle finder may be adapted to the viewfinder of this great camera. An adapter ist now available.
See here for details. Questions or orders may be sent via the Contact Form.
Olympus presented the new µFT camera flagship as a prototype. Technical details are very promising. First reviewers pointed out, that the missing accessory port doesn’t allow to use teh electronic swivel viewfinders.
There is a solution to this problem. The receptacle for teh eyepiece is very similar to the one of the predecessor. That means, that my angle finder adapter I built for the E-M1 will also fit the E-M1 II. Therefore, the optical viewfinder VA-1 can ve used with the coming camera!
See here for details. Please, send questions or orders through the Contact Form.
The battery compartment of the PEN-F differs slightly from all previous battery compartments for that type of battery. It has notches on both sides so the adapters I built up to mow won’t fit.
I changed the design of the adapter. All adapters shipped from now on will fit all cameras that use BLN-1 batteries.
Finally, I found the time to build and test a first batch of USB-Mouse emulators. It fires a left mouse click when shorting two pins on the PCB.
The device is available in variants to provide features for most of the common usecases. For more details, have a look at my USB-HID-adaptor page.