Arduino-based camera trigger for high-speed lightning photography. Features include auto-threshold light sensors, sound triggers, time-lapse, long exposure, and interval timers. Developed in 2015, this field-tested prototype uses an LCD interface and EEPROM to store settings for professional storm chasing.
The device evolved through several iterations, from early breadboard tests to a finalized prototype with a dedicated housing.
Although the custom PCB was not manufactured at the time, the project includes complete design files for the circuit and board layout.
| Breadboard View | Schematic | PCB Design (Unfabricated) |
|---|---|---|
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- Lightning Auto-Trigger: Automatically calculates sensitivity thresholds based on ambient light to capture strikes instantly.
- Lightning Manual Mode: Manual adjustment of light sensitivity for specific conditions.
- Sound Sensor Trigger: Fires the camera based on acoustic events with adjustable sensitivity.
- Time-Lapse Mode: Captures sequences with programmable intervals up to 30 seconds.
- Long Exposure Controller: Precision shutter control for exposures up to 120 seconds.
- Interval Timer: Countdown timer for delayed photography.
- Manual Mode: Standard digital remote shutter functionality.
- Backlight Management: Dedicated control to toggle LCD light during night shoots.
The project is built on the Arduino platform using an ATmega chip and a 16x2 LCD. The pin mapping as defined in the source code is:
| Component | Pin |
|---|---|
| Camera Shutter (Trigger) | 10 |
| Ready/Status LED | 9 |
| Photometer (Light Sensor) | A1 |
| Sound Sensor | A2 |
| LCD Backlight Control | A5 |
| Keypad (Analog Buttons) | A0 |
- RS: 2, Enable: 3, D4-D7: 4, 5, 6, 7.
The system utilizes the internal EEPROM to persist user settings across power cycles:
- EEPROM 01: Time Lapse Delay settings.
- EEPROM 02: Long Exposure parameters.
- EEPROM 03: Timer Delay.
- EEPROM 04: Lightning Manual Sensitivity.
- EEPROM 05: Sound Sensor Thresholds.
Below are photos captured during storms, demonstrating the precision of the synchronized trigger with lightning discharges.
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This is an open project. You are free to copy, modify, and use it for your own photography projects. If you find this helpful or use it in your work, a citation or credit is greatly appreciated!
A comprehensive video series covers the hardware assembly, programming logic, and real-world field tests:
📺 Camera CTR Project - YouTube Playlist
- Programming Logic: Detailed breakdown of the Arduino code structure and menu navigation.
- Field Testing: Real footage of the sensor triggering the camera during lightning storms.
- v0.1 - v0.3: Initial counters for Time Lapse, Long Exposure, and Timer.
- v0.5 - v0.7: Implementation of Lightning Photo, threshold logic, and two-color LED.
- v0.8 - v0.10: Integration of Sound Sensor and timing corrections.
- v0.12 - v0.16: Final UI refinements, Manual Mode, and Backlight management.
Project by Renato Brant.