P3D Re: Camera sync in hyperstereo

[erker@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Greg Erker)]

>direct electrical connection is not possible. I have found a description
>of a solenoid system for two mechanical cameras mounted side by side
>(http://werple.net.au/~kiewavly/pentax_rig.html) which looks useful, but
>wonder if anyone has an alternative/better solution.

  Steve Spicer's solenoid system looks good but
being an EE (Electrical Engineer) I have to mention
that it may help to have a "free-wheeling" diode
connected across each solenoid. This would prevent
the inductance of the solenoids from causing an
arc across your switch when you release the button
(and thus increase the life of the switch).

  By free-wheeling I mean that the cathode (bar)
side of the diode is connected to the positive
side on the solenoid. It doesn't conduct when
you apply power but does when you open the switch
and the collapsing magnetic field in the solenoid
causes a current flow. So instead of arcing across
the switch the current just flows through the diode
and solenoid.

Regards - Greg E.



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