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Here is a GREAT video by Max Simbron on settting up a remote camera and using using a Pre-Trigger Cable (Click here). Check out the rest of his site as well: PShizzy: The Blog for "Tips, Tricks, and Articles on Photography" all by Max Simbron
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A(***)Pre-Trigger Cables - Why You Want / Need This?
When you want to remotely fire a camera using any radio or other wireless setup, these cables will connect the receiver device to the camera itself. Most electronic cameras use a 3 wire shutter system, using a dual position shutter switch, such that the first position (half press) will wake up the camera, turn on the meter, and sometimes focus, and then the full press will actually fire the shutter. The Override Switch in the ON position will have the effect of keeping the camera in this half pressed "ready state", so it will be instantly ready to snap the picture once the trigger signal is received. The cable can be wired without this Override Switch in either the Pre-Trigger ON or the Pre-Trigger OFF position, depending on your needs. During the remote camera setup, the Override Switch needs to be in the OFF position, or the cable must be unplugged each time to review the image and adjust the camera settings.
Click for more on the Basic Operation for all Pre-Trigger Cables.
AA(***)1 x 6 Pre-Trigger Box for Heavy Duty Cables:
This 1 x 6 Pre-Trigger Box works just like my other Multiple Output Pre-Trigger Boxes, but this unit is designed and set up for heavy duty weather resistant SuperFlex cables and connectors. These connectors and other parts can be seen in the next image, and the entire setup (without the extension cables) is made to fit into a heavy plastic security
box as seen here. Each of the 6 outputs are electrically isolated from each other to prevent the possiblility of "shutter bounce" where the firing of one camera will then re-fire the next connected camera. This setup
has already been tested to successufully fire multiple cameras at a wired distance of over 800 feet using these water resistant SuperFlex cables equipped with the Heavy Duty Weatherproof XLR connectors. A foot switch is shown as the trigger (based on the customers desires), but any momentary switch can be used, even a radio setup can be plugged into the mini jack input in the Pre-Trigger Control Box. This setup can even be triggered directly from the handheld camera, should it be desired to have all the cameras (handheld and remote) to fire at the same time.Why is this done this way?
This setup was requested for use outdoors in a soccer stadium where the increased amount of electronic equipment (television and advertising signs) have been running havoc with the photogs radio remotes, giving unreliable firing. The photog wanted to have 2 remote cameras in each goal, and for all of the remotes to be triggered with a single press of the momentary switch (so as not to miss any of the action by pressing the wrong side of a dual switch). All the cable connections are positive locking, weatherproof, and the cable itself has a thick neoprene jacket for durability from trampling, and flexibility under all weather conditions.
If you are interested in this level of hardwired quality, contact me with your needs and setup for a custom design and quote.
Pricing:
The Custom Pre-Trigger Control Box itself is priced as a basic unit with one output for $275 and then $55 for each additional output connection. As shown in this posting, this unit would be $295 + ($55 x 5) = $570. Other components needed at additional costs are the Y-Splitter, short and long extension cables, cables to connect directly to the cameras, and a foot switch or other trigger switch. The Y-Splitter Cable has similar included electronics to the Control Box, and is $225, while the camera end connectors are $145 each. Extension cables are priced as a connector charge of $80, and then a wire charge of $1 /foot. A 25 foot (minimum length) positive locking, weatherproof extension would then be $80 + ($1 x 25) = $105.
B(***) Pre-Trigger: Canon N3 (OEM), Override Switch
This Pre-Trigger Cable has the Canon N3 connector (OEM version), a RA mini plug, and an easy to use small override switch. The cable lengths can customized up to 30 inches for the same price, and it is $130 as shown.When this Pre-Trigger Cable is made using a generic camera connector, and a straight mini plug, it is now specially priced at $45, and the cord lengths can still be customized to your needs.
C(***) Pre-Trigger - MultiMax / Flex TT5 Version
These Special Pre-Trigger Cables - USB MultiMax Version are $65 each using one of the generic camera connectors shown (Nikon 10 pin or D80, Canon N3 or XT). They DO NOT need the override switch, as it is built into the new PW MultiMax unit. This item will allow a remote enable or disable of the pre-release action, similar to what the manual override switch would do. The cable length is about 16 inches long, but like all my other custom items, this can be varied to suit your needs. Up to 24 inches total length would be the same price, while much longer cables are possible by quote. For a limited time (for this cable only), a Nikon 10 pin or the D80 OEM plug is available instead of the generic connector for an additional $25, while a Canon N3 OEM plug is available for $35. The Nikon D90 is using a different connector, is brand new, hard to find, and is currently $45. (The amount of the OEM connector needs to be added to the cost of the cable.) These Canon and Nikon OEM connector plugs are shown in 
the image to the left. Using this Special Pre-Trigger cable along with a USB MultiMax PW as the receiver, will allow you to remotely wake up or allow to sleep the remote location camera (enable or disable the pre-trigger mode). This means that any remote camera set in the rafters, or other hard to access location can be set up hours or days before the event, left alone to go into sleep mode based on the camera delay settings, and then remotely turned on from the transmitter PW just minutes before shooting time without having to leave the camera in the pre-release ready state (half shuter press) consuming battery power. This is a relatively new function of the USB model of the MultiMax Pocket Wizard and was recently reviewed by Rob Galbraith on January 19, 2008. Click here to see Rob's review open in a new window.More details about the use, function, and quirks of this Remote Enable / Disable feature can be seen at this jump
More details about the setup to remote trigger a 1Ds Mark III using the FlexTT5 can be seen at this jump
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Important: Due to the poor design of the D80 and D90 camera connector, they stick straight out from the camera, as opposed to all the other connectors which are RA (right angle) connectors. This puts a large torque force on the plug and the camera jack, and many have had to be repaired. I offer a Re-Molding mod for these inline connectors to convert them from a straight inline connector to a RA connector, usually forward, as seen here. If you should break the straight connector, it is not returnable. This applies to all uses of the D80 or D90 straight connector. The D90 connector is now available in a limited supply as an OEM connector only and it is currently $45.
D(***) Pre-Trigger - Override Switch Module
This USB Pre-Trigger Cable will NOT work correctly if plugged into either of the upper ports of the PW (or other radio receiver), unless the Pre-Trigger Override Switch Module (below) is first attached to
the USB Pre-Trigger Cable. This conversion module is currently being offerred at a special price of $50. When one of my new USB Pre-Trigger Cables is plugged into the mini jack side of this conversion module, the combined unit then behaves just as a normal Pre-trigger Cable with the Override switch. You must specify whether this is to be used for Canon or Nikon. It can also be made with a selector switch so this unit can be used with either brand (additional $40).See: Why You Want This!
E(***) Dual Use Mod for Standard Pre-Trigger
Here is a Custom Mod for the LPA Designs Pre-Release Cable which will allow the Standard LPA Designs Pre-Release Cable (Canon XT version pictured) to be used with the new USB version MultiMax PW as well as with a conventional PW. See above for details of the Special Pre-Trigger Cables - USB Version. It is $50 for this custom mod to add the extra 3 conductor cable into the existing Pre-Release Cable for the Canon XT model (shown), or the Canon N3, Nikon 10 pin, or Nikon D80 models (not shown). When used for remote ENABLE / DISABLE of the pre-release (pre-trigger) action, the manual switch needs to stay in the OFF position, since it is the receiver PW that controls this action being remotely activated from the transmitter PW. This is most useful when the remote camera has to be set up hours or days in advance of the shoot. The camera can be left to go to sleep and conserve battery power, and then woken up and sent into the pre-release (pre-trigger) mode on a moments notice, ready to shoot with just about a full battery charge.This Custom Mod just appeared in Rob Galbraith - Digital Photography Insights on 3-31-08. Click here to see Rob's story open in a new window.
F(***) Motor Drive Cable - No Override Switch
Pre-Trigger Cables without the override switch are $60 using the generic camera connector. These are also referred to by the older name of "Motor Drive Cables" left over from when cameras actually had motor drives. OEM Canon N3 and Nikon 10 pin connectors are available for an additional $45. The length is usually about 16 inches, but can be customized to any length up to about 30 inches 
for the same price. This items are usually wired to keep the camera AWAKE, just as if you had the shutter half pressed all the time, but it can also be wired to allow the camera to go to SLEEP if you specify this is what you wish. Normally these Motor Drive cables will end in a mini plug, but a HH connector can also be used for just $5 additional. If you are using the "Add-A Tap" setup with zip cords, be sure to specify that you need UNPOLARIZED HH plugs which have both blades of the same width.G(***) Pre-Trigger Cable w/ Override Switch
The Pre-Trigger Cable with the Override switch is $70 using the larger TOGGLE switch (left), and $80 using the MINI switch (right). The length is usually about 6 to 8 inches on either side of the override switch, and can be customized when ordered. Add $5 to use a RA mini plug instead of the straight mini plug. OEM Canon N3 and Nikon 10 pin connectors are available for an additional $45. The TOGGLE override switch is easier to manipulate, and has a more tactile feel, and is easier to see the position of the switch.H(***) "Cold Weather" Pre-Trigger - Nikon
This Cold Weather Pre-Trigger Cable with the Toggle Override Switch, Nikon 10 pin OEM connector, and Oversized RA Molded Mini Plug, all on Temperature Resistant Rubber Jacketed Cable is being sold for a SPECIAL price of $85, while it would normally sell for $130. The oversized mini plug is easy to grip, and the heavy rubber cables should stay flexible when used outdoors in the cold weather. (Sorry, but the Canon N3 connector is not available at this price.) During cold weather, if you have trouble gripping, and turning the locking collar of the 10 pin connector, see the Custom Aux Collar, (below), which increases the diameter of the connector, and makes it easier to turn.See: Why You Want This!
I(***) Aux Turning Collar for Nikon 10 Pin
This Aux Collar for the Nikon 10 pin plug is a custom, press fit, 0.75 inch diameter, knurled plastic collar which makes it easier to turn the metal collar, especially in tight spaces, when wearing gloves, or for extra large fingers. The image left shows the Aux Collar on a
Nikon 10 pin plug in a D300, showing the clearance to the lens release button, and the PC jack. As each collar is custom made and fit, the specific cable does need to be sent to me, or this item can be fit to a new plug end on a new device. This Aux Collar is currently $20 each.J(***) "Cold Weather" Pre-Trigger - Canon
This Cold Weather Pre-Trigger Cable with the Toggle Override Switch, Canon N3 OEM connector, and Oversized RA Molded Mini Plug, all on Temperature Resistant Rubber Jacketed Cable is being sold for a SPECIAL price of $120. The oversized mini plug is easy to grip, and the heavy rubber cables should stay flexible when used outdoors in the cold weather.K(***) Pre-Trigger Combo Cable
This Pre-Trigger Combo Unit is a specialized version of the hand trigger controller where the override switch and mini plug are incorporated directly into the controller. It is shown with the molded straight mini plug for $175, although the RA mini plug can be added for an additional $5. As with the other Pre-Trigger units, the OEM Canon N3 and Nikon 10 pin connectors are available for an additional $45.L(***) Pre-Trigger Combo 3 Part Cable
This 3 Part Pre-Trigger Combo Unit consists of an extendable hand controller to camera plug, using a 3 conductor mini plug / mini jack disconnect, and a Pre-Trigger section. The hand controller section is $30, the inline jack to camera connector is $30, and the Pre-Trigger section is $80. As with the other Pre-Trigger units, the OEM Canon N3 and Nikon 10 pin connectors are available for an additional $45. Mini plug extensions (3 conductor) can be used to provide a longer reach, and can be found in the Sync Cord section.M(***) 1 x 6 Pre-Trigger Cable w/ Override Switch
Here is a Custom 6 Output Pre-Trigger Cable with the Override Switch hardwired for a series of Canon XT cameras. The costs for this and the otherr control boxes below are $175 for the basic unit (one output) and then $40 for each additional output. The 6 output unit shown here for the XT series would be $415. All the outputs are isolated from each other to minimize feedback and interference. Other generic camera connectors (Canon N3, Nikon 10 pin, Nikon D80) are charged at $45 for additional outputs over the first. OEM connectors are $55 each.See: Why You Want This!
N(***) 1 x 6 Pre-Trigger Box w/ Override Switch
This Custom 1 x 6 Pre-Trigger Control Box (left) with the Override Switch can accept different input and output connections.The Custom 1 x 4 Pre-Trigger Control Box (below) with the Override Switch can also accept different input and output connections.
Each output jack of both units is 3 conductor wired and diode protected to prevent trigger bounce. This means you can use either conventional "Pre-Trigger Cables", "Motor Drive Cables" or the Special Pre-Trigger Cables - MultiMax Version, with any conventional radio receiver.
N(***) 1 x 4 Pre-Trigger Box w/ Override Switch
Here is another example of the Pre-Trigger Control Box (1x4), but this time the output jacks are on the side face, with the input jack on the main face along with the Override switch. Using a RA (right angle) plug for the input, and straight plugs for the outputs will allow all the cords to exit the unit in a neat and orderly fashion. The rear face has threaded inserts for both 3/8-16 and 1/4-20 standard thread sizes for mounting the control box to a threaded stud.As an added benefit, all of these Pre-Trigger Control Boxes can also be used in a hardwired trigger mode, which is especially useful in very crowded shooting environments where the interference between competing radios is a real issue. The remote cameras will be very closely in sync with the trigger camera with hardly any need for sync equalization. To do this, the Control Box must be connected to the main camera, not using the PC jack or hot shoe, but by using an Open Circuit Pre-Trigger Cable. As me for details if you are interested, as the writeup is not yet in the FAQ section.
O(***)
Camera Models / Info for all Pre-Trigger Cables:
Replace mini plug with 1/4" inline jack or the sub-mini plug: $5
Canon N3 connector - compatible with cord RS-80N3
(Cameras: EOS 3, 1V, D2000, 5D, 20D 30D, 1Ds, LC-5 Wireless, etc)
Nikon 10 pin connector - compatible with cord MC-30
(Cameras: D1, D1X, D1H, D2X, D2H, F90, N90, D200, etc)
Nikon small connector - compatible with cord MC-DC1
(Cameras: D80, 70s etc).
Canon sub-mini connector - compatible with cord RS-60E3
(Canon Digital Rebel series, Elan 7 series, Elan II, Rebel T2, Ti, 2000, G, X, XS, XSN & IX)
P(***)Basic Operation for all Pre-Triggers:
The Pre-Trigger cord will keep your camera AWAKE and ready to fire when switch is ON...(as in holding shutter partway when focusing) Quality soldered connections, tested and guaranteed to work!
Override switch turns OFF the pre-trigger action, saves battery power, and allows a preview of your image / settings without unplugging the cable. To view your image or change settings, you must turn OFF the override switch, which turns OFF the pre-focus mode. Your camera does need to be set so it can shoot in a continuous mode where as long as you are holding the shutter button, the camera will fire a picture.
There is a further explanation of the difference between the "Motor Drive" and the "Pre-Trigger" Cables in the FAQ section.
Custom configuratons? Just ask... I have made all different types!
Q(***)Pre-Trigger Cables (Canon, Nikon) - Listing
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Pre-Trigger Basic Operation
Pre-Trigger Cable - "Cold Weather" Version - Nikon 10 Pin
Pre-Trigger Cable - "Cold Weather" Version - Canon N3
Pre-Trigger Camera Models / Extra Info
Pre-Trigger Combo Unit - Controller w/ Integrated Override Switch
Pre-Trigger Conversion - USB to Standard Version
Pre-Trigger Conversion - Standard to USB Version
Pre-Trigger Info - Camera Models
Pre-Trigger Unit 3 parts: Hand Controller, Pre-Trigger, Camera Plug
Pre-Trigger Cables with Override Switch (TOGGLE vs MINI)
Pre-Trigger without Override Switch - "Motor Drive Cables
Pre-Trigger Custom 6 Output
Pre-Trigger Custom 6 Output - Heavy Duty Cables
Pre-Trigger USB MultiMax Version - Remote Sleep Mode
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Purchase Info: Please Read
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