Pentax X-5

[Abarbour]

Just bought two Pentax X-5s

Not perfect - but close....
- 16MP
- optical zoom
- manual focus
- ability to shoot on external power (and AC adapters are cheap/accessible - 4.3V standard plug)
Price $269 at Henry's http://www.henrys.com/73480-PENTAX-X-5- ... -TLIT.aspx

Now the downside from what I can tell so far.... the remote. Only an IR option.

Options:
1. figuring out how to fire the camera using a USB trigger - low likelihood and lots of work
2. physical trigger using arduino and servo
3. IR trigger
- use two standard remotes rigged together for single click activation of both
- arduino and IR LEDs
- PIC microcontroller and IR LEDs

Anybody had any luck with this camera and/or with wiring your own IR remote triggers?
thanks!

[daniel_reetz]

You can fire two cameras from one IR remote - you should try that first.

[Abarbour]

I tried the one IR remote in various locations but it was slightly unreliable at getting both cameras to fire. I built my own IR extenders (http://cdnsupport.gateway.com/s/accesso ... DONGLE.jpg) out of some Cat 5, popsicle sticks, and hot glue. They plug into arduino control box with RJ45 plugs. I have got them firing on a button push for now but will be experimenting with a sensor for the platen contacting the book.

Will post pics once complete....

[Abarbour]

I tried the one IR remote in various locations but it was slightly unreliable at getting both cameras to fire. I built my own IR extenders (http://cdnsupport.gateway.com/s/accesso ... DONGLE.jpg) out of some Cat 5, popsicle sticks, and hot glue. They plug into arduino control box with RJ45 plugs. I have got them firing on a button push for now but will be experimenting with a sensor for the platen contacting the book.

Will post pics once complete....

[daniel_reetz]

Nicely done! I've also extended IR emitters using TOSLINK optical cables - just stick two of them on the end of the LED and glue them in place.