I have built two Nikon accessories, a data cable that allows the configuration and shooting data download from analog SLR Nikon cameras such as the F5, F100 or F90x. I also wrote a linux desktop software to download the shooting data and set up configuration options.
I also happened to have an OEM GPS module, so I thought, why not to build an other accessory and spare some money. Although, I prefer original Nikon accessories, I decided to go and build my own GP-1, which turned out quite all right.
]]>This guide will help you build a data cable suitable to download shooting data from Nikon SLR cameras.
The MC-30 is the simplest and cheapest remote release cable available, so it's the obvious choice. We want to modify the MC-30, so that after the modification the cable can be used as a remote release, or detaching the cable from the switch, it can be used to connect our serial converter to the camera.
The RJ-45 connector is perfect for our requirements, as it has enough contacts, and will lock securely the cable into the MC-30 switch or the serial converter. Additionally, you can use standard ethernet network cables to extend your remote release.
After disassembling the MC-30 I removed the cable, I took a RJ-45 socket and planted it into the bottom of the button. Afterwards, I clamped an RJ-45 to the cable, carefully, so that the focus and release pins are matching the modified MC-30. I used pins 1-3 on the RJ-45 for this purpose. Step 3 describes how to connect the rest of the pins.
I have built the serial converter using two RJ-45 connectors, and mounting all the components in between.
I used a MAX232A with 0.1uF capacitors. If you use a MAX232 you must use 1uF capacitors.
Avi suggests that resistors are needed to achieve proper operation. If you check Figure 5 on page 17 of the above datasheet you will find that the chip already contains them, so there is no need for additional external resistors. On the other hand Avi's pages are very good resources.
We need to build two cables. One to connect the converter to the camera and an other one to connect your computer to the converter.
The following table describes the cable connecting your camera and converter. The camera connector pin layout, is as seen on the cable, rather than on the camera. The pin numbers on the converter side refer to the schematics.
| Nikon 10 Pin Plug | Color | Description | Converter's Camera Side |
| 1 | Red | Data Receive - RX | 6 |
| 2 | Brown | Battery Voltage | 8 |
| 3 | Gray | Regulated +5 Volt | |
| 4 | Purple | Shutter Release | 1 |
| 5 | Orange | ||
| 6 | Yellow | Signal Ground | 4 |
| 7 | Green | Power Ground | 3 |
| 8 | Blue | Data Transmit - TX | 7 |
| 9 | White | Meter On | 2 |
| 10 | Black |
Table 1: Cable connecting the Camera and the Converter
The second cable is simpler, it connects your computer to your converter. The following table describes the connections for DB9 serial connector:
| Converter's Computer Side | Description | DB9 Serial |
| 7 | Data Receive - RX | 2 |
| 6 | Data Transmit - TX | 3 |
| 3 | GND | 5 |
| 4 | GND | 5 |
Table 2: Cable connecting the Converter and the Computer
This site is made and published by Bálint Kis, since 2002.
The first version of this site was static HTML and lived for a year. Then, in 2003 I built my first database backed multi-user website, that I used mainly as a support tool for Photo Organizer. Few years later, I handed over Photo Organizer and long web silence followed.
The current version was designed in August 2010, with a custom PHP engine backed by a PostgreSQL database. Some of the CSS will not work with Internet Explorer, but I don't care as long my statistics show no significant number of IE visitors. But then, I see what I want to see.
The tileable wood background is made by nicjasno.
If you like what you see here and you want something like this, or this, or you need an experienced software designer in these fields, feel free to contact me.
Currently, I live and work in Budapest.
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