External Triggering with the ST4

For all released and beta versions, external triggering is in there.  Unlike the TB3, where we actually selected "Ext. Triggering" from our interval during setup, ANY timelapse can be triggered externally when the program is paused.

Externally Triggering from the I/O port

1. Insert the i/o triggering cable to the side of the spectrum.  This is the stereo port on the right under the i/o icon.  Watch out, don't put this in the camera triggering port or it won't work.
2. The other end of the trigger cable can be a manual external intervolometer, or a bramper solution like The View.  If you are using the view, use their AUX2 port.
3. On your ST4, set up a timelapse shot and start it.
4. Pause the program by hitting the X button or the center of the onboard joystick.  If you need to jog back to the start, use the left DPAD or joystick to scrub to the beginning of your shot.
5. The I/O port is now waiting for a signal telling the spectrum the camera’s shot is complete to allow it to move the next position.  Once received, the spectrum will advance to its next position.

Troubleshooting your external triggering from I/O port:

1. Set up external triggering in the settings menu of the ST4 (above)
2. Hooking up the correct TRS cable to the i/o port and leaving the other end free
   Setting up a simple 2 point move TIMELAPSE shot.  Don't do video!
3. Start the time lapse, the pause it by hitting the X button. - at this point the ST4 is waiting for an external trigger.
4. Using aluminum foil (simple conductor) - connect all the exposed terminals of the i/o cable (remember the external intervolometer or device isn't part of this) and see if a shot advances.
5. Remove the foil, wait 5 seconds, and repeat.  
6. We are looking for shot advances.
   • If it advances, the cable and spectrum ST4 are working for external triggering.
   • If the shot does not advance, then please show us a full video of the above steps so we can ensure we are all doing the same steps. 

Manually triggering a shot for stop motion from the PS4 Dualshock

1. On your ST4, set up a timelapse shot and start it.
2. Pause the program by hitting the X button or the center of the onboard joystick.  If you need to jog back to the start, use the left DPAD or joystick to scrub to the beginning of your shot.
3. By hitting the R1 button on the PS4 remote, the spectrum will send a shutter signal to your camera through the camera triggering port, and then advance to the next position and wait.
4. Move Wallace or Grommit, or whatever other stop motion subject your are shooting.
5. When ready, hit the R1 button again.
6. Repeat.
7. If you ever need to reshoot or go back, you can scrub anywhere in your move by using the Dpad left and right buttons.

 Reasons to externally trigger:

• Want to manually advance a shot (stop-motion).
• Want to use a ramping solution and need to time motion.
• Want to synchronize multiple motion control rigs.

Watch your Setting's Menu!!

• The i/o port is a triggering port AND a communications port for serial communication.  We allow users to configure the port in several ways, Ext. Trigger, eMotimo API, or DragonframeV2, Red Triggering, and a few other upcoming integrations. Make sure have selected Ext. Trigger for the above modes.

Extending what you can do with the View Intervolometer

Beyond just managing intervals and triggering the spectrum ST4, Elijah Parker (head of the View) has been working on getting the spectrum fully integrated over the eMotimo API.  He has special modes in there to track objects in the sky and coordinate moves.  This is made possible by knowing where you are (GPS chip in the View), when you are (GPS is really accurate on times) and where a few objects are in space (math is fun).  The connection is simple and it opens up new tricks for you to play with.  The connection to the spectrum ST4 is the i/o port, just like with external triggering, but instead of simple on/off blips, the View and the spectrum ST4 are communicating back and forth about motor positioning and status.  We will have a dedicated article up and pointers to help documentation shortly.