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.  Also any programmed shot can be started from the external trigger.

Set up for External Triggering on the spectrum

• 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 you have gone into the setting menu and selected Ext. Trigger.

Externally Triggering from the I/O port - SMS (Timelapse)

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.

Externally Triggering from the I/O port - Programmed Video Shot

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 single pass programmed video shot shot, but stop after you have returned to the start point (ready to run the move).
4. The I/O port is now waiting for a signal to start the shot from the i/o port. Once you have triggered the shot it will start and the video shot will run to completion AND automatically return to start.
5. Any subsequent i/o triggers will restart the shot. - Rinse.  Repeat. 

Troubleshooting your external triggering from I/O port:

1. Set up external triggering in the settings menu of the ST4 (above)
2. Hook up the correct TRS cable to the i/o port and leave the other end free
3. Set up a simple 2 point move TIMELAPSE shot.  Don't do video!
4. Start the time lapse, the pause it by hitting the X button. - at this point, the ST4 is waiting for an external trigger.
5. Using aluminum foil (simple conductor) - connect all the exposed terminals of the i/o cable (remember the external intervalometer or device isn't part of this) and see if a shot advances.
6. Remove the foil, wait 5 seconds, and repeat.  
7. 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.

I like nerd details - I need more detail on what is happening with triggering.

• The spectrum's i/o port is a 3/32 or 2.5mm TRS connector.  TRS is Tip, Ring, Sleeve.  This is all another way of saying it's a mini stereo connector. 
• For externally triggering the spectrum ST4 pulls the Tip up to 5Volts using a pullup resistor.  The Sleeve is tied to eMotimo ST4 ground.  For the eMotimo to register an external trigger, it is looking for a falling edge of the Tip.  The easiest way to get that is to connect the tip to the sleeve.