# SETUP CAMERA STRINGER

<figure><img src="https://3309772875-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnikHUDUd2JXqkOsnOi7l%2Fuploads%2F7aaXxGGGB9WL8CMM531S%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=87dbc78b-08cf-4568-af67-06b0cc632e8d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 1.1. Pixhawk setup:

{% hint style="info" %}
&#x20;*Arducopter 4.4.x or above*
{% endhint %}

MNT1\_DEFLT\_MODE set to 3&#x20;

MNT1\_TYPE set to 6 (if using telemetry 2)&#x20;

RC10\_OPTION (or any channel) set to 213 to control the Tilt axis&#x20;

RC11\_OPTION (or any channel) set to 214 to control the Pan axis&#x20;

SERIAL\_2\_BAUD set to 115&#x20;

CAM1\_TYPE set to 2&#x20;

CAM1\_RELAY\_ON set to 1&#x20;

RELAY\_PIN set to 50 (use the AUX 1 output to trigger the camera).&#x20;

RC9\_OPTION set to 9 (Trigger camera) (use the channel 9 in remote to trigger the camera).&#x20;

### 1.2. Gtune setup&#x20;

Go to SETTING => CONTROL => MAVLINK&#x20;

COM 2 set baudrate to 115200 (after setting it, please reboot).

## Relay control connection and configuration

Connect one of the autopilot’s GPIO pins to the camera or the camera control cable that accepts high/low voltage input. As mentioned on the [relay wiki page](https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-relay.html#common-relay) the autopilot’s servo/motor outputs can normally be used but, in addition, some autopilots have dedicated pins purely for use as relays/GPIOs.

Configure the autopilot by setting these parameters:

* If using 4.5 (or earlier) only the 1st relay can be used so set `RELAY_PIN` to the GPIO pin used
* If using 4.6 (or higher) any relay can be used. Below are settings if the first relay is used.
  * Set [RELAY1\_FUNCTION](https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/parameters.html#relay1-function) = 4 (Camera)
  * Set [RELAY1\_PIN](https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/parameters.html#relay1-pin) to the GPIO pin used
* Set `SERVOx_FUNCTION` = -1 (GPIO) where “x” is the servo output channel used. This is not required in the rare case where an autopilot’s dedicated GPIO pins are used.
* Set [CAM1\_DURATION](https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/parameters.html#cam1-duration) to the time (in seconds) that the relay is held high
* Set [CAM1\_RELAY\_ON](https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/parameters.html#cam1-relay-on) = 0 to swap the relay voltage. E.g. GPIO output would now be normally high by default, and then low to trigger the camera shutter

## Camera shutter feedback logging

ArduPilot logs TRIG messages when it *triggers* the camera. If the camera provides a GPIO output (e.g. camera flash hotshoe) then this can be used to also log CAM messages at the exact moment that pictures are taken.

Connect the camera’s GPIO output to one of the autopilot’s [GPIO pins](https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-gpios.html#common-gpios) (e.g. AUX OUT). As mentioned above there are restrictions on which pins may be used.

Set the following parameters:

* Set *SERVOx\_FUNCTION* = -1 (GPIO) where “x” is the servo output channel used. This is not required in the rare case where the autopilot’s dedicated GPIO pins are used.
* Set [CAM1\_FEEDBAK\_PIN](https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/parameters.html#cam1-feedbak-pin) to the pin number connected to the hotshoe.
* Set [CAM1\_FEEDBAK\_POL](https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/parameters.html#cam1-feedbak-pol) = 0 if the hotshoe voltage goes low when a picture is taken or 1 if the voltage goes high.

See [digital input pin](https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-pixhawk-overview.html#common-pixhawk-overview-pixhawk-digital-outputs-and-inputs-virtual-pins-50-55) for more details.

Consider using the [Seagulls SYNC2 Shoe Horn Adapter](https://www.seagulluav.com/product/seagull-sync2/)

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\&#xNAN;***For more references:*** [***Camera Shutter Configuration***](https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-camera-shutter-with-servo.html)

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