Bluetooth Intervalometer Makes Time Lapses Easy

Taking timelapses is a fun pastime of many a photographer. While most modern cameras have some features to pull this off, if you want to get really into it, you’ll want an intervalometer to run the show. Chasing just that, [Zach] decided that rather than buying off-the-shelf, a DIY build was in order.

The build relies on an Arduino Nano to run the show, in combination with the popular HC-05 Bluetooth module. The Bluetooth module allows the device to communicate with a smartphone app which [Zach] created using RoboRemo. This is a platform that makes creating custom USB, WiFI and Bluetooth apps easy for beginners. The app sends instructions to the intervalometer regarding the number of photos to take, and the time to wait between each shot. Then, it triggers the time lapse, and the Arduino triggers the camera by shorting the relevant pins on a TRS plug inserted into the camera.

It’s a straightforward build that most hackers could probably complete with parts from the junk box. Plus, building your own offers the possibility of customising it exactly to your needs. Of course, you can eschew modernity and do things mechanically instead. Video after the break.

5 thoughts on “Bluetooth Intervalometer Makes Time Lapses Easy

  1. Nicely done! I’ve been planning something like this myself, but I hadn’t thought about wireless functionality. Will definitely consider that. One feature I want is a realtime clock so I can do multi-day time lapses while stopping between late evenings and mornings.

    A few years ago, I noticed a run-over, cracked Canon remote shutter switch, almost burred in a dirt parking lot. My wife looked at me like I had two heads when I excitedly picked up what looked to her to be a total piece of trash. Canon DSLRs use a proprietary plug, which this had, and I knew instantly what I could do with it.

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