All photos taken with modified Canon 300D and 350D DSLR's

However, there remains two issues to be solved before long exposure astrophotography can be attempted...focusing and getting past the 30 second limit of the cameras' built in timed exposures.  Fortunately, several individuals have stepped up to the plate to offer software solutions to both problems.

ImagesPlus (www.mlunsold.com), by Mike Unsold, provides an on-chip focusing routine, automated series' of long exposures and a complete suite of software astrophoto processing tools second to none.

MaxDSLR (www.cyanogen.com) ...another Swiss Army Knife all-purpose tool for DSLR astrophotographers. 

AstroArt3.0 (http://www.msb-astroart.com) by MSB Software is now compatible with the Canon cameras and features a driver that uses the serial/parallel cables below.

DSLR Shutter (www.stark-labs.com) by Craig Stark is a free application for automating imaging sessions.

These programs connect to the camera via the USB cable for downloading images, setting capture mode, ISO settings, etc.  However the USB control is limited to 30 second exposures.  While the Canon and Nikon DSLR's have a "bulb" setting for unlimited manual shutter control, it is only accessible through the camera's remote shutter control port.  In most Canon and Nikon DSLR's, this port is a physical connector on the camera and is intended for connection of external timers and switches that simulate a cable shutter release in a conventional film camera.  This is where a special cable is required between a PC and the camera.  In the Nikon D70 and D50, the "bulb" function is accessed via an IR (Infrared) port and a special IR emitter (see below) is required.

All of the software tools listed above support control of the Canon cameras through both a PC's parallel and serial ports.  The choice of which type of cable you choose is determined mainly by which type of port you have available.  Many newer laptop PC's do not have built-in serial or parallel ports but do have one or more USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports.   We now offer a proven USB-to-Serial adapter (see below) which will reliably allow our serial cables to be operated from PC's with only USB ports available.

While these cables are not particularly difficult for someone with soldering ability to build themselves, many find that it is time consuming to gather all of the required connectors, cable, transistors and resistors.  Or they find they don't have the skills required for soldering small electronic components.  Therefore, I am offering these ready-made and tested cables to help you enjoy your new DSLR along with DSLR Focus, ImagesPlus, Maxim/DL, AstroArt or DSLR Shutter without spending an afternoon hunting components or burning your fingers with a soldering iron.

For Palm users, PalmDSLR (http://www.astromist.com/palmdslr.html), a FREE application for the ubiquitous Palm PDA can now control Canon DSLR's with the serial cables listed below.  Please note:  a DB9 female-to-female null modem adapter is required along with a compatible serial adapter from the PDA's manufacturer. 

And for you MAC users out there, iAstroPhoto ( http://homepage.mac.com/stevepur/astrophotography/iAstroPhoto/ ) a new program for focusing and Canon DSLR control for MAC OS X.

Please be sure to check the current compatibility of the software you intend to use with your camera before purchasing a cable!

My cables feature:

• Very flexible two conductor cable with shield - will not cause stress on camera or telescope mount
• Custom cable strain relief
• Each cable individually hand-made to order and fully tested before shipment
• Full year warranty against faulty parts or flaws in workmanship

Here's what my customers say:

• SB - "The bulb capture using one of Hap's parallel IR cables works like a charm."
• JC - "Very impressive service."
• SW - "Just wanted to let you know I got the cable yesterday - tried it out last night and everything works great.  Many thanks for the excellent work!"
• PC - "Cable arrived today. Looks good & works perfectly. Thanks Hap."  
• JP - "Thanks very much. I received it today. I'm absolutely delighted with the product. The quality is very high and it all works perfectly."
• DC - "Everything arrived ok! Thanks for such a quick turnaround!"
• TA - "Just to let you have an update, that the whole system works like a dream.  DSLR shutter + Hap Griffin's modified Canon remote cable (what a perfect piece of work)."
  

These cameras use a standard 2.5mm 3-conductor male plug for connection to the camera.

The serial versions can be used with our USB-to-serial adapter to enable USB IR control.

Pricing and availability of cables for this camera are as follows:

NOTE: Prices listed include Priority USPS shipping to US locations.  For non-US customers, Priority International shipping is available at a flat rate of $11 which can be added to your shopping cart below.  

These cameras can be controlled via IR with the NIR series of cables above.  However, these cameras can also be controlled for long exposures with a wired cable but require a special proprietary Nikon connector.  This connector is only available on devices manufactured by Nikon such as the MC-DC1 Remote Switch.  Along with the order for a cable, the customer must send me one of these devices to modify.  I will insert a male and female 3.5mm 3-conductor plug and jack into the device's cable so that when plugged together, the device can be used normally.  However, the camera end of the cable with the special connector can also be unplugged and used with a parallel or serial port cable that has been configured with a mating 3.5mm 3-conductor plug.  If you don't have a Nikon MC-DC1 or similar accessory to send, contact me directly and arrangements can be made for me to purchase the accessory and include it in your price.

The serial versions can be used with our USB-to-serial adapter to enable USB IR control.

NOTE: At this time, only ImagesPlus software supports these cables.

Pricing and availability of cables for these cameras are as follows:

NOTE: Prices listed include Priority USPS shipping to US locations.  For non-US customers, Priority International shipping is available at a flat rate of $11 which can be added to your shopping cart below.  

These cameras can be controlled via IR with the NIR series of cables above.  However, these cameras can also be controlled for long exposures with a wired cable but require a special proprietary Nikon 10-pin connector. This connector is only available on devices manufactured by Nikon such as the MC-30 Remote Switch (NOT the MC-36).  Along with the order for a cable, the customer must send me one of these devices to modify.  I will insert a male and female 3.5mm 3-conductor plug and jack into the device's cable so that when plugged together, the device can be used normally.  However, the camera end of the cable with the special connector can also be unplugged and used with a parallel or serial port cable that has been configured with a mating 3.5mm 3-conductor plug.  If you don't have a Nikon MC-30 or similar accessory to send, contact me directly and arrangements can be made for me to purchase the accessory and include it in your price.

The serial versions can be used with our USB-to-serial adapter to enable USB IR control.

NOTE: At this time, only ImagesPlus software supports these cables.

Pricing and availability of cables for these cameras are as follows:

NOTE: Prices listed include Priority USPS shipping to US locations.  For non-US customers, Priority International shipping is available at a flat rate of $11 which can be added to your shopping cart below.