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RF Remote Shutter Release

soldbear

New Member
(I posted this on Pentax Forums before I joined this forum).

The GXR (and other current Ricoh cameras) doesn't have provision for wireless remote control. The wired remote control CA-1, plugged into the camera's USB port is not simple open/close switch. Instead, it uses electrical pulses. See http://stereo.jpn.org/eng/sdm/ca1.htm for details.

I already have a couple sets of Yongnuo RF-602 for my Pentax system. So I thought of using it to control the GXR.

Too cheap to risk a genuine Ricoh switch, I bought a JJC remote switch for Ricoh (http://www.amazon.com/Luxury-Remote...9244039&sr=8-3-fkmr1&keywords=ricoh+ca-1+jjc") and added a 3/32" stereo submini phone jack (http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103450#) in parallel with the 2-step switch of the JJC remote switch.

(Note that these photos are "after" photos).

The screw holding two parts of the shell of the JJC remote switch is in the battery compartment:

8050903275_31c110bb57_z.jpg


After removing the screw, you can pull two parts of the shell apart. Beware that the small switch cover may fall out and disappear:

8050903077_fae0a35115_z.jpg


Now you can remove the 4 screws holding the circuit board to the top half of the shell (note that the red and the two gray wires connected to the jack are added):

8050902889_9c0d6defa4_z.jpg


Separate the two halves, drill the hold and install the jack. Make sure there is enough space to accommodate the jack, allowing you to put the shell back together (see a photo toward the end of this post for a suggested location of the jack):

Flip the circuit board over and solder the wires between the switch and the jack:

8050902681_2d408be308_z.jpg


Put the switch back together.

8050902421_195619724a_z.jpg


The RF-602 receiver is plugged into the newly added jack. It works great, even half press.

8049553329_3fa85ed21f_z.jpg
 
That should work with a GRD IV. As far as I know, all Ricoh digital cameras use the same remote cable switch (CA-1).
 
While don't often need remote triggering, I can appreciate your time to post the details here.
Thanks for an interesting article.
 
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