Submitted by shutterdrone on Thu, 04/15/2010 - 02:12
After several months of experimentation and hard work, we are proud to announce the release of version 0.82 of the OpenMoco TimeLapse Engine. Of course, the engine still runs on the inexpensive and easy-to-buy Arduino platform, but we've expanded all of the existing capabilities and added new features to the engine that set it apart from any other open-source moco sketch you'll find, while making it more stable and useful for the timelapse experimenter.
Here's a quick overview of some of the new features:
- Support for 4 stepper axes
- Bi-directional communication added to serial protocol
- Request operating parameters from running engine
- Extending keyframes and actions from 8 to 16
- Adding new action capabilities to change motor directions/statuses or just leave them alone
- Camera repeat cycles open up possibilities for multiple interlaced video shoots, HDR, and even gigapano shooting
- Serial timeout prevents engine lockup
- Greater control over motor and engine parameters via serial protocol
- Support for focus-pin-high-with shutter for Nikon cameras
- Support for sleeping motor drivers between moves
- Fire camera now and ramp down now commands complete full manual control
- Expansion of exposure setting and motor movement actions to make them more useful
Of course, you'll also find added stability, bug fixes, and optimization to improve performance. The Slim scripting interface and the perl API are updated to match the new engine. Make sure you download the new versions of those!
Some pin assignments have changed - make sure you look at the beginning of the sketch and match your layout to the defines there.
For developers and integrators, I've also updated the documentation. You'll find the serial protocol is now fully documented and ready for you to start writing a UI that meets your needs.
As always, I welcome feedback, positive or negative, feature requests and submissions for changes. Drop by the forums and let us know what you think!
Download the OpenMoco Timelapse Engine v.0.82
-c.a. church
Working wonderful Chris! I
Working wonderful Chris! I finally got the latest sketch running today and smooth as silk...
I'm wondering how to access the 'ramp down command' via slim and if you made it accessible during a ramp up or no?
Loving this release so far!
Jay - just type 'help ramp'
Jay - just type 'help ramp' *grin*
Attempting to start a down ramp during an up-ramp is generally non-defined as to an expected result. IIRC, it _starts_ a down ramp cycle, no matter where you are in the up-ramp cycle. Meaning your next move would be equivalent to the "longest" move, and then the next shorter, etc. I wouldn't do it during an up ramp =)
!c
no wonder I couldn't find it.
no wonder I couldn't find it. I've still got the .12 RC on my netbook. LOL
Thanks for the explanation. Love this command!! ;-)