Making a simple hi-speed camera

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mins
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Camera
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the creation of a simple high-speed camera or a multiple flash making machine, focusing on the technical aspects of capturing rapid movement through photography. Participants explore various methods, components, and safety considerations related to building a strobe light for this purpose.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about making a high-speed camera, suggesting the use of a camera with a high shutter speed and a strobe flash triggered by the event being captured.
  • Another participant provides a link to a Wikipedia article on strobe lights, implying that further research could be beneficial.
  • Concerns are raised about the feasibility of making a strobe light, with one participant expressing doubt about the complexity of the task.
  • Responses challenge the notion that making a strobe light is impossible, providing links to schematics and suggesting that while it may be complicated, it is achievable.
  • Cost estimates for components are discussed, with one participant suggesting that parts could be purchased for around $20.
  • Safety warnings are emphasized regarding the use of high voltage in strobe lights, with participants noting the potential risk of electrocution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of constructing a strobe light, with some believing it is possible while others remain skeptical about the complexity involved. Safety concerns regarding high voltage are acknowledged by multiple participants.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for sensitive film and the importance of a dark environment for capturing images with a strobe flash, indicating potential limitations in the discussion regarding specific technical requirements and safety precautions.

Mins
Messages
16
Reaction score
0
Just curious...

How can you make a simple hi-speed camera or a multiple flash making machine(?)?

If there is a way, do tell :biggrin:.
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
I'm going to assume here that you're referring to a still camera that can capture rapid movement, rather than a movie camera with a high frame-rate.
I don't know the specific details, but you should have a camera with the highest shutter speed available, along with a strobe flash that can be triggered by the event that you want to capture. A dark environment helps. In a lightless room, though, you can just leave the shutter open and rely entirely upon the flash for your exposure duration. You might need more sensitive film than usual because of the shortness of exposure. There are a lot of excellent photographers in PF, so some of them can probably help you a lot more.
 
Here's a short introduction to strobe lights at wikipedia, and you might find more useful info at one of the references listed (or just do a google search on strobe lights):

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strobe_light



.
 
Mins said:
I was trying to MAKE a strobe light,(because it's expensive, can't afford it) but I think it's impossible.

You think it's impossible to make a strobe light? I don't understand. Show me some of the google hits that you've gotten that show detailed schematics, and tell me what is impossible about them.
 
berkeman said:
You think it's impossible to make a strobe light? I don't understand. Show me some of the google hits that you've gotten that show detailed schematics, and tell me what is impossible about them.

http://www.aaroncake.net/circuits/strobe.asp

Maybe not impossible, yes it's certainly possible, but it looks complicated to me.
And how those parts cost, I wonder?
 
$20 at Radio shack would be my guess. If you've never seen a circuit drawing maybe it looks complicated, but there aren't even a dozen components there. You should be able to assemble it and solder it together in about an hour, on the first try.

Warning: That strobe light worked on 110V - I recommend trying a small camera-flash circuit first. A big strobe light can kill you.
 
Warning: That strobe light worked on 110V - I recommend trying a small camera-flash circuit first. A big strobe light can kill you.[/QUOTE]

Thanks. You mean I can be electrocuted? Great///
 
Mins said:
Warning: That strobe light worked on 110V - I recommend trying a small camera-flash circuit first. A big strobe light can kill you.

Thanks. You mean I can be electrocuted? Great///[/QUOTE]

You are kidding around, right? Of course you can get a lethal shock from what you are workin with...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
6K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
561