Camera Triggering using Seagull MAP2

This article shows how connect and configure the Seagull MAP2 so that ArduPilot can trigger a camera shutter from the pilot’s transmitter or during camera missions. More detailed instructions are provided in the Seagull MAP2 Manual and Seagull MAP2 product support page.

The list of supported cameras can be found here on Seagull UAVs Cable Finder page

The board supports two trigger modes which are determined by the servo PWM output set in the Camera Shutter Configuration in Mission Planner:

• AF-T (“AutoFocus-Trigger”) : 1 second pre-focus followed by trigger

• IS-T (“Instant-Trigger”) : instant trigger as soon as camera locks focus

If used with Sony “Multi” cameras, Seagull MAP2 also supports turning the camera on or off using “Do-Set-Servo” or “Do-Repeat-Servo” commands

Note

The board also supports triggering from the RC transmitter (this is not covered in this article, but is demonstrated in the manual).

Parts and hardware connections

The Seagull MAP2 can be purchased from Seagull UAV and comes with a servo cable included. The camera cables has to be purchased separately - please use the Cable Finder page to determine which cable is needed.

Below is a list of the cables offered by Seagull UAV:

• Canon: E3, N3

• Sony: Minolta S1, S2 (Multi-Angled), S2 (Multi-Straight)

• Nikon: DC0, DC2

• Olympus: UC1, E-system

• Panasonic: RS1

• Samsung: NX

• Fujifilm: RR-80, RR-90

• Sigma: CR-31

• Apple: IOS

The 3-pin servo connector should be connected to the autopilot’s rear servor rail. You can connect to any of Pixhawk’s usable AUX ports, as discussed in Camera Shutter Configuration in Mission Planner.

On the opposite side of the MAP2, is a 2.5mm jack for connecting the cable for your specific camera.

Note

MAP2 is powered by Pixhawk’s power rail (the middle pin +). Ensure that the rail is powered by BEC or other power source ranging from 3.5-5.5 Volts in order for MAP2 to function properly.

Camera shutter configuration in Mission Planner

The Camera Shutter Configuration in Mission Planner article explains how to configure Pixhawk AUX output as a servo camera trigger.

The parameters used to configure this particular hardware are listed below. Note that you have to set different shutter pushed and duration values depending on which mode you want to support for camera triggering.

• CAM_TRIG_TYPE: 0 (Servo).

• Shutter (Port): Depends on the connected output - e.g. RC10 for AUX2.

• Shutter Pushed:

  • AF-T: 1300 μS (1200 to 1400 μS).

  • IS-T: 1700 μS (1600 to 1800 μS).

• Shutter Not Pushed: 1500us (1400 to 1600 μS).

• Shutter Duration: Set the value “1” for AF-T mode or “10” for IS-T mode.

Mission Planner: Camera Setup using Seagull MAP2

Video Guides

Mission Planner Configuration

Set up transmitter

Troubleshooting

To determine what state Seagull MAP2 is currently in - simply read the output of the “STATE LED” and match it with the “Action” in the table below.

MAP2: STATE LED

The following table shows the STATE LED readout for the different states / modes.

STATE LED	Action
Blinking	No Signal - check connections and mode values
Fading	Ready - waiting for next command
Solid on	Active in one of the 3 modes – return to “Neutral” before next command
Fade >> Solid on	Keep alive mode activated - return to “Neutral” before next command
Fade >> Solid on	AF-T mode activated - return to “Neutral” before next command
Fade >> Solid on (repeat)	Timelapse mode activated - return to “Neutral” before next command
Blink >> Solid on	IS-T mode activated - return to “Neutral” before new command
Blink >> Solid on	Camera On/Off activated (Only Sony “Multi” cameras)

Technical specifications

Weight	1.6g ( ~ 12g with cables - depending on cable type )
Dimensions	28.6 x 10.3 x 7.7 mm
Voltage	3.5 – 5.5 volts ( 5 volts recommended – do NOT exceed 5.5 volts ! )
Current	21.75mA max
Input signal	Standard R/C PWM between 1000 – 2000μS