Adapting the RS-80N3 for
Single Channel Radio Control

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The RS-80N3 remote switch can hardly be called remote when it is only 80 cm/ 2.6 feet long. Adding an extension is quite simple but tripping over an extension cord could cause some harm to your equipment or yourself. I have a single channel radio remote control that was designed for triggering a distant strobe. This controller has only one switch but by adding the circuit below to the RS-80N3, I can now reliably trigger my 10D from a distance.

The Exposure/Focus switch must be made prior to the Shutter switch or problems may be encountered. For example: If the Exposure/Focus switch is not made and the camera enters sleep mode, while the mirror is up, a camera complete reset will be needed.

The switching diodes (1N914 or similar) are used to isolate the camera shutter circuitry. The capacitor and resistor add a slight time delay to the Shutter switch line to ensure that the Exposure/Focus switch line is made first. The stereo socket that I used was salvaged from small pocket radio. After pre-fitting the stereo socket into the RS-80N3, I removed it and added the circuit shown here, checked it out again and then super-glued the socket in place. If the use of an extension cord is desired, a single pole momentary switch can be used or by keeping the Exposure/Focus and Shutter lines separate in the stereo plug, a dual stage, double pole switch like the one in the RS-80N3 can be used to switch these lines.

As an indicator that the picture was taken, I leave the review ON and set to 2 seconds. A tap on the radio remote controller switch will wake the camera from sleep mode. As I mentioned, I had a radio remote controller in my junk box but I'm sure that many remotes used with toy vehicles could be just as easily used.