Arduino Camera Trigger

I designed and built a system to synchronize and trigger cameras for experiments in the Queen’s University large wave basin. The system is centered around an Arduino, which receives a start trigger from the wave paddle, waits for a specified duration, and then produces a square wave at a specified frequency via a power supply and relay. This output signal triggers the cameras for image capture. Additionally, the trigger system uses LED indicators to show the system status and is housed within a 3D-printed enclosure.

I also created an adapted version for use at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Water Science and Engineering Laboratory wave flume. In addition to triggering the cameras, this version also synchronized the image capture with a data acquisition system, which captured wave height data from ultrasonic wave gauges and velocity data from Vectrino ADVs and ADV Profilers.

Tools used

• Arduino Uno and various components
• Soldered components for final assembly
• FMD 3D printing for enclosure