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2old4toys · 04-07-2018, 03:37 AM - **1 Like**

Thinking of DIY ideas for improving the Q’s infrared remote functionality. I found pointing my current IR remote at the Q from a couple of feet away to be a little hit or miss when aiming at the rear sensor window. I mostly would shoot from behind. Want something more reliable. Intend to base it off a different 3rd party IR remote with dedicated focus and shutter release buttons (my current one was a freebie single button remote). Maybe use a timer remote I have for DSLR for added time lapse flexibility as I find the Q’s integrated remote app a little tricky to interrupt when using short intervals such as 1-3 seconds.

1. Use audio optic fiber (with toslink connections perhaps) channeling the IR signal from the remote LED to the sensor on the camera body. Not sure how to get one end of the optical cable to line up with the IR sensor on the Q body though. Maybe mold something with Sugru like silicone putty.

2. Solder wires to extend the IR emitting LED off from the remote’s housing. The LED would need to be positioned near the IR sensor on the camera body somehow.

Just thinking aloud. Has anyone else tried this and can add feedback before I start working on it.

Cheers.

Last edited by 2old4toys; 04-07-2018 at 05:48 AM.

CarlJF · 04-07-2018, 06:17 AM

I may be wrong. But I thought the Q only had a IR sensor in the front...

Unregistered User · 04-07-2018, 06:52 AM

Originally posted by CarlJF

I may be wrong. But I thought the Q only had a IR sensor in the front...

It's right above the +/- button.

**barondla** · 04-07-2018, 07:10 AM

Great idea 2old4toys. There might be an easier way. One of my Olympus has a wired remote that works thru the usb connector. I have read that the Q can actually tether with the proper program. So couldn't a wired usb remote be built? Sure would be nice!
Thanks,
barondla

Ontarian50 · 04-07-2018, 07:40 AM

Originally posted by CarlJF

I may be wrong. But I thought the Q only had a IR sensor in the front...

Yes, the Q designers had the amazing sense to put an IR receiver on the back as well as the front. However, for some odd reason, the rear one is given much less sensitivity - you have to be right up close for it to work reliably.

Why can't my K-01 have an IR sensor on the back - or any of the other SLRs for that matter?

CarlJF · 04-07-2018, 07:50 AM

Originally posted by Cipher

It's right above the +/- button.

That's good to know! I nerver noticed it before. The windows is much smaller than the front one. Which may explain, at least in part, why it's less sensitive than the front one. But at least, it's there!

**barondla** · 04-07-2018, 08:16 AM

Originally posted by Ontarian50

Yes, the Q designers had the amazing sense to put an IR receiver on the back as well as the front. However, for some odd reason, the rear one is given much less sensitivity - you have to be right up close for it to work reliably.

Why can't my K-01 have an IR sensor on the back - or any of the other SLRs for that matter?

The Pentax K 7 DSLR has a remote sensor on the back.
Thanks,
barondla

**pacerr** · 04-07-2018, 08:42 AM

Originally posted by 2old4toys

1. Use audio optic fiber (with toslink connections perhaps) channeling the IR signal from the remote LED to the sensor on the camera body. Not sure how to get one end of the optical cable to line up with the IR sensor on the Q body though. Maybe mold something with Sugru like silicone putty.

Ive successfully used the optical fiber trick on a few cameras. Kind'a fiddly to get it right though but a flexible solution. A bent metal bracket fitting the flash shoe was used to position the fiber 'wire' in front of the IR receptor with the Q's. Could be done with bent copper wire originaling at the tripod fitting too.

Not a Number · 04-07-2018, 08:53 AM

Originally posted by Ontarian50

Why can't my K-01 have an IR sensor on the back - or any of the other SLRs for that matter?

If I'm not mistaken all the high-end Pentax DSLRs (e.g. K10D, K20D, K-7, K-5/ii/iis, K-3/ii, K-1/ii) have front and back remote sensors

Originally posted by pacerr

Ive successfully used the optical fiber trick on a few cameras. Kind'a fiddly to get it right though but a flexible solution. A bent metal bracket fitting the flash shoe was used to position the fiber 'wire' in front of the IR receptor with the Q's. Could be done with bent copper wire originaling at the tripod fitting too.

As I recall a few people have used a low tech solution of merely positioning a piece of white card before the front sensor and pointing the remote at the card from behind the camera.

2old4toys · 04-07-2018, 04:43 PM

Originally posted by pacerr

Ive successfully used the optical fiber trick on a few cameras. Kind'a fiddly to get it right though but a flexible solution. A bent metal bracket fitting the flash shoe was used to position the fiber 'wire' in front of the IR receptor with the Q's. Could be done with bent copper wire originaling at the tripod fitting too.

Great! An easily removable solution would be ideal. Wanting to keep the tripod mount free so doing something with the hotshoe is an open option.

2old4toys · 04-07-2018, 09:08 PM - **1 Like**

Nearly there as a proof of concept. Admittedly could be more elegant. Already like that I don’t need to raise my arm and consciously take sniper aim at the sensor each time to take a shot. Much more intuitive to me with just to click a physical button on the end of a wire. The membrane button on the 3rd party IR remote itself does not provide a good feel when engaged. A separate mechanical 2 stage shutter button on the end of a wire is certainly an improvement that instills greater confidence that good contact is made. Looking to refine the below with something more lightweight.

leekil · 04-07-2018, 09:18 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Not a Number

If I'm not mistaken all the high-end Pentax DSLRs (e.g. K10D, K20D, K-7, K-5/ii/iis, K-3/ii, K-1/ii) have front and back remote sensors

The rear sensor is a red filter; on the K-3 & K-1 it is just above the 4-way controller pad.

2old4toys · 04-08-2018, 02:25 PM - **1 Like**

Found a useful related article for wiring up a programmable remote for use with IR only cameras.

Some functionality works a little differently vs on a camera with a native wired remote support. Most importantly for IR remotes is that for bulb mode, we use 2 taps of the shutter button are needed, the 1st to start bulb mode and a 2nd to stop it.

creating a programmable remote shutter release for Pentax Kx | Sussex Photo

2old4toys · 04-13-2018, 11:34 PM

Found a little plastic capsule-toy working mini anglepose white LED lamp. May wire it to a hotshoe for this project and replace the LED with an IR one so it can be shone at the front sensor.

kayakfari · 04-18-2018, 07:18 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Ontarian50

Yes, the Q designers had the amazing sense to put an IR receiver on the back as well as the front. However, for some odd reason, the rear one is given much less sensitivity - you have to be right up close for it to work reliably.

Why can't my K-01 have an IR sensor on the back - or any of the other SLRs for that matter?

FYI .. I've taken my Q completely apart and there is only one sensor, in the front. What they did is run a short length of a clear plastic tube to the back so it can also pick up the IR signal.
In practice, only the front reliably fires the cam but still sometimes requires some "wrist action".

04-07-2018, 03:37 AM - 1 Like	#1
2old4toys Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 391	Shutter release cable for Q? Thinking of DIY ideas for improving the Q’s infrared remote functionality. I found pointing my current IR remote at the Q from a couple of feet away to be a little hit or miss when aiming at the rear sensor window. I mostly would shoot from behind. Want something more reliable. Intend to base it off a different 3rd party IR remote with dedicated focus and shutter release buttons (my current one was a freebie single button remote). Maybe use a timer remote I have for DSLR for added time lapse flexibility as I find the Q’s integrated remote app a little tricky to interrupt when using short intervals such as 1-3 seconds. 1. Use audio optic fiber (with toslink connections perhaps) channeling the IR signal from the remote LED to the sensor on the camera body. Not sure how to get one end of the optical cable to line up with the IR sensor on the Q body though. Maybe mold something with Sugru like silicone putty. 2. Solder wires to extend the IR emitting LED off from the remote’s housing. The LED would need to be positioned near the IR sensor on the camera body somehow. Just thinking aloud. Has anyone else tried this and can add feedback before I start working on it. Cheers. Last edited by 2old4toys; 04-07-2018 at 05:48 AM.

04-07-2018, 09:08 PM - 1 Like	#11
2old4toys Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 391 Original Poster	Nearly there as a proof of concept. Admittedly could be more elegant. Already like that I don’t need to raise my arm and consciously take sniper aim at the sensor each time to take a shot. Much more intuitive to me with just to click a physical button on the end of a wire. The membrane button on the 3rd party IR remote itself does not provide a good feel when engaged. A separate mechanical 2 stage shutter button on the end of a wire is certainly an improvement that instills greater confidence that good contact is made. Looking to refine the below with something more lightweight. Attached Images Last edited by 2old4toys; 04-07-2018 at 09:27 PM.

04-08-2018, 02:25 PM - 1 Like	#13
2old4toys Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 391 Original Poster	Found a useful related article for wiring up a programmable remote for use with IR only cameras. Some functionality works a little differently vs on a camera with a native wired remote support. Most importantly for IR remotes is that for bulb mode, we use 2 taps of the shutter button are needed, the 1st to start bulb mode and a 2nd to stop it. creating a programmable remote shutter release for Pentax Kx \| Sussex Photo Last edited by 2old4toys; 04-08-2018 at 02:35 PM.

04-13-2018, 11:34 PM	#14
2old4toys Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 391 Original Poster	Found a little plastic capsule-toy working mini anglepose white LED lamp. May wire it to a hotshoe for this project and replace the LED with an IR one so it can be shone at the front sensor. Attached Images

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04-07-2018, 06:17 AM	#2
CarlJF Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Quebec City Posts: 1,185	I may be wrong. But I thought the Q only had a IR sensor in the front...

04-07-2018, 06:52 AM	#3
Unregistered User Guest	Originally posted by CarlJF I may be wrong. But I thought the Q only had a IR sensor in the front... It's right above the +/- button.

04-07-2018, 07:10 AM	#4
barondla Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: midwest, United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,717	Great idea 2old4toys. There might be an easier way. One of my Olympus has a wired remote that works thru the usb connector. I have read that the Q can actually tether with the proper program. So couldn't a wired usb remote be built? Sure would be nice! Thanks, barondla

04-07-2018, 07:40 AM	#5
Ontarian50 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 530	Originally posted by CarlJF I may be wrong. But I thought the Q only had a IR sensor in the front... Yes, the Q designers had the amazing sense to put an IR receiver on the back as well as the front. However, for some odd reason, the rear one is given much less sensitivity - you have to be right up close for it to work reliably. Why can't my K-01 have an IR sensor on the back - or any of the other SLRs for that matter?

04-07-2018, 07:50 AM	#6
CarlJF Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Quebec City Posts: 1,185	Originally posted by Cipher It's right above the +/- button. That's good to know! I nerver noticed it before. The windows is much smaller than the front one. Which may explain, at least in part, why it's less sensitive than the front one. But at least, it's there!

04-07-2018, 08:16 AM	#7
barondla Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: midwest, United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,717	Originally posted by Ontarian50 Yes, the Q designers had the amazing sense to put an IR receiver on the back as well as the front. However, for some odd reason, the rear one is given much less sensitivity - you have to be right up close for it to work reliably. Why can't my K-01 have an IR sensor on the back - or any of the other SLRs for that matter? The Pentax K 7 DSLR has a remote sensor on the back. Thanks, barondla

04-07-2018, 08:42 AM	#8
pacerr Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Paris, TN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,350	Originally posted by 2old4toys 1. Use audio optic fiber (with toslink connections perhaps) channeling the IR signal from the remote LED to the sensor on the camera body. Not sure how to get one end of the optical cable to line up with the IR sensor on the Q body though. Maybe mold something with Sugru like silicone putty. Ive successfully used the optical fiber trick on a few cameras. Kind'a fiddly to get it right though but a flexible solution. A bent metal bracket fitting the flash shoe was used to position the fiber 'wire' in front of the IR receptor with the Q's. Could be done with bent copper wire originaling at the tripod fitting too.

04-07-2018, 08:53 AM	#9
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by Ontarian50 Why can't my K-01 have an IR sensor on the back - or any of the other SLRs for that matter? If I'm not mistaken all the high-end Pentax DSLRs (e.g. K10D, K20D, K-7, K-5/ii/iis, K-3/ii, K-1/ii) have front and back remote sensors Originally posted by pacerr Ive successfully used the optical fiber trick on a few cameras. Kind'a fiddly to get it right though but a flexible solution. A bent metal bracket fitting the flash shoe was used to position the fiber 'wire' in front of the IR receptor with the Q's. Could be done with bent copper wire originaling at the tripod fitting too. As I recall a few people have used a low tech solution of merely positioning a piece of white card before the front sensor and pointing the remote at the card from behind the camera.

04-07-2018, 04:43 PM	#10
2old4toys Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 391 Original Poster	Originally posted by pacerr Ive successfully used the optical fiber trick on a few cameras. Kind'a fiddly to get it right though but a flexible solution. A bent metal bracket fitting the flash shoe was used to position the fiber 'wire' in front of the IR receptor with the Q's. Could be done with bent copper wire originaling at the tripod fitting too. Great! An easily removable solution would be ideal. Wanting to keep the tripod mount free so doing something with the hotshoe is an open option.

04-07-2018, 09:18 PM - 1 Like	#12
leekil Pentaxian Join Date: May 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 2,003	Originally posted by Not a Number If I'm not mistaken all the high-end Pentax DSLRs (e.g. K10D, K20D, K-7, K-5/ii/iis, K-3/ii, K-1/ii) have front and back remote sensors The rear sensor is a red filter; on the K-3 & K-1 it is just above the 4-way controller pad.

04-18-2018, 07:18 AM - 2 Likes	#15
kayakfari Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: South Florida Posts: 173	Originally posted by Ontarian50 Yes, the Q designers had the amazing sense to put an IR receiver on the back as well as the front. However, for some odd reason, the rear one is given much less sensitivity - you have to be right up close for it to work reliably. Why can't my K-01 have an IR sensor on the back - or any of the other SLRs for that matter? FYI .. I've taken my Q completely apart and there is only one sensor, in the front. What they did is run a short length of a clear plastic tube to the back so it can also pick up the IR signal. In practice, only the front reliably fires the cam but still sometimes requires some "wrist action".

Shutter release cable for Q?

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