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What is it? - An Overview
Construction
Computerrequirements
Disclaimers

Some time ago we (Keene Electronics) decided to develop a product that would control a camcorder by its edit port (Lanc or Panasonic 5pin) using a PC. We were successful, developing a design using a Pic 16F84 and a max 232 to control the camera. The complete set-up consists of a Visual Basic 6 program and an adapter board that connects to the RS232 port of the PC. There are four push buttons that can each be programmed by the PC with a function to control the camera, even when not connected to the computer (ie it can be used as a hard wired remote to stop and start recording for bird watching, drama groups etc). The unit can also be used to send service mode codes to Sony cameras from the PC (to enable DV etc). There is an optional 2 line LCD display giving the mode and counter reading.
Because of the changing camcorder market and the costs involved in bringing what is a niche product to market, we have now decided not to manufacture and market the product. Rather than just write off the development time and effort we have placed the design here on our web site as a FREE download.
The complete design is here: the circuit, the PCB layout, the parts list, the PC software and the assembler and Hex files for the pic, together with full hardware assembly, software installation and use instructions.

To build this project you will need to have a good practical knowledge of electronics; it is not for beginners. If you are reasonably good with a soldering iron, have a bit of common sense and an interest in electronics then you should have no problems building the basic kit as the instructions are thorough and comprehensive. The total home-build cost is in the region of £20.00 to £50.00.
All of the necessary parts are readily available, and for those who can’t blow their own pics the pre-programmed pic is available from us for £9.99 inc VAT and p+p. We also have a limited number of PCBs for those without PCB etching facilities.
Please remenber that we are not able to support this unit at all. If you build it and it does not work or wrecks your latest DV camcorder, then sorry, but it’s your problem! Please only proceed with this project if you understand this!
Although the adapter is a self-assembly project only and is not available as a commercially finished product, a colleague of ours, Ray West, will build to order. Contact Ray at raywest@mcmail.com or look at his web site www.rwc.cwc.net

No massive MB or monster MHz requirements here - any PC running Windows '9x should do. The unzipped archive will occupy about 5.5MB hard disk space.

Please read all of the usual boring disclaimers as follows; All these files and the computer program are copyright Keene Electronics 1999. These files and the computer program are provided entirely as is, there is no warranty or technical support whatsoever. Everything you do with this software or hardware is entirely at your own risk. The files are all freeware and may be freely copied and distributed as long as they are copied unmodified and in their entirety. If any of these files are copied it must include the help file and it must be acknowledged that the copyright remains with Keene Electronics. Under no circumstances may any of the files be used commercially in part or whole without prior written consent from Keene Electronics. Keene Electronics accept no liability for injury, loss or damage arising due to the use of all or any of these programs and hardware. You are solely responsible for its use.

Remember that these files are being put in the public domain with no fee for the Authors so please do not commercially sell this software.