How do I control my DigiSnap through wireless for remote controlled ariplanes/balloons and other applications?

Wireless Remote Controls for DigiSnap 2000:

1) IR (infrared)

Some cameras come with IR remote controls, allowing the camera zoom and shutter release to be operated while standing in front of the camera.

The Nikon Coolpix cameras do not have this IR control feature. The DigiSnap 2500 includes an IR receiver, allowing the camera shutter to be triggered via these IR transmitters, as well as any TV remote control. Having the IR sensor on the DigiSnap also allows use from any position, rather than just from the front of the camera.

2) RF (radio frequency)

There are a number of ways to use RF with a DigiSnap controlling a camera.

a) A wireless modem can be used between the DigiSnap 2000 and the camera, to carry the serial communication signals, rather than a cable. THis can be a fairly expensive alternative, and the power requirements can be fairly high, but this does allows the user to manually control the DigiSnap, rather than some other intermediate device.

b) There are a few RF Slave systems available in the photographic industry, such as the Pocket Wizard, which can send a trigger signal to a DigiSnap. These can be fairly expensive, but are readily available and easy to use. The DigiSnap 2200 is designed with a connector which can mate with these devices.

c) By far the most popular method of RF control is to use off the shelf RC airplane equipment. Several DigiSnap 2000 models have inputs that are compatible with typical 'RC Switches'. All DigiSnap 2000 models can be modified with an additional connector to connect to multiple RC switches, to allow control over up to 5 different DigiSnap functions.

The operator controls a standard RC transmitter, and the RC receiver is located with the DigiSnap and the camera. The RC receiver will have one or more servo output connectors, which are connected to RC switches, which convert the servo signals to a simple open / closed switch contact. These switch contacts are connected to the DigiSnap inputs, which is in turn connected to the camera. It sounds like a lot of stuff, but it apparently works pretty well, and allows you to control a camera located in the air, or other remote locations.