Hap Griffin Astro-Cables
and
DSLR Astronomical Accessories

 


Astrophotography for the amateur has been revolutionized by the latest generations of Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Cameras from Canon and others.  We supply several of the key components required to make long exposure astrophotography with these cameras possible.

    All photos taken with modified Canon 300D and 350D DSLR's

 
 
While the more recent models of Canon cameras can be fully controlled from a USB cable with the proper software, the older models require a special long exposure cable connected to their "bulb" port to achieve exposures longer than 30 seconds.  Additionally, even in the newer models, a faster rate of single exposures can be achieved by using a "bulb" port cable in addition to the USB cable.  For Canon cameras, I offer a wired cable that plugs into a serial port on your PC, and for those without serial ports (i.e. most modern laptops) a USB-to-serial adapter to allow the serial cables to be plugged into a USB port. 

The Canon models that require a long exposure cable are the 10D, 300D, 350D(XT), 400D(Xti), 20D and 30D.  All models more recent than these do not require a special cable for long exposures, but can benefit from such a cable in applications where rapid fire single exposures are needed (eclipses, etc).

 
Software applications known to be compatible with my serial cables:
 

ImagesPlus (www.mlunsold.com), by Mike Unsold, provides an on-chip focusing routine, automated series' of long exposures and a complete suite of software astrophoto processing tools second to none.

Maxim DL (www.cyanogen.com) ...another Swiss Army Knife all-purpose tool for DSLR and CCD astrophotographers. 

DSLR Shutter (www.stark-labs.com) by Craig Stark is a free application for automating imaging sessions.

Nebulosity (www.stark-labs.com) by Craig Stark is a full featured capture and processing application.

Backyard EOS (www.backyardeos.com) a comprehensive capture and automation tool for DSLR astrophotography.

iAstroPhoto (http://www.stevepur.com/astrophotography/iAstroPhoto/index.html) - for MAC users.

Eclipse Orchestrator (http://www.moonglowtechnologies.com/products/EclipseOrchestrator/index.shtml)

Astro Photography Tool (APT) (www.astroplace.net)

Please note that these programs require that the USB cable supplied with the camera to also be connected for downloading images, setting capture mode, ISO settings, etc.  The serial cable does not provide "communications" with the camera and is ONLY used to directly control the shutter via the camera's "bulb" port to over-ride the 30 second exposure limitation imposed with the standard USB connection or to fire the shutter at a faster rate than possible by the USB cable alone.  

My cables feature:

  • Very flexible two conductor cable with shield - will not cause stress on camera or telescope mount
  • Custom cable strain relief
  • Each cable individually hand-made to order and fully tested before shipment
  • Full year warranty against faulty parts or flaws in workmanship

Here's what my customers say:

  • JC - "Very impressive service."
  • SW - "Just wanted to let you know I got the cable yesterday - tried it out last night and everything works great.  Many thanks for the excellent work!"
  • PC - "Cable arrived today. Looks good & works perfectly. Thanks Hap."  
  • JP - "Thanks very much. I received it today. I'm absolutely delighted with the product. The quality is very high and it all works perfectly."
  • DC - "Everything arrived ok! Thanks for such a quick turnaround!"
  • TA - "Just to let you have an update, that the whole system works like a dream.  DSLR shutter + Hap Griffin's modified Canon remote cable (what a perfect piece of work)."

Note: All prices below include USPS Priority shipping.  For International customer, shipping varies by destination, so please contact me in advance for a shipping price estimate.

I now offer a new cable, the C-EOS-6 that is compatible with all Canon DSLR's:

For all of the models that use a 2.5mm 3-conductor male plug for connection to the camera, this cable is what you need.

That includes all of the "Digital Rebel" series of cameras along with the 60D.

NOTE: For the Pro models (10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 5D, 5D, MkII, etc) that use the Canon N3 connector, you will also need to purchase the Part # N3 Adapter

The C-EOS-6 is six feet long and includes a two-color LED to indicate the current status of the port driving the cable.

These serial cables can be used with our USB-to-serial adapter to enable USB control for laptops and PC's that have no serial port.

Pricing and availability of cables for this camera are as follows:





Description Price
(inc. US shipping)
 
Part # C-EOS-6    Serial port cable - length 6 feet - with bi-color status LED $42.00
Part # C-EXT-12    12 foot extension cable for the C-EOS series cables $10.00
Part # N3 Adapter   2.5mm to N3 adapter cable $15.00
Part # USB Adapter    USB-to-Serial adapter      $25.00






 


Tired of your camera's USB cable being too short!  Here are some solutions...

Description Price
(inc. US shipping)
 
Part # C-USB15    Replacement cable for Canon Cameras - 15 feet long! $22.00
Part # C-USBX10   10 foot USB extension for Canon USB cables  $10.00







For owners of the Canon TC-80N3...now use your timer with the Canon "Digital Rebel" models (300D, 350XT, 400XTi, 450XSi, XS, T1i, T2i, T3i...)

 

Description Price
(inc. US shipping)
 
Part # TC-80N3Mod1       Modification of your TC-80N3 for compatibility with Canon "Digital Rebel" cameras.  This modification allows use ONLY with these cameras.  You must send me your TC-80N3 to be modified. $28.00

Part # TC-80N3Mod2       Modification of your TC-80N3 for compatibility with ALL Canon DSLR's.   You must send me your TC-80N3 to be modified $40.00







 

 

For pricing on other lengths, special configurations, or overseas shipping costs, please contact me at lgriffin@sc.rr.com.

Payment is accepted by PayPal to lgriffin@sc.rr.com, or by money order.

My mailing address is Hap Griffin, 2295 Watersong Run, Sumter, SC 29150

 

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