Sugru IPhone Camera Remote With Lego Hand
by Tater Zoid in Circuits > Remote Control
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Sugru IPhone Camera Remote With Lego Hand
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For our Sugru build night at Phoenix Asylum, I decided to create a remote for my iPhone's camera. The remote is built from the headphones that were packaged with my iPhone. If you didn't know, the volume button on the headphones acts as a shutter release for your camera. This is a great way to take photos for selfies, time-lapse projects or perhaps a photobooth (coming soon). I used my remote to create my GIF project that required a steady camera. One of the speakers on my headphones stopped working so I've dedicated it as a shutter release. After creating several GIF projects, I felt that the headphones could be modified to work smoother as the volume buttons are pretty small.
WARNING - This project renders the headphones useless for listening to music.
REMIX! This project is also a remix for the REMIX Contest. I used projectsugru's Instructable: LEGO hands fit cables perfectly! I used a hand from one of my Lego Minifigures to hold the end of my cable to secure the wrap.
Items Needed:
- Sugru (about half a pack) - purchase directly from Sugru
- iPhone Headphones - (OEM) with volume control - eBay
- Wire Clipper or Strong Scissors
- Lego Minifigure hand - Lego Shop
Preparing Your Remote
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For this step, I decided that since the right speaker broke that I no longer needed it just hanging around. I trimmed off all the unneeded parts and the volume buttons still functioned properly.
- Remove the earbuds with your wire clippers as shown in the photo.
- Leave a bit of length of cable behind the volume button (as shown in photo #3).
- Open your camera on your phone, insert the remote jack and press the volume button to test that all functions correctly.
- Now that everything works properly, let's add the Sugru.
Create a Grip With Sugru
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This step shows how I created the grip for my camera remote. I formed it to fit my hand and added a trigger for comfort. I also added some extra Sugru to stiffen it up a bit. You have around 30 minutes to create your shapes before it hardens.
Refer to the photos for additional tips and pointers.
- Open your packet of Sugru.
- Knead it with your fingers for about 30 seconds. If you have several colors to work with, now is the time to combine them for effect.
- Roll out a long piece and flatten it out. I used about 4 inches.
- Place your remote in the Sugru as shown in photo #3.
- Form your trigger and handle to fit your grip (photo #5).
- Add your Lego Minifigure's hand to hold the cable when you wrap it for storage.
- Add a bit more to help stiffen your cable.
- Allow your Sugru to harden for 30 minutes or so.
There you go, you now have a professional quality iPhone camera remote cable. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in the comment section below.
Projects Created With My IPhone Camera Remote
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I use an iPhone app to create GIF animations. I then use them for my Instructables to give my guides some added eye candy. I posted an Instructable detailing how I accomplish this, you can view it HERE.
Bull's Head Remix - Shrinky Dink
Bicycle Trailer - Yakima CaddyYak Hack
Additional Sugru Projects From Our Build Night
COMING SOON!