With simple micro switch and micro controller with disconnecting meaning just I/0 (from high to low). Then x amount of microseconds until triggering command to flash. Typically around 2700 us delay with CCI standard but up to 4000 us with Remington Thunderbolt. Bulb can be used but it requires pitch black place. It's better to time all events within 500 milliseconds (0.5s) to avoid light buildup on sensor. I've used actuator to trigger gun so that all goes automatically but makes things many times more error prone.
Basement can handle .22lr but not quite rifle calibers. Haven't tried but I'd guess it to be challenging to stop .308
Yes, I try to but it is on limit whether it's reasonable or not. Variance makes things much more difficult with that approach. And there are more possible failing points. It's better to keep things simple
Couple of AR-15 studies for rifle shooters (and others as well):
Bullet is rather long Hornady 75gr and although it doesn't work best with 1:9 twist it certainly looks good in pictures.
Oh, if I am getting into areas that are proprietary to you, I totally understand. Just say so and I will stop bugging you and enjoy the pics.
So, three things need to happen to make your pics. The shutter has to be open -conventional DSLR or something trickier?
A really hot flash.
A bullet going out a muzzle
The synchronization I am still not getting.
Is there a servo setup to actuate the trigger and set the delay for the flash?
The camera shutter speed response is no where near what you need to capture these images in the wild..but maybe you pop your shutter for.....1/2 secs or so then fire the weapon with a servo that triggers the firing sequence and flash delay?
In very basic it is very simple:
1. Shutter open
2. Gun fire
3. Flash to flash
In a bit complicated form it goes like this.
1. I push button to initiate sequence.
2. Micro controller counts to few seconds. Just for safety and my comfort
3. Shutter opens for 0.5 seconds and circuit sends signal to actuator
4. Servo actuator triggers gun and micro controller knows exact time by switch in trigger or hammer (switch happens to be disconnecting I -> 0). Servo actuator has too much fluctuation to trust on that alone.
5. Micro controller counts typical delay of around 500 to 4700 microseconds and triggers flash
6. If nothing failed and theoretical delay met reality I have picture in my camera (D800).
It's relatively easy to get bullet in frame but getting it precise spot within fraction of inch is whole another game. There is surprisingly amount of variation between shots. Don't know where it comes from, my setup most likely, but it can also be primer igniting powder phase.
That bullet wobble seems to be issue of .22lr and overall short and slow handgun bullets. Theory says that they tend to stabilize within few yards. I'm no expert though and someone can give better explanation and correct me if I'm wrong.
I'm happy to put information on my site if somebody is willing to make good explanation on it. Got some unpublished additional material from .22lr silencer tests regarding wobble
NOW..your 9 image shot really has me baffled. No DSLR cycles that fast. In the old days, you had about 500 ft of film hooked up to a Chevy shortblock to pull it thru a camera in 2 secs.
Yeah, the shots would have to come from a purpose-built camera like that. I would love to see the full spec buildout of the system, but I figger a lot of what he has is proprietary.