Installing and using CHDK

• There is lots of information at the "CHDK for Dummies" site: http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK_for_Dummies
• A CHDK FAQ is here: http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ

Follow these steps to "reprogram" an SD memory card for each camera so that temporary firmware is loaded to your cameras when they are turned on. This firmware provides several useful enhancements including the ability to trigger the cameras remotely via the USB port.

"CHDK" or Canon Hack Development Kit must be installed on the camera's SD card. It loads each time the camera is turned on, and does not change the camera permanently.

Choosing an SD card

• 4GB cards are easier because larger cards require partitioning in order to run CHDK and use more than 4GB of the card. If you are using a Mac, the program SDMInst (see below) can properly partition larger cards. Does anyone know of good instructions for doing this with a PC?
• 4GB cards are $5-10 online or a little more at a local store.
• Cards must be "SDHC"
• For multiple long flights in one day, more than one SD card per camera might be needed.

Installing CHDK on the SD cards

• The firmware version on the Kickstarter A495 cameras should be "100F." The matching CHDK file a495-100f-1.0.0-1820-full_BETA.zip is available at http://mighty-hoernsche.de

Installing CHDK using a PC

• Follow the instructions here: http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK_For_Newbies-How_To_Install
• This involves using the clever program called CardTricks: http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CardTricks

Installing CHDK using a Mac

• A program called SDMInst will install CHDK on SD cards and can be downloaded here: http://www.zenoshrdlu.com/clickpansdm/sdminst.html

• You might have to run this command in the terminal on the files in the SD card to make them executable as outlined here: http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/FAQ/Mac#Still_Having_Trouble.3F:

  cd /Volumes/CANON_DC xattr -d com.apple.quarantine DISKBOOT.BIN PS.FI2

• (add videos?)

Basic CHDK settings to start with

CHDK Main Menu To enter the CHDK main menu on a Canon A495, press some button on the back of the camera, then press some other button.

Enable Remote To allow remote shutter release via the USB port, you must enable remote operation. In the CHDK Main Menu select Miscellaneous Stuff/Remote Parameters/Enable Remote.

Synchronous Shutter Release To precisely synchronize the shutter releases of two cameras connected to a timer, you must enable synchronous remote in CHDK. In the CHDK menu, under Miscellaneous Stuff/Remote Parameters, turn on Enable Remote, Enable Synchable Remote, and Enable Synch.

With this setting, CHDK uses the first signal from the timer to get ready to take the photo (focus, exposure, any other auto stuff) and then takes the photo on the second signal. So the camera shoots on every other signal, and the timer must be set accordingly.

Some options available when CHDK is installed

Shutter Priority -- The Canon A495 does not have this option, but CHDK adds it. It allows the camera to set the exposure automatically while keeping the shutter speed high (thus reducing blur). On sunny days, setting the shutter speed at 1/640 or 1/800 second is suggested (the IR camera may require more light and a slower shutter speed). To use shutter priority in the CHDK menu, select Extra Photo Operations/Disable Overides = OFF, then Overide Shutter Speed = 1/800 (or whatever), then Value Factor=1. Generally you should deselect or turn OFF everything else on that menu page.