HiViz - Kits - SK3 Sound Trigger

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SK3 Sound Trigger (assembly required)

SK3 Sound Trigger Control Box (assembly required)

The SK3 Sound Trigger is completely redesigned from the SK2 model. The SK3 is our answer to customer requests for a more sensitive trigger in a project box enclosure. The SK3 responds to a wider variety of sounds than the SK2 and can be actuated by a finger snap at a distance of 30 feet or more. While dynamic and condensor microphones can be used with the SK3, the best response is obtained with the included piezoelectric sensor (shown to the right).

Microphone cable
assembly required

Here are other features of the SK3.

The trigger can be powered either with a 9-V battery or an optional 120-240 VAC to 9VDC adapter (neither are included).
There is an on-off switch and an LED to indicate that the trigger is on.
The 3-ft microphone cable is connected to the box through a 3.5mm mono jack.
The sensitivity is adjusted with a knob on the box.
There are two outputs. The switch output can be used to trigger a flash unit. This is the most common application with the delay being adjusted by the distance of the microphone from the source of sound. Alternatively, the switch output can be connected to the input of a delay unit in order to adjust the delay electronically.
The pulse (voltage) output can be used to trigger a Camera Opto-Switch (not included) for actuating a camera shutter by sound or for triggering flash units that require a low-voltage pulse.

The kit includes all the parts for the sound trigger control box shown above and the microphone cable. Soldering is required for assembly. The circuit is assembled on the PC board shown to the right. The board is bolted to the underside of the project box cover and is connected by jumper wires to the parts mounted on the cover. The photos below show two views of the interior.

Parts list

Assembly instructions

A cable is needed to connect the SK3 to your flash unit. You may already have a flash trigger cable from a previous kit that will work. If not, we have the following kits available.

Flash trigger cable kits (assembly required)

All flash trigger cable kits include a connector for the flash, an RCA plug for the trigger, 3-ft of 2-conductor cable, and heat-shrink tubing.
PC Cable Kit Use this kit for flash units having PC jacks. PC2 - $3.60
Vivitar 283/285/3700 Cable Kit Use this kit for Vivitar flash models 283, 285HV, and 3700. VPC2 - $17.95
Flash Shoe Cable Kit Use this kit if your flash doesn't have a jack for a PC cable but can be triggered through a hot shoe. FA2 - $19.95

Accessories for the SK3 Sound Trigger

120-240 VAC to 9VDC adapter

The AC/DC adapter provides a substitute for a 9V battery to power your HiViz circuits. The adapter accepts 100-240V input voltage at 50-60 Hz; output is a regulated 9 VDC. The power rating is 10 W.

Camera Opto-Switch

If you want to trigger a camera shutter directly from the pulse output of the SK3, click here for information on what you need.