UpBlink Time Lapse Controller for GoPro and Sony

Time lapse controller for GoPro and Sony

Upload and trigger HERO5 / Sony RX0 II or trigger HERO5, 6, 7, & 8.

Web-app, low power & WiFi connectivity brings:

Easy to use, 4K time lapse for less!

• About

• Compatibility

• FAQ's

• Support

• Return Policy

• 
  

  Buy UpBlink in one of our Construction Time Lapse packs.

  
  

  buildQuick & Easy Set-Up

  • Get UpBlink up and running in less than 2 minutes. Read the quick start guide here.
  • Typically used with our Outdoor Enclosures which can house extra battery packs and/or solar panels.
  
  

  settings_applicationsSimple Configuration for Complete Control

  • Intuitive web interface makes scheduling UpBlink a breeze.
  • Customize a daily or weekly schedule to program up to 4 separate schedules for time lapse using photo, day, night, burst or video modes.
  • Set flexible cloud upload schedules.
  
  

  powerLow Power Consumption

  • UpBlink powers your Sony or GoPro camera down between intervals, increasing the battery life significantly and giving you the ability to undertake long term time lapse sequences.
  
  

  emailCloudX Image Upload and Email Notifications

  • Using CloudX, receive an e-mail every day to confirm your system is still operating and provide piece of mind your system is working.
  • how many shots were taken since the last e-mail
  • what is the SD card status
  • Set a cloud upload schedule.
  • Upload via a local WiFi network or via an external compatible hotspot (see the FAQ's for suggestions) plugged into the USB-A port of UpBlink.
  • Upload all images or flexible upload options to conserve bandwidth including:
  • Lower resolution uploads
  • Latest image only
  
  

  photo_cameraNo Camera Firmware Update Required

  • UpBlink doesn’t require any special camera firmware update. Just ensure your GoPro camera is up to date with the latest firmware from the GoPro website or through the GoPro App for iOS and Android.
  
  

  settings_remoteMotion Detection (coming soon)

  • Motion detection schedules can be programmed to only be active only during certain times of day to avoid capturing unneeded footage and conserve power.
  • Motion detection can be used independently and simultaneously with time lapse schedules.
  • Motion detectors compatible with UpBlink are available here. Please contact CamDo to confirm when this feature will be available.
  
  

  date_rangeLong Term Time Lapse

  • Couple UpBlink with our SolarX or DryX for long term time lapse solutions. Also, check out our Time Lapse Solutions page for more information on all the parts you need for those longer term projects.
  
  

  new_releasesFeatures of UpBlink

  Here are all the advantages of UpBlink:

  • Compatible with Sony RX0 II and GoPro HERO5 Black for uploading images to CloudX Pro. Also compatible with Sony RX0 II and HERO5, HERO6, HERO7, and HERO8 Black for triggering and storing on the SD card.
  • Camera WiFi Control (for manual download of footage or aligning setup through GoPro app).
  • Time and Date Scheduling (Allows camera to be set up before a project starts without consuming power to capture unneeded footage or adjusting interval times between set dates).
  • On board Real Time Clock (Holds date/time if left unpowered for up to 2 years).
  • Upload images to the CloudX Pro time lapse platform (via wifi or external USB modem).
  • Improved user gopro web interface (web based setup on your device).
  • Universal strap mount (allows for mounting in multiple ways).

  Check out our time lapse blog posts to see what our customers have achieved using UpBlink and other CamDo equipment like BlinkX.

  All the power of Blink and BlinkX but with the power of upload!

  Use UpBlink to achieve long term time lapse and/or motion detection (coming soon) for your next project. Just plug it into your Sony or GoPro and use the UpBlink app to connect and configure separate schedules (including email scheduling) using a smartphone, tablet, computer, or any WiFi enabled device which has a web browser (app connection is directly with UpBlink so no cell service or internet connection required). For more information, see the Quick Start Guide and User Manual.

  A WiFi network or a data hotspot is required (see below) with internet access is only required if you would like to use our optional Blink Email feature to provide daily status updates straight to your inbox.

  If you are looking at a long term time lapse you may be interested in our Construction Time Lapse packs which incorporate weatherproof enclosures external solar power for long term deployment or where finding a power supply is difficult or expensive.

• 
  

  Compatible with the Sony RX0 series and GoPro HERO5 camera. For GoPro HERO4 and HERO3+ Black cameras, please use our Blink product. If you don't need upload, use HERO5, 6, 7, or 8.

  Camera	Compatibility ( Y / N )
  Sony RX0 / RX0 II	✔
  HERO6/7/8 Black	Trigger only, no Upload
  HERO 2018	✘
  HERO5 Black	✔
  HERO5 Session	✘
  HERO4 Black	✘
  HERO4 Silver	✘
  HERO4 Session	✘
  HERO (2014)	✘
  HERO3+ Black	✘
  HERO3+ Silver	✘
  HERO3 Black	✘
  HERO3 Silver	✘
  HERO3 White	✘
  HERO2	✘
  HERO	✘

• Frequently Asked Questions

  Is there a video for the UpBlink setup process?

  Below is a full setup video for UpBlink with our outdoor enclosures. You can also view other helpful instructional videos in the “Support” section.

  Is an internet connection required to use UpBlink?

  Internet is required to support CloudX features, including the upload of footage for remote viewing on the CloudX server. However, programming schedules to capture footage does not require the internet. UpBlink's capture schedules are programmed via a local WiFi Access Point using a smartphone or computer.

  How does UpBlink connect to the internet?

  UpBlink can receive the internet signal from either a 2.4GHz WiFi network or from a "USB Ethernet device" connected to the USB-A port of UpBlink. The internet information is entered into the Upload Schedule in the UpBlink web UI.

  If using a USB modem, plug the compatible modem into the USB-A port of UpBlink (see below). If the USB modem connects as an "Ethernet device", select "Internet via USB" in the UpBlink web UI. If the USB modem broadcasts a WiFi hotspot, select "WiFi (Standard)" in the UpBlink web UI then enter the WiFi details of the hotspot.

  How is the USB hotspot powered?

  UpBlink can control power to the hotspot via the USB-A port incorporated, therefore only turning on the hotspot when upload is scheduled to conserve power. A USB modem with an internal battery should not be powered from UpBlink's port since the modem's battery will only charge when an upload schedule is active. We have some suggested hotspots listed here but generally any 3G or 4G USB stick hotspot that creates a wifi network will work.

  What USB hotspots do you recommend?

  Please refer to the UpBlink manual here for the latest modem listing.

  Any USB powered hotspot that plugs into a USB-A port for power (with no internal battery) and creates a local WiFi network should be suitable, however, there are some hotspots that are very power hungry and will not work such as the 'Jetpack' series of modems. UpBlink connects via WiFi to the hotspot to then upload footage.
  There are many hotspots available in different parts of the world and there are different models being released all the time. We would love to hear which USB wifi hotspot you have used successfully.
  WiFi hotspots with an internal battery that can be removed may be suitable, but you will have to test if the hotspot automatically turns on, when powered via the hotpot's USB charging port. This is because UpBlink turns power off to the hotspot between upload intervals to save power.

  Can UpBlink connect to the internet from an Ethernet cable?

  UpBlink does not have an Ethernet port to directly connect the cable. However, a USB to Ethernet adapter can be used to provide an internet signal from an Ethernet cable via UpBlink's USB port.

  Does someone require a subscription to use the file upload feature (in addition to unit purchase?)

  Yes, CloudX Pro.

  What is the benefit to buying UpBlink?

  UpBlink with CloudX Pro provides status email notifications + image upload. Images can be viewed through the CloudX Pro web portal.

  Is UpBlink compatible with the GoPro Plus upload feature?

  No. The following link outlines the options available for downloading footage from the GoPro camera during a time lapse when using our UpBlink time lapse controller: https://cam-do.com/pages/how-to-download-your-gopro-time-lapse-footage-with-UpBlink

  What are the dimensions of UpBlink?

  UpBlink measures 85x50x22mm (3.3"x1.9"x0.85").

  Can I have a time lapse and video simultaneously?

  UpBlink allows for multiple schedules to be active at a time. Videos can be recorded inbetween photo events, but the GoPro can not capture a photos while currently recording and vice versa.

  What happens if there is a conflict between schedules?

  If multiple schedules have been set and there is a conflict between the camera triggering time, priority is given to the lower numbered schedule. For example, schedule 1 has priority over schedule 2. While a schedule with a set duration is active, such as a video recording, any other schedule that is set to trigger will be skipped until the active schedule is complete.

  How does UpBlink attach to the GoPro HERO5?

  UpBlink communicates with the USB-C port on the side of the GoPro camera or Sony Multiport  using the included fully populated USB-C cable. UpBlink is designed to accommodate a strap to secure inside our outdoor enclosures, or connect the mounting knuckle to the 2pin pivot mount of GoPro camera/housings.

  What housings does CamDo offer that have space for UpBlink and external battery packs?

  UpBlink is typically used with our DryX and SolarX Outdoor Weatherproof Enclosures. These enclosures have space to house extra batteries and come with two power options, a 9Watt solar panel, or without a solar panel that is normally used for shorter deployments, when you can return regularly to recharge the batteries or if you have a permanent power supply available. The Outdoor Enclosures have space to fit up to two of our V50 battery packs.

  How long will the battery last if I shoot some number of photos per hour?

  Calculating battery life is non-trivial. It depends on the camera model, firmware version, SD card speed, lighting conditions, battery size, age of the battery, ambient temperature, and more. To help you understand the issues and to calculate estimated battery life, consult the Camera Power Consumption Study and our Time Lapse Calculator.

  If I know approximately how long my project is, how do I determine the ideal interval between triggers?

  The ideal shooting interval is normally determined by the length of the final time lapse video clip, capacity of the SD card or battery capacity available. Our Time Lapse Calculator can be used to help determine the ideal interval between photos as determined by these variables.

  Why is "Always On" mode for batteries important?

  Since UpBlink turns the camera off between triggers to conserve power, Always On mode is important to prevent the battery from automatically turning off due to periods of inactivity. Most of the USB battery packs on the market have an automatic power saving feature which turns off the battery if the battery is not constantly supplying power to a device. If the GoPro is turned off for more than a few minutes between triggers, the external battery might automatically shutdown due to inactivity. Our V50 has Auto Always On mode. The Always On mode prevents the battery from automatically turning off when insufficient current is being drawn due to the camera being turned off by UpBlink to conserve power.

  Does UpBlink retain the shooting schedule when power is removed or lost?

  When all power is removed, UpBlink will retain the programmed shooting schedule as well as the clock time and date settings. When power is restored to UpBlink, it will resume the programmed shooting schedules.

  Can I switch the SD card in the middle of a time lapse schedule?

  Yes, the SD card is "hot swappable". If an interval occurs when the SD card is out of the GoPro, UpBlink will continue the shooting schedule by triggering the camera to turn on and off, however, no image will be taken since there is no SD card to save the image to.

  How do I change UpBlink's shooting schedule in the middle of a project?

  UpBlink's WiFi signal can be turned on or off by pressing the on-board WiFi button for 3seconds. UpBlink's WiFi only remains active for 15 minutes to program the new settings before the WiFi is automatically turned off to conserve power. If the camera is not easily accessible, we offer a Wired Remote that can be attached to UpBlink's 2.5mm Port1 for re-triggering the WiFi signal, as well as 2.5mm Extension Cables if a longer distance trigger is needed.

  What can I connect to the circular jacks on my UpBlink?

  Please connect only CamDo-approved accessories to these jacks unless you are experienced. Do not connect other equipment, especially voltage sources such as your solar panel or battery, to these jacks. Doing so could damage your UpBlink or camera.

  Port1 on UpBlink can be used to activate UpBlink's WiFi signal using a wired remote (purchased separately).
  UpBlink's Port2 is used for Motion Detection operation and information about this port is located in our Blink User Manual.
  Please read our series of blog posts to understand how to connect custom hardware or interface a microcontroller such as an Arduino or Raspberry Pi.

  Does UpBlink work with your Battery Eliminators?

  UpBlink does not require a Battery Eliminator and it is not compatible with our Battery Eliminators which are for earlier generation cameras.

  What does UpBlink weigh?

  UpBlink weighs about 19g. This compares to a GoPro HERO5 Black camera at 117g.

• General support can be found on our Support pages here.

  • UpBlink Quick Start Guide
  • UpBlink User Manual
  • Download UpBlink Firmware Update and View Log of Version Changes
  • UpBlink Troubleshooting Guide
  • Time Lapse Calculator
  • How to Create and Edit a Time Lapse Video using GoPro Studio
  • Getting Started with Time Lapse Solutions
  • General Time Lapse Information
  • Time Lapse Footage and Support Video Resources

  How to set-up your UpBlink controller

  Also read the FAQ's tab for more information.

• What is your return/exchange/warranty policy?

  A: We have a 15 day return policy for unused products. Product must be in original packaging and in new condition. For orders (over $1,500) and/or physically larger items (e.g. enclosures), a restocking fee of 10% will apply. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer.

  If the product is opened or used, the product can be returned within 15 days (except SD Cards and GoPro cameras which cannot be returned once opened). A 20% restocking fee will apply for refurbishing opened product. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer.

  If you are having trouble with the product, make sure you check our support area on the website for our Quick Start Guides and Product Documentation. Should you need additional help please contact support@cam-do.com however, please ensure you have submitted all of the information in the form first as our support team will ask for this information on our first reply email and it will save time: https://cam-do.com/search?type=page&q=ticket+support&view=search-support&submit=Search

  Should you consider the product be faulty you can request to return the product within 6 months for our assessment. If the product is confirmed to be faulty by CamDo, return shipping costs will be refunded along with a full product refund (except SD Cards and GoPro cameras which cannot be returned once opened). Should the returned items be confirmed functional, a 25% restocking fee will apply to the refund. To initiate a return or exchange, please contact support@cam-do.com to receive an RMA number. Do not ship a product back to us without an RMA number. We will examine all returned items to confirm their condition and contact you regarding the status of your refund. Upon acceptance, please allow 2-3 weeks for the refund to process once the item is received.

  We cannot support IT/wifi network/router/modem issues as there are too many variables. Please talk to your IT department/specialist/support team.

  Any dismantling or modification(s) to CamDo products will void any warranty and cannot be returned.

  GoPro products:HERO5 camera warranty issues are to be handled directly with CamDo. Any warranty issues with HERO6, HERO7, HERO8 and HERO9 cameras are to be handled directly between the customer and GoPro USA. Check out their warranty page here.

  LumeCube products: Any warranty issues with LumeCube products are to be handled directly between the customer and LumeCube USA. Just email support@lumecube.com and they will take it from there. Check out their warranty page here.

  Both GoPro and LumeCube are very responsive and is how their distribution model works - it is much quicker to get warranty response by emailing them directly.

  EQUIPMENT PERFORMANCE LIMITATIONS

  CamDo equipment is not fault-tolerant and not designed, manufactured or intended for use in extreme temperature or weather conditions, security surveillance, life support, emergency situations, hazardous or mission critical activities. You use CamDo equipment at at your own discretion and risk.

  LIMITATION ON LIABILITY

  The replacement warranty is as per the warranty section above. In addition, the replacement warranty is the whole and sole liability for the product. There are no other warranties, expressed or implied. Use of CamDo products confirms your agreement that CamDo Solutions Inc and its distributors will not be liable for any damages from or relating to CamDo Solutions Inc products. Please also note the Equipment Performance Limitations above.