Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 89.djvu/150

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��Popular Science Monthly

���Diagram of apparatus for photographing wild animals

��How to Photograph Wild Animals

IT will often prove desirable to operate the shutter of a camera at a distance, especially in photographing birds, rep- tiles or animals in natural poses. The device shown in the accompanying illustration serves the purpose, and its construction and operation are simple. In brief, the description and operation are as follows: The switch, A, or a push- button, is mountid where the operator will not be conspicuous, and is connected, in series, with a magnet B and several cells of a battery, by means of a llexible conductor, such as a lamp-cord. The magnet B is energized when the switcli A is closed, and attracts the iron arma- ture C, which is mounted on an arm, pivoted at D. The lower end of this arm is in the form of a latch, which supports the rod E when it is raised 1o its upper position. The rod K, wlun raised as depicted, compresses the coiled spring F, which is held between tin- gage G and the washer //, mounted on

��the rod. A small coiled spring not shown holds the armature C away from the core of the magnet B. The lower end of the rod E is in the form of a piston, which operates in a wooden c\linder /. The rubber bulb at the end of the tube leading to the camera shutter is located in the lower end of the wooden cylinder /. The device is now complete. As soon as the switch is thrown, the magnet B is energized. This moves the latch K, and this in turn releases the rod E, and the piston at the end of the rod moves downward in the cylinder, on account of the com- pression of the spring F. The piston plunges down on the rubber bulb L, causing the shutter to be operated in the camera.

The operator may, of course, be stationed several hundred feet away, and in this case there must be a decided increase in battery power. By means of this outfit, pictures can be secured of shy animals, reptiles, etc., that would never venture out of their hiding places during the presence of a photographer. Many other uses will suggest themselves to the constructor.

Converting a Key-socket Into a Simple Pull-socket

RIVET together the ends of two strips of stiff brass 3 ins. long and yi in. wide. About I in. from both ends punch a hole to receive bolts about -'4 in. long, 3/16 in. in diameter. Place the key of the socket in the cen- ter of the strips and tighten up the bolts". Attach strings to the end of the strips. Hy simjily ]>ulling the strings the light can be turned on or olT as desired. The materials for this socket can be

���A pull-socket made from a key -socket

found in an\' work-

��shop.— J. M. Coiii'N.

�� �