Yongnuo YN-460 Flash Remote Power Control

The YN-460 is an affordable manual-only shoe mount flash produced by the Chinese company Yongnuo. It has gained popularity within the strobist community primarily due to its low price and satisfactory performance. To adjust the flash power level, users must physically press the buttons located on the back of the unit. This often necessitates moving back and forth when setting up off-camera lights. For those with soldering skills and the ability to program a microcontroller, there is an opportunity to simplify this process. A DIY project enables remote adjustment of the power levels on the YN-460 using a standard infrared (IR) remote control. The entire circuit can be accommodated within the available space of the YN-460. A corresponding YouTube video demonstrates its functionality, and all necessary details, including the circuit diagram, parts sourcing, and code for the PICAXE-08M microcontroller, are available.

The YN-460 manual flash is a compact device designed for photographers who utilize external lighting. The flash operates in manual mode, which allows for greater control over light output but requires physical interaction to adjust settings. This can be cumbersome during shoots that involve multiple light sources and require frequent adjustments.

The DIY project aimed at enhancing the YN-460's functionality involves integrating an infrared remote control system. The design includes a microcontroller, specifically the PICAXE-08M, which serves as the brain of the operation. The microcontroller is programmed to interpret signals from the IR remote and translate them into commands that adjust the flash's power levels.

The circuit design is compact, fitting within the existing housing of the YN-460. Key components include the microcontroller, an IR receiver module, and necessary resistors and capacitors to ensure stable operation. The IR receiver captures signals from the remote, which are processed by the microcontroller to activate the corresponding buttons on the flash. This setup allows photographers to make adjustments without needing to physically approach the flash unit, thereby streamlining the workflow and increasing efficiency during shoots.

For those interested in replicating this project, comprehensive resources are available, including a detailed circuit diagram that outlines the connections between components, a list of required parts, and the programming code needed to operate the PICAXE-08M. This project not only enhances the functionality of the YN-460 but also serves as an excellent introduction to integrating microcontrollers with existing electronic devices.The YN-460 is a very low cost manual-mode-only shoe mount flash made by a Chinese company Yongnuo. It has become very popular in the strobist community due mostly to its low cost and good performance. In order to change flash power level, the user is required to physically push the buttons on the backside of the unit.

This typically means running back-and-forth when setting up the lights if they are used off-camera. If you are handy enough to use a soldering iron and program a micro-controller, you can make your life much easier. This cool DIY project allows you to remotely change the power levels on YN-460 using a standard IR remote.

The entire circuit fits in the empty space of YN-460. The following Youtube video shows you how it works. All the details, including circuit diagram, sources for parts, and code for the PICAXE-08M micro-controller can be found at. 🔗 External reference