The dropControllers are professional controllers for water drop photography. They have been designed by water drop enthusiasts for water drop enthusiasts. The most advanced drop controllers available. Straight forward to get started yet with many advanced functions and features that make experimentation easy and fun.

dropControllerV3 with the new case.

The dropControllerV3 features:
– Connections for 6 solenoid valves
– camera shutter trigger
– flash trigger
– 2 auxiliary triggers
– Advanced shutter trigger modes
– 3 independent trigger controls
– Loop Mode using delta values (easy collisions)
– Auto save drop data
– Auto save main settings

The dropController devices are compatible with cameras that can use a wired shutter release cable.

dropControllerV3 comes with a Windows program or an Android app. Sorry no IOS version.
The Windows app works on Apple desktops under a virtual machine such as Boot Camp or WINE. Unfortunately I cannot offer any support or help. If you want to try please download the Windows App from the downloads page.

Easy to use control apps

The dropController is controlled from a Windows program or an Android app. Sorry no IOS version.

Android App

Easy to use. Easy to understand. Get started in seconds.

The Android app is Compatible with the dropControllerV2 and V3 devices.

Windows App

Clean and clear interface. All the key drop data available in one easy to use panel.

 
I started drop photography many years ago and started developing the dropController because I found other drop devices limited and difficult to use. The dropController was developed with ease of use in mind, and over time has been refined and developed to meet the needs of droppers; whether your are a beginner or an advanced user.

The dropController has a different approach to other drop devices. With other devices you normally enter a drop size, a delay, another drop size. I found this technique very limiting and it can be difficult to get the timings right. The dropController uses a drop priority method where each drop has a start and stop and each drop is totally separate.

With the dropController each drop has several properties; valve, size, start time, and delta values. You start with the drop, assign a valve, enter the drop times. This method allows far more flexibility (and advanced experimentation) than other methods.

The dropController also features Loop Mode. In Loop Mode you can automatically increase or decrease times while looping. Makes set up and getting collisions super easy.

 
Start as simple as you wish. Become as advanced as you want. The dropController allows you to start in a very simple way but does not limit you as you progress to advanced drops.

Simple one valve set up on a lab stand.

Three valve set up on a dedicate frame.

What’s available

Fully assembled, tested, and ready to go. See the price list for details.

Want to build your own controller, give it a go, have a look through the DIY section (menu above). The dropController started as a DIY project and I encourage anybody to at least think about building one.

Want to build your own but don’t have the parts, get a kit. It includes everything you need.

Apps and firmware are available for download free.

 
 
The below (out dated) video introduces the dropController and explains Loop Mode and delta values. In the video I am using a 3 valve version of dropControllerV2 with a single valve. The dropController is controlled from the old Android app (the app has been updated since the video. The new app has the same functions).

This is a very simple dining room table setup using a retort stand, a single valve and milk as the liquid. Using a lab/retort stand is an easy and fairly cheap way to get started with drop photography.

Please note that the apps have been updated since the video was made.

 
 
Sign-up for the dropController newsletter