dropController
dropController is a professional water drop photography system developed over many years by drop photography enthusiasts and we believe it is the most advanced system available. It is easy to start with and also offers many advanced features for those who want to take their hobby further.
Compatibility
The dropController systems are compatible with cameras that can use a wired shutter release cable. Please check your camera can use a wired shutter release before ordering. Not sure what lead you require, see the common shutter release leads page or let me know your camera make and model and I will check.
dropControllerV4 is compatible with wifi/network enabled devices such as smart phones, tablets, laptops, desktop PCs.
dropControllerV3 is compatible with Windows PCs and Android devices.
How To Order
If you are interested in purchasing any of the below please email me or send me a message using the contact form. Please include what you are interested in and where you are (country & city).
Contact Me
You can contact me by using the contact form or by emailing me at 
. Sorry about the use of an image. Using text results in an horrendous amount of spam!
Payment
Payment is via PayPal using a credit card or PayPal account.
Prices do not include local duties/import taxes.
Currency
Prices are listed in USD and HKD (US dollar & Hong Kong dollar). If you are outside of the US and don’t normally use USD then HKD is slightly better value.
Shipping
All goods are shipped with tracking included.
Although the pandemic is over some shipping costs remain higher than before and there are still limits shipping to certain parts of Europe and parts of Africa. I continue to take orders via email which allows me to give a personalised service and more accurate information.
dropController Purchase Policy
Please see the dropController purchase policy for details
Discounts
Repeat customers enjoy 5% discount.
Complete sets enjoy 5% discount.
A complete set is any controller with at least 3 Valve & Bottle Sets or a controller + 2 Valve & Bottle Sets + SFB Set.
All accessories and additional parts, when ordered with a set, also enjoy the 5% discount.
Note:Only one discount type applies per order.
dropControllerV4
US $249.00
HK $1850.00
The latest and greatest dropController.
Price is for the controller, PSU, and leads only. Frame, tray, bottles, valves, are not included and available separately.
Special Promotion: Free shipping to many locations; USA, UK, France, Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan.
Not in the list? Ask about shipping to your county.
Free shipping applies to the dropControllerV4 only. Other items & sets have shipping costs.
Weight: 1200gm
The most advanced water drop photography system available. Easy to start. Plenty of advanced functions that allow you to take water drop photography to a whole new level. Includes a clear easy to use control app that works on any modern (requires javascript) network enabled device.
Includes
– dropControllerV4
– power supply 24V 5amp
– shutter release cable
– flash trigger cable
– 2 x trigger extension lead
Power Supply
Input: 100-240v, 50-60MHz
Output: 24v, 5 amps
Please state type of plug/country of use when ordering.
12v power supply is available on request.
Shutter Release Cable
Normally a coiled lead 30-100cm (100cm is fully extended and not usable at this length). I sometimes have limited stocks of non-coiled 1 metre leads which will be used while stocks last.
Various shutter release cables available. Not sure what lead you require, see the common shutter release leads page. Still not sure? Drop me an email.
Please state your camera make and model when ordering.
Flash Trigger Lead
3.5mm jack to PC socket.
Coiled lead 30-100cm (100cm is fully extended and not really usable at this length).
The default dropController system is 24V and 12V systems are available by request. If you prefer a 12V system please let me know.
Add 4 x valve lead only US$10 / HK$70.
Only available when purchasing a dropController.
dropControllerV4 Upgrade
US $149.00
HK $1100.00
Weight: 1250gm
Already have dropControllerV3 and want to upgrade? Here is the chance. This is a special price for existing users only. You must provide the email address you used when purchasing the dropControllerV3.
Do you need to upgrade?
If you are happy with version 3 then there is no need to upgrade. They both do the same thing in very similar ways. I only started developing dropControllerV4 because Apple users kept asking for a compatible controller. dropControllerV3 is still fully supported.
dropControllerV3
US $199.00
HK $1500.00
Weight: 1250gm
Price is for the controller, PSU, and leads only. Frame, tray, bottles, valves not included.
Currently out of stock.
One of the most advanced drop photography systems available. Easy to use. Easy to get started with. Clear, easy to use control apps for Windows computers and Android devices available free. Apple/Linux users please consider the dropControllerV4.
Now with free 3.5mm extension lead!
Android App and Windows App available for free download. dropControllerV3 is NOT compatible with Apple/IOS or LINUX devices. Apple & LINUX users please consider dropControllerV4.
Includes
– dropControllerV3
– power supply 24V 5amp
– shutter release cable
– flash trigger cable
– USB lead
– 3.5mm trigger extension lead FREE!
Power Supply
Input: 100-240v, 50-60MHz
Output: 24v, 5 amps
Please state type of plug/country of use when ordering.
A 12v power supply is available on request.
Shutter Release Cable
Normally a coiled lead 30-100cm (100cm is fully extended and not usable at this length). I sometimes have limited stocks of non-coiled 1 metre leads which will be used while stocks last.
Various shutter release cables available. Not sure what lead you require, see the common shutter release leads page. Still note sure? Drop me an email.
Please state your camera make and model when ordering.
Flash Trigger Lead
3.5mm jack to PC socket.
Coiled lead 30-100cm (100cm is fully extended and not really usable at this length).
The default dropController system is 24V but is fully compatible with 12V and if you prefer a 12V system please let me know.
dropControllerV3 Kit Plus
US $99.00
HK $700.00
Weight: 1250gm
Fancy building your own dropController? This is everything you need.
Includes all the components required to make the dropController V3, including the PCB, acrylic base and top, the Arduino, the Bluetooth module, and the buck converter. The Arduino Nano is pre-programmed and the HC-06 Bluetooth module is pre-configured.
The Kit Plus also includes:
– power supply,
– shutter release lead,
– flash trigger lead,
– USB lead (not shown).
Now with free 3.5mm extension lead!
Power Supply
Input: 100-240v, 50-60MHz
Output: 24v, 5 amps
Please state type of plug/country of use when ordering.
A 12v power supply is available on request.
Shutter Release Cable
Coiled lead 30-100cm (100cm is fully extended and not usable at this length).
Please state your camera make and model when ordering. Not sure what lead you require, see the common shutter release leads page.
Flash Trigger Lead
3.5mm jack to PC socket.
Coiled lead 30-100cm (100cm is fully extended and not usable at this length).
This is a DIY kit and requires assembly. You should have at least basic to middling soldering skills and of course soldering tools. Please read through the construction guide so you are aware of what is required before purchasing. I do not recommend this as a first soldering project.
The main components are fully tested but due to the nature of the kit I cannot fully guarantee it. There is a lot of possible user error!
A full list of components is available here (PDF).
The construction guide can be found here (PDF).
Shoot From Below Set
US $149.00
HK $1100.00
Weight: 2250gm
Everything you need to get started with shoot from below. Frame not included.
Shoot From Below Set assembly guide
Includes:
1 x Shako PU220AR-02 24V valve
1 x 2m valve lead
1 x air pump with 12v power supply
2 x bottles
4 x bottle clips
1 x pressure gauge*
1 x 4-way brass pipe fitting
1 x 3-way brass pipe fitting
2 x brass double connector
1 x end cap
1 x mini ball valve
2 x 8mm quick release connector
1 x 6mm quick release connector
1 x 4mm brass nozzle
2 x 6mm brass nozzle
2m 8mm PVC tube (fits 6mm nozzles)
1m 6mm PVC tube (fits 4mm nozzles)
All fittings are 1/4″ NPT
12V valves are available upon request.
*Pressure gauge: Appearance may change without notice
The pump produces 10 to 11psi when used with 12v power, enough pressure to hit most ceilings! Pressure is regulated using the ball valve; closed = full pressure, full open = no pressure.
Power supplies available with various style plugs. Please state country of use when ordering.
FREE
Free Teflon tape and 2 x 6mm brass nozzles.
The extra nozzles allow the valve to be separated from the bottle and also allows for the bottle and valve to be used for regular drops.
Free manual ball valve! Use as an extra relief valve or keep as a spare!
Note: Style of fittings may change without notice.
Shoot From Below Bottom Nozzle Stand
US $35.00
HK $250.00
Bubble level
X & Y fine adjustment
Adapter has 1/4″ NPT thread for easy attachment of 3 way block
3 way block not included. For illustration only.
Shoot From Below Nozzle Set
US $15.00
HK $110.00
Weight: 250gm
Appearance may change slightly
3 Shoot From Below nozzles.
1 x 1mm opening
1 x 2mm opening
1 x 3mm opening
All nozzles have 1/4inch NPT threads
Allows for a wide range of experimentation. Create fine delicate jets to sturdy columns.
Valve & Bottle Set: Shako
US $49.00
HK $375.00
Weight: 1000gm
Includes:
1 x Shako PU220AR-02 24v (12V available upon request)
1 x Bottle
2 x Bottle clips
3 x 6mm ¼ NPT brass nozzles
1 x 2m valve lead
FREE
1 x Teflon tape
1 x Brass ¼ NPT double sided connector
The bottle caps have a standard ¼ NPT thread size, this is the same size as the solenoid valves and the same nozzles fit the valves and the bottles.
The double sided connector allows the bottle to be directly attached to the valve.
I use cable ties to secure the bottles to the frame which I think works well (free cable ties included). This style of clip makes it easy to move the bottles up and down to change the drop pressure and the bottles are easy to remove for cleaning.
The clips can also be attached directly to 2020/4040 extrusion with the right nut and bolt. Nuts and bolts available free on request. Please mention you’d like them when you order. Don’t ask, you don’t get!
Bottle set
US $15.00
HK $110.00
Weight: 500gm
Includes:
1 x Bottle
2 x Bottle clips
3 x 6mm ¼ NPT brass nozzles
The bottle caps have a standard ¼ NPT thread size, this is the same size as the solenoid valves and the same nozzles fit the valves and the bottles.
I use cable ties to secure the bottle which I think works well (free cable ties included).
This style of clip makes it fairly easy to remove the bottle for cleaning.
The clips can also be attached directly to 2020/4040 extrusion with the right nut and bolt. Nuts and bolts available free on request. Don’t ask, you don’t get!
Shako PU220AR-02 24v Solenoid Valve
US $35.00
HK $260.00
Weight: 0.35kg
Add 1 x 2m valve lead + US$2.50 / HK$15.00
The gold standard in water drop valves. Reliable with repeatable performance.
¼ NPT thread size.
Includes M5 mounting screws.
12V valves available on request
Appearance may change slightly without notice.
Mounting Holes
Holes are 18mm apart and M5 size.
Frame
US $65.00
HK $500.00
Weight: 3.50kg
Size when assembled: 1020mm x 540mm
A simple but effective and flexible frame designed to fit almost any style of drop container; tray or bowl. Ideal for use with smaller bowls and large trays. The centre cross bars holding the valves are height adjustable.
9 x 500mm 2020 T-Slot aluminium extrusion
10 x corner + M5 nut, bolt, washer set
4 x straight joiner + M5 grub screw
6 x end cap
2 x Allen Key
Includes extra/spare; corners, nuts and bolts, washers, and grub screws.
Note: The frames are expensive to ship and depending on the destination, the shipping can be more than the cost of the frame. Before ordering it is worthwhile looking for local suppliers. The parts are likely to be more expensive but the total cost with shipping should be lower.
Frame Plus
US $95.00
HK $700.00
Weight: 4.00kg
Size when assembled: 1020mm x 540mm
A simple sturdy frame with extra bottom pieces. Allows for accessories to be attached to the bottom of the frame, such as the valves or nozzles used for for shoot from below. The centre cross bars holding the valves are height adjustable.
13 x 500mm 2020 T-Slot aluminium extrusion
18 x corner + M5 nut, bolt, washer set
4 x straight joiner + M5 grub screw
6 x end cap
2 x Allen Key
Includes extra/spare; corners, nuts and bolts, washers, and grub screws.
Note: The frames are expensive to ship and depending on the destination, the shipping can be more than the cost of the frame. Before ordering it is worthwhile looking for local suppliers. The parts are likely to be more expensive but the total cost with shipping should be lower.
Valve Bracket
US $12.00
HK $90.00
Weight: TBC
Size: 28mm x 180mm x 3mm
1 x Bracket (180 x 28mm). Milled aluminium alloy.
4 x M5 nut, bolt, and washers (bracket to 2020 frame)
3 x M5 screws with attached washers (valve to bracket)
3 x M4 screws with attached washers (valve to bracket)
Note.
All screws are Philips/cross style head.
Only 2 nut & bolts are required to fit the bracket to the frame and only 2 screws are required for the majority of valves. The others are included as spares.
Fits many different types of valve as well as mini ball heads.
Shutter Release Lead
US $7.99 per lead
HK $60.00 per lead
Weight: 300gm
3.5mm to dedicated plug.
Coiled lead 30-100cm (100cm is fully extended and not usable at this length).
Various leads available please state camera make and model when ordering. Not sure what lead you require, see the common shutter release leads page.
Flash Trigger Lead
US $7.99 per lead
HK $60.00 per lead
Weight: 300gm
3.5mm jack to flash PC socket.
Coiled lead 30-100cm (100cm is fully extended and not usable at this length).
Extension Lead
US $7.99 per lead
HK $60.00 per lead
Weight: 300gm
3.5mm female to 3.5mm male.
1.5m length
Suitable for use with the shutter release and the flash trigger cables.