It's only 30 euro for the device in Canada as well. But estimated shipping charge to my location was another 29 euro and probably more for brokerage fees and duties.  There are other similar devices available locally much cheaper. But thanks again for the info and especailly for the idea.

The IR solution works - but has limitations - the IR remote setting for the camera has a time limit for how long it will wait for a signal to trigger the shutter. You can set it to 15 min. But if no IR signal is received after this - it will change back to normal shutter behavior.  And capturing the RTS signal from INDI driver to trigger the IR is not so easy. Not a deal breaker - but just more things that might go wrong...

I'll likely order a USB relay and shutter cable - and a USB hub since I'm out of USB ports on my RPi. But I'll keep playing with the IR until the parts arrive. My delivery time even with Amazon Prime is usually 2 weeks due to my remote location and unfortunately, paying for expedited shipping doesn't improve the delivery speed - it just costs more. Guess I have to pay for not having light polution some how

I'm supposed to get a clear night on Saturday (only the 2nd one in the last 6 weeks), which is why I'm trying to cobble together a solution with available parts.

Cheers
Pete

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