# Wake Time

The <span class="s2">**Wake Time**</span> setting determines how long the sensor will wait after an initial <span class="s2">**half-press (wake)**</span> signal has been sent to the camera before beginning the main trigger sequence. This gives the camera (and any connected flashes) time to <span class="s2">**wake up or prepare**</span> before the full trigger (shoot) command is sent.

![screen-wake.png](https://docs.camtraptions.com/uploads/images/gallery/2025-10/scaled-1680-/screen-wake.png)

#### **Adjusting the Wake Time**

1. From the <span class="s1">**Home Screen**</span>, press the <span class="s1">**Right Arrow**</span> until you reach the <span class="s1">**Wake Time**</span> screen.
2. Use the <span class="s1">**Up**</span> or <span class="s1">**Down**</span> buttons to select the desired delay in seconds between 1s and 15s.
3. Press the <span class="s1">**Set**</span> button to <span class="s1">**save**</span> your selection.

The delay can be configured in <span class="s2">**seconds**</span>, depending on how much wake-up time your camera or flashes require. By default, this setting is <span class="s2">**off**</span> (no wake-up signal and delay).

#### **Enable or Disable the Wake Function**

- <span class="s1">**Hold**</span> either the <span class="s1">**Up**</span> or <span class="s1">**Down**</span> button for more than <span class="s1">**2 seconds**</span> while on the **Wake** screen.
- When active, the display will show the <span class="s1">**ON**</span> indicator.

#### **Purpose of Wake Time**

Some cameras require a short period to power up or establish communication before they will respond to a full trigger signal. If a <span class="s2">**shoot signal**</span> arrives too soon after the system has been idle, the camera may miss it entirely. This can lead to missed shots in still mode and, more critically, problems in video mode.

For example:

- Certain <span class="s1">**Canon cameras**</span> require a <span class="s1">**full-press signal**</span> to start and stop video recording. If the start signal is missed due to wake-up lag, the camera may only respond to the <span class="s1">**stop**</span> command later, resulting in continuous, indefinite recording.
- Cameras with <span class="s1">**longer wake-up delays**</span>, or flashes that require a moment to recharge, benefit from a wake period that ensures all equipment is ready before the main trigger occurs.

#### **Recommended Use**

It is recommended to use a <span class="s2">**Wake Time**</span> delay for:

- Cameras that take noticeable time to wake from standby (especially some older mirrorless cameras).
- **Canon and Panasonic cameras**<span class="s1"> used in </span>**video mode**<span class="s1">.</span>
- Setups involving third-party flashes that require a short recharge time before firing. (Note: Camtraptions flashes do not require a wake delay, as they remain ready to fire instantly.)

Adjusting this delay ensures reliable operation by waking connected equipment first, then triggering the shutter or video start signal once everything is ready.