RaspberryPi/Timelapse4

Also see RaspberryPi/USB Camera

Overview

For timelapses 1-3, I had multiple headaches dealing with the weak-sauce ribbon-cable Pi camera. I dumped it for a more hefty, webcam-style USB camera. Photo:

This camera is 1/2 inch in diameter.

Timelapse 4 Plan

First, let's start with what we like, and what we've accomplished:

• Several things were accomplished with RaspberryPi/Timelapse3 (example: we were able to control the LED).
• Can resurrect idea bucket, continue working on the weatherproofing ideas, now that the bottleneck has been removed (better camera)

Plan for weatherproof camera mount:

• KISS
• Mount it, use the cap that came with it, put a rubber gasket around it to protect from rain further
• Don't worry about making it bomb-proof your first time. Just get the parts working in sync.

Stuff List

Hardware list:

• raspberry pi 3
• usb jump drive (for photo storage)
• usb camera

Software list:

• script to operate camera
• necessary Python bindings for taking photos
• motion server/fwcapture?

Modification Planz

Original pelican case

Here is the stock Pelican case (Pelican 1120 Case):

It's an absolutely perfect size for a Raspberry Pi and power supply.

Modification planz and schematics

Here is the plan: drill a 1/2" hole in the side of the Pelican case, and mount the camera to the case. Use rubber to ensure a tight fit between the camera and the body. The camera came with a plastic cover, so utilize that as the camera lens protector. (Secure it to the lens better, too.) Most important principle here is KISS. Don't worry about making it perfectly weatherproof. Can add a little rain visor gasket to it later, or swap it out for a different design.

As you can see, I follow extremely rigorous engineering standards in my drawings.