RaspberryPi/Timelapse4
From charlesreid1
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.)
Principles:
- KISS
- Don't worry about making it totally weatherproof. Can make modifications later.
As you can see, I follow extremely rigorous engineering standards in my drawings.
Success
Successfully modified the Pelican case. The camera lens was about 0.55 inches in diameter, and fits into the hole with very little clearance. I have more notes on the specifics of the case modification over at RaspberryPi/Weatherproof Camera Case. This is Stage 1 of the Pelican modifications. Eventually this will be full-on waterproof, but the goal for Timelapse 4 was to keep it simple, stupid.
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