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.)

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.