Intro
I really wanted to get the multi-camera system setup in the back yard to see how the whole system would work in practice. So this is an overview of where everything is placed and some images from the various cameras. I did get some unexpected video which I wasn't sure about including, so be warned if you are squeamish.
3 MotionEyeOS cameras in action
Backyard Video
The system is set up with 3 cameras on the deck and one camera inside the house. The PicoPorch motor controller and temperature display is on a table on the deck. Two of the cameras on the deck are running MotioneyeOS on Raspberry Pi Zero 2W hosts while the third deck camera is Raspberry Pi camera module 3 autofocus. All of the deck cameras are powered from the PicoPorch subsystem. The camera inside is a Raspberry Pi HQ camera hosted bt a Raspberry Pi 3B running MotioneyeOS.
Here is a shot from the 3 MotionEyeOS cameras in the rain:
Cam 3 in the rain
Looking at these shots I think it would be better to put an "mini umbrella" over each camera to keep the rain off the lens area, But at least the systems are all functioning properly in the rain. Score one for waterproof Hammond boxes..
Discussion
The system works - yay. It is always a big relief when powering up a complex system that took a long time to build. Tearing the system down to fix problems would not be high on my list of fun activities. I discovered my Wi-Fi could handle all 4 cameras, but if a couple of other computers were also using Wi-Fi the system would not connect all cameras. I also discovered these cameras are all pretty bad in low light, so I will need to provide illumination if I want to see anything in low light conditions. I did buy an IR illuminator, but have not hooked it up yet. I have a porch light which might show some activity but not with any quality. The Pi Camera Module 3 is a definite step up in camera performance. I like the autofocus capability, although I wonder how long it will last in continuous autofocus mode.
One unexpectedly useful feature is that the PicoPorch displays temperature with a backlit display. This makes it perfectly readable in all lighting conditions, particularly at night when my other outdoor thermometers are not readable.
The cameras are not setup yet with correct focus because there are logistics involved that impact other members of the family. Specifically I have to find a time when they are not using Wi-Fi.
Links:
- Garden Secrets System
- ComputeCam and PicoPorch - Early Muddling
- PicoPorch and ComputeCam - The Motor System
- PicoPorch - LCD PCB & Bezel
- PicoPorch power wiring
- PicoPorch Motor Controller Demo
- PicoPorch System Demo
- PicoPorch Final Touches
- Deep Dive On Kit Components
- Backyard Secrets 1
- MotionEyeOS Tutorial
- Garden Secrets Project Summary
