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  • Author Author: mcb1
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Pi Webcam

mcb1

I was fortunate to receive a Pi camera to use as a webcam.

This is no ordinary straight forward project but is located on a skifield www.mtlyford.co.nz.

 

To add to all the problems associated with the environment, the location has no cabling for power or communications.

Hence the project requires Solar and WiFi over approx 400m, meaning some custom aerials as well.

 

To save power the controller needs to initiate a shutdown, and startup at set times, as well as orderly shutdown and warnings if the battery state is low.

Because there is limited technical support on the field, it has to be simple and easy to reboot.

 

Its a 2hr drive and when I do go there and ski, there can be other issues to resolve, plus the prospect of lugging something to plug in and communicate with it, is something I prefer not to do.

Therefore it would be better to iron out the bugs prior to installation. (I would much soon walk outside across the lawn to sort it out).

In my other work, we have found that once the users have a tool, they suddenly are unable to function when that tool stops working, and this will be the same for skiers.

 

 

 

image

 

The image above outlines the parts necessary, and this will dictate the software.

 

One of the concerns is the cold soak overnight, or when the field is shut for storms.

NZ skifields tend to be low in elevation with wet, cold snow, on exposed mountain tops, where ice and cold are partners.

There is limited heating (big yellow thing), and the location is in shade until at least mid-day (which is good for the camera), but not for melting the ice.

 

Because of this I have not set a 'death-march' timeframe, and don't anticipate it being operational and feeding images onto the live camera feeds until next year.

If it goes well there is also likely to be a second camera, as they have suggested an alternative site.

 

I now have the Pi, solar panel, a battery that will suit, the USB WiFi and a choice of controllers (KL25z or Arduino).

The charge controller and DC-DC supply are minor, but the directional 2.4GHz antenna and a suitable housing is the next priority.

 

The revised location suits a simple spotlight ... but this has cold soak issues to overcome.

image

In the meantime I'll keep looking and start on the 2.4GHz directional antenna.

 

Mark

Parents

  • Engineering systems to withstand the elements is really quite an awesome thing to do.  A big +1 to you for the temerity. !! image  I'm totally serious in this, it's a wonderful engineering task to undertake.

     

    Mark Beckett wrote:

    Because of this I have not set a 'death-march' timeframe, and don't anticipate
    it being operational and feeding images onto the live camera feeds until next year.

     

    Systems are ready when they're ready.  Space probes typically take a decade or more to engineer for survival in remote and inhospitable conditions, and in a way, this is your current personal space probe.  The metaphor has several areas of common ground, particularly in terms of hostile environment and managing the power budget.

     

    I'm really looking forward to seeing how this progresses, in particular how you tackle the myriad trade-offs that this kind of project entails.

     

    A great project!

     

    PS. Even in less environmentally-challenged places like our residential back yards, there's every reason for engineering-minded enthusiasts to follow along and replicate/adapt your design.  With open projects, improving upon designs is part of the territory, so everybody wins.  Your project is likely to be the catalyst for many others.

Comment

  • Engineering systems to withstand the elements is really quite an awesome thing to do.  A big +1 to you for the temerity. !! image  I'm totally serious in this, it's a wonderful engineering task to undertake.

     

    Mark Beckett wrote:

    Because of this I have not set a 'death-march' timeframe, and don't anticipate
    it being operational and feeding images onto the live camera feeds until next year.

     

    Systems are ready when they're ready.  Space probes typically take a decade or more to engineer for survival in remote and inhospitable conditions, and in a way, this is your current personal space probe.  The metaphor has several areas of common ground, particularly in terms of hostile environment and managing the power budget.

     

    I'm really looking forward to seeing how this progresses, in particular how you tackle the myriad trade-offs that this kind of project entails.

     

    A great project!

     

    PS. Even in less environmentally-challenged places like our residential back yards, there's every reason for engineering-minded enthusiasts to follow along and replicate/adapt your design.  With open projects, improving upon designs is part of the territory, so everybody wins.  Your project is likely to be the catalyst for many others.

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