Build the camera itself - Revision history

Sjfwriter at 13:54, 28 August 2025

2025-08-28T13:54:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:54, 28 August 2025
Line 2:		Line 2:

	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>
	== 1. Prepare the lens ==		== Prepare the lens ==

	There are two types of lens holders - a holder with a single filter and a holder with an electronic filter drawer.		There are two types of lens holders - a holder with a single filter and a holder with an electronic filter drawer.
Line 41:		Line 41:

	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>
	== 2. Attach the lens to the camera ==		== Attach the lens to the camera ==
	[[File:lensattaching.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Attaching the Lens]]		[[File:lensattaching.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Attaching the Lens]]

Line 53:		Line 53:

	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>
	== 3. Prepare the camera housing ==		== Prepare the camera housing ==
	[[File:glands.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Glands in Place]]		[[File:glands.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Glands in Place]]
	a. Fit the small cable gland to the housing.		a. Fit the small cable gland to the housing.
Line 67:		Line 67:

	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>
	== 4. Attach the camera ==		== Attach the camera ==
	[[File:camerafitted.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Camera In Mount]]		[[File:camerafitted.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Camera In Mount]]

Line 86:		Line 86:

	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>
	== 5. Install the camera in the housing ==		== Install the camera in the housing ==
	[[File:camerainhousing.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Camera In Housing]]		[[File:camerainhousing.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Camera In Housing]]

Line 105:		Line 105:

	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>
	== ~~Installing the~~ cooling ~~housing to~~ the Raspberry Pi 4 ==		== Install cooling fans in hoousing of the Raspberry Pi 4 ==

	~~Install 2~~ fans into the case~~, remove~~ the ~~foils~~ from the pads~~, put~~ the in place, ~~and~~ screw the case together. ~~Then plug~~ in the wires ~~of the fans~~ as ~~per~~ the ~~below picture~~.		In this step, you install two fans into the case.

			a. Remove the foil from the pads.

			b. Hold the fans in place, as sown in the figure, then screw the case together.

			c. Plug in the fan wires, as shown in the figure.
	[[File:Raspi4_in_case_small.jpg\|700px]]		[[File:Raspi4_in_case_small.jpg\|700px]]

Line 113:		Line 119:
	</td></tr></table>		</td></tr></table>

	~~Perfect!~~ Now ~~you have~~ the camera ~~part~~ ready. ~~Let’s continue with flashing~~ the RMS Linux image onto an SD card or a USB key. [https://globalmeteornetwork.org/wiki/index.php?title=Build_%26_Install_%26_Setup_your_camera_-_The_complete_how-to Back to the signpost page.]		Now, the camera is ready.

			Next, you flash the RMS Linux image onto the SD card or USB key. [https://globalmeteornetwork.org/wiki/index.php?title=Build_%26_Install_%26_Setup_your_camera_-_The_complete_how-to Back to the signpost page.]

Sjfwriter at 13:43, 28 August 2025

2025-08-28T13:43:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:43, 28 August 2025
Line 70:		Line 70:
	[[File:camerafitted.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Camera In Mount]]		[[File:camerafitted.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Camera In Mount]]

	~~'''Note: I recommend installing the camera in the housing at~~ this ~~point so that~~ you ~~do not~~ have ~~to detach~~ the ~~cables or risk knocking focus later on. However, you can proceed~~ to test focus ~~etc~~ before ~~installing~~ the camera in the housing ~~if you wish~~.~~'''~~ If you ~~prefer to~~ do ~~that~~, skip this section for now and come back later. ~~Otherwise~~:		At this time, you have the option to test the focus before you install the camera in the housing. If you do, skip this section for now and come back later.
			: '''TIP:''' If you install the camera in the housing at this point, there is no need to detach the cables and you will not have to reset the focus later.

	* Connect the metal camera holder to the metal plate using ~~one~~ 6mm M3 screw. ~~Note~~ the orientation of the plate as shown in the photo.		a. Connect the metal camera holder to the metal plate using (1) 6mm M3 screw.
			:''' NOTE:''' Be sure to match the orientation of the plate shown in the photo.

	* Using three 12 mm M2 screws, connect the camera board to the ~~metal~~ holder, ~~passing~~ the ~~lens through~~ the ~~square hole from~~ the ~~back~~.		b. Pass the lens through the square hole from the back of the metal holder, then use (3) 12 mm M2 screws to connect the camera board to the holder.
			: '''NOTE: ''' On some camera models, the writing on the camera board or the image of a stick man is UPSIDE DOWN when the orientation of the camera is correct. In this orientation, the sockets for power and networking are at the bottom rear of the camera board.

	* Note that on some camera models, the writing on the camera board or image of a stick man must be UPSIDE DOWN to get the correct orientation of the camera. In this orientation, the sockets for power and networking will be at the bottom of the rear of the camera board. To be sure you have it the ~~right way up~~, ~~see advice in~~ the section on Testing and ~~Focusing~~.		To be sure you have the correct orientation, refer to the section titled, ''Testing and focus''.

	* Finally, remove the plastic cap on the lens.		c. Remove the plastic cap from the lens.
	~~See image~~ for the proper camera board orientation, so the video is not sideways or upside down.		: '''TIP:''' Refer to the figure for the proper camera board orientation, so the video is not sideways or upside down.
	</td></tr></table>		</td></tr></table>

	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>
			== 5. Install the camera in the housing ==
	== ~~Installing~~ the ~~Camera~~ in the ~~Housing~~ ==
	[[File:camerainhousing.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Camera In Housing]]		[[File:camerainhousing.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Camera In Housing]]

	* Remove the plastic plate from inside the housing and discard it.		a. Remove the plastic plate from inside the housing and discard it.

	* Fit the camera on its metal plate ~~into~~ the housing, as close to the front glass as you can ~~get it without actually touching~~. ~~A few millimetres away~~ should be ~~good~~.		b. Position the camera on its metal plate inside the housing, as close to the front glass as you can but do not come in contact with the glass.
			: '''NOTE:''' Ideally, the camera should be positioned 5mm or less from the glass.

	* Looking at the camera from the rear, attach the largest connector ~~(often with blue/green wires)~~ to the right hand socket.		c. Orient the camera so you can see it from the rear, then attach the largest connector to the right-hand socket.
			: '''TIP:''' Usually, this connector has blue and green wires.

	* Attach the power connector to the left hand socket. This connector has several pins but only ~~two~~ are connected ~~(red/black)~~.		d. Attach the power connector to the left-hand socket. This connector has several pins, but only the pins on the red and black wires are connected.

	* The third connector (~~two pins,~~ red/black) is ~~for~~ a powered lens ~~and~~ is not ~~used so tape it back~~ out of the way.		e. The third connector (also with red and black wires) is used with a powered lens, which is not part of this installation. Tape the connector out of the way.

	* Once you've secured the camera in position, you can tighten up the cable glands.

			f. After you secure the camera in position, tighten the cable glands.
	</td></tr></table>		</td></tr></table>

	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>

	== Installing the cooling housing to the Raspberry Pi 4 ==		== Installing the cooling housing to the Raspberry Pi 4 ==

Sjfwriter at 05:07, 28 August 2025

2025-08-28T05:07:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:07, 28 August 2025
Line 39:		Line 39:
	i. Screw the lens back into the lens holder.		i. Screw the lens back into the lens holder.
	</td></tr></table>		</td></tr></table>

	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>

	== 2. Attach the lens to the camera ==		== 2. Attach the lens to the camera ==
	[[File:lensattaching.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Attaching the Lens]]		[[File:lensattaching.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Attaching the Lens]]
Line 50:		Line 50:

	c. Replace the circuit board in the plastic holder.		c. Replace the circuit board in the plastic holder.

	</td></tr></table>		</td></tr></table>

	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>
			== 3. Prepare the camera housing ==
	== ~~Preparing~~ the ~~Camera Housing~~ ==
	[[File:glands.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Glands in Place]]		[[File:glands.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Glands in Place]]
	* Fit the small cable gland to the housing ~~and pass the loose ends of the Camera PoE cable up through, but don't tighten it up yet~~. ~~Remember to slip the cap over the cable first!~~		a. Fit the small cable gland to the housing.

	* Fit the ~~large~~ cable ~~gland in~~ the ~~other opening, and push a piece of plastic packing foam into it. Don't seal it up completely though this is to keep insects from getting in~~, but ~~allow moisture out~~.		b. Pass the loose ends of the camera PoE cable up through the housing, but do not tighten the cable.

	* We do not recommend that you put the ~~whole~~ cable ~~inside the housing~~, as the ~~LEDs on it will create light pollution inside the housing~~.		c. Slip the cap over the cable, then tighten the cable.

			b. Fit the large cable gland in the other opening, and push a piece of plastic packing foam into it.
			: '''TIP:''' Do not completely seal the opening. The idea is to prevent insects from getting in, but allow moisture out.
			: '''NOTE:''' We do not recommend that you put the entire cable inside the housing. The LEDs on it will create light pollution inside the housing.
	</td></tr></table>		</td></tr></table>

	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>
	== ~~Attaching~~ the ~~Camera~~ ==		== 4. Attach the camera ==
	[[File:camerafitted.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Camera In Mount]]		[[File:camerafitted.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Camera In Mount]]

Sjfwriter at 05:00, 28 August 2025

2025-08-28T05:00:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:00, 28 August 2025
Line 41:		Line 41:
	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>

	== ~~Attaching~~ the ~~Lens~~ to the ~~Camera~~ ==		== 2. Attach the lens to the camera ==
	[[File:lensattaching.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Attaching the Lens]]		[[File:lensattaching.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Attaching the Lens]]

	* Carefully unclip the circuit board from the plastic holder but do not detach the ribbon cable. (~~Only for IMX291,~~ IMX307 is ~~just~~ a single board)		a. If you have an IMX291, carefully unclip the circuit board from the plastic holder, but do not detach the ribbon cable. (IMX307 is a single board)

	* Using the supplied screws, attach the lens to the sensor. '''~~Please be careful when installing the lens onto an IMX307 module, transistors~~ and capacitors are very close to the area where a lens will be placed.~~'''~~		b. Use the supplied screws to attach the lens to the sensor.
			: '''IMPORTANT:''' Transistors and capacitors are very close to the area where a lens will be placed. When you install the lens onto an IMX307 module, be very careful.

	* Replace the circuit board in the plastic holder.		c. Replace the circuit board in the plastic holder.

	</td></tr></table>		</td></tr></table>

Sjfwriter at 04:54, 28 August 2025

2025-08-28T04:54:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:54, 27 August 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~Howdy! This~~ is ~~probably~~ the most fun ~~part~~, ~~where~~ you ~~will~~ put all the pieces together~~. Follow the order of steps~~. If you~~'ll~~ find something not particularly clear, let us know in the forums~~, so we may fix it~~.		Most people think this section is the most fun. Here, you put all the pieces together. If you find something that is not particularly clear, let us know in the forums.

	= ~~Assembly~~ =		<table><tr><td>
	~~<s>[Note: there's a longer version of the camera assembly section~~ of ~~this page available on Google Docs. Please refer to [https://docs.google.com/document/d/18TT~~-~~Jm7z9kYskl5ua07jQWD91OiyBemBnOosiNdW6nY/edit?usp=sharing this] if you need more information~~.~~]</s>~~		== 1. Prepare the lens ==

			There are two types of lens holders - a holder with a single filter and a holder with an electronic filter drawer.

	~~<table><tr><td>~~
	~~== Preparing the Lens ==~~
	[[File:Irblock.jpg\|thumb\|right\|single filter: punch out the filter]]		[[File:Irblock.jpg\|thumb\|right\|single filter: punch out the filter]]
	* Start by removing protective covers from the sensor and lens. ~~Take care~~ not to touch the sensor after this ~~is removed~~.		a. Remove the protective covers from the sensor and the lens.
			: '''IMPORTANT:''' Be careful not to touch the sensor after you remove the cover.

			The cameras come with an IR Block filter in the lens holder, but we do not use this filter.

	* The cameras come with ~~an IR Block~~ filter in the lens holder~~. We don't want this~~.		b. If you have a lens with a single filter like the one shown in the first image, unscrew the lens from the holder.

	~~'''Lens holder with single filter'''~~		c. With a screwdriver, carefully push the filter out of the lens holder, as shown in the image on the right.
	* If you have a lens like the one shown in the first image, unscrew the lens from the holder.		: '''NOTE:''' If you push from the front, the filter may come out intact. If it shatters, make sure to remove all the shards.
	* Then using a screwdriver, carefully push the filter out of the lens holder as shown in the image on the right. If you push from the front, the filter may come out intact.
	* If it shatters, make sure ~~there are no~~ shards ~~left~~.

	~~'''Lens holder with electronic filter drawer'''~~		: Some lenses have an electronic day/night filter drawer and a small cable that plugs into the camera board. Two types of filter holders are shown here.
	* Some lenses ~~come~~ an electronic day/night filter drawer~~. These have~~ a small cable ~~to plug~~ into the camera board. Two ~~different~~ types of ~~these~~ filter holders are shown here.
	[[File:lensholders2.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Two sorts of lens holder with day/night filters]]		[[File:lensholders2.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Two sorts of lens holder with day/night filters]]

	* DO NOT try to punch out the filter ~~directly as this~~ may jam the mechanism or leave shards of glass inside.		: '''WARNING:''' DO NOT try to directly punch out the filter. This action may jam the mechanism or leave shards of glass inside.
	* If your holder is the type with a rectangular sliding drawer, remove ~~the drawer by undoing~~ the screw on the end. Then remove the while filter glass entirely.		d. If your holder is the type with a rectangular sliding drawer, remove the screw on the end and remove the drawer.
			Then remove the while filter glass entirely.
	[[File:slidedrawer.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Sliding type: Remove the filter entirely]]		[[File:slidedrawer.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Sliding type: Remove the filter entirely]]

	* If your holder ~~is the other type~~, ~~undo~~ the three small screws on the top and take off the cover. ~~Then remove~~ the clear filter. You can leave the reddish daylight filter.		e. If your holder has a single drawer, remove the three small screws on the top and take off the cover.

			f. Remove the clear filter.
			: You can leave the reddish daylight filter.
	[[File:rotatingfilter.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Rotating type: Remove just the clear filter]]		[[File:rotatingfilter.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Rotating type: Remove just the clear filter]]

	* Now reassemble the filter holder~~. Do~~ not connect the power cable to the camera.		g. Reassemble the filter holder, but do not connect the power cable to the camera.

	* Next look on the underside of the lens holder ~~where you will~~ see two plastic nubbins~~. These get in~~ the ~~way, so using~~ the wire cutters snip ~~them~~ off. ~~Make sure you get~~ the base completely flat.		h. Turn the lens holder over to see two plastic nubbins on the underside of the lens holder.
			: Use wire cutters to snip off the nubbins.
			: '''NOTE:''' You must make the base completely flat.

	* Then screw the lens back into the lens holder.		i. Screw the lens back into the lens holder.
	</td></tr></table>		</td></tr></table>

	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>

RadimStano: /* Attaching the Lens to the Camera */

2024-11-26T22:37:55Z

Attaching the Lens to the Camera

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:37, 26 November 2024
Line 41:		Line 41:
	* Carefully unclip the circuit board from the plastic holder but do not detach the ribbon cable. (Only for IMX291, IMX307 is just a single board)		* Carefully unclip the circuit board from the plastic holder but do not detach the ribbon cable. (Only for IMX291, IMX307 is just a single board)

	* Using the supplied screws, attach the lens to the sensor.		* Using the supplied screws, attach the lens to the sensor. '''Please be careful when installing the lens onto an IMX307 module, transistors and capacitors are very close to the area where a lens will be placed.'''

	* Replace the circuit board in the plastic holder.		* Replace the circuit board in the plastic holder.

RadimStano: /* Attaching the Lens to the Camera */

2024-11-26T19:02:46Z

Attaching the Lens to the Camera

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:02, 26 November 2024
Line 39:		Line 39:
	[[File:lensattaching.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Attaching the Lens]]		[[File:lensattaching.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Attaching the Lens]]

	* Carefully unclip the circuit board from the plastic holder but do not detach the ribbon cable.		* Carefully unclip the circuit board from the plastic holder but do not detach the ribbon cable. (Only for IMX291, IMX307 is just a single board)

	* Using the supplied screws, attach the lens to the sensor.		* Using the supplied screws, attach the lens to the sensor.

RadimStano at 13:06, 18 October 2023

2023-10-18T13:06:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:06, 18 October 2023
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~'''WARNING: THIS IS A PAGE IN PROGRESS! DO NOT FOLLOW IT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE BUILDING OF A CAMERA FROM SCRATCH'''~~
	Howdy! This is probably the most fun part, where you will put all the pieces together. Follow the order of steps. If you'll find something not particularly clear, let us know in the forums, so we may fix it.		Howdy! This is probably the most fun part, where you will put all the pieces together. Follow the order of steps. If you'll find something not particularly clear, let us know in the forums, so we may fix it.

RadimStano at 22:06, 10 December 2022

2022-12-10T22:06:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:06, 10 December 2022
Line 97:		Line 97:
	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>

	= Installing the cooling housing to the Raspberry Pi 4 =		== Installing the cooling housing to the Raspberry Pi 4 ==

	Install 2 fans into the case, remove the foils from the pads, put the in place, and screw the case together. Then plug in the wires of the fans as per the below picture.		Install 2 fans into the case, remove the foils from the pads, put the in place, and screw the case together. Then plug in the wires of the fans as per the below picture.

RadimStano at 22:06, 10 December 2022

2022-12-10T22:06:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:06, 10 December 2022
Line 50:		Line 50:
	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>

	= Preparing the Camera Housing =		== Preparing the Camera Housing ==
	[[File:glands.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Glands in Place]]		[[File:glands.jpg\|thumb\|right\|Glands in Place]]
	* Fit the small cable gland to the housing and pass the loose ends of the Camera PoE cable up through, but don't tighten it up yet. Remember to slip the cap over the cable first!		* Fit the small cable gland to the housing and pass the loose ends of the Camera PoE cable up through, but don't tighten it up yet. Remember to slip the cap over the cable first!
Line 97:		Line 97:
	<table><tr><td>		<table><tr><td>

	== Installing the cooling housing to the Raspberry Pi 4 ==		= Installing the cooling housing to the Raspberry Pi 4 =

	Install 2 fans into the case, remove the foils from the pads, put the in place, and screw the case together. Then plug in the wires of the fans as per the below picture.		Install 2 fans into the case, remove the foils from the pads, put the in place, and screw the case together. Then plug in the wires of the fans as per the below picture.