Build the camera itself: Difference between revisions

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'''WARNING: THIS IS A PAGE IN PROGRESS! DO NOT FOLLOW IT IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE BUILDING OF A CAMERA FROM SCRATCH'''
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.
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.


= Assembly =  
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[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.]
== Prepare the lens ==  
 
There are two types of lens holders - a holder with a single filter and a holder with an electronic filter drawer.


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== 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. We don't want this.
The cameras come with an IR Block filter in the lens holder, but we do not use this filter.  


'''Lens holder with single filter'''
b. If you have a lens with a single filter like the one shown in the first image, unscrew the lens from the holder.
* If you have a lens like the one shown in the first image, unscrew the lens from the holder.
* 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'''
c. With a screwdriver, carefully push the filter out of the lens holder, as shown in the image on the right.
* 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.  
: '''NOTE:''' If you push from the front, the filter may come out intact. If it shatters, make sure to remove all the shards.
 
: 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.  
[[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.
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== Attach the lens to the camera ==  
== Attaching 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.
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.  
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.
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</td></tr></table>


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== 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.
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</td></tr></table>


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== Attaching the Camera ==
== Attach the camera ==
[[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.
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== 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.  


* Looking at the camera from the rear, attach the largest connector (often with blue/green wires) to the right hand socket.  
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.


* Attach the power connector to the left hand socket. This connector has several pins but only two are connected (red/black).
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.


* The third connector (two pins, red/black) is for a powered lens and is not used so tape it back out of the way.
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.


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


f. After you secure the camera in position, tighten the cable glands.
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== Install cooling fans in hoousing of the Raspberry Pi 4 ==
In this step, you install two fans into the case.


== Installing the cooling housing to the Raspberry Pi 4 ==
a. Remove the foil from the pads.


* TEXT MISSING -> ADD PHOTO AND SHORT DESCRIPTION!!!
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]]


</td></tr></table>
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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.]

Latest revision as of 08:54, 28 August 2025

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.

Prepare the lens

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

single filter: punch out the filter

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.

b. If you have a lens with a single filter like the one shown in the first image, unscrew the lens from the holder.

c. With a screwdriver, carefully push the filter out of the lens holder, as shown in the image on the right.

NOTE: If you push from the front, the filter may come out intact. If it shatters, make sure to remove all the shards.
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.
Two sorts of lens holder with day/night filters
WARNING: DO NOT try to directly punch out the filter. This action may jam the mechanism or leave shards of glass inside.

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.

Sliding type: Remove the filter entirely

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.
Rotating type: Remove just the clear filter

g. Reassemble the filter holder, but do not connect the power cable to the camera.

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.

i. Screw the lens back into the lens holder.

Attach the lens to the camera

Attaching the Lens

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)

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.

c. Replace the circuit board in the plastic holder.

Prepare the camera housing

Glands in Place

a. Fit the small cable gland to the housing.

b. Pass the loose ends of the camera PoE cable up through the housing, but do not tighten the cable.

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.

Attach the camera

Camera In Mount

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.

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.

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.

To be sure you have the correct orientation, refer to the section titled, Testing and focus.

c. Remove the plastic cap from the lens.

TIP: Refer to the figure for the proper camera board orientation, so the video is not sideways or upside down.

Install the camera in the housing

Camera In Housing

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

f. After you secure the camera in position, tighten the cable glands.

Install cooling fans in hoousing of the Raspberry Pi 4

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. Raspi4 in case small.jpg


Now, the camera is ready.

Next, you flash the RMS Linux image onto the SD card or USB key. Back to the signpost page.

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