Build A Camera
WORK IN PROGRESS PLEASE REFER TO GOOGLE DOC FOR NOW
Parts and Tools needed
Click on the image to the right to see a larger version with the parts labelled
- IMX291 sensor board
- Lens with the lens holder - 4mm, 6mm are M16 mount as pictured, while other lenses might be CS which have a different holder
- 2x M2 screws
- Camera housing
- Small cable gland
- Large cable gland
- PoE cable
- Camera board holder
- Holder metal plate
- 3x M2 screws, 12 mm long
- 1x M3-.50 screws, 6mm long
- Metal plate screws
- Transparent weatherproof silicone
- Housing mounting bracket
- Waterproof ethernet cable protector
The Camera, lens and PoE cable should be bought together. The camera housing, board holder, plate, cable glands and mounting bracket normally come together too, but you may need to ask the seller to include the camera board holder. The camera and housing can be bought from AliExpress. There may be other sources. Other items can be found in most hardware stores or your favorite online retailer.
You will also need small wire cutters and various size screwdrivers.
Assembly
Preparing the lens
Start by removing protective covers from the sensor and lens. Take care not to touch the sensor after this!
The cameras come with an IR Block filter in the lens holder. We don't want this, so unscrew the lens from the holder and using a screwdriver, carefully punch out the filter as shown in the image on the right. Make sure there are no shards left.
On the underside of the lens holder you'll see two plastic nubbins.
These get in the way, so using the wire cutters. snip them off, then screw the lens back into the lens holder.
Attaching the lens
Carefully unclip the circuit board from the plastic holder, but DO NOT detach the ribbon cable.
Using the supplied screws, attach the lens to the sensor board.
Now clip the circuit board back into the plastic housing.
Preparing the Camera Housing
Fit the small cable gland to the housing and the ends of the PoE cable up through the smaller cable gland, but don't tighten it up yet.
Fit the large cable gland in the other opening, and push a piece of plastic packing foam into it. This is to keep insects from getting in, but allow moisture out.