Raspberry Pi webcam

This is an adjustable webcam stand for a Raspberry Pi 2 (B+) or 3 based webcam. It has a holder for the Pi and a mount for the Pi Camera (v2).

There are three printed parts required:

• Webcam base: the stand and main holder

• Camera frame: a frame that goes around the camera and attaches it to the base

• Pi bumper: a frame that goes around the Pi and attaches it to the base

In addition, you need two pieces of electronics (three if you want it to be accessible over a wireless network)

• A Raspberry Pi B+, 2 or 3 - I used a B+ for this project and it was more than capable of handling the load.

https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/model-b-plus/

• A Raspberry Pi Camera or NoIR Camera module: https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/camera-module-v2/

https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/pi-noir-camera-v2/

• (Optional) A USB wireless receiver for the Pi. I used a PAUD6 from Panda Wireless, which is totally overkill for this project but works well.

Assembly:

Attach the Pi Cam to the camera frame using either M2 fasteners + nuts or small zip ties. Attach the Raspberry Pi to the base, securing it with the Pi bumper. Depending on the tolerances of your printer a small amount of glue may be required (if the holes are too large for a friction fit).

Secure the Pi Cam mount to the base using a short piece of 3mm filament from your printer. If you use 1.75mm filament you can wind some scotch tape around it to thicken it up appropriately.

Software:

I used the following software for this project:

• Raspbian Jesse Lite

A lightweight, well supported distribution for the Raspberry Pi 2 and 3. Since this is a 'headless' setup (no monitor, keyboard or mouse) there is no need for the graphical interface, hence the 'Lite' version.

https://www.raspberrypi.org/downloads/raspbian/

• RPi-Cam web interface

A set of configuration files that will guide you through the setup of webserver to display the output of the Pi Cam. Allows for essentially real-time viewing, with a variety of options on the website to take pictures, record video, enable motion-triggered events, etc.

http://elinux.org/RPi-Cam-Web-Interface

Change Log:

v1: Initial Release (all files without version numbers)

v1.1: corrected tolerances on the camera frame + pi bumper part. Added tabs to the pi bumper to make it easier to ziptie.

v2: significantly reduced use of zipties and size of webcam base. Added printable bolts to adjust camera angle. Split Rpi holder and base so that improvements can be made without reprinting base part.

Future work:

• stiffer/better camera angle (with screw or some other variable friction method)

• better pins for the PI and camera holders to eliminate the need for fasteners/zipties