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Post by riffelrw on Jan 31, 2021 6:49:01 GMT -8
I have a Skyweather2 running off a Pi 4. While I have a solarmax running a flight tracking program, I prefer the Pi 4 to run inside due to power consumption.
To take pictures, I need to disaggregate the camera from the SDR / Pi4. This points to a simple configuration that would just drive the camera and upload it to WeatherStem or other area.
I can "butcher" up SkyWeather2 and isolate the camera itself, but wondered if anyone has done anything like this before, or if there were plans for it. I'd envision either a Solar Lipo, a Pi Zero, and perhaps a minimal BMP type hat i'd design (basically a stripped down version of the SkyWeather2 hat, or even use that. All in a small bud-box.
Anyone have suggestions?
Thanks
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Post by Jason on Jan 31, 2021 13:51:11 GMT -8
I know WeatherStem can receive only data as I've got a test setup in my office sending data and no images right now. They may also be able to receive only image data as well. If so, you could simply operate the two systems independently with the Pi Zero sending images and the RPi4 sending weather data.
If WeatherStem requires that images be delivered with data, exporting an NFS either on the Pi Zero or the RPi4 would allow the following options:
1. Pi Zero captures images and reads state from an exported NFS share on the RPi4 and bundles data and image for WeatherStem.
2. Pi Zero captures images and writes images to exported NFS share on the RPi4 and the RPi4 bundles data and image for WeatherStem.
Jason
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Post by riffelrw on Jan 31, 2021 15:08:23 GMT -8
Yep, thinking along those lines as well - just debating coding the grabber routines from scratch or if something was out there close. I do like the SkyWeather2 simplicity in the code, which is a bit easier than SkyWeather given most of the heavy lifting was done on the remote head.
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Post by Jason on Jan 31, 2021 17:45:04 GMT -8
I find this idea intriguing so I messed around a bit tonight. WeatherStem will take sensor data without an image, however, WeatherStem will not take image data without sensor data. Fortunately, I don't think you'll need to start from scratch. The SkyCamera.py script can be duplicated to capture images only on the Pi Zero, and modified on the RPi4 to look for the images in a folder on the exported NFS.
Jason
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Post by SDL on Feb 2, 2021 16:06:57 GMT -8
Jason / Riffelrw, Very interesting ideas! We are looking at building a WeatherSense Solar 433MHz Camera box (yea, I know - we will see if we can do 433MHz with a picture - I don't think so, we will probably go WiFi and MQTT). This will isolate the camera from the Pi and with the other WeahterSense sensors, we can have only the Barometer Sensor on the Raspberry Pi. Cool! We are building the Solar AQI and Lightning Detector 433MHz systems now for a Kickstart mid-month. We could do the camera next. Solar would be best. No video, but we could do pretty high quality captures. Here are a couple of pictures of our prototypes. BP  Attachments:
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Post by Jason on Feb 3, 2021 15:54:16 GMT -8
Very interesting indeed! The work I’m doing in NodeRED really lends itself to this due to the WeatherSTEM requirements for using their API. What I found is that WeatherSTEM requires a specific and complete structure for the payload of the HTTP POST request. By moving state management into NodeRED, I am able to essentially operate the sensors independently and assemble the payload for WeatherSTEM using the sensor readings saved in the flow context within NodeRED.
Jason
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Post by Jason on Feb 3, 2021 16:01:06 GMT -8
I’ve built something similar as a trail cam. It would be very easy to adapt to this application.  Jason |
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Post by SDL on Feb 4, 2021 15:47:34 GMT -8
That is very nice!
We have our little camera up and working and are waiting for our final prototype units to build the first box. Tell me more about your trail camera? Our proto units are coming early next week.
The plan is to build a WeatherSense SkyCam Wireless box and combine that with the new SolarMAX4 433MHz solar power system for the Raspberry Pi4B (a tough nut to crack, but we have done it. There were a number of very odd requirements we had to figure out) for our March Kickstarter. Can't quite get this done for February.
BP
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Post by Jason on Feb 4, 2021 17:33:05 GMT -8
I’m happy to hear you’ve figured out how to power the RPi4 with solar because it gives me hope that I could use it to power the trail cam. The trail cam runs motion and motioneye and consists of a Pi Zero W in an aluminum case, a night vision camera with two 3W lights that generate a ton of heat at full power, and two 30mm fans. One fan pulls air into the box and one fan pushes air out of the box. The “ears” on the side of the box are fan shrouds to keep liquid out of the box. A small spacer separates the fan shroud from the box and is lined with dry fit material from an old running shirt. Fantastic screening material for keeping bugs out and dries very quickly by design!
Jason
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Post by rimcrazy on Nov 6, 2021 14:34:34 GMT -8
I have the full SkyCam kit. I did the checkout assembly. I've double checked everything but there is no wifi at all. I've powered down and back up numerous times but nothing. any suggestions for troubleshooting?
Never mind. I just realized two of the Lipo batteries I had but had not used have their plug wired backwards. it did not hurt the board thank goodness. WiFi is now working
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