Raspberry Pi Garden Life Camera


Over this weekend I have been playing with my Raspberry Pi 2 to turn it into a garden life motion sensing camera. I am overall pleased with the results of the first try.

Parts List

  • Raspberry Pi 2 Model B
  • SpiBox from SD Components (which contains a motion sensor, 8GB SD card image, and comes with a box for the Pi).
  • Raspberry Pi Camera
  • 1800mAh Lithium Power Bank from Ultra Max Batteries.

Results

The camera worked for 2 hours taking photos and then hit a problem as it had filled up the SD cards memory so a larger card is needed. The pi itself worked for around 5 hours on the battery before turning off.

Some close-ups of the Cat and Squirrels that were caught on the camera:







Changes and Ideas to Try

  • Reduce the image size that is taken by the camera.
  • Change the time interval from the motion sensor working to photo being taking to lower than 10 seconds.
  • Double check that the camera is straight.
  • Put the unit inside a waterproof and disguised enclosure.
  • Put in a check to stop taking photos if there is no space left on the drive.