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.