Time Lapse Camera

[mike]

I would like to buy a series of cameras I can use for time lapse shots of the gardens. Ideally, I would like to take hourly shots of each garden when the lights are on.

It would be better if the camera was powered by standard AC. Having to change or charge batteries isn't ideal.

The camera needs to remain in place without moving. There would need to be differing mounting types. Desk mount, Gooseneck to wrap around an upright. Perhaps a way to hang them suspended?

I would like to use this in a WIFI setup. Removing SD cards isn't good because it would move the camera. 

Perhaps a Ring camera? Does anyone have any experience with this?

[lynnee]

The Ring cameras capture good images, judging from the clips that I see on Nextdoor. I don't know whether they have a time lapse feature. This is an intriguing idea!

Maybe you need a camera with night vision? So that the plant lights can be off overnight?

Something like the Joby Gorillapod might solve your tripod problem.

[swimmom500]

The Nest cameras capture nice images too and has night vision. I have both and am happy with either.

[scarfguy]

Have you pursued this yet, mike?    I'm interested in what you come up with.

Have you looked at those cameras that hunters hang on trees in order to follow wildlife? 

Those may have some of the features you are looking for.

[mike]

I'm still working on it. Trail cams are decent, they are $40 each, run on 8 AA batteries and an SD card. Quality varies. The biggest issue is they are motion activated. Plus, I can't find any software to control multiple cameras, much less control the time lapse I want. But I'm just getting into it.

Go Pros are too expensive at $400 each.

I'd like to find one I can control with Alexa.

[tompepper7]

You could use a Raspberry Pi and camera module It would be low cost but needs quite a bit of manual setup.

[mike]

I think I like that idea. I need to look into it.

Thanks.

[tompepper7]

A useful addition besides what is mentioned in the article for creating a time lapse camera is the addition of a real time clock which the Raspberry Pi does not have. That insures time and date are preserved.

[mike]

It looks like it is difficult to get your hands on them now. Suppliers are only getting a few at a time and they get snapped up right away. I'll have to get some of my industrial suppliers on it. Perhaps they can help.

[tompepper7]

Jul 30, 2023 18:14:50 GMT -5 mike said:

It looks like it is difficult to get your hands on them now. Suppliers are only getting a few at a time and they get snapped up right away. I'll have to get some of my industrial suppliers on it. Perhaps they can help.

Wow, yeah. I've seen the newer model hard to get sometimes, but not everything.

[mike]

You can get them. But scalpers or whatever you want to call them are charging as much as 4 times list.

[mike]

I am buying a Rasberry Pi 4B and a camera. I will try to see if I can get it to do what I want. If nothing else, it'll be a new toy.

[lynnee]

Aug 4, 2023 4:18:06 GMT -5 mike said:

I am buying a Rasberry Pi 4B and a camera. I will try to see if I can get it to do what I want. If nothing else, it'll be a new toy.

Keep us posted on the project! I have a Raspberry Pi that I've never set up. I keep intending to learn how to code little projects, but never quite find the time to study and practice.

[mike]

I will. I just ordered it. It should be delivered Monday.

[tompepper7]

Aug 4, 2023 4:18:06 GMT -5 mike said:

I am buying a Rasberry Pi 4B and a camera. I will try to see if I can get it to do what I want. If nothing else, it'll be a new toy.

Good luck.

If you can get it set up like you want it will work for a long time.

At work I have a Raspberry Pi that connects to a VMS/MUMPS system (using ckermit with scripts) VIA serial connection to run some files in the early morning (cron) that take a few hours to run (so they will be ready when I clock in). It's been running for years.

[tompepper7]

Aug 4, 2023 9:33:40 GMT -5 lynnee said:

Keep us posted on the project! I have a Raspberry Pi that I've never set up. I keep intending to learn how to code little projects, but never quite find the time to study and practice.

If you aren't jumping straight into a project with a Raspberry Pi, just get it running as a desktop connecting to the internet. Backup PC.

[mike]

Well, I haven't done any real coding in over 20 years. I did bring several data sources together with Visual Basic around 2000. Python doesn't look that much different. We'll see.

[mike]

All I'm doing initially is getting everything operational and learning the new code. I've already taken time taking notes on coding for the camera. I just added a small flat panel monitor for this purpose. I went to storage yesterday to grab my old flat panel 24" monitor.

Since when does a flat panel monitor seem too big and heavy? The 24" felt like it is over 15 pounds. I guess we adapt to technology. The new one is still 15.6", but it is only 1.36 lbs. If everything goes as planned, I want to set up each Raspberry Pi and camera with the monitor, then unplug the monitor and let them snap pics over the course of the project.

I already know I will get better cameras. But I have enough to learn for now.

[mike]

Cool, it's out for delivery today, the Rasberry Pi. The monitor says delivery by 10pm, not out for delivery yet. I've already downloaded the imager. I need the MicroSD card to install the operating system on. I'd like to get the card prepared and up and running on the RasberryPi before I go to bed. The camera should be delivered tomorrow.

[mike]

Got the operating system installed on the card. I put together the Raspberry Pi. Wouldn't you know it, the recepticals on the monitor say HDMI, but they are smaller. They aren't MicroHDMI because that is on the Pi and a MicroHDMI cable fits that perfectly. No time left tonight. I have to be in bed in 30 minutes. Oh well.