WiFi security / monitoring camera, using a Raspberry Pi Zero W

Version 1. See version 2 here.

parts list

• Raspberry Pi Zero W
  • make sure to get one without header pins, as the camera lid does not fit when the header pins are attached
• official raspberry pi zero case
• NoIR camera module
  • I used a V1, but the V2 looks to be the same size
• 16GB SD card
• 2.5A 5V power supply
• infrared (IR) spotlight + 12V supply
  • possibly from Jaycar?
• generic flexible camera tripod
• blu-tack, rubber bands
  • to stick the case to the tripod

software

• Raspberry Pi OS Lite
  • Setup instructions here

usage

I used termux to log into the raspberry pi and start the video stream, and VLC for Android to watch the stream. This made it easy to position the camera.

• video stream script
• video record script
• scan for motion script

issues

• attaching the case to the tripod with blutack and rubber bands isn't ideal
  • fixed in v2
• needing a separate IR spotlight is a hassle
  • fixed in v2
• cannot stream video and record at the same time. If you want to do that, look into
  • motion
  • motioneyeos