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

Version 2! See V1 here.

parts list

• Raspberry Pi Zero W
• night vision camera + ir LEDs
• camera cable
  • make sure to get a cable with a smaller connector at one end for the raspberry pi zero
• generic 'jiffy box' enclosure
  • 83x54x30mm
• camera tripod
• UNC nut: ? 1/4 inch, 20tpi
• SD card: class 10 16gb
• PSU: 5v 2.5A usb micro b

construction

See how to build

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

• The camera/IR LED module has no extra holes for attaching it to the box. The double sided tape it comes with is not sufficient to hold the module in place. Perhaps you could drill holes into the front of the jiffy box, and use longer screws to attach both the LEDs and the jiffy box cover to the camera module.
• Not airtight/waterproof
• The bright LEDs next to the camera illuminate dust & bugs flying past the camera, which can trigger motion detection