Bird Nest Spy Cam

This has been in my mind a while. I wanted my daughter to see how the bird nests and feed the young. So, I decided to build a "Spy Cam Module" for birds nests. ;)

It's a fairly simple print.

Then this is what you will need to get this up and running:

2019-03-02: Updated the design because the old one let (to big) bugs in and they got cozy on the Raspberry Pi. This new version should be more bug safe. Also changed so it is possible to set the focus on the IR-camera (using the little adapter you get) without having to disassemble the whole thing. You can simply remove the transparent plastic from "outside" and access the camera lens that way. Also I added a transparent plastic in front of the leds. So now you can diffuse the leds if you want. Made the "top-plate" (the one you screw in to the inside of your nest roof) more robust. Added a small "Door" for the cable to enter in. I'm using "big" waterproof connectors and they have to "go trough" the nest wall, this gives a big hole that the "Door" will cover. I have also switched to Zero W instead of having a Wifi Dongle.

2017-03-24: Removed lights.zip and replaced it with leds.zip. For some reason the old script stopped working when updating to latest version of MotionEyeOS. So I decided to make the leds turn on and off via sh scripts that runs via cron instead. Read inside the scripts how to do it. :)

2017-03-07: Added live streams: http://nest.snille.net

2017-01-10: Updated the case a bit, it was a little too big when I glued the bird nest together. Also added small "locks" for the back, so it's more stable. All four nests will be placed in the trees soon, just waiting for the last RPiZ. :)

Hardware:

1. Birds Nest (I'm using this one): https://www.rusta.com/se/fagelholk-p756601270101.aspx
2. Zero W: https://thepihut.com/collections/raspberry-pi/products/raspberry-pi-zero-w
3. Raspberry Pi NoIR Camera module: https://thepihut.com/collections/raspberry-pi-camera/products/raspberry-pi-noir-camera-module
4. Pi Zero Cam Adapter: https://thepihut.com/collections/raspberry-pi-camera/products/raspberry-pi-zero-camera-adapter
5. Bright Pi: https://www.pi-supply.com/product/bright-pi-bright-white-ir-camera-light-raspberry-pi/
6. USB hub with Ethernet (sort of optional but makes life easier when setting up): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=0J2-001S-00071

Oh, and two small pieces of transparent plastic to cover the camera lens and the Leds. Cut it from any annoying packing material. :)

You will have to solder a bit. The PI headers and the Bright-Pi is a kit. Both very easy to build. Observe that I solder the angled header pins in the "wrong" direction a bit "tilted" to save space on top. It is possible to use straight ones, but it will be tight. :)

Then the software:

1. MotionEyeOS: https://github.com/ccrisan/motioneyeos/wiki
2. Some small scripts to turn on and off the LEDs. (in the zip).

Start with the build of the hardware.

All parts are just snap in place or push together. :)

Then install MotionEyeOS on an microSD Card.

Check out the MotioEyeOS Wiki for lodas of good information.

Use my scripts (or make your own) to turn off and on the LEDs.

Of course you shall NOT use the visual lights (LEDs) when the birds are in there!

It's only for show. :) You can even skip to solder them if you want...

I'm writing this just out of the top of my head, if you want to know more, just ask. :)

Open up the SketchUp file if you want to make your own version. :)

Print Settings

Printer Brand:

Prusa

Printer:

i3 MK2S

Rafts:

No

Supports:

No

Resolution:

0,15

Infill:

20%

Notes:

On a Prusa I3 MK2 you can print all parts in one go. :)

Post-Printing

Remove side strips.

Just cut away the two side strips on the clamp part, to be able to slide the box on it. They are only there for support when printing.

How I Designed This

Removable module.

The idea is that you can put this in any of your birdhouses. The only thing you need to do is to screw the clamp part to the bird house and drill a hole in the back for the cable. When you are done watching your birds nesting. You can just pull out the whole camera house and waint until next year. :)

Category: Biology