RPI and camera choice
Hello,
I have an MK3 pre-ordered and was hoping to be completely prepped for when it arrives. Part of that involves getting an Raspberry Pi and camera so I can use octoprint. After reading through the experiences of others on this forum, and being brand new to the hobby, I was hoping to get some clarification on what the best option would be.
I ran across this thread moments ago: https://shop.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3-f30/rpi3-on-einsy-accessory-port--t13861.html
Does using an RPI3 connected via USB seem like the best choice at the moment for doing both printing and video streaming? Also, does anyone have recommendations for a camera that is supported by the RPI 3 (or RIP0w if that is the better choice) and that works well for this use case?
Thank you very much,
Derrick
Re: RPI and camera choice
I have been testing out the official "RPi camera v2" on the RPi0 (via printer accessory port). Next I am going to test out the Logitech c930e, first on the RPi0, and then on an RPi3 via USB. (As a disclaimer, it may not be the most fair comparison being that the RPi cam is $25, while the c930e is closer to $70.)
In terms of image quality, I haven't been overly impressed with the RPi camera. It doesn't seem to handle glare and uneven lighting very well. Image tends to look washed out and a bit blurry at times, even after manually adjusting the focus on the lens. Putting a 'sunshade' around the lens helps a good bit (or adjusting your lighting), but slightly annoying to have to do that. That said, if you're primarily concerned with video for print monitoring, then you may not care how nice the image is. I however am planning on making some timelapses that look as nice as reasonably possible, so I'm looking for a high quality image (low noise, good contrast, clarity, etc).
But the bigger gripe I have with the RPi camera is the flat ribbon cable and its connectors. The ribbon connector on my RPi0 is weak and unreliable, the ribbon cable easily slips out of it if touched. And the flat cable is difficult to cleanly route from the back of the printer to anywhere you're likely want to mount your camera. Additionally it requires an extension ribbon cable with a size-changer in the middle in the case of the RPi0, as the connector on the RPi0 is smaller than on the RPi3, and they don't make super long cables for it (yet) with the small connector on both ends. A while back I thought I read that the RPi camera has the advantage of creating less overhead on the RPi processor because the video signal is routed through a dedicated graphics bus on the board rather than going through USB like a standard webcam. But I don't know if that's actually the case or to what extent...and even if so, it would probably only matter with the limited processing power of an RPi0. You won't have to worry about video processing overhead with an RPi3.
I have not hooked the Logitech c930e up to my Octopi yet, but others have confirmed it works fine with OctoPrint (as does the c920 I believe). I have hooked it up to my desktop PC though, and the image quality is superb for a webcam. After a little more testing, my gut tells me I'll probably end up using the c930e and RPi3 via USB. The RPi0 and RPi camera will likely get reassigned to one of my robotics projects.
Re: RPI and camera choice
I'm in the same situation - waiting for my printer and looking at camera options to use.
One other possible factor...
Which RPi/Camera options have the capability to remotely stop the printer?
Does this capability require RPi running Octoprint? I don't really need Octoprint for any other reason and would like to have a simple way to stop a print job if needed.
Re: RPI and camera choice
Which RPi/Camera options have the capability to remotely stop the printer?
Camera choice is independent of the ability to control the printer. Yes, an RPi running OctoPrint or some other remote printer mgmt software (Astroprint is another option) is required to remotely control the printer, which includes the ability to stop a print.
Re: RPI and camera choice
I'm using a Raspberry Pi 3 hard wired to the ensy board, using wired internet connection and Logitech c260. works flawless now that the firmware can communicate better with the Octoprint.
if you want some more info I can type it up for everyone, but I found most of the info here on the forums.
Re: RPI and camera choice
I'm using a Raspberry Pi 3 hard wired to the ensy board, using wired internet connection and Logitech c260. works flawless now that the firmware can communicate better with the Octoprint.
Are you powering the Pi3 directly from the EINSY, or with external power adapter?
Re: RPI and camera choice
In terms of image quality, I haven't been overly impressed with the RPi camera.
see I went with the pi cam as well because the documentation seemed to suggest that that usb webcams were inferior compared with the pi cam which could interface directly with the gpu...but the framerate is still terrible and focusing is annoying.
does the pi allow you to control any of its focus/digital zoom functions?
Re: RPI and camera choice
does the pi allow you to control any of its focus/digital zoom functions?
Control the manual functions of the c930e on the Pi? That's what I'm trying to figure out now. This is the only thing I've found so far. I'm assuming the controls for the c920 would work on the c930e, don't know for sure.
http://kurokesu.com/main/2016/01/16/manual-usb-camera-settings-in-linux/
Re: RPI and camera choice
I went for the official PI camera.. (Still havn't got that far in my build yet).. But I do wonder whether I should have had a punt on the cheaper versions, like this at a fraction of the price:
Considering what we are using it for, I wonder what the difference would be between this and the official camera?
Re: RPI and camera choice
But I do wonder whether I should have had a punt on the cheaper versions, like this at a fraction of the price:
Sure, if you're just using it for monitoring, why not? I'd love to know if there are viable $6 Pi cameras out there on the market, please report back if you try one. I could use the heck out of those for cheap little IOT projects. Doubt you're going to be making great looking videos with it, but for monitoring that could be a win!
Re: RPI and camera choice
Thanks to all of you for your feedback. I'll probably go with a PI3 then, potentially wired to the board instead of over USB, and maybe a nicer camera like the (I think it was) c290 as I'm guessing we'll want to produce some time lapsed videos for certain things.
Re: RPI and camera choice
I am using - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0772L495M/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Getting pretty good quality, 1080p @ 20fps YMMV. PI3 doesnt seem to like any higher resolution / fps. Image example:
