Cheap webcam option for monitoring prints
I found my Aqara G2H HomeKit (Apple) webcam provides a really convenient webcam for monitoring prints when I go out. Not something you can control to do timelapse, but almost a free option for me. It is quite cheap from Aliexpress. If anyone is thinking of getting into the home control & Apple sphere, might be worth looking at. The base is magnetic and once my print has started I simply plop on top of the sheet. I've included a few videos to show its use and what the output quality is. Now super crisp but does the job for me. The magnetic base can be adjusted higher and it adjusts in tilt. Once the first layer is working without problems, I will just set at an unused spot on the sheet and monitor remotely. I can now monitor on my phone, Apple TV, iPad or any other Apple connected device I have an account on.
RE: Cheap webcam option for monitoring prints
That camera does cost 75$ on aliexpress if I searched correctly.
You can get 3$ 5MP Raspberry v1 camera clone on aliexpress.
Add a 1$ 8led ring and you have camera with light:
Add a 25$ Pi3A+ and you can install and use OctoPrint and create timelapses as well, here with OctoPi holder:
https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/user-mods-octoprint-enclosures-nozzles/octopi-holder-for-prusa-mini/#post-585175
I added a 9$ Android USB Endoscope Camera as nozzle camera as well, integration into OctoPrint in addition to v1 camera was easier than thought:
https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/user-mods-octoprint-enclosures-nozzles/simple-nozzle-camera-borescope-holder-for-prusa-mini/#post-582628
All together is 3+1+25+9=38$ only ...
RE:
Agreed. It’s only if you want a home webcam that will do double duty around the house (to monitor the dog) and as a quick alternative to check on a print when you are out
RE: Cheap webcam option for monitoring prints
In addition to Pi cams, which for me sometimes work and then the next day for whatever reason not, I also use Wyze cams to monitor prints while I'm on the road. Great price, great quality.
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- until all hell broke loose with the forum software...
RE: Cheap webcam option for monitoring prints
Last year at a garage sale I picked up 2 C270 webcams for $1. Hard to beat that price!
If you have a dead laptop that's way beyond re-use or repurposing scavenge the camera - almost all have USB protocol connections, just check the datasheet, wire up a USB plug, and you have a webcam...
Cheerio,