Octoprint Camera Advice (Mounts and Logitech vs PI Cam)
Hello all, been researching cameras for my octoprint setup I finished today. Right now cameras are in low supply and marked up, but it looks like I can go Raspberry Pi Cam 2 or Logitech C270 for about the same price. Was wondering if anyone could help me with the pros and cons of each? On paper it looks like the Pi Cam 2 has a better sensor? I know the logitech you focus if you open it up. Is either particularly heavy on system resources (I have a Pi 4B)?
Second question is, I am printing in an enclosure and was wondering what people have found the better mounting method. I see lots of of mounts that attach to the x- axis motor, is there a big advantage do this vs just doing a solid mount somewhere to the side of the printer? I don't particularly like adding weight to the rod.
Thanks for the help!
RE: Octoprint Camera Advice (Mounts and Logitech vs PI Cam)
I used an old Microsoft LifeCam 720p camera. Just plugged it in and it worked.
RE: Octoprint Camera Advice (Mounts and Logitech vs PI Cam)
Regarding your second question; If you're printing in an enclosure the best advice I can give you is to put as much electrical equipment *outside* the enclosure as possible or you'll end up cooking something. This seems to be one of the few valid reasons I know of to actually *need* rather than just *want* the Full Bear upgrade as with a stock machine the power supply is aiding the rigidity of the z axis. If you want to put the power supply outside the enclosure, which from what I read is the thing to do, the z axis as is just doesn't cut it. Well.... that's according to what I've read here and elsewhere. My printer is supposed to be here today 😀 Can't wait.
RE: Octoprint Camera Advice (Mounts and Logitech vs PI Cam)
@eewec-ourbyni
Yeah my PSU is outside. I ended up going Logitech 270 and have been trying various mounts. So far I prefer outside of the printer looking at it, stable no movement.
RE: Octoprint Camera Advice (Mounts and Logitech vs PI Cam)
Outside looking on sounds like the way forward then. And now my printer is here 😀 Time for me to get building it. 😀
RE: Octoprint Camera Advice (Mounts and Logitech vs PI Cam)
For the camera, it really depends on its exact use. If it is just to monitor prints, then even some old web camera that is floating around should do, but if its more for time lapses the C720 and up is good, but as you said, the current pandemic has driven the prices of a lot of things due to work and learning from home.
For the alternatives you could look into a pi camera since those would not be high demand like a web camera. Or, another alternative is a wyze camera, or a home security camera that you can access over your own network. I use the Wyze camera a few times but there is a slight fish eye appearance on it, but its a very inexpensive camera that doesn't cost a arm and a leg.
If there is some interest in it, I can make a quick guide on how to set it up.
For the enclosure, it would depend on honestly on how hot you are planning on keeping it and for how long... so say if you are printing ABS constantly, then I would suggest moving the psu outside the box. Others have moved the electronics box outside, but that involves making or purchasing extension cables from a 3rd party.
Shane (AKA FromPrusa)