Wireless surveillance camera created using motionEyeOS, a Raspberry Pi Zero W, and a Zero Cam camera – all powered via a USB power bank!
This is the second video in my “Pi Zero Projects” series – the first episode is here:
The video in which I tested out the best micro SD cards to use on a Raspberry Pi or other SBCs is here:
Links to items used in this video are as follows (note that none of these are affiliate links, and that I have no association with any of the retailers).
Raspberry Pi Zero W on Pimoroni (UK): and on Adafruit (US):
PiBow Zero W case on Adafruit (US): and on
Pimoroni (UK):
ZeroCam Camera for Raspberry Pi Zero at The Pi Hut (UK):
Very similar Zero Spy Camera for Raspberry Pi Zero on Adafruit (US):
MotionEyeOS Github pages:
WiFi Country codes can be found on this page:
Etcher can be downloaded here:
Angry IP Scanner scan be downloaded here:
More videos on SBCs, and broader computing topics, can be found at:
You may also like my ExplainingTheFuture channel at:
#RaspberryPi #PiZero #MotionEyeOS #ExplainingComputers
Tom M
Great introduction to using the Raspberry Pi Zero W as a security camera using a camera design for Raspberry Pi Zero W. Your instruction are, as always, clear and well structured. Keep up the good work and I am looking forward to your video on the Raspberry Pi 8 GB version.
Homemixer Silvère van Welsenis
This is a really good sunday afternoon project, thanks Chris
Jose Lopez
I just love seeing all these projects, Thank you.
Richard Haynes
As always a great project. Thank you Chris.
Nuts n Proud
I did something similar with a cheap USB webcam and a Pi 3B+ to prove to my neighbour it was not our cat tearing up her garden.
pgr Zh
The neighbor looked for potential cameras after that.
Among Us
It was obviously his wife not the cat.
// pLUS
I’m his neighbour and it was a raccoon. Sadly Tom’s is no longer with us.
raytry69
@// pLUS Oh no! 🙁 What happened?
// pLUS
@raytry69 Not my place to say but it’s the true pandemic. And we need to have an open conversation about 😵PI🤬DS Tom’s the 6th person on my block to have overdosed this year.
Please people that read this just know that world is better place with you in it. He left behind a beautiful family which he’s wife god bless her is in rehab now.
There’s help out there but you need to want it.
Eric Carver
Looking forward to the next project! I’ve been using Raspberry Pis as video player devices for a while now, but I have a Pi Zero HW lying in a box without a use (couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do with it), so making it into a potentially portable media device is suddenly appealing.
Elvira Elora Milosic
Perfect. 👌🏻
Fast and simple solution for home security and more. Small, can be hidden.
And a way to discover how Leo is opening doors around, especially fridge door to steal treats and working room door to sneak in where I find him often curled up between my machines.
Greetings Chris, I hope you are doing well and staying safe. 👋🏻
ExplainingComputers
Hi Elvira, I am keeping well, and I hope that you are too. 🙂
Hkey_ Root Philip Bedford
I can’t keep up with these projects. Interesting and marvellous as ever. Thank you.
Cogitoergosum
Aha, now we know why carrots and cereals are disappearing from the kitchen. As a witness, RPI Zero is called to the testimony :)) Great project and simply explained(computers).
X3
Great vid again Would this work from a mobile phone hotspot ,if there was no home broadband,? and how far does the camera see , cud I see my driveway from a bedroom window quite clear,or is it not strong enough,I don’t expect much distance just a estimate
InscrutableOwl
Wonderful project Chris! It’s fired my enthusiasm for the Zero W again
Shiva Rampersaud
16:28 – 16:44 Only he could narrate a trip to the kitchen and make it entertaining
Pizzafourlife
and call bran flakes exciting and genuinely mean it
The Gooobley
69 likes
I’m gonna commit a war crime and like
Mickelodian Surname
Chris seriously missed his calling, he would make an excellant stand up comedian…
Rik Prince
Excellent video, Sir! This got me thinking to replace my ancient D-link doorway camera with a Pi. The D-link is seriously old and low res. And the Pi will take up far less space as well. Nice one!
Fintan Moloney
Always look forward to these videos every Sunday. As a person who has worked in I.T. for 22 years I often find something new to learn here. Thanks again.
Neil's Hobby HQ
Great stuff, gonna give this a go, great fun and learning., getting us all through lockdown. Thank you Chris.
superusermode
I remember when if you wanted a single board computer to mess with, you bought a router like the WL-520GU and used that.
WhistleWhatever
Another great video from you Christopher, your explanations are as always detailed yet you make them easy to follow. Thank you for the video guide it will help me make a surveillance cam to keep a checkup on my pet when I’m out.
A K
Thanks for all these amazing videos. I’ve been wanting to tinker with single boards since the CHIP was on kickstarter and I FINALLY bought one as well as an onion omega 2+ but still waiting on more parts to get it up and running.
ExplainingComputers
Good luck with your SBC adventure!
oldbloke135
I find your videos very relaxing. I feel like I learn things without actually having to make any effort. I’m not struggling to hear over a thrash soundtrack or spinning my head around to keep track of an epileptic mouse pointer. If only all videos were like this!
Jeremy dePrisco
Thanks for posting. This was much easier to follow than some other tutorials that I found on the same topic. Only thing I see that is a bit odd is that you have tons more settings on MotionEye than I do, using the same version update. All I have are column/row settings and some dimmers for frame rate, etc.
ExplainingComputers
To have more settings you need to login in as admin (username “admin”, password blank). 🙂 You will then see everything shown in the video.
Jeremy dePrisco
@ExplainingComputers Got it, thanks!!