Homebrew trail cam build along

[Missing Impossible]

Thanks for all the interest in the homebrew build along.  I decided to use a Sony P32 camera for a few reasons.  First, there is no direct soldering to the camera board.  Second, this is a great middle of the road camera that takes nice photos but can also be converted to IR.  External batteries can also be added to the P32 for increased field life.
    The control board selected for this build is a Yeticam.  I chose this board because of its versatility.   http://www.yeticam.com/Manuals/YetiCamBoardVer13Manual14.pdf   This same board can control a slave flash which will fire simultaneously with the camera.

   
   


We'll start the build along with a list of tools.

Voltmeter
Fine tip screwdrivers
Black tape
Needle nose pliers
Hemostats
1" forstner bit
Fine tip sharpie marker
Plumbers Goop
X-acto knife set
Dial calipers
.032 dia rosin core solder
Soldering station with fine tip
Shrink tubing
Acetone
1" hole punch
Drill bit assortment.
¼" shaft shaper bit. (not pictured)

I do all my drilling on a small drill press but one isn't necessary.  A dremel tool with various bits is also very handy for these builds.





Here's a parts list for our bomebrew.

1.  Sony P32 camera
2.  Pelican 1040 case
    these can be purchased camouflaged  but we're going to do our own 3-D camo.
3.  Velcro
4.  Yeticam board with horizontal back mount controls    http://www.yeticam.com/Control_Board_Overview.htm
    I'll explain more about the board specs later
5.  5 wire servo assembly
    3 wires run the camera and the extra two will be used for external power.

6.  HPWA fresnel lens
    These are sold here  http://www.snapshotsniper.com/HomeBrewProducts.htm

7.  Flash enhancer
8.  11/4" round piece glass
9.  Hags House shutter assembly
    These are sold here    http://www.bfoutdoors.com/cases.html

10.  Appropriate size standoffs with screws and nuts.
    Yeticam will size them to your build.  
11.  Various thicknesses foam for flash gasket.
     It's cheap so buy a couple of each thickness.
12.  Rope seal for the Pelican 1040 case.
     Found here    http://www.yeticam.com/HomeBrew_Parts.htm
13.  9 volt switched battery holder from Yeticam.
     Plugs right into board
14.  ½" OD pipe or ½" plastic water line.
     This is what our python lock goes thru.  
15.  Python lock

You'll need to go to the vendor specified to get some of these items but most items are available at all of the vendors.

Here are the major suppliers of homebrew supplies

http://www.whitetailsupply.com/products.html

http://www.bfoutdoors.com/cases.html

http://www.snapshotsniper.com/

http://www.yeticam.com/HomeBrew_Parts.htm


Some of these companies offer a kit which comes with everything (minus the camera) you'll need including a pre-drilled case.   The benefit of building one from scratch is so you will be able to understand how to lay everything out so you can make cameras which will accommodate the extras you want your cameras to have.

[Norseman]

Oh man...I can hardly wait to see this one develop..

Sorry no pun intended.

[BobinTN]

I've got a bid in on **** for a Sony P32 camera.  I guess I could check the local pawn shops as a source for cheap used cameras of the right make and model?

[leatherneck]

Originally posted by BobinTN:
I've got a bid in on **** for a Sony P32 camera.  I guess I could check the local pawn shops as a source for cheap used cameras of the right make and model?

So glad you mentioned that. Pawn shops are a great place to find cameras.

I'd like to add on something. Don't get scared of all the components that Mike has listed. Mike loves to build his from scratch. Not to mention he's very good at it. But if that isn't your forte, then a kit will come already drilled and ready to assemble. Just didn't want people to see the tool/parts list and run away.    

Back to you brother!

[Missing Impossible]

@ BobinTN, I've found that local pawn shops usually only buy 8Mp and up cameras.  I took them a list with the ones I was looking for.  Craigslist is also another good place to look.  

    Keep in mind that about 80% of this build will be the same for any hackable camera you use.  For any camera chosen you'll need to layout your design, then drill lens, flash, and fresnel holes.  Here's a partial list of useable cameras courtesy of Tony Bass.

 http://www.sonichell.com/files/CamSpecs.pdf

Another good camera not listed is the Olympus D380.

[JAG]

Sounds Interesting!
Hope a "southern boy" can keep up!

[Missing Impossible]

Here's another link for some good camera and build information.

http://www.chasingame.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=39

I'm lining up the camera hack for tomorrow.

[Hill Hunter]

I see pluming goo, and on the sheet before I saw Marine goo, where do you find your "goo" and what other types of glue or goo will work if we cannot find that brand?

[Bowshot]

Perfect timing, I just got a Sony P52 so I may have do a little research on the wiring but I am in! Ordering parts tomorrow, good idea guys!

Terry

[Missing Impossible]

@ Hill Hunter, either goop will work.  You can also use any brand silicone adhesive.  Most of the homebrew sites sell a double sided 3M tape that works great for sealing the glass and flash enhancer.  I usually order this tape, extra foam and extra glass each time I get a board because it's cheap and comes in handy.
@ Bowshot, here's some info on the P52.    http://www.mdwfp.com/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=55096  

Same hack but you'll need to make a snorkle for the lens as it extends.

[Marvin M.]

I've been waiting for this one too.

I'll be lurking, taking notes, and planning.

[leatherneck]

Mike,
If your at your house, call me.

[BobinTN]

OK,
I have a Sony P32 camera for $45 after postage.
And I bought all supplies from yeticam for $94 after postage.
I am in this thing for about $140.
I am ready to learn.

[Bowshot]

Thanks Mike,just got 2 more of them.

Terry

[tradtusker]

Iv got a couple in the plans over this side of the pond.    

Thanks Guys

[leatherneck]

Talked to Mike last night and he was getting the photos and verbage together for the first phase. Once again, be patient, I threw him into this without any notice. He'll probably post tonight with the first phase. Mike is a perfectionist. And he will not post until he knows everything is right.
One thing all need to keep in mind while we wait. There are so many variables to building these cameras. Mike is going to show one way and explain others. So try to read up on some of the limks he listed so you can better understand what he's doing and maybe answer some of your own questions.
We talked last night and he's going to show some good additions to a regular build. Trust me, this is going to be good. When he does something, he goes all out.

[longbowben]

Yes he does a great job.And you will enjoy using your own cameras.  :D

[RUSTY1]

Any other camera recommendations? What are some of the specifics we should look for in a camera?

[tradtusker]

This message previously only contained one or more inline attachment references all of which are now invalid.

[leatherneck]

RUSTY1-Go to some of the above links and look at the cameras that are listed. These are the tried and true cameras. The experts in this arena are hacking several others that are not listed. You can surf some of the forums to see whats new out there.
Sony S600
P32
P41
S40
W35
W55
Olympis D380
Pentax E50

Just to name the most popular. I've also seen the E70(10mega pixels) and I believe the Sony 120(12 mega pixel).