generated from CubeCraft-Creations/Tracehound
114 lines
4.6 KiB
Markdown
114 lines
4.6 KiB
Markdown
# RemoteRig — Camera Node Hardware Design
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> **Version:** 0.2.0 | **Status:** Draft
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> **Target:** GoPro Hero 3 Black/Silver + ESP8266 + ESP32 + USB power bank
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## Overview
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Each camera node is two ESP boards in a small case that clips to the tripod/stand. The case **does not attach to the camera** — only to the stand. Powered by a standard USB power bank.
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```
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┌─────────────────┐
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│ USB Power Bank │── USB ──→ GoPro (power only)
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│ (off-the-shelf)│── USB ──→ ESP32 + ESP8266 (shared)
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└─────────────────┘
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│
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┌────────┴────────┐
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│ Tripod Case │ ← clips to stand leg
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│ ┌────────────┐ │
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│ │ ESP8266 │ │ ← Wi-Fi → GoPro AP (10.5.5.1)
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│ │ (camera) │ │
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│ ├────────────┤ │ ← UART between boards
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│ │ ESP32 │ │ ← Wi-Fi → Travel Router
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│ │ (MQTT) │ │
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│ └────────────┘ │
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└─────────────────┘
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```
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## Bill of Materials
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| Item | Qty | Cost | Notes |
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|------|-----|------|-------|
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| ESP32 Dev Board | 1 | ~$5 | MQTT bridge — talks to hub |
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| ESP8266 D1 Mini | 1 | ~$3 | Camera bridge — talks to GoPro |
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| USB power bank (5000mAh+) | 1 | ~$10 | Powers both boards + GoPro |
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| Micro-USB cable (short) | 2 | ~$2 | Power bank → boards + GoPro |
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| Jumper wires F-F | 3 | ~$0.25 | UART TX/RX/GND between boards |
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| PETG filament | ~25g | ~$0.50 | 3D printed case |
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| Velcro strap (small) | 1 | ~$0.25 | Secure power bank to stand |
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**Total per node:** ~$21 (+ GoPro already owned)
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## 3D Printed Case
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**Current source:** `hardware/case/tripod-case-v3.scad`
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**Pipeline:** `hardware/DESIGN_PIPELINE.md`
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Four exported prototype files:
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1. **Case body** — holds both boards stacked, cable ports, rear dovetail-style receiver
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2. **Case lid** — screw-on cover with ventilation
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3. **Tripod clamp** — separate screw-tightened C-clamp sized around a 35mm stand/pole
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4. **Full preview** — combined visualization STL only, not intended as the print job
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### Print Settings
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- **Material:** PETG preferred for heat/outdoor use and clamp flex
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- **Layer:** 0.2mm | **Infill:** 20% gyroid minimum; 35%+ recommended for clamp
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- **Supports:** Likely yes for clamp ears / dovetail overhangs depending on slicer orientation
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- **Post-processing:** M3x8mm screws for lid (4x), one M3 screw + M3 nut for clamp tightening
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## Wiring
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```
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USB Power Bank
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├── USB-A → Micro-USB cable → ESP32 USB port
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│ (powers ESP32, shared 5V rail)
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│
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├── USB-A → Micro-USB cable → GoPro USB port
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│ (power only — no data)
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│
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└── (ESP8266 powered via ESP32 3.3V pin, or via shared USB)
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UART (inside case):
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ESP8266 TX (GPIO1) ──→ ESP32 RX (GPIO16)
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ESP8266 RX (GPIO3) ←── ESP32 TX (GPIO17)
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ESP8266 GND ─────────── ESP32 GND
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```
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**Power note:** Both boards can be powered from a single USB cable if the ESP32's VIN/5V pin is bridged to the ESP8266's VIN. Alternatively, use a USB Y-splitter cable.
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## Wi-Fi Topology
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```
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GoPro Hero 3 ──(AP @ 10.5.5.1)──→ ESP8266 (camera bridge)
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│
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UART │ (inside case)
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│
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Travel Router ──(AP)─────────────────→ ESP32 (MQTT bridge)
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(10.60.1.1) │
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│
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MQTT │
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▼
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Pi Hub (10.60.1.56)
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```
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The ESP8266 and GoPro talk over Wi-Fi — **no data cable between them**. The only cable to the GoPro is USB power from the battery pack.
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## Field Setup
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1. **Mount GoPro** on tripod/stand
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2. **Clip case** to tripod leg
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3. **Connect power bank** via USB to case + GoPro
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4. **Power on** — ESP32 auto-connects to travel router, ESP8266 auto-connects to GoPro
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5. **Monitor** from `http://10.60.1.56:8080`
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## Case Dimensions
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| | W × D × H (mm) |
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|---|---|
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| Case body external | ~56.8 × 36.6 × 19.0 |
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| Lid external | ~56.8 × 32.8 × 4.0 |
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| Tripod clamp | ~43.0 × 53.5 × 16.0 |
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| Clamp-to-case mount | Two side-by-side M3 screws through flat mounting plate |
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| Clamp pole fit | Nominal 35mm; smaller poles TBD / may need inserts |
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| Total weight | TBD after prototype print |
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