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feat: redesigned case — tripod-clip box for dual ESPs, USB power bank
Replaced GoPro-sleeve case design with simpler stand-mounted box:
- Case clips to tripod leg/stand pole (20-35mm diameter)
- No camera sleeve needed — case sits on the stand
- Powered by standard USB power bank (off-the-shelf)
- Holds ESP8266 + ESP32 stacked with UART wiring
- Cable ports for USB in/out, LED window, ventilation

Simplified BOM: ~1/node (down from 4), no buck converters needed
2026-05-22 01:03:53 +00:00

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# RemoteRig — Camera Node Hardware Design
> **Version:** 0.2.0 | **Status:** Draft
> **Target:** GoPro Hero 3 Black/Silver + ESP8266 + ESP32 + USB power bank
## Overview
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.
```
┌─────────────────┐
│ USB Power Bank │── USB ──→ GoPro (power only)
│ (off-the-shelf)│── USB ──→ ESP32 + ESP8266 (shared)
└─────────────────┘
┌────────┴────────┐
│ Tripod Case │ ← clips to stand leg
│ ┌────────────┐ │
│ │ ESP8266 │ │ ← Wi-Fi → GoPro AP (10.5.5.1)
│ │ (camera) │ │
│ ├────────────┤ │ ← UART between boards
│ │ ESP32 │ │ ← Wi-Fi → Travel Router
│ │ (MQTT) │ │
│ └────────────┘ │
└─────────────────┘
```
## Bill of Materials
| Item | Qty | Cost | Notes |
|------|-----|------|-------|
| ESP32 Dev Board | 1 | ~$5 | MQTT bridge — talks to hub |
| ESP8266 D1 Mini | 1 | ~$3 | Camera bridge — talks to GoPro |
| USB power bank (5000mAh+) | 1 | ~$10 | Powers both boards + GoPro |
| Micro-USB cable (short) | 2 | ~$2 | Power bank → boards + GoPro |
| Jumper wires F-F | 3 | ~$0.25 | UART TX/RX/GND between boards |
| PETG filament | ~25g | ~$0.50 | 3D printed case |
| Velcro strap (small) | 1 | ~$0.25 | Secure power bank to stand |
**Total per node:** ~$21 (+ GoPro already owned)
## 3D Printed Case
**File:** `hardware/case/tripod-case.scad`
Three parts:
1. **Case body** — holds both boards stacked, cable ports, rail for clip
2. **Case lid** — screw-on cover with ventilation
3. **Tripod clip** — C-clamp for 20-35mm poles, slides into case rail
### Print Settings
- **Material:** PETG (outdoor/heat) or PLA+
- **Layer:** 0.2mm | **Infill:** 20% gyroid
- **Supports:** Yes (for clip overhang)
- **Post-processing:** M3x8mm screws for lid (4x)
## Wiring
```
USB Power Bank
├── USB-A → Micro-USB cable → ESP32 USB port
│ (powers ESP32, shared 5V rail)
├── USB-A → Micro-USB cable → GoPro USB port
│ (power only — no data)
└── (ESP8266 powered via ESP32 3.3V pin, or via shared USB)
UART (inside case):
ESP8266 TX (GPIO1) ──→ ESP32 RX (GPIO16)
ESP8266 RX (GPIO3) ←── ESP32 TX (GPIO17)
ESP8266 GND ─────────── ESP32 GND
```
**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.
## Wi-Fi Topology
```
GoPro Hero 3 ──(AP @ 10.5.5.1)──→ ESP8266 (camera bridge)
UART │ (inside case)
Travel Router ──(AP)─────────────────→ ESP32 (MQTT bridge)
(192.168.4.1) │
MQTT │
Pi Hub (192.168.4.10)
```
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.
## Field Setup
1. **Mount GoPro** on tripod/stand
2. **Clip case** to tripod leg
3. **Connect power bank** via USB to case + GoPro
4. **Power on** — ESP32 auto-connects to travel router, ESP8266 auto-connects to GoPro
5. **Monitor** from `http://192.168.4.10:8080`
## Case Dimensions
| | W × D × H (mm) |
|---|---|
| Case external | ~64 × 38 × 27 |
| Case internal | ~57 × 31 × 18 |
| Fits poles | 20-35mm diameter |
| Total weight | ~50g (case + boards, without power bank) |