/Enclosure-Nozzle-Camera-V2

Introducing the 3DO Enclosure & Nozzle Camera V2, a modular camera system designed for 3D printers. Building on the success of our V1 camera, this new version offers enhanced flexibility with interchangeable FPC cables and camera sensors/lenses, all supported by a single DSP PCB with added LED functionality.

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3DO Enclosure & Nozzle Camera V2

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Introducing the 3DO Enclosure & Nozzle Camera V2, a modular camera system designed for 3D printers. Building on the success of our V1 camera, this new version offers enhanced flexibility with interchangeable FPC cables and camera sensors/lenses, all supported by a single DSP PCB with added LED functionality.

Repository Folders

  • Design Files: Contains CAD files and tolerances of the camera for mount designing.
  • Printers: Various mounts for different printers.
  • Firmware: Tools to update camera firmware.

Key Features

  • Modular System: Interchangeable FPC cables and camera sensors/lenses.
  • Single DSP PCB: One DSP PCB for all configurations, now with LED support.
  • High Flexibility: Various FPC cable options for different setups.
  • Enhanced Lighting: Optional FPC cables with integrated LEDs.

Modular System Overview

The modular design allows for easy customization to suit various 3D printing setups. The DSP PCB remains consistent across all configurations, simplifying inventory and setup changes.

IMPORTANT - Camera Sensor PCB Orientation

The small connector in our modular system allows for the possibility of incorrect orientation when mounting the camera sensor, which can potentially DAMAGE the camera.

Please note the following when mounting the sensor/FPC/DSP to each other:

  • Keep an eye on the white dot on the silkscreen.
  • When mounted, the white dots on both the camera sensor PCB and the DSP PCB should touch or "kiss" each other.

This ensures correct alignment and prevents damage to the components.

FPC Cable Options

  • 5cm
  • 10cm
  • 25cm
  • 5cm with LEDs
  • 10cm with LEDs
  • 25cm with LEDs

Camera Options

  • Nozzle Camera (Glued): Lens glued in place to focus 3.45cm from the back of FPC to the object.
  • Nozzle Camera (Adjustable): Lens focus can be adjusted by rotating the lens.
  • Enclosure Camera (Adjustable): Lens focus can be adjusted by rotating the lens, FoV 120°.

Specifications

4K (Sony IMX258)
Sensor Size 1/3.06
Mega-Pixel 13MP
Frame Rate* 30FPS@4K 60FPS@1080P*
Operating temperature** -20°C TO 65°C

*Frame rates are achievable when connected directly. Performance may vary with different streaming setups.

Pinout

PCB uses a 5P 1.0mm pitch connector.

Pin No. Function Color
1 USB 5VDC Red
2 Data - White
3 Data + Green
4 USB -VDC/GND Black
5 GND/Shield Black (heat shrink)

Wire no. 5 is an optional shield/drain wire. Though optional, its installation is recommended.


Software

The camera functions as a standard UVC web camera and is compatible with Linux, Windows, and Mac. For streaming, we recommend using mainsail and crowsnest.

The camera system supports various controls and options, primarily managed via V4l2-ctl commands. Below are the detailed controls and their options available through V4l2-ctl:

User Controls

Control Details
brightness min=0, max=64, step=1, default=15
contrast min=0, max=95, step=1, default=4
saturation min=0, max=100, step=1, default=70
hue min=-2000, max=2000, step=1, default=0
white_balance_automatic default=1
gamma min=1, max=300, step=1, default=115
gain (ISO control) min=0, max=480, step=1, default=0
power_line_frequency min=0, max=2, default=1
0: Disabled
1: 50 Hz
2: 60 Hz
white_balance_temperature min=2800, max=6500, step=1, default=4600, flags=inactive
sharpness min=1, max=7, step=1, default=1
backlight_compensation min=0, max=2, step=1, default=1
0: LED off
1: LED on when stream is open
2: LED always on

Camera Controls

Control Details
auto_exposure min=0, max=3, default=3
1: Manual Mode
3: Aperture Priority Mode
exposure_time_absolute min=3, max=2047, step=1, default=166, flags=inactive
pan_absolute min=-648000, max=648000, step=3600, default=0
tilt_absolute min=-648000, max=648000, step=3600, default=0
focus_absolute min=0, max=1023, step=1, default=0, flags=inactive
focus_automatic_continuous default=0
zoom_absolute min=0, max=60, step=1, default=0

Notes:

  • exposure_time_absolute controls the shutter speed and can only be set when auto_exposure is in manual mode.

  • PTZ controls (pan_absolute, tilt_absolute, zoom_absolute) are used to crop the image. All 30fps streams are downscaled to 4K, and all 60fps streams are downscaled to 1080p. To use the crop feature, you need to select a downscaled stream.

FAQ

  • Does it work in an enclosed printer?

    Yes, our camera is rated for 65°C but has been tested in an 80°C industrial heat chamber for 48 hours without issues.

  • Why don't you offer autofocus cameras?

    In our experience and testing, autofocus cameras are not ideal for 3D printer use. For nozzle cameras, the lens shakes with fast movements, leading to quicker breakdowns and shorter lifespans. For enclosure cameras, most customers set a fixed focus for autofocus cameras anyway, so we opted for fixed-focus cameras for reliability, as it is one less part that can break.

  • Can I bend/fold the FPC cable to make it shorter?

    Yes, FPC cables are flexible and can be bent. For folding (180 degrees), limit this to one time at the same spot to avoid damaging the lanes inside the FPC.

Example of folding FPC:

Where to Buy

EU / UK

USA

This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0