Installing IMX519 Software

So I have been struggling with properly installing the software for my camera. It’s been an ordeal.

Here’s the proper sequence and commands:

Install the allsky software:

git clone https://github.com/thomasjacquin/allsky.git

cd allsky

wget -O install_pivariety_pkgs.sh https://github.com/ArduCAM/Arducam-Pivariety-V4L2-Driver/releases/download/install_script/install_pivariety_pkgs.sh

./install_pivariety_pkgs.sh -p libcamera

./install_pivariety_pkgs.sh -p libcamera_apps

sudo vim /boot/config.txt

and add:

dtoverlay=imx519

to the [All] section at the bottom.

Then:

reboot

This should allow the camera to be recognized and the install script can now be run.

More Options

So in researching a few things I came across a 2016 page with Thomas Jacquin’s original setup.

This uses a wifi dongle on an old Pi 3 for connectivity, and just runs a power wire up through the bottom. Very clean and simple.

Here’s his list of parts:

I also came across the Alaskan Astro YT video on his All-Sky Raspberry Pi. Interesting approach. I do like using the PoE Hat to get connectivity and power, which runs to a larger all-weather box that has the PoE power hub, etc. He also 3D printed his enclosure, which is cool.

https://www.printables.com/model/618541-all-sky-housing-box-for-raspberry-pi-and-zwo-cam/files

Disabling Pi LEDs

So one of the issues that came up is LED light shining through holes drilled to allow air to circulate through the dome. While several ideas about shielding the holes and redirecting the airflow occured to me, a simpler option (of course) would be to just turn OFF the LEDs. Or you would think so.

After much web searching and several failed trials, I finally managed to get both the Pi 4b and Pi 5 LEDs to go off, and stay off.

Edit the file /boot/config.txt with you’re favourite editor (I use ViM) and add the following lines to the bottom:

# Disable the PWR LED
dtparam=pwr_led_trigger=default-on
dtparam=pwr_led_activelow=off

# Disable the Activity LED
dtparam=act_led_trigger=default-o
dtparam=act_led_activelow=off

# Disable Ethernet port LEDs
dtparam=eth_led0=4
dtparam=eth_led1=4

This settings seem to work on several different CPUs and Raspbian releases (at least so far).

Open Source Software

Software to run the AllSkyCamer needs to handle image capture and formatting, date/time stamping, location and weather data, presenting that image, building movies, building charts, etc.

That’s a lot. Fortunately, I’m not the first (and hopefully not the last) to look into this kind of set up.

https://github.com/thomasjacquin/allsky

 

AllSky seems to be the goto software for this type of observing. Lots of options and lots of thought.

Patriot Astro Video

YouTuber @PatriotAstro has a good video on his All Sky Camera setup and build, including a good parts list:

Here are links to some of the components showcased in the video:

Tube Or Box?

Initial version of AllSkyCamera.

Initial version of AllSkyCamera, a PVC tube with a wooden insert on which is mounted the camera and Raspberry Pi.

QILIPSU Hinged Cover Stainless Steel Latch 220x170x110mm Junction Box with Mounting Plate

QILIPSU Hinged Cover Stainless Steel Latch 220x170x110mm Junction Box with Mounting Plate, that holds the electronics.

 

Shelter From The Rain

As I was reviewing the Instructables about building a Raspberry Pi powered observatory, I was concerned about their design for an open “dome” and for it being moved out to use and then back inside after. I wanted something I could mount on my roof and leave it place, connected to my local network and accessable from inside. This requires a weather-proof dome structure, or a sliding shed – something to protect the telescope and electronics from the elements.

Continue reading “Shelter From The Rain”