About

Build your own NestCam with open source parts! 

Depending on how you set it up, your NestCam can be powered by a wired power supply, a battery, or solar power. It works in both ambient light and complete darkness, and streams a video feed to an address on your network so that you can view it in any browser. You can watch your birds from your phone, a computer, or even a dedicated video monitor. The interior of the box is illuminated by infrared lights, which are invisible to both birds and humans but still allow the image to appear clearly on video. We will also incorporate a motion sensor that starts recording video whenever motion is detected. Recordings can then be downloaded and viewed.

This class focuses on building all the hardware, installing the software, and getting the camera up and running. If possible, bring your own birdhouse so we can complete the installation. Otherwise, you can install your camera in a birdhouse at a later time. 

Details

• Arrangements can be made to laser-cut a birdhouse in the tech lab before the class by emailing tech.programming@bainbridgebarn.org.
• Please bring a laptop if you have one.
• See instructions for the project here: https://github.com/ehrenbrav/nestcamdiy
• There are no prerequisites for this class, but basic soldering and programming skills are helpful.

Materials

• A $200 materials fee covers the hardware and tools needed for this project.