3D Printed Digital Camera

This is a 3D printed digital camera that you can build yourself. By making your own digital camera, it takes away some of the mystery around how such devices work, and are fabricated. Also, it allows you to fully customize the camera to your liking. You can expand the circuit to have new functionality, or design your own custom case by modifying the 123D Design build files.

While this may not be a high-resolution digital camera, it is nonetheless very rewarding. This camera allows you to not only build a tool, but be creative with it. Being that this iteration of the camera does not have a screen to preview the pictures, it operates a little bit like a traditional film camera in that you don't immediately know what the pictures look like. This adds a bit of surprise and excitement when the pictures are finally transferred to the computer from your SD card and you see what has transpired. In the age of immediate gratification, slowing down the creative process adds a bit of magic and mystery to the whole endeavor. In fact, all of the camera's imperfections and digital glitches give the pictures taken their own unique character. For all of these reasons and more, this camera is a ton of fun to shoot pictures with.

Step 1: Go Get Stuff

You will need:

(x1) Files for 3D Printing (see attached)
(x1) Radioshack JPEG Color Camera Board (obsolete - try this shield instead)
(x1) Seeed INT106D1P SD shield (replace with above suggestion)
(x1) Arduino Uno REV 3
(x1) SD card
(x1) Round PCB
(x1) SPST Tactile Switch
(x1) Misc. Heat Shrink Tubing
(x1) 9V battery snap
(x1) 9V battery
(x8) 1/4" x 4-40 bolts

(Note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This does not change the cost of the item for you. I reinvest whatever proceeds I receive into making new projects. If you would like any suggestions for alternative suppliers, please let me know.)

Step 2: 3D Print

The attached zip file has a set of advanced STLs designed to work with high-end printers (Objet Connex in particular), a set of simple STLs that should work better with consumer-level printers, and 123D Design build files so that you can modify the camera yourself.

That said, 3D print the camera body if you have not done so already.

If you don't have a 3D printer, you can use a service like Shapeways, i.Materialise, or Ponoko. I recommend sending them the STLs for the conusmer-level printers to ensure you get the correct print.

Step 3: Assemble

Line up the lid with the body of the camera.

Applying gentle and even force, push the pin into the socket for the camera's hinge until it is flush with the camera body.

Step 4: Insert

Insert the SD card into the socket on the SD shield.

Step 5: Solder

Solder the tactile switch to the center of the copper pads of the 0.63" diameter round PCB.

Solder a red wire to one side of the switch, and a black wire to the other side of the switch. If you are unsure which side is which, you can check with the continuity tester on a multimeter.

Step 6: Assemble Button

Slide the camera's trigger button into place from inside the camera.

Insert the round PCB into the track below the button, such that the top of the tactile switch is directly below the trigger button. They should be touching, but the trigger button should not be applying force on the switch. The switch needs to be able to bounce back after it has been depressed (as we all do).

Step 7: Trim and Solder

Trim the camera module's male header pins in half.

Solder a 6" red wire to power, a 6" black wire to ground, and 6" colored wires of your choice to both RXD, and TXD. In this example, white is connected to RXD and green to TXD.

Step 8: Install

Take the lens cap off of the camera module.

Insert the camera through the lens hole in the camera body.

Using the corner mounting holes, fasten the camera module to the camera body with 1/4" x 4-40 bolts.

Step 9: Program

Program the Arduino with the following code:

/******************** (C) COPYRIGHT 2012 RadioSHack ********************
 * Copyright© 2012 RadioShack Corporation (written by RadioShack Corporation)
 * Modified by Randy Sarafan 9/5/13
 *
 * File Name          : camsd.pde
 * Author             : TRS
 * Version            : V1.0
 * Date               : 28/05/2012
 * Description        : Main program body
 *
 ********************************************************************************
 * THE PRESENT SOFTWARE WHICH IS FOR GUIDANCE ONLY AIMS AT PROVIDING CUSTOMERS
 * WITH CODING INFORMATION REGARDING THEIR PRODUCTS IN ORDER FOR THEM TO SAVE TIME.
 * AS A RESULT, RS SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT,
 * INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM THE
 * CONTENT OF SUCH SOFTWARE AND/OR THE USE MADE BY CUSTOMERS OF THE CODING
 * INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR PRODUCTS.
 *******************************************************************************/

 

#include <avr/pgmspace.h>
#include "Arduino.h"

//this library allows you to save the filenames into the Arduino's permanent memory
//this is used for remembering what filename you used even after the Arduino is turned off and back on
#include <EEPROM.h>


/*
 * The following code includes all necessary routines to control Camera Shield
 *
 * In addition, we have prepared a example for making surveillance camera by putting Camera shield (RS SKU 2760248) and SD Card shield (RS SKU 2760243) together. 
 * 1) Install SD Card shield properly and download all necessary FAT drivers from shield providers
 * 2) Install Camera shield properly
 * 3) Enable "#define sdCamera 1" to enable the demo code
 * 4) With the built-in motion detection function, camera shield will capture image and store to SD card automatically .
 *
 */

#define sdCamera 1	// ***** Enable the SD card related code
#ifdef sdCamera
#include <Sd2Card.h>	// ***** SD card driver from http://www.seeedstudio.com/wiki/SD_Card_Shield or SD card shield supplier *****
#include <SdFat.h>	// ***** FAT file system from http://www.seeedstudio.com/wiki/SD_Card_Shield or SD card shield supplier *****
#endif



/*
 * SD chip select pin.  Common values are:
 *
 * Arduino Ethernet shield, pin 4.
 * SparkFun SD shield, pin 8.
 * Adafruit SD shields and modules, pin 10.
 * Default SD chip select is the SPI SS pin.
 */
 
#ifdef sdCamera
const uint8_t SdChipSelect = SS;
SdFat sd;
Sd2Card card;
SdFile myFile;
#endif

#define NORMAL_USE	1

#define VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN 			0x56
#define VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER 			0x00

#define VC0706_COMMAND_RESET			0x26
#define VC0706_COMMAND_GEN_VERSION		0x11
#define VC0706_COMMAND_TV_OUT_CTRL		0x44
#define VC0706_COMMAND_OSD_ADD_CHAR		0x45
#define VC0706_COMMAND_DOWNSIZE_SIZE		0x53
#define VC0706_COMMAND_READ_FBUF		0x32
#define FBUF_CURRENT_FRAME			0
#define FBUF_NEXT_FRAME				0

#define VC0706_COMMAND_FBUF_CTRL		0x36
#define VC0706_COMMAND_COMM_MOTION_CTRL		0x37
#define VC0706_COMMAND_COMM_MOTION_DETECTED	0x39
#define VC0706_COMMAND_POWER_SAVE_CTRL		0x3E
#define VC0706_COMMAND_COLOR_CTRL		0x3C
#define VC0706_COMMAND_MOTION_CTRL		0x42


#define VC0706_COMMAND_WRITE_DATA		0x31
#define VC0706_COMMAND_GET_FBUF_LEN		0x34

#define READ_DATA_BLOCK_NO			56

const int buttonPin = 7;     // the number of the pushbutton pin
int buttonState = LOW;         // variable for reading the pushbutton status
int buttonPressed = 0;

//the named tagged on before the picture iteration number (i.e. "PIC243")
String  testpic = "PIC";
char stringToConvert[20]; // Or something long enough to hold the longest file name you will ever use.

//variables for counting up the picture numbers
int countup;
int multiplyup;

unsigned char 	tx_counter;
unsigned char 	tx_vcbuffer[20];
bool		tx_ready;

bool		rx_ready;
unsigned char 	rx_counter;
unsigned char 	VC0706_rx_buffer[80]; 

uint32_t 	frame_length=0;

uint32_t 	vc_frame_address =0;

uint32_t 	last_data_length=0;
//const int ledPin =  4;      // the number of the LED pin


//------------------------------------------------------------------------------
void buffer_send();



// ***********************************************************************************************************
// *
// *                            Power Up Init.
// *
// *
// ***********************************************************************************************************
void setup() 
{

pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT);     
//  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);      

//Set the initial EEPROM values
//this needs to be commented out if you upload the code more than once
EEPROM.write(1, 0);
EEPROM.write(2, 0);

//read the last values stored in the Arduino's memory
countup = EEPROM.read(1);
multiplyup = EEPROM.read(2);

//If the count of countup goes over 255, increase multiplyup by 1
if(countup == 255){
  EEPROM.write(1, 0);
}

//if multiplyup is 255, reset it to 0. 
//You would need to take about 65K pictures to get here
if(multiplyup == 255){
  EEPROM.write(2, 0);
}  


	  // Initialize SdFat or print a detailed error message and halt
	  // Use half speed like the native library.
   if (!sd.begin(SdChipSelect, SPI_HALF_SPEED)) sd.initErrorHalt();

	delay(5);
	Serial.begin(115200);
	rx_ready=false;

}





// ***********************************************************************************************************
// *
// *                            Main Loop 
// *
// *
// ***********************************************************************************************************
void loop(){

  //determine if the camera button is pressed
  buttonState = digitalRead(buttonPin);

  //if the camera's button is pressed, set buttonpressed to true
  if(buttonState == HIGH){     
    buttonPressed = 1;
  }
  

  //if buttonpressed is true
  if(buttonPressed == 1){
                 
                //reset buttonpressed
                buttonPressed = 0;
                
                //run the capture photo routine
		capture_photo();
		delay(100);

		VC0706_frame_control(3);	// resume AV out
		delay(10);

		Serial.end();			// clear all rx buffer
		delay(5);
		Serial.begin(115200);
		rx_ready=false;
   }	
	
	

}







/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : VC0706_reset
 * Description    : Reset VC0706
 *                  
 * Input          : None
 *                  
 * Output         : None
 * Return         : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void VC0706_reset()
{
	tx_vcbuffer[0]=VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN;
	tx_vcbuffer[1]=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER;
	tx_vcbuffer[2]=VC0706_COMMAND_RESET;
	tx_vcbuffer[3]=0x00;
	
	tx_counter=4;

	buffer_send();
}



/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : VC0706_get_version
 * Description    : Request version string from VC0706
 *                  
 * Input          : None
 *                  
 * Output         : None
 * Return         : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void VC0706_get_version()
{
	tx_vcbuffer[0]=VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN;
	tx_vcbuffer[1]=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER;
	tx_vcbuffer[2]=VC0706_COMMAND_GEN_VERSION;
	tx_vcbuffer[3]=0x00;
	
	tx_counter=4;

	buffer_send();
}


/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : VC0706_tv_out_control
 * Description    : stop or start TV output from VC0706
 *                  
 * Input          : on=0 stop tv output
 ;			:  on=1 start tv output
 *                  
 * Output         : None
 * Return         : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void VC0706_tv_out_control(int on)
{
	tx_vcbuffer[0]=VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN;
	tx_vcbuffer[1]=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER;
	tx_vcbuffer[2]=VC0706_COMMAND_TV_OUT_CTRL;
	tx_vcbuffer[3]=0x01;
	tx_vcbuffer[4]=on;
	tx_counter=5;

	buffer_send();
}

/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : VC0706_osd_add_char
 * Description    : ADD OSD CHARACTERS TO CHANNELS(CHANNEL 1)
 *                  
 * Input          : col : Display column
 *	`		  row: Display Row
 *			  osd_string : display string (max 14 characters)
 *                  
 * Output         : None
 * Return         : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void VC0706_osd_add_char(int col, int row, String osd_string)
{
	unsigned char col_row;
	int string_length;
	int i;
	
	col&=0x0f;
	row&=0x0f;
	col_row=(unsigned char)(col<<4 | row);

	string_length=osd_string.length();
	if (string_length>14)
		string_length=14;		// max 14 osd characters
	
	tx_vcbuffer[0]=VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN;
	tx_vcbuffer[1]=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER;
	tx_vcbuffer[2]=VC0706_COMMAND_OSD_ADD_CHAR;
	tx_vcbuffer[3]=string_length+2;		
	tx_vcbuffer[4]=string_length;		// character number
	tx_vcbuffer[5]=col_row;					

	for (i=0;i<string_length;i++)
	{
		tx_vcbuffer[i+6]=osd_string.charAt(i);
	}
	
	tx_counter=string_length+6;

	buffer_send();
}


/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : VC0706_w_h_downsize
 * Description    : control width and height downsize attribute
 *                  
 * Input          : scale_width = 0 1:1
 *                  			      = 1 1:2	
 *                  			      = 2 1:4	
 * 			  scale_height= 0 1:1
 *                  			      = 1 1:2
 *                  			      = 2 1:4
 *                  			
 * Output         : None
 * Return         : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void VC0706_w_h_downsize(int scale_width, int scale_height)
{
	int scale;

	if (scale_width>=2)	scale_width=2;
	if (scale_height>scale_width)	scale_height=scale_width;
	scale=(unsigned char)(scale_height<<2 | scale_width);


	tx_vcbuffer[0]=VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN;
	tx_vcbuffer[1]=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER;
	tx_vcbuffer[2]=VC0706_COMMAND_DOWNSIZE_SIZE;
	tx_vcbuffer[3]=0x01;

	tx_vcbuffer[4]=scale;		//bit[1:0] width zooming proportion
								//bit[3:2] height zooming proportion

	tx_counter=5;

	buffer_send();
}

/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : VC0706_read_frame_buffer
 * Description    : read image data from FBUF 
 *                  
 * Input          : buffer_address(4 bytes); buffer_length(4 bytes)
 *                  
 * Output         : None
 * Return         : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void VC0706_read_frame_buffer(unsigned long buffer_address, unsigned long buffer_length)
{

	tx_vcbuffer[0]=VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN;
	tx_vcbuffer[1]=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER;
	tx_vcbuffer[2]=VC0706_COMMAND_READ_FBUF;
	tx_vcbuffer[3]=0x0c;
	tx_vcbuffer[4]=FBUF_CURRENT_FRAME;
	tx_vcbuffer[5]=0x0a;		// 0x0a=data transfer by MCU mode; 0x0f=data transfer by SPI interface
	tx_vcbuffer[6]=buffer_address>>24;			//starting address
	tx_vcbuffer[7]=buffer_address>>16;			
	tx_vcbuffer[8]=buffer_address>>8;			
	tx_vcbuffer[9]=buffer_address&0x0ff;			
	
	tx_vcbuffer[10]=buffer_length>>24;		// data length
	tx_vcbuffer[11]=buffer_length>>16;
	tx_vcbuffer[12]=buffer_length>>8;		
	tx_vcbuffer[13]=buffer_length&0x0ff;
	tx_vcbuffer[14]=0x00;		// delay time
	tx_vcbuffer[15]=0x0a;
	
	
	tx_counter=16;

	buffer_send();
}



/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : VC0706_frame_control
 * Description    : control frame buffer register
 *                  
 * Input          : frame_control=control flag(1byte)
 *			: 		0 = stop current frame ; 1= stop next frame;2=step frame;3 =resume frame;
 *                  
 * Output         : None
 * Return         : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void VC0706_frame_control(byte frame_control)
{
	if(frame_control>3)frame_control=3;
	tx_vcbuffer[0]=VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN;
	tx_vcbuffer[1]=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER;
	tx_vcbuffer[2]=VC0706_COMMAND_FBUF_CTRL;
	tx_vcbuffer[3]=0x01;
	tx_vcbuffer[4]=frame_control;
	tx_counter=5;

	buffer_send();
}


/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : VC0706_motion_detection
 * Description    : get motion monitoring status in communication interface.
 *                  
 * Input          : control_flag = 0 stop motion monitoring
 *					      = 1 start motion monitoring                  
 *
 * Output         : None
 * Return         : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void VC0706_motion_detection(int control_flag)
{
	if(control_flag>1)control_flag=1;
	tx_vcbuffer[0]=VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN;
	tx_vcbuffer[1]=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER;
	tx_vcbuffer[2]=VC0706_COMMAND_COMM_MOTION_CTRL;
	tx_vcbuffer[3]=0x01;
	tx_vcbuffer[4]=control_flag;
	tx_counter=5;

	buffer_send();
}

/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : VC0706_motion_control
 * Description    : motion control
 *                  
 * Input          : control_flag = 0 forbid motion monitoring
 *					      = 1 enable motion monitoring                  
 *
 * Output         : None
 * Return         : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void VC0706_motion_control(int control_flag)
{
	if(control_flag>1)control_flag=1;
	tx_vcbuffer[0]=VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN;
	tx_vcbuffer[1]=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER;
	tx_vcbuffer[2]=VC0706_COMMAND_MOTION_CTRL;
	tx_vcbuffer[3]=0x03;
	tx_vcbuffer[4]=0x00;			//motion control attribute
	tx_vcbuffer[5]=0x01;			//mcu uart control
	tx_vcbuffer[6]=control_flag;	
	tx_counter=7;

	buffer_send();
}






/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : VC0706_get_framebuffer_length
 * Description    : get byte-lengths in FBUF
 *                  
 * Input          : fbuf_type =current or next frame
 *			            0   =  current frame
 *				     1   =  next frame
 *                  
 * Output         : None
 * Return         : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void VC0706_get_framebuffer_length(byte fbuf_type)
{
	if(fbuf_type>1)fbuf_type=1;
	tx_vcbuffer[0]=VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN;
	tx_vcbuffer[1]=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER;
	tx_vcbuffer[2]=VC0706_COMMAND_GET_FBUF_LEN;
	tx_vcbuffer[3]=0x01;
	tx_vcbuffer[4]=fbuf_type;
	tx_counter=5;

	buffer_send();
}



/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : VC0706_uart_power_save
 * Description    : stop current frame for reading
 *                  
 * Input          : power_on =1  start power-save
 *					   = 0  stop power-save
 *                  
 * Output         : None
 * Return         : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void VC0706_uart_power_save(byte power_save_on)
{
	tx_vcbuffer[0]=VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN;
	tx_vcbuffer[1]=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER;
	tx_vcbuffer[2]=VC0706_COMMAND_POWER_SAVE_CTRL;
	tx_vcbuffer[3]=0x03;
	tx_vcbuffer[4]=00;			//power save control mode
	tx_vcbuffer[5]=01;			// control by UART
	tx_vcbuffer[6]=power_save_on;			//start power save
	tx_counter=7;

	buffer_send();
}


/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : VC0706_uart_color_control
 * Description    : stop current frame for reading
 *                  
 * Input          : show_mode = 0  automatically step black-white and colour
 *						   1  manually step color, select colour
 *						   2	manually step color, select black-white
 *                  
 * Output         : None
 * Return         : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void VC0706_uart_color_control(byte show_mode)
{
	if(show_mode>2) show_mode=2;
	tx_vcbuffer[0]=VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN;
	tx_vcbuffer[1]=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER;
	tx_vcbuffer[2]=VC0706_COMMAND_COLOR_CTRL;
	tx_vcbuffer[3]=0x02;
	tx_vcbuffer[4]=01;		//control by UART
	tx_vcbuffer[5]=show_mode;		// automatically step black-white and colour
	tx_counter=6;

	buffer_send();
}



/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : VC0706_compression_ratio
 * Description	  : stop current frame for reading
 *					
 * Input		  : ration		>13(minimum)
 *						<63(max)
 *					
 * Output		  : None
 * Return		  : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void VC0706_compression_ratio(int ratio)
{
	if(ratio>63)ratio=63;
	if(ratio<13)ratio=13;
	int vc_comp_ratio=(ratio-13)*4+53;
	tx_vcbuffer[0]=VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN;
	tx_vcbuffer[1]=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER;
	tx_vcbuffer[2]=VC0706_COMMAND_WRITE_DATA;
	tx_vcbuffer[3]=0x05;
	tx_vcbuffer[4]=01;		//chip register
	tx_vcbuffer[5]=0x01;	//data num ready to write
	tx_vcbuffer[6]=0x12;	//register address
	tx_vcbuffer[7]=0x04;
	tx_vcbuffer[8]=vc_comp_ratio; //data

	tx_counter=9;

	buffer_send();
}
	

/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : VC0706_motion_windows_setting
 * Description	  : motion windows setting
 *					
 * Input		  : register_address(2 bytes); 
 *				data(4 bytes)= data ready to write
 *					
 * Output		  : None
 * Return		  : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void VC0706_motion_windows_setting(unsigned int register_address, unsigned long data)
{
	tx_vcbuffer[0]=VC0706_PROTOCOL_SIGN;
	tx_vcbuffer[1]=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER;
	tx_vcbuffer[2]=VC0706_COMMAND_WRITE_DATA;
	tx_vcbuffer[3]=0x08;
	tx_vcbuffer[4]=01;		//chip register
	tx_vcbuffer[5]=0x04;	//data num ready to write
	tx_vcbuffer[6]=register_address>>8;	//register address
	tx_vcbuffer[7]=register_address&0x0ff;;

	tx_vcbuffer[8]=data>>24;		// data ready to write
	tx_vcbuffer[9]=data>>16;
	tx_vcbuffer[10]=data>>8;		
	tx_vcbuffer[11]=data&0x0ff;
	
	tx_counter=12;

	buffer_send();
}
	


	
/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : debug_send
 * Description	  : Transmit buffer to Arduino Serial Monitor
 *					
 * Input		  : tx_vcbuffer
 *					
 * Output		  : None
 * Return		  : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void debug_send()
{
	int i=0;

	for (i=0;i<tx_counter;i++)
	{
		Serial.print(tx_vcbuffer[i], HEX);
		Serial.print(", ");
	}

	Serial.println("");
}



/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : buffer_send
 * Description    : Transmit buffer to VC0706
 *                  
 * Input          : tx_vcbuffer
 *                  
 * Output         : None
 * Return         : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void buffer_send()
{
	int i=0;

	for (i=0;i<tx_counter;i++)
		Serial.write(tx_vcbuffer[i]);

	tx_ready=true;
}



/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : buffer_read
 * Description    : Receive buffer from VC0706
 *                  
 * Input          : None
 *                  
 * Output         : rx_buffer, rx_ready
 * Return         : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void buffer_read()
{
	bool validity=true;

	if (rx_ready)			// if something unread in buffer, just quit
		return;

	rx_counter=0;
	VC0706_rx_buffer[0]=0;
	while (Serial.available() > 0) 
	{
		VC0706_rx_buffer[rx_counter++]= Serial.read();
		//delay(1);
	}

	if (VC0706_rx_buffer[0]!=0x76)
		validity=false;
	if (VC0706_rx_buffer[1]!=VC0706_SERIAL_NUMBER)
		validity=false;

	if (validity) rx_ready=true;


}

#ifdef sdCamera

/*******************************************************************************
 * Function Name  : capture_photo
 * Description	  : capture a photo and store the file named temp.jpg into SD
 *					
 * Input		  : None
 *					
 * Output		  : None
 * Return		  : None
 *******************************************************************************/
void capture_photo(){	
	
	// Check to see if the file exists: 
	// if exists,delete the file:
	//if(sd.exists("temp.jpg")) sd.remove("temp.jpg");

        nameCountUp();
        
	// open a new empty file for write at end like the Native SD library
        boolean f = myFile.open(stringToConvert, O_RDWR | O_CREAT | O_AT_END);
	 if (!f) {
	   sd.errorHalt("opening temp.jpg for write failed");
	}
	
	// close the file:
	 myFile.close();
        
        //63 is the highest this can go
	VC0706_compression_ratio(63);
	delay(100);

	VC0706_frame_control(3);
	delay(10);
	
	VC0706_frame_control(0);
	delay(10);
	rx_ready=false;
	rx_counter=0;
	
	Serial.end();			// clear all rx buffer
	delay(5);
	
	Serial.begin(115200);

	//get frame buffer length
	VC0706_get_framebuffer_length(0);
	delay(10);
	buffer_read();

	//while(1){};
	
	// store frame buffer length for coming reading
	frame_length=(VC0706_rx_buffer[5]<<8)+VC0706_rx_buffer[6];
	frame_length=frame_length<<16;
	frame_length=frame_length+(0x0ff00&(VC0706_rx_buffer[7]<<8))+VC0706_rx_buffer[8];

	vc_frame_address =READ_DATA_BLOCK_NO;
	
	
	myFile.open(stringToConvert, O_RDWR);	
	while(vc_frame_address<frame_length){	
		VC0706_read_frame_buffer(vc_frame_address-READ_DATA_BLOCK_NO, READ_DATA_BLOCK_NO);
		delay(9);

		//get the data with length=READ_DATA_BLOCK_NObytes 
		rx_ready=false;
		rx_counter=0;
		buffer_read();

		// write data to temp.jpg
		myFile.write(VC0706_rx_buffer+5,READ_DATA_BLOCK_NO);
	
		//read next READ_DATA_BLOCK_NO bytes from frame buffer
		vc_frame_address=vc_frame_address+READ_DATA_BLOCK_NO;
	
		}

	// get the last data
	vc_frame_address=vc_frame_address-READ_DATA_BLOCK_NO;

	last_data_length=frame_length-vc_frame_address;

	
	VC0706_read_frame_buffer(vc_frame_address,last_data_length);
	delay(9);
	//get the data 
	rx_ready=false;
	rx_counter=0;
	buffer_read();
			
	myFile.write(VC0706_rx_buffer+5,last_data_length);
	
	myFile.close();

       resetName();

}

#endif


//Determines the name of the next picture

void nameCountUp(){
  countup = EEPROM.read(1);
  multiplyup = EEPROM.read(2);
  
  countup = countup + 1;
  EEPROM.write(1, countup);
    
  testpic.concat(countup + (multiplyup * 255));
  testpic = testpic + ".jpg";
  
  testpic.toCharArray(stringToConvert, sizeof(stringToConvert));
}


void resetName(){
 if(countup == 255){
   countup = 0;
   EEPROM.write(1, countup);

   multiplyup = multiplyup + 1;
   EEPROM.write(2, multiplyup);
  } 
  
  delay(10);
  
  testpic = "PIC";
}

Step 10: Arduino

Fasten the arduino to the mounting holes on the inside of the camera lid using 1/4" x 4-40 bolts.

Step 11: Shield

Insert the SD shield into the appropriate Arduino sockets.

Step 12: Plug In

Plug the red wire from the camera module into the 5V socket on the SD shield.

Plug the black wire into the ground socket.

Plug the TXD wire into pin D0.

Plug the RXD wire into pin D1.

Step 13: Solder

Solder a red wire to the backside of the Arduino power jack.

Step 14: Resistance

Trim one of the leads of a 10K resistor in half, and plug it into the ground socket that is on the same side as the digital pins.

Bend the lead over, and solder the opposite lead to the solder pad that is electrically connected to Arduino pin D7.

Step 15: Switch

Plug the black wire from the switch PCB into the socket for Arduino pin D7.

Solder the red wire from the switch to the 5V pin on the SD shield.

Step 16: 9V Clip

Slide a piece of heat shrink tubing onto the red wire connected to the Arduino's power jack.

Solder the red wire from the power jack to the red wire from the 9V battery clip.

Cover this connection with heat shrink tubing and secure it in place with a heat gun.

Plug the black wire from the battery snap into the remaining ground socket on the SD shield.

Step 17: Battery

Plug the battery in, and then slide the battery into place snugly below the switch assembly.

Hold it firmly in place by slide the battery holder plate between the battery and the holder tabs on the top and bottom of the case.

Step 18: Close It Up

Shut the lid and press down on the locking tab to close the case. The camera should now be ready for use.

Step 19: Take Some Pictures

Go take some pictures. You can transfer them from the SD card to your computer when you are done.

Did you find this useful, fun, or entertaining?
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Comments

[KeatonV]

the code that is in the directions will not upload to my arduino

[MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE]

could you make it with smaller parts like the Arduino Nano?

[LaurenS4]

Is it necessary that I solder the pieces together? I am borrowing an Arduino board and have to return it.

[rh10]

The instructions have inconsistencies. One of which includes you saying to solder a wire to one place, and then say to do it with another wire and on that step, the previous wire is missing. It's confusing and I need to finish this soon.

[techmind48]

This is easy to follow step by step guide. Thank the author for this excellent report. AS.Bhasker Raj Bangalore India

[nerdyandlovingit]

I wonder if you could make the housing waterproof.

[agis68]

well done...how much did you cost you the whole project to compare with store prices of a ready camera (short of)

[RAULRO]

Hey, WHAT ABOUT A MONITOR, I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOUR INSTRUCTABLE THAT I DID NOT READ DETAILS, IS IT POSSIBLE ?
THANKS TO POST IT IS GREAT!

[Klappstuhl]

Now who's going to modify this into a stereoscopic camera first? :D

[redsunmtm]

i have a name for it: GoAmateur :) some data moshing picts are fun too !

[Raphango]

Amazing man! Congratulations!
Very well built instructable, excelent step-by-step images and detailed instructions! Gotta build me one some day! ;D Keep up the good work! Congrats again!

[tootall1121]

That just seems odd to me. Digitally printing an actual camera. When the digital printer can make all the parts, like the replicator in Star Trek, then we'll really have something. LOL

[EngineerJakit]

the one thing i would find to be really awesome about this project is if there was a way to make this camera have a small index card printer inside of it. That way it becomes an instant digital camera that doesnt cost a crapton of money for the camera and the *ahem* "film".

[TedRobotBuilder]

Smallest printer I know of: http://www.adafruit.com/products/597

[doncrush]

Total cost of purchased components? I would like to make my own trail cam (wildlife motion activated)...that would be a fairly easy change by replacing tactile switch with a PIR, PING, or some motion activated input.

[randofo]

About $100 ballpark.

[Lindie]

Looks like fun! Great idea. Boy would I like to have one of these! :-)

[Paulbacca]

The low resolution pictures are by no means amazing, and the camera housing a bit clunky but this is an great instructable that has now set the standard for future digital camera projects! I take delivery of my Rigidbot 3D printer soon and will not waste time with my first 3D printed instructable. Out of interest, what 3D printer did you use?

[darman12]

Pretty neat! It reminds me of old film cameras, you can't see the picture until you get home ;)

[bob3030]

Great instructable. In my opinion this is the type of project in the true "maker" spirit. As you noted people used to make their own "pinhole" cameras. This instructable allows someone to make a modern version of one. Thank you for posting.