Build Your Own Streaming Dash Cam - Do It Yourself

We have always been passionate about home automation and everything related to computers in the home. Most of us love the weather stations that display a lot of information, high-tech clocks that make a calendar and that sounds when you receive a mail, digital photo frames, etc ... Indeed, we find that what exists today is either far too limited or very limited and far too expensive.

Build a Dash Cam with a Raspberry Pi, Two Cameras and GPS

Car video cameras (dash cams) became very popular, where vehicular crash videos outpaced witness testimony in court. Surveillance cameras in cars have become ubiquitous among the driver's daily tools. Increased distractions and shorter care intervals have subsequently led to dangerous traffic. The use of a camera like this means irrefutable proof of guilt in case of being involved in an accident.

We have seen a raspberry Pi used as a dash camera before, but about in Pro techie's they took the same concept, but also have a live-streaming capability provided you can set a hot spot on your smartphone.

Dash cameras are an easy way to record everything you see on your windshield, but they vary …

The dash cameras are a cool, easy way to record everything you see on your windshield, but they vary greatly in price and quality. If you really want to personalize your own, you can make one with a raspberry Pi.

As expected, this configuration has some bells and whistles. It has two cameras, one front and one rear. It also has GPS packaged in it so the camera always knows where it is recording. There is also a button to turn it off and restart it when you need it along with status LED so you know what to do. Of course, most of us probably do not need all this, but it's a fun project, though.

To begin with, you can make use of an old USB camera.
You can combine it with your old USB version and possibly add a GPS.

Hardware - Raspberry Pi model B
OS - Arch Linux
Front camera - Pi camera
Rear USB camera – Any kind of old one
GPS - Adafruit Ultimate GPS Breakout
LEDs - 3 x 3mm
Pi camera mount - From pimoroni
SD card adaptor - pIO microSD card adapter
SD card - Samsung 32Gb micro SD PRO Card Class 10 UHS-I

The camera uses Node.js to set everything up, then takes a picture every few seconds and saves it online using the hot spot on your smartphone. In this way, the flow is available online at any time. To do this, you will need a Raspberry Pi and a camera module next to some form of network access. Beyond that, it is a fairly simple configuration process for the camera itself. When you're done with that, you'll make a viewer so you can see all those images in streaming. This project uses the PubNub application platform, but you can do this project using a free account.

Raspberry Pi's new Voice HAT board uses Google's AI to help you build smart gadgets

Raspberry Pi takes help of the Google AI in its new Voice HAT board

We are mobbing into such as age where top global tech firms are moving towards becoming core artificial intelligence firms. This ensures that they will be driving the future of AI on a grand scale where devices, systems and networks will be optimised to embed the AI to its core functioning for enhanced consumer experience.

Artificial intelligence still happens to be an emerging field which is up for grabs for all but some the key companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Baidu have already started to allow developers to work with AI on their systems.

Google teams up with Raspberry Pi

In a surprising turn of events Google is teaming up with Raspberry Pi in order to great a simple credit card sized computer. Together these organisation has launched an initiative called ‘Artificial Intelligence Yourself’ or AIY which an aim of infusing the natural language processing capability to the Pi computer. In order to push this ability to the PIA Voice HAT or Hardware Accessory on Top based board & speaker has been provided. Now makers will be to control their Raspberry Pi 3 device just like the new age smart device Amazon Echo and Google Home is controlled.

It is worth noting that Google has designed or developed devices specifically for the makers & hobbyists for the first time. Users will also get a microphone in AIY kit but quite unfortunately it lack support for the out-of-the box activities. Raspberry is planning to launch the HAT as an free accessory with the next edition of the MagPi. If you are wondering what is The MagPi then it is the official Magazine of Raspberry Pi.

At a price of $5.99 users will get the coveted magazine along with the HAT, speaker, cables, and a stereo microphone. Raspberry has celebrated it 5th birthday in February where it was revealed that more than 12 millions Raspberry computers has been sold on global scale. Currently Raspberry is extensively indulged in bringing heightened software improvement along with a significant boost to the low cost computer’s capabilities.

A challenge to everyone

Google has recently launched the Google Assitant SDK for the developers which will work on the phones as well as on Google Home Devices. The new HAT will work using this SDK along with the Google’s Cloud Speech API. The AIY kit to be offered to the users makes it possible to build a voice controlled speaker system using a cardboard box. Secondly users will be able to register their own natural language based voice commands in order to link-up with any number of projects created using the Raspberry Pi.


The director of the AIY projects at Google has stated that the collaboration of Google and Raspberry Pi will help in making the users comfortable and familiar with the voice interfaces. They are also working on developing new ways which will help in making use of HAT in a more interactive fashion.

The Raspberry Pi Zero W Is a Wireless Computer for $10

Computer and laptop prices are always in flex wherein we have to shell out more money for advanced feature while the devices at the bottom are too bad to even try. Five years $35 computer was launched called Raspberry Pi which was so cheap that it seemed unbelievable and simply a publicity stunt. Here comes 2017 and we are greeted with an even cheaper computer offering at a price of just $10 called Pi Zero W. If you think this is cheapest then you will be surprised to know that Raspberry has launched Pi Zero last year which had a price tag of just $5 though Pi Zero didn’t had any wireless capabilities. Pi Zero W comes with wireless capability which will allow it communicate with any other hardware r devices with ease without the need of wiring it up.

Features of Raspberry Pi Zero W

At just $10 Pi Zero W brings support for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which is a great feature in an entry level board. This can be great tool in the hand of the tech enthusiasts and the developers in building their own Internet of Things and other gadgets can connect with the internet and interact with other devices. If you thinking Pi Zero is the first to bring such cool feature at such a jaw dropping price point then you will be surprised that there is another competitor. A KickStarter device called C.H.I.P computer brings similar features on to the tablet couple with Wi-Fi support at just $9 a package. Raspberry has sold out within few hours of its announcement and it is not expected to be brought back for sale within a short time.

Why does Raspberry Pi Zero W matters?

Raspberry Pie Zero W simply offers a wide range of potential for the learners, tech enthusiasts and others in broadening their knowledge through experimenting without spending a huge amount of money. In the past a number of users have been able to develop robots, laptop, lightsaber and Polaroid camera using the original Zero hardware. In order to make use of the Raspberry Pie users are simply required to possess a desktop PC having the official Raspbian OS which brings a horde of completely free software which aids in learning about the computers & programming.

Now the latest iterant of the Rapberry Pi comes with wireless capability which will allow users to do more as they system will be able to connect with internet & other devices with ease. The built in support for the Wi-Fi will help in connecting Pi with other computer present on the local network with its intuitive command line. Users will be able to hook up keyboard or mouse with ease than before or they can opt for wireless devices with the support of Bluetooth. The base specs for this device includes the same first-gen Model B features which are 512 MB of DDR2 SDRAM and a ARM-based processor clocked at 1GHz.

Raspberry Pi-powered transmitters broadcast Syrian radio

Raspberry Pi – Utilised to Power Micro Radio Transmitters

In Syria, Raspberry Pi computers are being utilised to power the micro radio transmitters. The so called Pocket FMs had been designed by a German organisation to providing Syrians with independent radio. The device tends to have a range of about 4 to 6 km which seems adequate in covering a whole town and at the heart of each is the Raspberry Pi; a credit card sized single board computers.

According to the designers, around two dozen have been built and are proposed to be easy to set up as a piece of flat-pack furniture. Philipp Hochleichter had informed BBC Radio 4’s PM programme that they had lost one device in Kobane which was owing to the bombing and not a malfunction. Pocket FMs have been installed in conditions wherein larger transmitter tends to be difficult to set up and activate.

Mr Hochleichter had explained that they had tried to create a small box which would be easy to carry around, convenient to be transported or hide, which is based on 12 volts so that it can connect to a solar system or a car battery. The Pocket FMs tends to broadcast a channel which has been created by a network of nine stations depending on the region known as Syrnet.

Device Picks up Satellite Feed of Channel

The device seems to pick up satellite feed of the channel, rebroadcasting it on FM frequency so that people in Syria have the benefit of listening on ordinary radios. Ultimately, the device would be adept in picking up the Syrnet channel through Wi-Fi and mobile data.

The channel is also made available to listen to online and through a mobile app. The team behind the project is a Berlin based non-governmental body, called Media in Cooperation and Transition – MiCT. Besides designing the Pocket FMs together with maintaining Syrnet, MiCT hires a team of journalist, most of who seem to be expatriate Syrians who help the small independent stations in making programmes.

The Pocket FMs tend to function in areas which are not controlled by President Bashar al-Assad’s regime or the Islamic State militants. A member of Syrnet is Welat FM and the station is based in Qamishli towards the far north east of Syria. An airport which can be seen from the studio window is yet under the control of the Assad regime.

Aim of Project – Support Freedom of Expression/Solidarity with People in Disaster

The editor-in-chief of Welat FM informed the BBC that it is annoying when one looks from the window and sees the airport; one hears the noise of the warplanes day and night all the time. Few years back the control of the Syrian government seemed to be everywhere, however now radio has become an important means of communication.

Hara FM which is produced in Turkey tends to broadcast to Aleppo and receivesfrom contributors in the town. Marwa, a Hara FM journalist from Turkey comments that presently, the journalists seems to be safe with the opposition though it is yet a war zone with gunfire and shelling. He further adds that he is worried about his staff in Aleppo, though no journalist seems to be 100% safe anywhere in the world and for any journalist, telling the truth puts their life in danger.

One of the advantages of utilising Raspberry Pi is that it seems to be comparatively easy in adding new components. The aim of the project is to support freedom of expression though it is also about solidarity with people in disaster.

Raspberry Pi3 adds Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Raspberry Pi featuring Quicker 64-Bit Processor/Wi-Fi/Bluetooth

The most well-known British computer so far is the Raspberry Pi and the title was previously held by the Amstrad PCW which is believed to have sold around eight million units. The sale of Raspberry Pi will exceed that amount this month according to Eben Upton the founder of Raspberry Pi project. The breakthrough has come as the Raspberry Pi 3 had been unveiled featuring a quicker 64-bit processor as well as a built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.

Mr Upton had stated that they are the best-selling UK computer. He mentioned that the Pi Foundation originally believed that it had won the title last year when the sales had gone past the total set in 1980s by Sinclair machines. But he mentioned it had appeared that the Amstrad machine had been sold in great numbers and that the total too had exceeded.

He added that the curve tends to keep trending upwards and the sales will get a lift from the release of the Raspberry Pi 3 by the end of February. The sale price would be $35 and a few hundred thousand units would be available on launch day from the online stores. The Raspberry Pi 3 retains the form factor of the Raspberry Pi 3 and works well with the latest version.

Utilise as PC Replacement/Embedded Computer

He had informed BBC that the two main things which people tend to do with their Pi are utilising it as PC replacement or use it as an embedded computer. The Pi 3 is doubling down on both these things instead of going looking for new things to do.

The updated device tends to have a 64-bit processor on-board which provides the Pi 3 a performance of 50% improvement on the Pi 2. Besides this the built in to the latest device are the Wi-Fi as well as the Bluetooth connections. He mentioned that for hobbyists, who use the Pi, it tends to act as a hub for home gadgets who would be able to use Bluetooth to connect devices as well as sensors together.

 He said that this is the first Pi one can stick behind the TV and tend to forget about it completely. There have been indications that the Pi had been successful in achieving one of its formation focus that is to make computer science as a more well-known option at degree level.

Being Used Extensively in Schools

Mr Upton had mentioned that the Pi’s popularity together with the other coding projects were arousing interest in the technical subject. He mentioned that in some of the institutions the number of individuals enrolling on computer science courses had improved from the low points that were seen in 2008-9.

 But he admitted that it may yet be too early to see the complete effect of the Pi on the people who tend to pursue coding or their technical skill, considering that the first Pi was released only in 2012. He said that the gadgets had begun being used extensively in schools and the merger of the Pi foundation with the Code Club initiative could ensure that it reaches more children and with children in the age of 9 – 11, would be seeing a lot of people getting excited about it at that level.

Raspberry Pi camera hardware for 25 Euro

After months of waiting and after significant delay, the camera hardware for the Raspberry Pi is now available at retailers for just under € 25 excluding postage and is almost the same price as the Raspberry Pi Model A. Several guides have also been posted as well as some examples of uses. It has been nearly six months since the camera for the Raspberry Pi has made its first appearance for the general public, it was in November 2012 at the Electronica 2012 show. It was a question of finalizing the software part that was clearly not yet ready. This now seems to be the case since the two official distributors of Raspberry Pi and RS Components, offer this small module for sale. Rate side, it takes a little less than 25 € in both cases excluding postage. As a reminder, this optical sensor has a resolution of 2592 x 1944 pixels, 5 megapixels for photos. On the video side, the 1080p is supported at 30 frames per second (fps) and can go up to 60 fps in 720p and 90 fps at 480p.In order to exploit at best the Raspberry Pi Foundation offers us a short guide detailing how to enable support for the camera Raspbian the Linux distribution dedicated to this mini machine. You will also find some examples of how to simply capture a photo or video. For its part, the company has made a small DesignSpark video "Time-Lapse" which gives a small idea of what it can achieve.