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HOWTO: $110 RaceCast.me camera/streamer DIY


w0t

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I documented the following cheap camera/media streamer build that our team used to successfully stream video to RaceCast.me during the Wilwood Grand Prix at Mazda Laguna Seca Raceway this past weekend.

 

I expect someone else will find it useful, too:

https://externalhippocampus.wordpress.com/2017/07/23/in-car-racecast-me-raspberry-pi-based-video-streaming/

 

Let me know if you have any questions!

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On 7/23/2017 at 1:07 PM, Gearhead_42 said:

Did you run a stock Raspian image or something a little leaner?

 

Stock Raspian (latest Jessie) installed via NOOBS installer because it's easy and I'm lazy.

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The minimal CPU utilization really surprised me, there must be some sort of chip-based hardware encoding (vs. software) going on. I'd bet you probably can get away with using and older Raspberry Pi 2 and the same instructions as written because the camera module and software are the same. Bonus that you save some cash, too. 

 

If someone tries the a Raspberry Pi 2 and has similar succes, let me know and I'll update the write-up.

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To me, it sounded like mic's sound pressure range was exceeded, with all of the engine, braking, and wind buffeting through the windowless car. I tried to add a cloth muffle the next day, but there was no discernible improvement. Who knew that when you buy the cheapest Chinese USB microphone on Amazon that the sound quality wouldn't be the greatest :)

 

Check out the video replays on the linked page to see what I mean.

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  • 3 weeks later...
On 7/23/2017 at 4:08 PM, w0t said:

The minimal CPU utilization really surprised me, there must be some sort of chip-based hardware encoding (vs. software) going on. I'd bet you probably can get away with using and older Raspberry Pi 2 and the same instructions as written because the camera module and software are the same. Bonus that you save some cash, too. 

 

If someone tries the a Raspberry Pi 2 and has similar succes, let me know and I'll update the write-up.

 

After doing some more investigation, the reason for the low CPU utilization is due to the camera doing the H264 encoding in the hardware. The ffmpeg command is just encoding the audio input from the microphone to AAC format and muxing it together with the pre-encoded video before streaming it to the RaceCast.me service.

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  • 3 months later...

Anyone worked out how to hardwire this setup, with a USB power source in the middle.. It's easy.. But the Raspberry PI USB plugs seem flimsy.. 

 

I have broken 3 gopro's HDMI or USB cables running them to the Cerevo box..  Now Im taping the cables and using right angle plugs/etc.. It's better, last race the GoPro either overheated or the GoPRo battery drained more than the charge.. and it died 5hours in

 

I build the box above, it's awesome.. just need to make it a little more race robust, power, vibration, weather proof, etc.. 

 

What other camera's do people run for streaming.. (outside the expensive GoPro's)

 

Anyone used  V.I.O stream, looks like the camera natively streams RTMP to the Racecast Server

 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1078147-REG/v_i_o_pov401_stream_usb_web_programmable_ip_network.html

 

I like the Replay XD Prime, but it seems like nobody is selling them any more...  - it has a hardwire option

http://www.replay-xd.com.au/racing-setup/

 

thoughts ?

 

 

 

 

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

Yeah, you need to use good 90 degree micro USB cables and make sure everything tight or is taped down.

 

BTW, I'm contemplating a new setup with the Pi device and will get it hooked up with a GoPro. Stay tuned and give it a shot when I get around to putting the idea down in writing (after validating that it works). I also need to buy a newer GoPro first :)

 

With this new and improved setup, the raspberry pi could be shoved somewhere safe down in the car, and connect to the GoPro wirelessly.

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  • 4 weeks later...

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