In 2024, I upgraded our allsky camera to a Raspberry Pi HQ with 1.8mm lens, using the latest version of Allsky Camera to capture the data. This replaces the previous camera which used a barebones IMX291 and Raspberry Pi. The camera is in a dome housing outdoors, while the Pi is inside. To connect the two i used the “LAN Cable Extension Kit” that uses a network cable to carry power to and signal from the camera. At the Pi end, there’s a hat that contains a dedicated ethernet-style port and connects to the Pi’s CS port.
The daily videos generated by this can be seen here on Youtube. The aim was track terrestrial weather, space weather and other interesting events.
The first two images below are a recent snapshot from the camera and last night’s startrails. The second two are from an amazing auroral display in 2024, showing what the camera might pick up. Click for a larger view.
Orientation: North is at the top, West on the right, and South is pretty much where the chimney is on the house at the bottom, so it is the same view you’d get lying on your back with your feet pointing South.
The code for the old IMX291 is still available here on GitHub, and is a fork of Thomas Jacquin’s version for an ASI 120MM/MC type camera. I adapted the code to handle the IP camera with its different capabilities.
Hello Mark. Andrew Fiamingo here. I am in Norway and just started out on the GMN meteor cam journey. I am in the process of mounting the standard meteorcam based on the IMX291 sensor. However I want to mount an additional cam to fil the Aurora. Searching the GMN forum I can across your post about the IMX307. I have two questions 1) Do you have any more experience with other higher resolution cams for the Auroracam? 2) Is the software on the RaspberryPi written by you or can I get hold of it on the internet. Regards Andrew P.S the video camera towards the north at my cabin will be the place I will mount my aurora cam.
Hi Andrew.
You can get my auroracam software from github here : https://github.com/markmac99/pi-meteortools/tree/master/auroracam
I have not tried different resolutions as i found that the camera was much less sensitive and slower to capture data at higher resolution. However, i should probably test it again when i have time.
You can see the output of our auroracam here:
https://markmcintyreastro.co.uk/auroracam/
The image updates every 10-15 seconds.
rgds
MM
Hi Mark, Thank you and appreciate the information. I will work my way through the setup. Br Andrew