Using the latest Raspberry Pi 4 Model B mini PC, you can easily create a sophisticated security camera system complete with a motion sensor. This setup will automatically send images taken using a Raspberry Pi camera via email directly to your inbox whenever motion is detected. This project is ideal for those looking to enhance their home security or simply explore the capabilities of the Raspberry Pi.
The project has been published by maker and Mechatronics Engineer “sarful” over on the Hackster.io website. The project has been classified as an intermediate-level build and should take approximately 60 minutes to complete. Detailed wiring diagrams and code have been provided, making the project straightforward to set up on your Raspberry Pi mini PC.
Components and Tools Required
To get started with this project, you will need the following components and tools:
– Raspberry Pi 4 Model B
– Raspberry Pi Camera Module
– PIR Motion Sensor
– MicroSD card (with Raspbian OS installed)
– Power supply for Raspberry Pi
– Jumper wires
– Breadboard (optional for easier wiring)
– Internet connection for sending emails
The PIR motion sensor is a key component in this project. It detects infrared radiation from moving objects, such as humans or animals, and sends a signal to the Raspberry Pi. When the Raspberry Pi receives this signal, it triggers the camera to take a picture and then sends the image via email.
“In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to send emails containing pictures using a Raspberry Pi 4 and a motion detector and the Python programming language. We will use a PIR motion detection sensor, and whenever motion is detected, the Raspberry Pi 4 Camera will take a picture and send an email with the picture attached.”
Setting Up the Project
The first step in setting up this project is to connect the PIR motion sensor and the Raspberry Pi Camera Module to the Raspberry Pi. The wiring diagrams provided on the Hackster.io project page will guide you through this process. Here is a brief overview:
1. Connect the PIR Sensor: The PIR sensor typically has three pins: VCC, GND, and OUT. Connect the VCC pin to a 5V pin on the Raspberry Pi, the GND pin to a ground pin, and the OUT pin to a GPIO pin (e.g., GPIO 17).
2. Connect the Camera Module: Attach the camera module to the camera port on the Raspberry Pi. Ensure the connection is secure and the ribbon cable is properly inserted.
3. Install Required Software: Ensure your Raspberry Pi is running the latest version of Raspbian OS. You will need to install the `picamera` library for camera control and the `smtplib` library for sending emails. You can install these using pip:
“`bash
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install python3-picamera
sudo apt-get install python3-smtplib
“`
4. Write the Python Script: The Python script provided by sarful will handle the motion detection, image capture, and email sending. Customize the script with your email credentials and recipient address.
5. Run the Script: Execute the script on your Raspberry Pi. When motion is detected, the camera will capture an image and send it to the specified email address.
This project not only enhances your home security but also provides a practical application of Raspberry Pi and Python programming. By following the detailed instructions and utilizing the provided code, you can create a functional security camera system in just an hour.
For the full tutorial, jump over to the Hackster.io project page by following the link below.
Source: Hackster.io
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