I Spy, with my Little Pi...

Jeff Geerling24 minutes read

The plan involves upgrading the old NVR with a Raspberry Pi and TPU for enhanced machine learning capabilities to create a modern, open-source NVR system. Steps include reinstalling cameras, providing PoE power, and setting up frig on a Raspberry Pi for efficient functionality and monitoring.

Insights

  • Upgrading the NVR system in the office involves utilizing a Raspberry Pi and TPU for machine learning to create a modern, open-source NVR, aiming to surpass commercial options in functionality and accessibility.
  • The installation process includes steps such as setting up PoE power using an Ethernet switch, configuring hard drives in a RAID 1 array for data redundancy, and monitoring the RAID setup post-reboot, culminating in a successful boot-up of the system with frig installed for NVR functionality, enabling camera configurations in YAML format and efficient processing for motion detection.

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Recent questions

  • How can I upgrade a security camera system?

    To upgrade a security camera system, consider using a Raspberry Pi and a TPU for machine learning. Reinstall cameras, provide PoE power with an Ethernet switch, and set up frig on a Raspberry Pi. Utilize the Aess Interceptor oneu case to build a silent, rack-mount NVR, including a PoE board for power over Ethernet. Install hard drives, a power supply, and a PoE board in the case. Configure hard drives in a RAID 1 array for data redundancy. Monitor the RAID setup to ensure proper functionality. Use ansible Playbook to install Docker on the Raspberry Pi and prepare for installing frig. Connect cameras to the system using power over ethernet adapters and configure networking settings. Manage cameras, events, recordings, and system details through frig's interface.

  • What is the purpose of a TPU in a security camera system?

    The purpose of a TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) in a security camera system is to enhance machine learning capabilities. By incorporating a TPU into the system, it can efficiently process data for tasks like motion detection and image analysis. TPUs are designed to accelerate machine learning workloads, making them ideal for improving the performance and accuracy of video analytics in a security camera setup. With a TPU, the system can handle complex computations and algorithms more effectively, leading to better overall surveillance capabilities.

  • How does frig software benefit a security camera system?

    Frig software benefits a security camera system by providing advanced NVR (Network Video Recorder) functionality. It allows for the management of cameras, events, recordings, and exporting footage. Frig also offers system and storage overviews, making it easier to monitor and control the security camera setup. Additionally, frig supports various computers but is particularly efficient when running on a Raspberry Pi with a Coral TPU. By using frig, users can create a modern, open-source NVR that rivals commercial options, offering enhanced features and customization for surveillance needs.

  • What is the significance of using an ansible Playbook in setting up a security camera system?

    Using an ansible Playbook in setting up a security camera system streamlines the installation process and ensures consistency across different devices. An ansible Playbook allows for automating the deployment of software and configurations, making it easier to manage multiple components in the system. By utilizing Playbooks, tasks like installing Docker, setting up frig software, and configuring networking settings can be automated, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. This approach simplifies the setup of the security camera system and facilitates efficient maintenance and updates in the future.

  • Why is monitoring the RAID setup crucial in a security camera system?

    Monitoring the RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) setup is crucial in a security camera system to ensure data redundancy and system reliability. By configuring hard drives in a RAID 1 array, data is mirrored across multiple drives, providing redundancy in case of disk failure. Monitoring the RAID setup allows users to detect any issues or failures promptly, ensuring that data remains protected and accessible. Regular monitoring helps to maintain the integrity of the storage system, preventing data loss and ensuring continuous operation of the security camera setup.

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Summary

00:00

"Upgrade to Modern NVR with Raspberry Pi"

  • The office had old hick Vision security cameras and a hick Vision NVR.
  • The NVR records camera feeds to a hard drive and allows remote access.
  • The plan is to upgrade the NVR using a Raspberry Pi and a TPU for machine learning.
  • The goal is to create a modern, open-source NVR better than commercial ones.
  • Steps include reinstalling cameras, providing PoE power using an Ethernet switch, and setting up frig on a Raspberry Pi.
  • Frig can run on various computers but is efficient with a Raspberry Pi and Coral TPU.
  • Aess Interceptor oneu case is used to build a silent, rack-mount NVR.
  • The case includes a PoE board for power over Ethernet, eliminating the need for an extra switch.
  • The setup involves installing hard drives, a power supply, and a PoE board in the case.
  • The system boots up successfully, and frig is installed for NVR functionality, with camera configurations in YAML format.

14:09

"Setting up frig with cameras and RAID"

  • Cameras send out a full resolution stream and one or more substreams, which can be lower resolution, to ease processing for motion detection.
  • Using an ansible Playbook, Docker is installed on a Raspberry Pi to prepare for installing frig.
  • Setting up storage for frig involves configuring hard drives in a RAID 1 array for data redundancy.
  • Monitoring the RAID setup is essential to ensure it functions correctly after a reboot.
  • Installing frig involves running specific Playbooks to set up the software on the Raspberry Pi.
  • Connecting a camera to the system involves using a power over ethernet adapter and configuring networking settings.
  • Frig's interface allows for managing cameras, events, recordings, and exporting footage, along with providing system and storage overviews.
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