I did something similar with a cheap USB webcam and a Pi 3B+ to prove to my neighbour it was not our cat tearing up her garden.

Ring ring, "Hello is your fridge running?" - "Let me check my Raspberry pi cam... No it's resting quite comfortably thank you!"

Setting up a camera pointing at your fridge is a great way to catch a cereal killer.

So far, I've watched about 36 minutes of video, and now I know exactly how to build a wireless surveillance camera and a network attached storage device around a Raspberry Pi. Amazing tutorials.

One neat feature of MotionEyeOS is that you can set a camera to be a "Simple MPEG" camera which will purely stream to another computer that can do the motion detection. That way the PiZero doesn't have the CPU overhead of running the motion daemon (and thus improve the framerate). Look for the "fast network camera" option in expert settings. I've been using this for years, expanding my coverage as I go. I'm currently running a combination of 3x ZeroW and a 3A+ as cameras but with a Pi4 (2GB) running MotionEyeOS as a central "controller" (doing the motion detection). I'm still juggling Pis and configurations to get better framerates but it's all good fun!

16:28 - 16:44 Only he could narrate a trip to the kitchen and make it entertaining

15:45 Cereal killer caught on surveillance tape, 2020 colorized

Great introduction to using the Raspberry Pi Zero W as a security camera using a camera design for Raspberry Pi Zero W. Your instruction are, as always, clear and well structured. Keep up the good work and I am looking forward to your video on the Raspberry Pi 8 GB version.

I find your videos very relaxing. I feel like I learn things without actually having to make any effort. I'm not struggling to hear over a thrash soundtrack or spinning my head around to keep track of an epileptic mouse pointer. If only all videos were like this!

And the Oscar goes to.... Christopher Barnatt for "The thief"!

You know you are watching a British YT channel when they say, "these are not my actual WiFi details".. loved it 🙌😊

We've 8 cameras based on Pi-Zero-W's around the house, all set up as simple-MPEG-streaming cameras (so no in-camera recording) and a Core-i5 based headless NUC running MotionEYE on Linux Mint as a server, which does all the motion detecting, storage, data management etc. automatically. It's been running now for almost 3 years and hasn't missed a beat, is extensively configurable, can be accessed remotely via a single open port on our router and is completely self-contained - ie. doesn't need a phone app or login to some Chinese server to operate or configure. Also, since the cameras use standard RTSP streams, we can watch a single camera from an iPad using any webcam app if we want to watch for, say, the mail-man or visitors in our driveway in real-time - without involving the server... All in all, a very slick system..

Having used this exact setup for a while here are my thoughts: it does the job, it's quite usable if you just want pictures when motion is detected. If you want videos forget about it. If you're going to employ more than one of these a good solution is to have a full pi running as an NVR and the Pi zeros just running an rtsp or mjpeg streaming server with nothing else. Even so, you'll get better performance if you use Shinobi instread of motioneye for more than 2 cameras since motioneye recodes the video and shinobi can just copy it. Both have motion detect, recording etc. The pi zero is barely enough for the setup presented, you'll get broken videos, low fps etc.

Proud to be your subscriber. Greetings from INDIA. I wait your every post and never to miss them.Your tutorials are unique and I have been learn a lot of them. I am lucky to purchased RPI ZERO-W in here INDIA because it's hard to find it usually. The camera you used is out off stock before lockdown in country. It's the worst situations in the world due to COVID-19 . May God blessed and relieve the whole humanity ASAP !!! AAMEEN!!

Thank you so much for the help with the Zero. Your video has been super helpful and informative. Spent many hours trying to make it work with raspian, to no avail and many permissions denied with motion and ffserver. This is easy and super accessible. Thanks very much.

You should totally reverse the door hinge on your fridge. I did, and my life improved dramatically.

We learn a lot from these videos such as in this one how to set up a Rasp Pi Zero to be a security camera but also what cereal Chris likes!

Christopher, some things I would like you to cover: * insert text into the video stream such as time, date, camera number, etc. * alert us that the motion detection has "seen" something happen via a Google smart speaker or popping up a message on one or more of our television sets * show the motion activated video on our television sets The reason I am interested in these capabilities is that I have an 84 year old widow friend who is often bed ridden and can't see what is happening outside her house or at her front door. If something happens outside her house while she is watching TV, she would be immediately notified and could see what the camera caught. Thank you.

Clear and concise. Full focus on the subject. No distteactions. Thank you for a quality video!

Super excited for the Pirate Headphone Amp, Chris. I’ve had that project on my “todo list” for years, your video might give me the kick I need to get it done!

Aha, now we know why carrots and cereals are disappearing from the kitchen. As a witness, RPI Zero is called to the testimony :)) Great project and simply explained(computers).

Always look forward to these videos every Sunday. As a person who has worked in I.T. for 22 years I often find something new to learn here. Thanks again.

Your humour is quite witty, and entertaining. Lovely video, simple and informative.

This is an excellent low-cost surveillance tool for the Condo Security Officer to use in my apartment complex. We already have a few dozen wired cameras, but this will make hundreds more cheap to install. I think I'll let the Condo Board know about this product on Monday. Washing machine overstuffers beware!

The only channel I disable my Adblock for. Amazing content!

I can't keep up with these projects. Interesting and marvellous as ever. Thank you.

Just successfully built a ryzen3 gaming computer for my daughter using your videos with virtually no prior knowledge of how to do it . Absolutely no problems at all. Thank you so much for being clear and slow with your instructions unlike all the other coffee fuelled wiz kids that waste so much of the ley persons time on youtube. I watch many of your vids for just that reason. I think you help many people to understand this stuff. We do have brains just not those of the intolerant Mensa heroes that clog the airwaves. You have my full support. 👍🏼✌🏻

Nice idea on creating the adapter cable for cameras switch.

Perfect. 👌🏻 Fast and simple solution for home security and more. Small, can be hidden. And a way to discover how Leo is opening doors around, especially fridge door to steal treats and working room door to sneak in where I find him often curled up between my machines. Greetings Chris, I hope you are doing well and staying safe. 👋🏻

I hope Kellogg’s pay well for the product placement 😂

Used this for a year now in a dummy camera housing. Works great! Had is set to pictures instead of movies in 1920x1080.

That is the most British kitchen I’ve ever seen

For those days where you come downstairs in the morning and realise your fridge has made a run for it. I've lost count of the number of times my fridge has escaped while I was sleeping. Cunning little blighters. 😁

I remember when if you wanted a single board computer to mess with, you bought a router like the WL-520GU and used that.

Very cool! Loved the storm trooper on the frig. its about time he had some backup, now he can take a much needed break. Loved the vid, Thank You.

thank you for the video. please do more zero projects they are cheap and fun

Could have used this in my shared kitchen dorm days

Clear instructions as usual thanks. Would be really useful to show how to set up a solar powered version

This + IR LED's + motioneye + a battery pack + a nice waterproof case = perfect alarm system for camping. Have it set up so it notifies your phone when movement is detected.

My mind is now racing to explore the potential applications for this setup. I love it when that happens. Thanks for another enlightening video! Love it!

Next video: "The Secret Life of Mr. Scissors". Seen here in surveillance footage, his tryst with Cling Film makes for gripping viewing.

The hamster can no longer steal from the fridge sneakily

4:09 Funny how there's a USB-cardreader, for the SD card, plugged in right next to a _built-in SD card slot_ on that laptop. 😆 Anyway, thanks for another informative and entertaining video! :)

Like for Stormtrooper not protecting the kitchen... Did this with MotionEyeOS...a dummy camera case...saving to a NAS drive 24/7. The camera is recording 1280x720 and the overclocking is at high using a heatsink and small 30mm fan. One thing I found out is the wireless network we had prior was not robust enough to stream images or remain connected so it would reset often. Upgrading to a better router has kept it in service for a good while now constantly recording.

I just love seeing all these projects, Thank you.

"Let's go and get started" I wasn't ready for this curveball.

Recently got a Raspberry Pi4 4gb after watching your videos. You are you doing an awesome job. I love the "The magic of film making" bit you do

Yess. I think Its the best idea to make a project while stay at home. Thanks Mr. Barnatt 🙏🏻

As always a great project. Thank you Chris.

I have had two of these setup for a couple of years now and find them excellent. Both are set to 1024 x 768 and give a very clear image during daylight hours. Motion detection is a little hit and miss even with a surveillance mask set but timed jpg images work great too

The Stormtrooper nicely blends with your fridge :)

I don't know if you already have a video for that, but it would be great if you were to make an instruction video on how to set it up, so that it could be accessed from anywhere, with the proper security etc. Thanks for a very informational video - always high quality production!

Love this series!

finally i can know who eats my ice cream.

Wonderful project Chris! It's fired my enthusiasm for the Zero W again

different sized ribbon connectors, very good to know ahead of time.

Just when I'd given up hope of finding scientific proof that Bran Flakes were tastier than carrots.

...now I can prove to my wife's doctor why she is not losing weight...😎

Another cool video! I love the videos where you make stuff.

Hi Christopher, good of you to upload this.

As always interesting. But I don't like WiFi for important surveillance - simply too easy to jam. I would use a pi with wired LAN.

So this is the secret of your slim waist? Carrots and whole cereals. Makes sense.

It's always great knowing every Sunday I'll get another great video from you.

Great little project, works well just exploring are the available setting.

I tried a similar setup with the pi camera module. In the end a second hand android phone was cheaper, more flexible (as it could switch to battery power and 3G/4G data automatically) and could handle 1080p effortlessly.

Old phrase: between a rock and a hard place. New phrase: between carrots and all bran.

Another great video from you Christopher, your explanations are as always detailed yet you make them easy to follow. Thank you for the video guide it will help me make a surveillance cam to keep a checkup on my pet when I’m out.

Déjà vu Chris? The date was July 15 2018. Today’s video is nice refresher. You got me hooked on MEOS back in 2018 and now I have a number of them around my property. Off topic. Just ordered my new Raspberry Pi 4. With 8 GB. They are in stock now but after this weekend they will be out I’m sure. Stay safe.

Bran Flakes, well I never. I had you down as a Sugar Puff man.

I'm pretty certain that your wpa_supplicant file was saved with Windows line endings, because it said so in the bottom right corner of the window. It's likely the Linux code reading it is more tolerant of Windows line endings. Notepad would have assumed Windows line endings because the file was empty.

Good video Chris on a practical use of a RP, I have a similar set up using the very inexpensive "Wyze" cameras, which also have sound.

Thanks for posting. This was much easier to follow than some other tutorials that I found on the same topic. Only thing I see that is a bit odd is that you have tons more settings on MotionEye than I do, using the same version update. All I have are column/row settings and some dimmers for frame rate, etc.

My experience with that kind of motion detection is that it constantly triggers on changing light. I think you'd be much better off using a PIR for triggering.

Fridge Films 10: The re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-re-opening

I have tried this with a Raspberry Pi Zero W + motionEyeOS + various ancient USB webcams, but the only one that was reliable was the official clunky camera. I didn't know about the ZeroCam, so I just ordered one from The Pi Hut using your URL above. Thank You!

Glad I found this channel! Your videos are so good!

Waiting for the raspberry pi 4 8gb video :)

Have you managed to get your hands on the new Pi4 8GB?

I like project like these. Interesting what these SBC can do.

You could have put the setup inside the fridge. When I was a kid I was told that the light goes off when the door is shut, but to this day I've never been properly convinced :D

Why in the hell didn't the develope the "shipping case" of that tiny cam into a re-useable pi zero case for that particular cam? Would make much more sense then to throw the plastic in the garbage.

Now I can figure out which family members make a mess while feeding the cats. When I ask no one splattered while opening the food bags, no one leaves them lying around.... 😉🙄At least the cats feed them self ill see on the movies.

Yesterday, I really thought of buying a Pimoroni Pirate Audio Headphone Amp and combining Mopidy Music Server with it. Today You Announced it as your next project. that is Wonderful!. You are really reading the viewers mind. Appreciate that.

Looking forward to the next project! I've been using Raspberry Pis as video player devices for a while now, but I have a Pi Zero HW lying in a box without a use (couldn't figure out what I wanted to do with it), so making it into a potentially portable media device is suddenly appealing.

That's the same password I use on my luggage!

Someone call the police for Chris! Someone stole his bran flakes!

Very well explained. I wish I've seen this video before Christmas

Refrigerator Stormtrooper, brilliant.

Perfect timing. My city is becoming overwhelmed by "protestors"

First! and just what I wanted to do as well!

Excellent video, Sir! This got me thinking to replace my ancient D-link doorway camera with a Pi. The D-link is seriously old and low res. And the Pi will take up far less space as well. Nice one!

Very useful video. I might finally found a purpose for the Raspberry Pi Zero that I have stored somewhere in my drawer. I am sure a camera is also present in the same drawer.

looter catcher

The "Pi NoIr" cameras on Adafruit have the IR-cut filter removed. Color video in white light requires re-balancing (ImageMagick does this nicely), but the cameras work quite well with infrared LED flood lighting, and the Pi Zero W is capable of determining whether the IR flood lighting is needed or not. An inexpensive Day/Night IP security camera. Much better quality than the $1500 Axis cameras, although those have PTZ which would add some cost on this setup.

That looked like fun. Something to place on my Pi bucket list.

You could also rescue the internal camera from an old broken laptop, which is also very small, and usually just connected to a dedicated USB header. Then if you ran the USB cable along the wall or something, you could hide a power connected laptop or something, which would give you more than 4 hours of capture time, and like your solution, it would still work if the power is cut. Credit for that idea goes to DIY Perks

Keep up the good work man. You just simplified everything I wanted to know about computers for me (not really related to the video but eh, still wanted to thank you).

Nice Stormtrooper. I like this project very cool.

Two more things could make it even more portable. A 3g router taped on to it and reverse ssh into your server. Of course then, this would only be to monitor your brothers fridge, while he's kicking it in Barbados.

Thank you so much, only your video make it so for the not so tech savy to make it easier to understand. Hence I been a Subbie for a while now and with your recommendations have been swapping my old OS laptop into new ones. Thank you from down under Australia