Are you looking to enhance your vehicle’s security and recording capabilities? Off-the-shelf Car Dash Cams are readily available, but often lack the specific features and customization many users desire. As a car enthusiast and DIY electronics hobbyist, I wanted more control over my dashcam’s functionality. That’s why I embarked on a project to build a custom car dash cam using a Raspberry Pi, and you can too!
Having previously experimented with Arduino for motion-based alerts, I was eager to explore the versatility of the Raspberry Pi, a mini-computer capable of running a full Linux operating system. The idea of creating a personalized car dash cam with it was immediately appealing. The recent release of the Raspberry Pi 3 model provided the perfect opportunity to dive in.
My goal was to create a car dash cam that met several key requirements for practical, everyday use:
- Automatic Operation: The system should automatically power on and begin recording as soon as the car ignition is turned on. This includes starting the Raspberry Pi, initializing the webcam, and commencing video recording in manageable 30-minute segments.
- Ample Storage with Smart Management: Video footage should be stored for at least a month, accommodating approximately 60 hours of driving time per month. To manage storage space efficiently, older video files (over 30 days old) should be automatically deleted. Similarly, system logs should also be maintained and purged after 30 days.
- Safe Shutdown and Power Management: When the car ignition is turned off, recording should cease promptly (after a brief 30-second delay). A graceful operating system shutdown should then be initiated to prevent data corruption. Critically, to avoid battery drain, the power supply to the Raspberry Pi should be completely cut off from the car battery after a short period (around 2 minutes post-shutdown).
- Wireless File Access: Accessing recorded video and system logs should be convenient and cable-free. Ideally, this access should be achievable from an Android mobile device within the car cabin via either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for external monitors, keyboards, or physical connections to the Raspberry Pi.
This project outlines the initial concept and requirements for a DIY Raspberry Pi car dash cam. In future articles, we will delve into the specific hardware components, software setup, and step-by-step instructions to bring this smart car dash cam to life. Stay tuned to learn how you can build your own customizable and feature-rich car dash cam system.
