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Camera Connection and Usage

v1.4.0 GoCam Testing Feature

The FLYOS-FAST v1.4.0 beta image also supports GoCam. It allows real-time adjustment of UVC camera parameters through the 8080 port. For usage instructions, please refer to the GoCam Camera Service. The v1.3.10 release version and platform images that do not include GoCam will continue to use the Crowsnest method described on this page.

Configuration Order Reminder

Please follow the steps strictly in the order below; otherwise, the camera may not be recognized:

  1. Enable the service first: Ensure the crowsnest service is started and running normally.
  2. Configure the camera second: After the service is running normally, proceed with the specific camera parameter settings.

If you have already made a mistake: If you configured the camera first but the crowsnest service was not enabled, you typically need to delete the camera configuration in the Web interface and then re-add it to ensure the configuration takes effect.

Note: This refers to deleting the camera configuration entry in the Web interface, not deleting the crowsnest.cfg configuration file.

Connection and Configuration Notes
  • Connection Method: Please plug the camera directly into the USB port of the host machine, rather than into other non-USB ports on the host.
  • Camera Requirements: Please use a driverless, plug-and-play USB camera. Such cameras can usually be used directly in Klipper environments on Linux, Armbian, and other systems without requiring additional driver installation.
  • Software Environment: This tutorial is based on the latest versions of Klipper, Crowsnest, and Fluidd. If you use Mainsail or another frontend, the configuration principles are the same; please refer to their official documentation for specific operations.

Important Notes​

Required Reading
  • Certain settings in the configuration file only take effect on the first system startup after flashing.
  • Due to the complexity of the configuration process, it is strongly recommended to connect the machine to the network first and then configure it through a browser.
  • This tutorial only covers the modifiable options.
Caution
  • It is recommended to use mainsail or fluidd web interfaces for configuration changes.
  • Do not enable webpage translation; otherwise, the system may fail to boot after saving.
  • It is best to avoid entering Chinese characters or special characters in the configuration file.
  • After modifying the configuration file, the system needs to be restarted for the changes to take effect.
Danger
  • Do not modify the content below ######### PLEASE DO NOT EDIT THE FOLLOWING ######### in the configuration file.

How to Modify the Configuration File​

Modifying the Configuration File After Flashing​

  • Configuration items that only take effect on first startup must be modified by opening the configuration file config.txt in the removable disk FlyOS-Conf with a professional text editor after flashing is complete.

Online Configuration Modification is Now Supported​

  • For regular configuration items, simply modify them on the system web configuration page and restart the system for them to take effect.

    • Open the device IP address in a browser, e.g., 192.168.1.2/
    • In fluidd, uncheck -> Filter hidden files and folders as shown on the left in the image below.
    • In mainsail, check -> Show hidden files as shown on the right in the image below.
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    • At this point, you can see the .flyos-config folder. Enter this folder and you will find the sys-config.conf file.
    • The sys-config.conf file is a symbolic link to the configuration file config.txt on the removable disk FlyOS-Conf.
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    • Open the sys-config.conf file, modify the desired configuration items, then Save -> Close, and restart the system.
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    • Note: The format of configuration items in the sys-config.conf file is key=value; do not change it to key: value.
    • After saving, restart the system for the changes to take effect.

Enable Crowsnest Service​

  • Search for crowsnest=0 in the configuration and change it to crowsnest=1
  • Save the configuration after modification and restart the system
  • Please note that after modifying the configuration file, the system needs to be restarted for the changes to take effect.
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Open Configuration​

Tip
  • There are many types of camera IDs depending on the system; we only need to confirm the ID that will not change.

  • Find the configuration file in Fluidd, then open crowsnest.conf

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  • Locate device: and delete the ID configuration that follows.

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Search for Camera ID​

Tip
  • Ensure the camera is connected to the host computer
  • Click DEVICES at the top, then click VIDEO, and finally click Refresh
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  • Find path_by_id and copy the line that follows
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Add ID​

  • Add the ID and save the configuration
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Enable Camera​

  • Click Settings, select Camera, then click Add Camera
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  • Enter a name of your choice and click Save
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Check if Enabled​

  • The camera feed should appear on the dashboard
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  • If it does not display, restart the system again
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