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Camera Connection and Usage

Configuration Sequence Reminder

Please strictly follow the sequence below; otherwise, the camera may not be recognized:

  1. First, Enable the Service: Ensure the crowsnest service is started and running normally.
  2. Then, Configure the Camera: After the service is running normally, proceed with the specific parameter settings for the camera.

If Misoperation Occurs: 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 connect the camera directly to the USB port of the host computer, not to other non-USB ports on the host.
  • Camera Requirements: Please use a driver-free, plug-and-play USB camera. Such cameras can typically be used directly in Klipper environments on systems like Linux, Armbian, etc., without requiring additional driver installation.
  • Software Environment: This tutorial is based on the latest versions of Klipper, Crowsnest, and Fluidd. If you are using Mainsail or other frontends, the configuration principles are similar. 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​

Modify the Configuration File After Flashing Is Complete​

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

The System Now Supports Online Configuration Modification​

  • If it is a regular configuration item, modify it on the system web configuration page and then restart the system for it to take effect.

    • Open the device IP address in a browser, for example: 192.168.1.2/
    • In fluidd, as shown on the left in the figure below, check -> Show Hidden Files.
    • In mainsail, as shown on the right in the figure below, uncheck -> Filter hidden files and folders.
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    • At this point, you can see the .flyos-config folder. Entering this folder will show the sys-config.conf file.
    • The sys-config.conf file is a soft link to the configuration file config.txt in the removable disk FlyOS-Conf.
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    • Open the sys-config.conf file, modify the configuration items that need to be changed, then Save -> Close, and restart for it to take effect.
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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 modifying and saving, restart the system for it 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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