SinoVoIP BPI-D1 is a tiny 720p30 camera module running Linux, and powered by Anyka AK3918 ARM9 processor. It’s a standalone module that can be powered by micro USB (5V), or an external Lithium battery, and it also includes various GPIOs, a micro USB interface, a micro SD slot to boot Linux, optional Wi-Fi connectivity, and more..
BPI D1 specifications:
- Processor – Anyka AK3918 ARM926EJ processor @ 400 MHz
- System Memory – 64MB DDR2
- Storage – 16 MB SPI Flash + micro SD flash up to 32GB.
- Camera:
- CMOS Image Sensor 720p @ 30fps, visible light with 940 nm two-way infrared lens filter, with infrared night vision function
- Lens – M7*P0.35 EFL=3.0mm/F.NO=2.8/View Angle=60°
- Video Recording – H.264 / AVI hardware encoding at 720p 30fps for up to 120 hours of video data on a 32GB micro SD card
- Audio Formats – MP3/WMA/AAC
- Audio Input – Microphone
- Connectivity – 802.11 b/g/n (AP or client mode) with Realtek RTL8188EUS WIFI module (D1 Pro version only)
- USB – 1x micro USB OTG port, 1x micro USB port for power
- Expansion
- 14-pin header for GPIO, PWM, UART, I2C, SPI, audio in, and stereo audio out.
- 8-pin header to add NRF24L01 2.4GHz RF module
- Debugging – UART header for serial console
- Misc – RTC, function key function and charging LED, night vision photo-resistance
- Power Supply – Micro USB or external 3.7V Li-ion battery charged via AXP173 power management chip
- Power Consumption – Recording: 200 mA @ 5V; WiFi On: 350mA @ 5V; 24-hour recording is achievable with a 10,000 mAH battery
- Dimensions – 36x36mm
- Weight – 10 grams
SinoVoIP also claims BPI-DI is an “open source” camera module, but the hardware is certainly closed, there’s no Linux kernel source on bananapi-dev github account (yet), and all they provide are the flash burning tool, and a 2MB firmware image. Luckily for us, hardware engineers often add their company name during board design, and you’ll notice a “Lamobo” marking on the botton right corner of the picture above. A quick Google Search will point to Lamodo company website, which mentions only their D1 camera module, as well as a Kickstarter campaign for the module, which was successful in terms of funding, but the goods have not been shipped yet, and the latest update (28/10/2014) is entitled “a letter of apology” (reserved to backers) which should mean delays or something worse. In any case, they also have a github account and lamobo-d1 repo with tools, Linux 3.4.15 and ip camera app source code, and the rootfs.
The Kickstarter video is still interesting, as it shows it’s light enough to be flown on a kite, and can control motors via PWM output, among other things.
SinoVoIP has not formally released the board yet and pricing information, but Lamobo D1 camera module went for $65 on Kickstarter including a 8GB micro SD card, a lens with 80-degree view angle, three USB cables for power, programming, and USB to serial, a USB type-A male connector, and an acrylic case for the board. D1 Pro version adding a Wi-Fi module went for $75. [Update: BPI-D1 can be purchased for $43 on Aliexpress]. If you are interested in making your own module with Anyka processor, you can visit Anyka AK39xx and HD IP camera solution pages.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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it is available here: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Freeshipment-BPI-D1-open-source-IP-camera-can-use-on-Raspberry-PI-Free-Shipment-fast-delivery/302756_32223771185.html
It’s quite interesting I have to admit !
these guys obviously will never learn what open source is 🙂
@Tsvetan
Compare to Olimex, yes, they are a joke !
I asked them on G+ a link to the “source” otherwise I’m not bying it. Let’s see if we gonna have a good laugh or not.
Heh…I’m looking at the Lamobo stuff- they don’t even have a Linux flashing solution (at least mentioned); you have to build the stuff on Linux and then use Win7 to flash the device. Fail.
@CNXSoftware Jean-Luc, you said on G+, on a BananaPi post that you find the sources ? But there is nothing right ?
@embedded_geek
It’s on lamobo-d1 github repo.
@Jean-Luc Aufranc (CNXSoft)
Alright I see it now! Well I give it a try so… I’ll post a review on G+ and tell you.
@embedded_geek
there is actually no Paypal paiement on Alieexpress so I will pass on that one… I don’t want to give my Visa identification. shame 🙁
it is also availble here: http://e.banana-pi.fr/fr/cameras/35-bpi-d1-camera-ip.html
But the price… 44€ VAT included. (35$ in china…)
I can’t decide if it really worth the 44€. :/
I have purchased this camera from oem sinovoip. I paid $35 usd for it. It does not have Wifi or AP as initial info stated. New version 2 documentation indicate that their is a night time IR LED module for it but where? LaMOBO video of Engineer initial setup and test show the wifi module…,its a special version that apparently is having issues leaving China or clearing customs. at the same time I received the BPi-R1 which did not include wifi antennas and the available Android image is in Chinese and crashes when you attempt to touch or press any… Read more »
@jemartel
Did you buy it fomr here ? http://www.aliexpress.com/store/group/BPI-D1-IP-Camera/302756_259457692.html
Did you manage to make it work ? Even with the Stock firmware ?
Was intrigued and purchased one but it does not work at all. Was able to flash the new firmware but it does not record anything to the micro-sd card as documented. Given the lack of any video out, the only way to get any debugging going is to use the debug serial port on it but you need a special connecter for that.
I also tried the BPI-D1 from Ali… and really have to say: It’s a trap.
The module can use a WIFI module (or a WIFI USB dongle?) but wont have one. So this module standalone is just useless!
Since I prefer a LAN than a WLAN Camera my next try will be a Raspberry with Camera Module:
– camera of better quality
– much better software and community support
– no requirement to order from china
– no more chinese web pages to read and ‘decode’
@Robert
Hi Robert, how did you get the SSID for the Wifi, its driving me crazy…
Hi All,
I have a problem with firmware, when I log in using serial terminal, there is a error “Cannot identify ‘/dev/video0’: 2, No such file or directory”. Is there anyone having the same issue? And If you can resolve this problem, Please share with me.
Thanks in advance.