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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​

Must Read
  • The partial settings in the configuration file will only take effect during the first system startup after flashing.
  • Due to the complexity of the configuration process, it is strongly recommended to connect to the machine via network and configure through a browser.
  • This tutorial only provides modifiable options.
Note
  • It is recommended to use the mainsail or fluidd web interfaces for configuration modifications.
  • Please do not enable webpage translation, as saving after translation may prevent the system from starting.
  • It is best not to input Chinese characters or special symbols in the configuration file.
  • After modifying the configuration file, a system restart is required 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 during the first startup must be modified by opening the configuration file config.txt in the removable disk FlyOS-Conf using a professional text editor after flashing is completed.

Online Configuration Modification After System Startup​

  • For general configuration items, modifications can be made through the system's web configuration page, followed by a system restart to take effect.

    • Open the device's IP address in a browser, for example: 192.168.1.2/.
    • In fluidd, as shown in the left image below, uncheck -> Filter hidden files and folders.
    • In mainsail, as shown in the right image below, check -> Show hidden files.
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    • At this point, you will see the .flyos-config folder. Enter this folder to find 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 required 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 making modifications and saving, restart the system for the changes to take effect.

Enable the Crowsnest Service​

  • In the configuration, search for crowsnest=0 and change it to crowsnest=1
  • After making the changes, save the configuration and restart the system
  • Please note that after modifying the configuration file, a system restart is required for the changes to take effect.
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Open the Configuration​

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

  • In Fluidd, find the configuration file and open crowsnest.conf

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  • Find device: and delete the ID configured after it

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Search for the Camera ID​

Tip
  • Ensure that the camera is connected to the host machine.
  • Click on DEVICES at the top, then click VIDEO, and finally click refresh
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  • Find path_by_id and copy the line following it
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Add the ID​

  • Add the ID and save the configuration
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Enable the Camera​

  • Click on Settings, select Camera, and then click Add Camera
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  • Enter a name you prefer and click Save
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Check if Enabled​

  • Click on the Dashboard; the camera feed should appear normally
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  • If it does not display, restart the system again.
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