WTB: Raspberry Pi Zero or Pi 4

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jonathan18

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#298495 21-Jun-2022 19:39

As per the title, I'm looking for a Raspberry Pi Zero or Pi 4 - has anyone got one sitting around they'd be willing to part with? If so please PM me and let me know how much you want for it (including shipping to PN).

I have a Pi 3B I'd be willing to swap (+ cash), if that is adequate for your usage! (I'm needing it to be able run Teslacam, which apparently needs a Zero or 4.)

Many thanks.

michaelmurfy

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#2932853 21-Jun-2022 20:07

Personally, because I've tried both I found the Pi Zero 2 better for TeslaUSB because it takes up far less room in the glovebox. I from there have mine stuck to the top of the glovebox.

I ordered this pack: https://core-electronics.com.au/raspberry-pi-zero-2-essentials-kit.html which arrived quickly. Seems a waste purchasing a whole kit for just the Pi but I do like the case, and the extras came in handy for other things. Has been running reliably for a few months now.

Also a note - make sure you get a high endurance SD card!

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
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jonathan18

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#2932858 21-Jun-2022 20:22

Thanks, Michael; really useful info, and good for the link to a Zero I can actually buy (pretty difficult to get hold of at the moment!).

While a diversion from 'WTB', can I ask you a couple of practical questions on using it in practice (as I've read mixed messages on some of these things):

* is the transfer speed adequate for transferring content?

* given I was alternatively looking at a 500GB SSD, will a 128GB SD card be adequate?

* is yours powered just via the USB? (I've read some have issues with this.)

* most sites talk about setting it up using a Windows PC, but I assume I can use a share on my Synology NAS?

* is there any software or app that compiles the videos from all cameras to be viewed in sync?

Thanks so much!

michaelmurfy

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#2932882 21-Jun-2022 20:54

Transfer speed is fine - I sometimes notice that the Pi can take a while to sync (I have it doing music sync along with Teslacam) when pulling out of the driveway but on the road the Pi does turn into USB mode rather quickly and starts recording. You do need good WiFi around where your car. When I return home the upload starts again and if I ever need to upload more events (eg - if I hit the dashcam button in the car to save a recording) I just either turn on sentry mode to keep the car awake or keep the aircon on for a bit while the car is in the driveway until the upload completes.

You'll just need to make a mount on your Synology for the TeslaUSB but that works no problems. I've got separate mounts for music and dashcam and did the initial sync with the Pi just simply running on my desk for a few hours (for the music). I have a 128gb mount for dashcam and 80gb for music configured with a 256gb card. Note also, I don't really use the music but it is handy to have some locally stored tunes for when you're in the middle of nowhere with no mobile coverage.

Mine is powered by the Tesla's USB totally fine. Initially I was running a Pi 4 off this and didn't have a problem but switched to the Pi Zero 2 just to save glovebox space. I suspect the Pi Zero 2 will use less power also so you shouldn't run into a power delivery issue.

Card I am using is a SanDisk High Endurance 256gb card purchased from Amazon AU Here. I personally had a Samsung 500gb SSD in the car but this lasted a couple of weeks only because I had to keep removing it to grab footage - this got annoying quickly :)

There are several apps to stitch video like you see on the Model 3 Dashcam Group but one I've used is simply the browser interface here: https://teslacam.org/viewer/ - you're best to experiment what works well for you.

jonathan18

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#2933020 22-Jun-2022 09:53

Brilliant - really helpful tips thanks, Michael. In the end I’d have been spending $140sh to get the Samsung T7 500GB SSD anyway, so I think total cost of buying the Pi etc will end up being not that much more but with far greater ease of use. (The only thing I need to check is WiFi strength in the garage; it’s ok with a camera on the outside of the garage, but still better be sure…)

Is there anyone out there that has a Pi Zero they’re not using and would be ok with selling?

If not, I’ll stump up for the kit, but thought it still worth checking.

michaelmurfy

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#2933122 22-Jun-2022 12:03

I'd recommend just going with the Pi Zero 2 as the original Pi Zero is rather underpowered for the task IMHO. You're basically getting a quad core CPU vs a single core CPU. The problem I found is the Pi Zero 2 is actually rather hard to find currently (as are all Raspberry Pi's) and I actually don't think there are many in NZ.

jonathan18

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#2936321 30-Jun-2022 09:14

Just to confirm, I've bought a Pi Zero 2 W from the link given in an earlier post; certainly not a bargain-basement device at this current point in time ($93 for the kit), but still in the grand scheme of things... [Mods - happy if you want to close this thread]