TTL Serial JPEG Camera with NTSC Video

JPEG camera with motion detector: NTSC videos and JPEG snapshots in a single take

Are you familiar with the features of the TTL serial JPEG camera with NTSC video on which this new version is based? It’s a small JPEG camera module with a motion detector capable of filming in NTSC format and of saving colour snapshots taken from video footage. These snapshots are in JPEG format for easier storage on an SD card. The videos and images are transmitted using the TTL serial port.

This mini-camera also has a whole set of extremely practical functions, in particular for those with a limited knowledge of photography, for example automatic white balance, automatic brightness and contrast management and a remote control system (between 10 and 15 metres) that can be adjusted according to your needs.

A serial JPEG video camera with weatherproof IR LEDs for night filming

This new version of the TTL camera module already proposed by Adafruit is in fact a weatherproof camera with nocturnal vision. Its metal housing protects it from moisture while its infrared LEDs ensure optimum night vision.

The camera’s photocell detects failing light and will trigger a ring of 12 infrared LEDs if necessary to light up its immediate environment when shooting.

Technical specifications of the Adafruit IR Camera

• Metal housing size: 50.8 × 50.8 × 63.5 mm
• Weight: 150 g
• Image sensor: CMOS ¼”
• CMOS pixels: 30 M
• Pixel size: 5.6 x 5.6 µm
• Output format: JPEG / M-JPEG
• Automatic white balance
• Automatic gain
• Electronic rolling shutter
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 45 dB
• Dynamic range: 60 dB
• Max. analogue gain: 16 dB
• Frame speed: 640x480 30 fps
• Progressive scan mode
• Viewing angle: 60°
• Monitoring distance: 10–15 metres (adjustable)
• Image size: VGA (640 x 480), QVGA (320 x 240), QQVGA (160 x 120)
• Baud rate: default 38,400, max. 115,200
• Current draw: 75 mA without IR LEDs, extra 250 mA with IR LEDs
• Operating voltage: 5 Vdc
• Communication: 3.3V TTL (3 wires: TX, RX, GND)

Resources for the IR JPEG camera

We’ve compiled a selection of the most useful links to help you get to grips with your infrared JPEG camera, including a comprehensive list of codes for Arduino and a tutorial that will guide you from A to Z.

• Arduino library for the serial JPEG Camera with Infrared LEDs
• Arduino tutorial for the serial JPEG Camera with Infrared LEDs
• VC0706 DSP processor datasheet
• PTC-08 module datasheet
• DSP management tool (Windows)
• Protocol cheat sheet