Hi everyone,


I have an Amazon Fire HD tablet mounted on the wall, and I’d like to find a way to mechanically cover (block/shade) the camera based on certain situations - but it should be operated/controlled electronically.


Ideally, I’m looking for a simple solution — maybe some kind of prebuilt module or attachment that can be added to the tablet.


Has anyone solved something like this, or can recommend an easy approach?

The position of the tablet is not fix, if required i can remount it in the new position on the wall.


Thanks!

 

Hello,

Perhaps a camera cover might work.
This amazon add shows 3 sizes:
https://www.amazon.com/JOS-Californ...d=1776025633&sprefix=camera+c,aps,323&sr=8-18

Bertus

 

thanks, but wrongly described... it has to be electronically controlled.

 

You are asking for an "electronically controlled" mechanical shutter for a video camera. That will be a custom designed system package. Good Luck!

 

You are asking for an "electronically controlled" mechanical shutter for a video camera. That will be a custom designed system package. Good Luck!

i thought that it might be possible to stock such a module ... and slightly customize.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/297820977823

These 433MHz Tx and Rx modules are really handy for up to 4 channel control. 433MHz is licence free in the UK, other sub GHz frequences elsewhere. 4 push buttone to connect to ground trigger 4 outputs on the receiver. If you can rig a small geared dc motor to move a rotating disk in front of the lens with a hole you can align in front of or away from the lens, just one channel will do. Easily powered from a CR3022 3V battery or similar.

 

Certainly a rotating disk shutter mechanism would be simple, but what does the TS think?? The scheme to accurately control the rotation will be a bit complex.

 

Perhaps a latching solenoid with a rod connected to a cover that pivots on a single point and can swing in front of the lens when energized one way (positive) and away from the lens when energized the other (negative) way.

With such a latching solenoid - if you choose you could move it by hand. No motors, no gears, no elaborate electronics to move the motor so many steps to open or to close.

 

Looking on Amazon I found this latching solenoid. It's supposed to open with a single pulse then close with the opposite polarity pulse. It doesn't take energy at all times when active it just switches back and forth depending on which way you drive it. It's not exactly what I had in mind but perhaps it might serve the purpose.

 

I have a 24VAC sprinkler valve solenoid in hand. Using a 12VDC source the spring plunger pulls back about a quarter inch. In the off position it could swing a light weight cover over the lens when not powered. When powered with 12VDC it draws 320mA. Even though it's rated for 24VAC continuous service, 12VDC doesn't seem like it draws much current. Wattage is 3.84W. Less than 4 watts. Given its size I don't expect heat to become an issue. Fits in your hand - actually fits in your fist.

Here's a basic sketch:

The center plunger is spring loaded to hold it up. When energized it drops below the top edge of the threaded section. And yes, I drew it slightly angled because to draw threads I used the fill function which only fills with horizontal or vertical lines. by turning the basic drawing a few degrees over the horizontal lines appear to mimic threads.

 

Hi,
A miniature roller blind would work.
A small motor powered by a L293 or similar.
Weight the base of the blind to keep it tame.
You could use a garage door control, key fob to operate it.
Please keep us informed of your progress.
Good luck........

 

The beam can be counterbalanced so the spring doesn't bear the full weight of the swing arm. When energized, the swing arm has slightly more weight to the right of the pivot and will fall and reveal the camera lens. When de-energized the spring plunger should push the swing arm back up and cover the lens.

 

The rotating disc with an opening was described, and aside from rotating it with a motor, it could also be advanced part of a turn by a solenoid and rachet scheme. That scheme would also allow a single input with click-open, click-closed operation. As simple as it gets.

 

hello all,
thanks but i got completely lost... which way (solution) to proceed.

thanks

 

Sorry about that , THOR! A bunch of indepenant minds came up with different suggestions that seem like they all would work. But not the detailed details, which are often the hard parts of a project.