ESP32-Cam Case and Mount for Mk4

The Problem

I was using a modified version of the C270 mount for my camera but I was getting a lot of problems with vibration, it also forced a switch of the spool holder from the right to left in a Prusa enclosure. In addition I was not happy with the case I was using as it did not allow for using an ESP32-CAM-MB so I decided to fix both problems at once. 

The Remixes

The camera is mounted on the right-hand X axis idler using the mount for the C270. This means it moves up with the Z axis so you always see the top of the model no matter how tall.

The camera case uses the front from the ESP32-CAM case with a remixed back which is deliberately quite chunky to reduce vibration.

What you need

Just one M3x18 bolt and a nut. You can probably substitute imperial but I have no idea what size you would need.

Improved idler mount

The idler mount list in the files slightly reduces X axis movement, someone has designed an improved version which should stop this, I've not tried it but it is linked below if you want to give it a go:

https://www.printables.com/model/708100-replacement-x-axis-base-for-mk4-camera-mount

Assembly

1. Fit the camera to front of the case and attach to the back.
2. Insert the nut into the attachment point on the case.
3. Use the M3x18 screw to attach the case to the idler mount, note the camera is effectively mounted upside down.
4. Place it on the printer as shown in the photos, the base should snugly fit to the x axis idler (right side).
5. Adjust the camera's framing and gently tighten the screw.
6. If required you can route the power lead along the idler mount using a C-Clamp from the C270 design.

Driving the camera

Prusa have now taken over the software, I'm still running on the old one (if it ain't broke don't fix it) but I would suggest any new deployments should use the Prusa version. 

I'm using the software from https://github.com/johnyHV/PrusaConnect_ESP32-CAM which works well and has reasonable instructions for setting up. The software allows you to flip the image before uploading to it appears correctly in Prusa Connect.

Update July 2024

I've now added a different back that lifts the camera and angles it down at 30 degrees so you have a wider view of what is going on.

Revised back to the camera case to attach to the idler mount.

Idler mount is a straight copy as it worked well although there is a better version now.