Hardware & Software Requirements

Hardware

Raspberry Pi (Required)

Recommended: Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W

  • Most cost-effective option
  • Sufficient processing power for time-lapse capture
  • Compact size (perfect for printer enclosures)
  • Price: ~$15 USD
  • For details, see Raspberry Pi Comparison

Camera Module (Required)

Recommended: Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3 NOIR Wide-Angle

  • NOIR variant: Better for low-light environments (important in enclosed printer spaces)
  • Wide-angle lens: Captures more of the print bed
  • Module 3 specifics: Superior autofocus, faster capture
  • Alternatives: Module v2, HQ camera (wider compatibility but fewer optimizations)

CyberBrick / BBL_SHUTTER (Required)

  • Bambu Lab CyberBrick Time-Lapse Kit
  • Must include the BBL_SHUTTER Bluetooth button/sensor
  • Firmware version: Recent (tested with 2024+ firmware)
  • Signal compatibility: Manual button press (0x4000), Bambu Studio app (0x8000)
  • Setup: See the Bluetooth Setup Guide for detailed pairing instructions

Power & Connectivity

  • Power: 5V, 2A USB-C power adapter (e.g., Raspberry Pi official 5W+ supply)
  • Storage: microSD card, 16GB+ (U3 speed class recommended)
  • Network: Optional Ethernet/WiFi (for remote access, log review)
  • Cables: USB-C power, microSD adapter (usually included with Pi)

Mounting & Enclosure

  • Camera mounting: Flexible gooseneck or fixed bracket
  • Pi mounting: Clip mount or adhesive strips (3M VHB recommended)
  • Positioning: Camera should view print bed at slight angle, protected from heat/plastic spatter
  • Cooling: Ensure adequate ventilation; avoid direct heat from printer

Estimated Cost

Component Cost Notes
Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W ~$15 Most affordable
Camera Module 3 NOIR ~$30 Best for dark enclosures
CyberBrick Kit ~$20–40 Prices vary by region
Power supply ~$5–10 Reuse if available
microSD card ~$5–15 16GB, fast speeds
Cables/Mounts ~$5–15 Optional accessories
Total ~$80–120 Complete starter kit

Alternative Pi Options

  • Pros: Cheapest, smallest, sufficient for time-lapse
  • Cons: Slower CPU (noticeably if running other services)
  • Best for: Dedicated time-lapse capture, single printer

Pi 4 (2GB+)

  • Pros: 4× faster CPU, room for expansion, better for multi-profile
  • Cons: Larger, higher power draw, $40+
  • Best for: Multiple printers, concurrent operations

Pi 5

  • Pros: Latest performance, future-proof
  • Cons: Expensive ($60+), overkill for time-lapse
  • Best for: Hobbyists wanting latest hardware

Software Requirements

Raspberry Pi OS

Recommended: Raspberry Pi OS Lite (Bookworm)

  • Lightweight (no desktop/GUI needed)
  • Latest kernel & drivers
  • Pre-installed rpicam-still (modern camera framework)
  • ~300MB download, ~2GB installed

Installation:

  1. Download Raspberry Pi Imager
  2. Select: Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W → Raspberry Pi OS Lite (Bookworm)
  3. Configure: WiFi, hostname, username/password
  4. Write to microSD and boot

Python 3.9+

Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm ships with Python 3.11 ✅

Verify installation:

python3 --version
# Python 3.11.2

rpicam-still

Modern Raspberry Pi OS includes this by default.

Verify:

which rpicam-still
# /usr/bin/rpicam-still

If missing (older OS), install:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y libraspberrypi-bin

Project Dependencies

bbl-shutter-cam requires:

bleak>=0.22.0,<0.23     # Bluetooth LE client
tomlkit>=0.12.0,<0.13   # TOML config parsing

Installed automatically during setup (see Quick Start).

Bluetooth / BLE Requirements

Hardware Support

  • Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W: ✅ Built-in Bluetooth 5.0
  • Pi 4/5: ✅ Built-in Bluetooth
  • Older Pi models: May need external USB Bluetooth adapter

Test Bluetooth:

sudo hcitool scan
# Shows nearby Bluetooth devices (should find your CyberBrick)

CyberBrick Pairing

  • Automatic: bbl-shutter-cam setup discovers and uses the device by name
  • No password: CyberBrick uses standard Bluetooth LE (no PIN needed)
  • Range: ~10–50 meters line-of-sight (indoors, ~10m typical)

Optional: System-Level Setup

For headless operation (auto-start on boot), you’ll want:

systemd

Included in Raspberry Pi OS. Allows automatic service startup.

Manual service installation (detailed in Auto-Start with Systemd):

sudo systemctl enable bbl-shutter-cam
sudo systemctl start bbl-shutter-cam

SSH

Included. Allows remote login for configuration & photo review.

Enable SSH (if not already enabled):

sudo raspi-config
# → Interface Options → SSH → Enable

SFTP

Uses built-in SSH. Allows secure file transfer of photos.

Access from your PC:

sftp pi@raspberrypi.local
> cd captures/my-printer
> get *.jpg

Pre-flight Checklist

Before starting setup, verify:

  • Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W powered on, SSH-accessible
  • Camera Module 3 NOIR physical installed, recognized
  • CyberBrick powered on, within Bluetooth range
  • Python 3.9+ available
  • Internet connection for dependency installation
  • microSD card has ~5GB free space (for photos)

All set? → Continue to Raspberry Pi Setup