Thought I might use the 3D printer to fashion an outside waterproof camera case for a Pi3 IP camera. Giving it much thought I decided on 4 components: Two end caps, 1 cylinder, and a plate to fit the Pi3 and the USB camera module.
I need to state that while the build is complete I do not ensure/guarantee any degree of water tightness so proceed at your own risk.
The camera housing/enclosure is designed for a Pi3 utilizing its built in wifi. Substituting other components, for example a Pi2 will run into problems with case access ports/holes, etc. In addition you will also need to fashion a short USB cable that runs from the camera to the Pi3. This will require USB A connectors and JST 2.0 MM PH4 pin connector with wires attached. The JST 2.0MM connector will be soldered to the USB Male A connector.
What you need:
- a USB camera module
- a Pi3 (because I wanted to go wireless – a Pi2 will work but the case design omits access points for a wifi dongle or ethernet cable. When I complete this build I will make the case design available in both Sketchup’s format and in STL files. This way you can modify the case should you want to utilize different components.
- JST 2.0mm PH4-Pin Female housing Connector with Wire and Male Connector – this will connect the Camera Module to a USB port on the Pi3
- USB Male A Connector
- 2M bolts with orings and flat washers – shown below loosely attached
- 180 degree USB gender bender/adaptor pictured below
- 1” X 1/8” clear acrylic Small circle Disc
- 90 degree micro usb to power jack – shown below
- 2 130mm OD 2.4mm Cross Section Rubber O rings
- power jack couplers to fashion a short power cable shown below
- 2.5MM, 2.0MM, standoffs, 3M X 90MM bolts w/nuts (4 wing nuts for end cap assembly)
- a 3D printer or access to one (maybe a friends)
- time – the prints take about 16 hours.
Images can be double clicked for greater detail!
The Design
End Cap PI3 |
![]() |
Cylinder |
![]() |
End Cap Camera |
![]() |
USB Camera Module mount plate |
![]() |
The Build
Here is a video demonstrating the motion quality and the quality of reception from the Pi3’s built in WIFI to the house router. Note I do not include video content in the “quality” statement.
https://youtu.be/rdn0Se0MZOU