Convert Xiaomi NightVision Wireless IP Camera to a Remote Door Viewer

Do you want to avoid answering callers at your front door?
Do you want to interact with them remotely?

Do you want extra security?

KickStarter projects too expensive? Too much Hipster BS?

Want something free? (CC-Attribution)

Well you can 3D print a housing to mount the Xiaomi IP camera with Night Vision (Xiaomi Ants) at your front door! The camera itself cost roughly £20 (US$30?), and you do need some hacking with the hardware, mainly just soldering skills, extra parts required...

Undaunted? Read on!

Bill of Material:

1) Xiaomi NightVsion Wireless IP camera

2) Micro USB breakout board, a specific one, dimension is important! NB: The board is 15x13x1.7mm

3) 4 x 8mm, Countersunk Screw, M3

4) 1 x 30mm, Socket Cap Screw, M3

5) 1x 25mm, Hexagon Stand-off Spacer, M3

6) Almost forgot, 1 x 3mm, M3 screw, preferable flat top to screw Hexagon spacer in place

Item 4 and 5 will depend on your door thickness... e.g. Steel Reinforced Meth Lab

Void Warranty Section You have to enlarge the original Mic opening on the camera to allow wiring

1) Buy a Xiaomi NightVision IP camera

Buy here

2) Buy some Micro USB breakout boards, these are specific for use in this project...

Dimension 1.7mm PCB, 15x13mm

Buy here

Unscrew x4 screw, take a peep inside...

Hisilicon 3518 ARM core processor for IP cameras!

Identify power terminals coming in from original Micro USB

Solder new wiring for extension, also extend Mic wiring

All wiring will now come out of original Mic hole on camera casing, make this hole bigger to allow access

Bonus: the molex connector that is unconnected has a down regulated output of 3.3V! Could be useful for other things...

3D print the housing and door mount...

View over at Thingiverse.com or download it here

Fit everything back in... Note position of Mic.

Screw back cover with 4x8mm countersunk M3 screws

It will look like this... thread the wires out, left = negative terminal, right = positive terminal

Add a ring of blu-tak to help mounting on door, for uneven surfaces and avoiding slippage when tightening the screws, much easier to remove than foam double-sided tape

On the back of your door, loop the wire out.

1. Thread the wire, noting the correct terminals, and loop securely, no soldering is required
2. Now secure your mount with a 30mm M3 screw
3. Stuff the excess wiring into the peep hole cavity
4. Sit the USB breakout board flush to the mount
5. Cap it, that's it, job done!