Webcam Case for iMac Camera Module

This is a case I made to recycle the camera module from my old iMac (late 2006 version). When I binned that old computer I saved anything that could be recycled, and the camera was perfect to be used in Octoprint! But it needed a case, so I turned it in this sort of webcam.

You can see the module and how to extract it from the iMac here: https://it.ifixit.com/Guida/iMac+Intel+24-Inch+EMC+2111+Camera+Replacement/5192?lang=en

(I saw it sold for pennies on ebay, but if you buy one, be sure it cames with its cable)

The camera case is GoPro/Modular Mount compatible, the arm in the picture is from https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2194278

Please note that in this picture the camera is actually upside-down, as I initially planned to mount it from above, it can be easily reversed in software. I can make a reversed mount model if somebody needs it, just contact me.

To use the camera module, you need to cut the original cable, take a generic USB cable and cut it too, then solder together the wires of the same colour. It can be connected to Windows and Linux using appropriate drivers, look it up on google.

To use it on a Raspberry with OctoPi, you can look it up this thread: https://www.geek-workshop.com/thread-10705-1-1.html

To install the module in the case, just press it in. Place the camera in the hole with something between the PCB and the cam itself, I used a little piece of felt. There is a proper hole to fit the iMac's microphone too, but please note that there is no connection between it and the PCB, it's a simple microphone capsule and you need to provide the electronics to use it.

Close the cover over the front part, be careful on the cable. Lock everything in place with two 2mm screws (I used two thread-forming Torx M2, but any 2mm screw should be ok)

Category: Electronics