I've been meaning to do that using ESPEasy, which is open source firmware that runs on inexpensive ($10) ESP8266 and ESP32 WiFi devices.
Easy MultiSensor device based on ESP8266/ESP32. Contribute to letscontrolit/ESPEasy development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
ESPEasy has sunrise/sunset variables and a text based rule engine that can send http commands. So a single ESPEasy device could update settings on several cameras. The only caveat is that the cameras would need to be on the same local network as the ESPEasy device.
I haven't attempted to do this yet because too many projects are in the way. But it's on the honey-do list as a winter project. Maybe someone else will try it out and share what they did.
BTW, I don't want to derail Andy's discussion. So if there is interest in this then just click this post's "
Like" button instead of posting here. If the interest is high enough I'll create a topic with an example on how to do it.
- Thomas
Sorry for the long delay. Here's an update on my idea to use ESPEasy for setting the sunrise/sunset states.
Initially I found that ESPEasy wasn't compatible with my Dahua and
Amcrest cameras. Fortunately the issues were resolved by the main ESPEasy project developer. For those that are interested in our discussions then start here:
Then continue here:
The hostname can now be: hostname or IP username:pass@hostname or IP As reported on the forum
github.com
Note: The test code mentioned in the discussions involved writing titles (text messages) to the Dahau cameras, but setting sunrise/sunset is a similar http function.
Long story short, the latest versions of ESPEasy are compatible with Dahua / Amcrest cameras and NVR's. Specifically, the ESPEasy releases after Aug-09-2022 are good to go.
I intended to create instructions on how to use ESPEasy to set camera sunrise/sunset conditions. I planned on two different scenarios. (1) A basic example that showed how to use NTP time for camera networks with internet access and (2) an advanced example that used a TSL2561 Light Sensor for cameras networks isolated from the internet.
Unfortunately the project went dark because I had to pack my lab in preparation of a move. Everything went into storage, where it remains today. Completion of the new house has been delayed due to building industry bottlenecks (material delays, construction worker burnout, etc).
I'm posting these details in case someone else wants to go at this on their own and try ESPEasy with their cameras. The concept has been validated, so all that is needed is for someone to create the ESPEasy rules, test them, and then share their work.
Otherwise, hang tight. I'll get to it as soon as my homeless challenges are resolved. But that won't be until next spring if all goes to plan.
- Thomas