reCamera 2002 8GB AI Camera User Manual

1. Introduction

The reCamera 2002 8GB is a compact and powerful AI vision platform designed for various applications, from education and robotics to industrial use. It features a modular design, enabling custom sensor compatibility and flexible interface expansion. With 1 TOPS (Tera Operations Per Second) of Int8 AI performance, it supports popular AI frameworks like Ultralytics, TensorFlow Lite, and PyTorch, capable of detecting up to 80 object classes. Its small form factor (40x40x36.5mm) allows for deployment in diverse environments.

2. Package Contents

Please check the package carefully to ensure all items are present and in good condition:

• reCamera 2002 8GB x1
• USB Type-C Cable x1
• Ethernet Cable x1

3. Hardware Overview

Familiarize yourself with the components and interfaces of your reCamera 2002 8GB:

1. Power Indicator: Shows the power status of the device.
2. Reset Button: Used to restart the device.
3. Boot Button: Used for entering bootloader mode, typically for firmware updates.
4. USB Type-C Port: Main port for power supply and data communication (USB 2.0).
5. Ethernet Port: For wired network connectivity (100Mbps).
6. Fill Light: 0.3W white light for illumination.
7. Status Light: Two programmable I/O indicators.
8. On-board Mic: Integrated microphone for audio input.
9. External Speaker Port: For connecting an external speaker.
10. TF Card Slot: For removable TF card storage (up to 2TB, not included).
11. Programmable I/O Pins: For custom input/output connections.
12. Mounting Holes: For securing the device.
13. Heat Sink: For thermal management.
14. Camera Lens: The primary vision sensor (OV5647).

The reCamera also supports custom expansion boards for specialized needs. For customization, you can contact edgeai@seeed.cc.

4. Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the reCamera 2002 8GB:

5. Setup Guide

Follow these steps to set up your reCamera 2002 8GB:

1. Insert TF Card (Optional): If you plan to use external storage, gently insert a compatible TF card (up to 2TB) into the TF Card Slot (10) until it clicks into place.
2. Connect Network (Optional):
   • Wired: Connect one end of the provided Ethernet cable to the Ethernet Port (5) on the reCamera and the other end to your network router or switch.
   • Wireless (reCamera 2002w model only): If you have the wireless model, ensure your Wi-Fi network is configured through software once the device is powered on.
3. Connect Power: Connect the provided USB Type-C cable to the USB Type-C Port (4) on the reCamera and the other end to a suitable 5V power adapter (not included) or a computer USB port. The Power Indicator (1) should light up.
4. Initial Boot: The device will begin its boot sequence. Observe the Status Lights (7) for activity.
5. Accessing the Device: Refer to the official Seeedstudio documentation or the Node-RED interface for instructions on how to access and configure your reCamera for AI applications.

6. Operating Instructions

The reCamera 2002 8GB is designed as an AI vision platform. Its operation primarily involves software configuration and deployment of AI models.

• AI Model Deployment: The device supports various AI frameworks (Ultralytics, TensorFlow Lite, PyTorch) and can be programmed to detect up to 80 object classes. Detailed instructions for model deployment and inference are available in the official Seeedstudio documentation.
• Node-RED Workflow: The reCamera features a built-in Node-RED workflow for quick setup and easy AI deployment. This visual programming tool simplifies the process of connecting hardware devices, APIs, and online services.
• Programmable I/O: The two programmable I/O status lights (7) and dedicated I/O pins (11) can be configured via software to interact with external components or provide visual feedback based on AI inference results.
• Audio Functionality: The on-board microphone (8) and external speaker port (9) allow for audio input and output, which can be integrated into AI applications for voice commands, alerts, or sound analysis.
• Reset and Boot Buttons: The Reset Button (2) can be used for a soft reboot. The Boot Button (3) is typically used in conjunction with specific software tools for flashing new firmware or recovering the device. Consult advanced documentation before using the Boot Button.

7. Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your reCamera 2002 8GB:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the device. For the camera lens, use a specialized lens cleaning cloth and solution. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
• Environment: Operate and store the device in a dry environment, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and high humidity.
• Ventilation: Ensure the heat sink (13) is not obstructed to allow for proper heat dissipation.
• Firmware Updates: Regularly check the official Seeedstudio website for firmware updates to ensure your device has the latest features and security patches. Follow the provided instructions carefully during updates.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your reCamera 2002 8GB, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• Device does not power on:
  • Ensure the USB Type-C cable is securely connected to both the device and a working power source.
  • Try a different USB Type-C cable or power adapter.
  • Verify the power source is providing sufficient voltage (5V).
• No network connection:
  • For wired connection, check the Ethernet cable and ensure it's properly connected to a functional network port.
  • For wireless models (reCamera 2002w), ensure Wi-Fi is enabled and configured correctly in the software.
  • Check your router or network settings.
• AI model not performing as expected:
  • Verify that the correct AI model is loaded and configured.
  • Check the input data (camera feed) for clarity and proper lighting.
  • Consult the specific AI framework's documentation for debugging tips.
  • Ensure sufficient processing power is allocated if running multiple tasks.
• Status lights are not behaving correctly:
  • The Power Indicator (1) should be steadily lit when powered.
  • The programmable Status Lights (7) behavior depends on your software configuration. Refer to your custom code or application documentation.
• Device is unresponsive:
  • Press and hold the Reset Button (2) for a few seconds to perform a soft reset.
  • If a soft reset doesn't work, disconnect and reconnect the power cable.
  • For severe issues, you may need to reflash the firmware using the Boot Button (3) and official tools. This is an advanced procedure and should only be done after consulting Seeedstudio support documentation.

9. User Tips

While no specific user reviews or Q&A were available for this manual, here are some general tips for maximizing your experience with the reCamera 2002 8GB:

• Stay Updated: Regularly check the Seeedstudio official website and community forums for the latest software, firmware, and development resources.
• Community Support: Engage with the Seeedstudio community. Many developers share projects, tips, and solutions that can be helpful for your own applications.
• Experiment with AI Frameworks: Explore the different AI frameworks supported (Ultralytics, TensorFlow Lite, PyTorch) to find the best fit for your specific AI vision tasks.
• Utilize Node-RED: Leverage the built-in Node-RED workflow for rapid prototyping and deployment of AI applications, especially for those new to embedded AI development.

10. Warranty and Support

For technical support, warranty information, or to inquire about customizing expansion boards for your specific needs, please contact Seeedstudio directly:

• Email Support: edgeai@seeed.cc
• Official Website: Refer to the Seeedstudio official website for comprehensive documentation, forums, and additional support resources.