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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe Raspberry Pi Camera Extender (Through-Hole) is a custom PCB designed to join two Raspberry Pi camera flex cables. It is not a complete retail extender kit: the project specifies two connectors that must be soldered onto the board. Before choosing it, check the connector format on both ends of your camera setup; Raspberry Pi uses both 15-pin and 22-pin CSI connectors, depending on the hardware.
What the through-hole camera extender does
Darragh Broadbent describes the project as “a custom PCB to link two Raspberry Pi Camera flex cables together.” The “through-hole” label refers to how its connectors mount to the PCB: they pass through the board and require soldering. The project page was published on Hackster.io on 20 February 2019 (project page).
Hackster lists two SLW15R-1C7LF connectors per board, a Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2, and a soldering iron as a hand tool. The creator says the connectors fit only one way, with each facing the nearest short edge of the board. These are the project’s stated assembly details, not an independently verified build procedure.
Check the CSI connector format before using it
The project’s parts list identifies its connectors, but compatibility still depends on the camera and Raspberry Pi board you intend to connect. Raspberry Pi documentation distinguishes two CSI connector formats: 15-pin on flagship models before Raspberry Pi 5, and 22-pin on Pi Zero, Compute Module IO boards, and flagship models since Raspberry Pi 5. Check the connector at each end and confirm pinout and orientation before selecting a cable or adapter (Raspberry Pi camera documentation).
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Supported Platforms: NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano, Raspberry Pi 4B, 3B+, 3B, 2, Model A/B/B+, and Pi Zero
- This Arducam CSI to HDMI Cable Extension Module is to extend the Raspberry Pi camera cable with a standard HDMI cable, it works with the V1, V2, V3, and HQ cameras
- By using high speed HDMI cable, the camera can run over 10 meters, that high extend the usage of the Raspberry pi cameras
- In addition to extend the camera signal, the adapter board provides another 3 signals to be extend with the camera signals together via the headphone jack connector
- If you need a longer and stronger cable with solid connections, it is right thing for you. This system works with all Raspberry Pi models
Raspberry Pi’s official camera cable listing describes a shielded cable for Pi 5 and all Pi Zero models, available in 200 mm, 300 mm, and 500 mm lengths (Raspberry Pi Camera Cable). Those listed endpoints should not be taken as a claim of universal compatibility with older 15-pin camera setups; match the cable to the connectors on your particular board and camera.
Choose the kind of extension you actually need
“Camera extension” can mean joining the main board-to-camera ribbon cables, or extending a different connection between a camera PCB and its sensor. A Raspberry Pi forum question about CSI extension cables illustrates why it helps to identify which connection you need to lengthen before buying or building anything (forum discussion).
Rank #2
- 5 length for raspberry pi camera: 15cm 20cm 30cm 50cm 100cm, both ends are 15 Pin 1.0mm Pitch interfaces.
- 2 length for raspberry pi zero camera: 7.3cm 15cm, one end is 15 Pin 1.0mm Pitch interface and the other end is 22 Pin 0.5mm interface.
- Compatible for all Raspberry Pi board, camera module and display, perfect for Octoprint 3D printing monitoring.
- Whatever for 3D printer, home security, or other raspberry pi camera project, this camera cable set can totally meet your requirement.
| Option | Connector and assembly details | What is documented |
|---|---|---|
| Through-hole project PCB | Hackster lists two SLW15R-1C7LF connectors per board; the connectors must be soldered on. | Joins two camera flex cables. The project page does not state a maximum cable run or report signal-integrity testing. Hackster project page |
| Adafruit CSI/DSI extender board | For two classic 15-pin, 1.0 mm-pitch flex cables; not for the Pi Zero’s narrower CSI connector. | Adafruit cautions that long CSI/DSI extensions are not guaranteed. This is a separate product, not Broadbent’s through-hole project. Adafruit product details |
| Official Raspberry Pi camera cable | Raspberry Pi lists a shielded cable in 200 mm, 300 mm, and 500 mm lengths for Pi 5 and all Pi Zero models. | The listing identifies those intended hardware endpoints; check the connector format rather than assuming it suits every older 15-pin setup. Raspberry Pi product page |
What the project page does not establish
The Hackster page does not give the PCB dimensions, a rated maximum cable length, or measured signal quality for this design. It therefore cannot establish how far the camera can be placed from the Raspberry Pi while maintaining reliable operation. Do not treat another extender’s anecdotal range—or the existence of a passive connector board—as a tested distance for this PCB.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Natively compatible with all Raspberry Pi A&B series board, camera module and display.
- 100cm/3.28ft length, 15 Pin 1.0mm Pitch interfaces, longer than the standard Rpi camera cable, especially useful when you don't want to place the camera near the Raspberry Pi.
- Works great for a “stealth” black look, goes well with 3D printers OctoPrint setup and Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera
- Used on OctoPi, Raspbian, MotionEye for 3D printer monitoring, surveillance camera or other Pi cam projects.
- Search ASIN B088BGN5HC B088BLZKRG to get the tripod and CS Lens for Raspberry Pi High Quality Camera
Rank #4
- 【Design for CSI Interface Camera】Circuit Boards has CSI Interface connecting Camera, Such as NVIDIA Jetson Nano and Raspberry Pi 5, 4B, Pi 3B+, Pi 3B, Pi 2, Model A/B/B+, Pi Zero.
- 【Application of Kit】HDMI cable serves as an SCI extension cable. Interspersed Between the Circuit Board and the Camera. Meet the Requirements of Long-distance Camera Capture Scenarios. Supported for Raspberry Pi Camera Module 3(12MP IMX708), Raspberry Pi HQ Camera (12MP IMX477), Raspberry Pi camera V1 (5MP OV5647) and raspberry pi camera V2 (8MP IMX219).
- 【HDMI Test Cable】Kit include 0.5m HDMI Cable for Testing Camera Connect. By using high speed HDMI Cable, the camera Signal transmission distance exceeding 10 meters, that high extend the usage of the Raspberry pi cameras In addition to extend the camera signal, the adapter board provides another 3 signals to be extend with the camera signals together via the Board A/B/C/GND Pad.
Rank #3
- 100cm/3.28ft length, 15 Pin 1.0mm Pitch interfaces, longer than the standard Raspberry Pi camera cable.
- Used on OctoPi, Raspbian, MotionEye for 3D printer monitoring, surveillance camera or other Pi cam projects.
- Natively compatible with all Raspberry Pi A&B series board, camera module and display.
- Long enough for mounting the camera, especially useful when you don't want to place the camera near the Raspberry Pi.
- Arducam is a company dedicated to open source hardware and software, specifically for Arduino and Raspberry Pi camera solutions. We also offer customized turnkey design and manufacturing solution services for customers who want their products to be unique.
Practical checks before building or buying
- Identify the board-to-camera connection you want to extend; do not confuse it with a separate camera-to-sensor connection.
- Check whether both ends use 15-pin or 22-pin CSI connectors, and verify pinout and orientation in the Raspberry Pi documentation.
- If building the through-hole project, account for the two specified connectors and the soldering work.
- If choosing a ready-made cable or extender, confirm its stated hardware compatibility. The Adafruit board is specifically for classic 15-pin, 1.0 mm-pitch flex cables and excludes the Pi Zero’s narrower connector.
- For a long run, look for evidence that the exact hardware and cable arrangement has been tested; these project and product pages do not establish a reliable maximum distance for Broadbent’s PCB.
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