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Devon Bray’s RasRig turns several Raspberry Pi computers into networked cameras for an engineering workbench stream. Each Pi sends a camera view to OBS, so the setup can show a wide view, an overhead bench angle and microscope detail without running a long HDMI or SDI cable to every camera. The project’s attraction is reuse and modularity—but its published software instructions are tied to older Raspberry Pi hardware and Raspberry Pi OS Buster.
What RasRig does
RasRig is a modular, multi-camera system for showing both the computer and the physical workbench during engineering livestreams. Bray’s walkthrough describes at least three simultaneous angles. A Raspberry Pi sits with each camera, and the feeds reach OBS over a network connection using mjpg-streamer on the Pi.
That arrangement lets a camera be placed where it is useful and use existing Ethernet or Wi-Fi rather than requiring a separate long video cable back to the streaming computer. Bray also describes remotely adjusting settings such as resolution, frame rate and exposure. The project does not compare Wi-Fi and Ethernet performance, so the best choice depends on the network and placement in a particular room.
Choose a view and camera
The project supports different camera configurations rather than one mandatory camera. Pick the view first, then confirm that the camera, lens and Raspberry Pi are compatible.
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| View or configuration | What it is suited to | Documented camera option |
|---|---|---|
| Wide establishing view | Showing the overall bench and its surroundings | OV5647 wide-angle module |
| Overhead bench view | Showing hands and work surface from above | Standard Raspberry Pi camera module |
| Close microscope view | Showing small components or detailed work | Printed camera plate for C-mount microscope lenses |
| Interchangeable-lens view | Adapting framing or working distance with a suitable lens | Raspberry Pi HQ Camera |
These are examples in Bray’s project, not a guarantee that every camera works with every Pi. Check the camera interface and compatibility for the board you intend to use before assembling a node.
What older Raspberry Pi hardware can do—and the software constraint
Bray presents the design as a way to reuse hardware across generations. In a quotation reported by Hackster, he says a launch-day Raspberry Pi Model B still works in his own setup and can provide 30 FPS video over the network. That is his account of a particular configuration, not a general performance guarantee for every Model B, camera, resolution or network.
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There is an important qualification for anyone trying to reproduce the documented setup: Hackster reports that the Ansible provisioning supports Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ and older and requires Raspberry Pi OS Buster. Buster is an older operating-system release, so do not assume these instructions are suitable for a current Pi OS installation. Check the linked project configuration and installation guidance before choosing a board or attempting setup; the sources do not establish current compatibility beyond the reported range.
How the physical build is modular
RasRig uses printable camera plates for different camera modules and optics. The plates can be changed as the camera or use case changes, and the project includes mounting provisions for bench placement and tripod use. Hardware requirements vary by plate; the walkthrough’s listed categories include M2 and M3 bolts, threaded inserts and 1/4-20 tripod inserts.
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Use the project’s printable files and the hardware list for the specific plate you select rather than assuming one fastener set fits every configuration. The source walkthrough links to the printable parts from its project page.
A practical way to plan a RasRig-style setup
- Choose the shots. Decide whether you need an overview, overhead coverage, close detail or some combination. Three angles are Bray’s stated goal for his stream, not a minimum requirement.
- Match cameras to the views. Select a compatible module or lens arrangement for each position, checking the board-camera pairing before printing or mounting parts.
- Check the Pi and software fit. If following the documented Ansible setup, account for Hackster’s reported limit of Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+ and older and its Raspberry Pi OS Buster requirement. Verify the repository instructions because software compatibility can change.
- Select plates and mounting hardware. Use the plate and fasteners listed for the chosen camera, and decide whether the view should attach to the bench or a tripod.
- Connect each camera node to the network and OBS workflow. The project uses mjpg-streamer on the Pi and network delivery to OBS. Plan Ethernet or Wi-Fi based on the location and network available; no comparative latency or reliability measurements are published.
Project links and evidence limits
Bray’s walkthrough, dated October 6, 2024, provides the primary account of the intended use, camera choices, mounts and build materials: Hardware for Engineering Stream. Hackster’s account by Gareth Halfacree reports the software compatibility details and quotes Bray about his older board: Devon Bray’s RasRig Streaming Setup Makes Great Use of Older Raspberry Pi Single-Board Computers.
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The published material describes Bray’s design and experience; it does not supply controlled benchmarks, a network comparison, or evidence that every component or software dependency remains available or compatible today.
Quick Recap
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