Ella Walter
The Dafang Pan camera, also known as the Xiaomi Dafang camera, is a popular choice for those seeking a 1080p smart camera. While the camera has been praised for its functionality, some users have encountered issues with software updates and bricking. Bricking refers to a device becoming permanently unusable, typically due to a failed software update or other software errors. This article will explore the process of taking apart the Dafang Pan camera, addressing common issues, and providing step-by-step guidance for disassembly and reassembly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Camera type | Pan |
| Brand | Xiaomi |
| Model | Dafang |
| Resolution | 1080p |
| Connection | Wi-Fi |
| SD card | microSD |
| App | Mi Home |
| Custom firmware | Available |
| Disassembly | Possible, but may damage the camera |
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What You'll Learn
Removing the housing
To remove the housing of the Dafang pan camera, you will need to take out the screws and pull the shell apart where it is snapped together. Be careful when removing the housing as you risk breaking some plastic tabs even if you are careful and detail-oriented. Breaking bits and tearing wires is guaranteed if you are not careful.
To begin, use the appropriate screwdriver to remove the screws from the camera housing. Keep the screws in a safe place to avoid losing them. Once the screws are removed, gently pry open the housing using a thin tool such as a spudger or a flat-head screwdriver. Start from one edge and slowly work your way around the camera, being careful not to apply too much force.
Once you have pried open the housing, you may need to disconnect any cables or ribbons that are attached to the camera's internal components. Take note of where these cables are connected so that you can properly reassemble the camera later. Gently lift the top part of the housing away from the camera, being mindful of any tabs or clips that may still be holding it in place.
If the camera housing is particularly difficult to remove, you may need to apply gentle heat to soften any adhesive that may be holding it in place. You can use a hairdryer or a heat gun for this purpose, being careful not to overheat the camera's internal components. Work your way around the camera, applying heat and gently prying until the housing comes loose.
Once the housing is removed, you will have access to the camera's internal components. Be careful not to touch or adjust any sensitive parts, as this may damage the camera. To reassemble the camera, follow these steps in reverse, ensuring that all cables are properly connected and that the housing is securely snapped back into place.
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Disassembling the camera
Once the shell is open, the internal components are exposed, and further disassembly can be performed as needed. It is recommended to take note of the positioning of parts to facilitate easier reassembly. When handling the internal components, care should be taken to avoid damaging sensitive electronics and connections.
If the camera has a microSD card, it can be removed by powering off the camera and then taking out the card. The card can then be modified or formatted using the appropriate software or tools.
For more complex modifications, such as reflashing the firmware, additional steps may be required. This could involve soldering or desoldering components, such as the bootrom, and using a programmer module to flash the bootloader. It is important to follow reliable instructions for such procedures to avoid causing damage to the camera.
During the disassembly process, it is important to keep track of the screws and small parts removed to facilitate proper reassembly. It is also recommended to organize and label components to ensure they are reinstalled correctly.
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Soldering the flash IC
Prepare the Camera and Soldering Tools
Before beginning the soldering process, ensure you have the necessary tools, such as a soldering iron, solder wire, flux, and a heat gun or hot air station. It is also important to have a clean and organized workspace to avoid any damage to the camera's components.
Desolder the Bootrom
The first step is to desolder the bootrom chip. This step requires precision and care to avoid damaging nearby components. Use a desoldering pump or braid to remove the solder, and gently lift the chip away from the circuit board.
Prepare the Flash IC
Obtain a new flash IC, such as the GD25Q127CSIG, which is compatible with the Dafang camera. Inspect the IC for any damage and ensure it is the correct type and version for your camera.
Now, it's time to solder the new flash IC onto the board. Apply a small amount of solder flux to the pads on the circuit board to improve solder flow and reduce the risk of bridging. Gently place the flash IC onto the designated pads, ensuring it is correctly aligned and secure. Use a fine-tipped soldering iron to carefully solder each pin of the IC to the corresponding pad on the board. Take your time and avoid applying too much heat, as this can damage the IC or surrounding components.
Reassemble and Test
Once the soldering is complete, inspect your work for any signs of bridging or cold solder joints. If everything looks good, carefully reassemble the camera, ensuring all components are secure and connected. Power on the camera and test its functionality to ensure the soldering process was successful.
Remember, soldering requires practice and precision. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any steps, it is best to seek assistance from an experienced technician to avoid damaging your camera or its components.
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Calibrating the pan/tilt motors
Reboot the Camera
Firstly, reboot the camera. Upon starting up, the calibrate_motors.sh script will execute, and the camera will begin the calibration process.
Understand the Coordinates
The pan/tilt motors have specific coordinates that define their positions. For the X-axis, 0 represents the leftmost position, and 2600 is the rightmost. On the Y-axis, 0 is the lowest position, and 700 is the highest. Therefore, the central position of the camera is (1300, 350).
Check Voltage
During calibration, ensure that the voltage is sufficient. The highest voltage during calibration should be close to 5V. If you notice low voltage, such as 1.7463 volts, it could indicate a weak power supply.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with the calibration, there are a few things to check. First, ensure that your camera is steadily mounted to reduce the impact of shocks and vibrations, which can affect the calibration. Additionally, enable electronic image stabilization (EIS) if your camera supports it.
For further troubleshooting, you can access the device web interface and add overlay text with specific commands. This includes text such as "Preset #P, Pan:#x, Tilt:#y, Zoom:#z, Factor:#Z, %F, %X, along with the date and time. Take pictures with predefined scenes, such as preset positions, as it is easier to troubleshoot with consistent scenes.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully calibrate the pan/tilt motors of your Dafang Pan camera.
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Fixing a bricked camera
To fix a bricked camera, you will need to identify the cause of the issue. One common cause of a camera becoming bricked is updating the firmware. If this is the case, and you have the previous firmware, you can try to revert to it.
If your camera is a Xiaomi Dafang camera, you will need to desolder your bootrom, reflash it, and solder it back. You will need a CH341a programmer kit for this. You can also try using a Windows-based NeoProgrammer to flash the bootloader.
If your camera is a Wyze V2 cam, you may be able to fix it by following the instructions provided by Andy Ly on the Wyze Forum.
It is important to be cautious when updating camera firmware, as it can be easy to brick your camera. Always read the release notes before updating, and only update if it is fixing a problem you are experiencing or adding a feature you need.
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Frequently asked questions
Taking apart your camera can be done by removing the screws and pulling the shell apart where it is snapped together. However, this is not recommended as you risk breaking plastic tabs and tearing wires.
If your camera is bricked, you will need to desolder your bootrom, reflash it, and solder it back.
If you do not follow the exact recovery instructions, you may end up with an erased flash containing only u-boot in the wrong memory location.
If your camera is not connecting to your network, try booting the camera without the SD card. Insert the SD card and use the Wyze app to format it. Then, power off, put the mod on the SD card, and boot up again.
If you are having trouble with the installation of the new firmware, make sure you have followed the guide correctly. Check that you have completed the ""Installation of the microSD bootloader" section and that your SD card looks like the example given.
