From 3c332db4bfe9083fc0311ae71cff92de588939ad Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Sam Freund Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2025 22:57:07 -0500 Subject: [PATCH] chore[docs]: add arducam ESD problem to troubleshooting (#1848) closes #1720 Many teams have issues with their Arducams randomly disconnecting, so we're adding some documentation on how to try and resolve that. ## Meta Merge checklist: - [X] Pull Request title is [short, imperative summary](https://cbea.ms/git-commit/) of proposed changes - [X] The description documents the _what_ and _why_ - [X] If this PR changes behavior or adds a feature, user documentation is updated - [X] If this PR touches photon-serde, all messages have been regenerated and hashes have not changed unexpectedly - [X] If this PR touches configuration, this is backwards compatible with settings back to v2024.3.1 - [X] If this PR addresses a bug, a regression test for it is added --- docs/source/docs/troubleshooting/camera-troubleshooting.md | 6 ++++++ 1 file changed, 6 insertions(+) diff --git a/docs/source/docs/troubleshooting/camera-troubleshooting.md b/docs/source/docs/troubleshooting/camera-troubleshooting.md index a55ff2971..9c3f2ba9e 100644 --- a/docs/source/docs/troubleshooting/camera-troubleshooting.md +++ b/docs/source/docs/troubleshooting/camera-troubleshooting.md @@ -106,3 +106,9 @@ We expect an output similar to the following. For picameras, note the "unicam" e /dev/media2 Cannot open device /dev/video0, exiting. ``` + +## Random Disconnects + +This is a common issue with Arducam cameras, or other cameras with exposed boards, similar to Arducams. We currently believe it occurs due to electrostatic discharge (ESD). The recommended solution is fully enclosing the camera inside of a case, which can be 3D-printed or sourced from a reputable vendor. Using an anti-static spray on the case can also be helpful in reducing ESD. If the camera was previously damaged, due to ESD or some other reason, this is not guaranteed to resolve the problem. + +To ensure that the camera remains safe from ESD when not in the case, it is recommended that when handling, cameras are only held by the corners. Additionally, cameras should be stored in ESD safe bags which they are commonly shipped in.