[Q] Omate TS Camera Module Replacement/Relocation

[airfix4]

Hello,

I would like to replace the Omate TrueSmart camera module with a higher quality lens an/or one with higher resolution.
My application does not require the device to be worn on the wrist or even on a human. If there is no way to utilized a better camera module (again fit and form are of no concern, as I will be designing my own packaging), then at a very minimum I would like to move the camera module approximately 6 inches away from the screen (i.e. I think I just need a ribbon cable with the correct connectors).
Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thx

 

[chainsol]

I've been wondering this myself - could you just buy the correct camera module connector, and add the drivers?

 

[gerhardo]

I've been wondering this myself - could you just buy the correct camera module connector, and add the drivers?

The drivers are the major problem here, you will have to find something that is working in a similar device to get it working, you cannot compile the driver yourself.

 

[chainsol]

The drivers are the major problem here, you will have to find something that is working in a similar device to get it working, you cannot compile the driver yourself.

For instance, the camera module from the second version of the ZGPAX S8, which is a true 3mp module, with drivers available?

 

[Lokifish Marz]

There's nothing wrong with the camera module. It's all soft side, in fact the module is a newer version of what was in the iPhone 3.

 

[airfix4]

There's nothing wrong with the camera module. It's all soft side, in fact the module is a newer version of what was in the iPhone 3.

Do you know a source for buying components to relocate the camera module (i.e. ribbon and connectors)? I need the camera to be located about 6 inches away from the board.

 

[Lokifish Marz]

Do you know a source for buying components to relocate the camera module (i.e. ribbon and connectors)? I need the camera to be located about 6 inches away from the board.

Connectors can probably be sourced from a site like Alibaba or Aliexpress. Might require a bit of wading through pages of close but not it connectors.

Another alternative is it pull one from another device that uses the same connector. A bulk lot sale of dead phones should get you the right connector.

The cable is hard, that's usually a custom job. There is a way you can make your own. This is similar to the original cable but it limits you to ideally placing the PCB and the module in the same enclosure.

Another option is to use an old IDE cable, and fine solder the cable to the PCB and module. Then just hot glue after to minimize stress on the connection points. This allows you to have the PCB in one enclosure and the module in another, like so;

[PCB+Cable]-------[Cable+Module]


If this is a project you don't want made public, PM me with a layout and usage case and I'll see if I can offer a more specific solution.