Webcam is working/not working randomly

lmo92 · September 19, 2024, 9:09am

Hi everyone,
I have an issue with crownest with my webcam working randomly :
When I start the printer , I have a grey square instead of the picture.
If I go and modify the crownest.conf file, adding a space to ‘modify’ it and then save, sometimes ( not each time ), the video is back. I was not able to find the reason. I updated to the latest version of crownest ( in case of bug I would have missed ) , nothing changed.
the device is recognized ,
The config seems ok ( as it works from time to time ) :

[crowsnest]
log_path: /home/pi/printer_data/logs/crowsnest.log
log_level: verbose                      # Valid Options are quiet/verbose/debug
delete_log: false                       # Deletes  log on every restart, if set to true
no_proxy: false

[cam 1]
mode: camera-streamer                         # ustreamer - Provides mjpg and snapshots. (All devices)
#mode: ustreamer                                        # camera-streamer - Provides webrtc, mjpg and snapshots. ( rpi + Raspi OS based only)
enable_rtsp: false                      # If camera-streamer is used, this enables also usage of an rtsp server
rtsp_port: 8554                         # Set different ports for each device!
port: 8080                              # HTTP/MJPG Stream/Snapshot Port
#resolution: 640x480                     # widthxheight format
#max_fps: 15 
device: /dev/v4l/by-id/usb-HD_WEBCAM_HD_WEBCAM_201207-video-index0                     # See Log for available ...
#device: /dev/v4l/by-path/platform-5200000.ehci1-controller-usb-0:1.2:1.0-video-index0
resolution: 640x480                     # widthxheight format
max_fps: 15                             # If Hardware Supports this it will be forced, otherwise ignored/coerced.
#custom_flags:                          # You can run the Stream Services with custom flags.
#v4l2ctl:                               # Add v4l2-ctl parameters to setup your camera, see Log what your cam is capable of.

sorry, I can not put screenshot as I’m a new user on the forum
Anyone would have insight ? tips ? or maybe I’m missing something basic ?
Thanks in advance !

ojars26 · September 19, 2024, 12:40pm

Hi, did you check - crowsnest.log. Normally you can see what camera is found in log. then just copy over config.
For me it was → “/dev/video1” see on my log last line end.


[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest:		[crowsnest]
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest:		log_path: /home/pi/printer_data/logs/crowsnest.log
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest:		log_level: debug
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest:		delete_log: false
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest:		no_proxy: false
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest:		
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest:		[cam 1]
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest:		mode: ustreamer
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest:		enable_rtsp: true
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest:		rtsp_port: 8554
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest:		port: 8080
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest:		device: /dev/v4l/by-id/usb-Microsoft_Microsoft®_LifeCam_HD-3000-video-index0
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest:		resolution: 1280x800
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest:		max_fps: 10
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest: INFO: Detect available Devices
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest: INFO: Found 1 total available Device(s)
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest: INFO: Found 1 available v4l2 (UVC) camera(s)
[09/17/24 12:11:07] crowsnest: /dev/v4l/by-id/usb-Microsoft_Microsoft®_LifeCam_HD-3000-video-index0 -> /dev/video1

new config

[cam 1]
mode: ustreamer
enable_rtsp: true
rtsp_port: 8554
port: 8080
device: /dev/video1

lmo92 · September 20, 2024, 2:09pm

yes, here are the log.

t: crowsnest - A webcam Service for multiple Cams and Stream Services.
[09/20/24 16:06:50] crowsnest: Version: v4.1.9-1-gd75a3ae
[09/20/24 16:06:50] crowsnest: Prepare Startup ...
[09/20/24 16:06:50] crowsnest: INFO: Host information:
[09/20/24 16:06:50] crowsnest: Host Info: Distribution: Ubuntu 20.04.6 LTS
[09/20/24 16:06:50] crowsnest: Host Info: Kernel: Linux 4.9.191 aarch64
[09/20/24 16:06:50] crowsnest: Host Info: Available CPU Cores: 4
[09/20/24 16:06:50] crowsnest: Host Info: Available Memory: 999676 kB
[09/20/24 16:06:50] crowsnest: Host Info: Diskspace (avail. / total): 7.7G / 15G
[09/20/24 16:06:50] crowsnest: INFO: Checking Dependencies
[09/20/24 16:06:50] crowsnest: Dependency: 'crudini' found in /usr/bin/crudini.
[09/20/24 16:06:50] crowsnest: Dependency: 'find' found in /usr/bin/find.
[09/20/24 16:06:50] crowsnest: Dependency: 'xargs' found in /usr/bin/xargs.
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest: Dependency: 'ustreamer' found in bin/ustreamer/src/ustreamer.bin.
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest: Version Control: ustreamer is up to date. (v6.10)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest: INFO: Print Configfile: '/home/pi/printer_data/config/crowsnest.conf'
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		[crowsnest]
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		log_path: /home/pi/printer_data/logs/crowsnest.log
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		log_level: verbose
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		delete_log: false
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		no_proxy: false
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		[cam 1]
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		mode: camera-streamer
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		enable_rtsp: false
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		rtsp_port: 8554
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		port: 8080
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		device: /dev/v4l/by-path/platform-5200000.ehci1-controller-usb-0:1.2:1.0-video-index0
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		resolution: 640x480
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		max_fps: 15
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest: INFO: Detect available Devices
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest: INFO: Found 1 total available Device(s)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest: INFO: Found 1 available v4l2 (UVC) camera(s)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest: /dev/v4l/by-id/usb-HD_WEBCAM_HD_WEBCAM_201207-video-index0 -> /dev/video0
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest: Supported Formats:
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		[0]: 'MJPG' (Motion-JPEG, compressed)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 320x240
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 480x272
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 640x360
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 640x480
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 800x600
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 1024x576
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 1280x720
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 1440x1080
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 1920x1080
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		[1]: 'H264' (H.264, compressed)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 320x240
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 480x272
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 640x360
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 640x480
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 800x600
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 1024x576
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 1280x720
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 1440x1080
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 1920x1080
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 320x240
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 480x272
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 640x360
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 640x480
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 800x600
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 1024x576
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.040s (25.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		[2]: 'YUYV' (YUYV 4:2:2)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 320x240
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 480x272
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 640x360
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 640x480
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.033s (30.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 800x600
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.067s (15.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 1024x576
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.100s (10.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Size: Discrete 1280x720
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		Interval: Discrete 0.100s (10.000 fps)
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest: Supported Controls:
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		brightness 0x00980900 (int)    : min=1 max=255 step=1 default=128 value=128
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		contrast 0x00980901 (int)    : min=1 max=255 step=1 default=128 value=128
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		saturation 0x00980902 (int)    : min=1 max=255 step=1 default=128 value=128
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		white_balance_temperature_auto 0x0098090c (bool)   : default=1 value=1
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		gain 0x00980913 (int)    : min=1 max=100 step=1 default=50 value=50
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		power_line_frequency 0x00980918 (menu)   : min=0 max=2 default=1 value=1
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		0: Disabled
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		1: 50 Hz
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		2: 60 Hz
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		white_balance_temperature 0x0098091a (int)    : min=2800 max=6500 step=1 default=4650 value=4650 flags=inactive
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		sharpness 0x0098091b (int)    : min=1 max=255 step=1 default=128 value=128
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		exposure_auto 0x009a0901 (menu)   : min=0 max=3 default=0 value=0
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		0: Auto Mode
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		2: Shutter Priority Mode
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		exposure_absolute 0x009a0902 (int)    : min=5 max=2500 step=1 default=5 value=5 flags=inactive
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest:		exposure_auto_priority 0x009a0903 (bool)   : default=0 value=0
[09/20/24 16:06:51] crowsnest: Try to start configured Cams / Services...
[09/20/24 16:06:53] crowsnest: INFO: Configuration of Section [cam 1] looks good. Continue ...
[09/20/24 16:06:53] crowsnest: WARN: Mode 'camera-streamer' is not supported on your device!
[09/20/24 16:06:53] crowsnest: WARN: Falling back to Mode 'ustreamer'
[09/20/24 16:06:54] crowsnest: V4L2 Control: No parameters set for [cam 1]. Skipped.
[09/20/24 16:06:56] crowsnest: Starting ustreamer with Device /dev/v4l/by-path/platform-5200000.ehci1-controller-usb-0:1.2:1.0-video-index0 ...
[09/20/24 16:06:57] crowsnest:  ... Done!

Question is why it is working “suddendly”, as I do not change anything in the config ?
( no changes with new config shared )

lmo92 · September 20, 2024, 2:15pm

config in mainsail , for ref

lmo92 · September 20, 2024, 2:46pm

Reposting to illustrate : after 2 changes , update the device in the file
I have the video
Logs are confirming :

20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest: Supported Controls:
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		brightness 0x00980900 (int)    : min=1 max=255 step=1 default=128 value=128
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		contrast 0x00980901 (int)    : min=1 max=255 step=1 default=128 value=128
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		saturation 0x00980902 (int)    : min=1 max=255 step=1 default=128 value=128
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		white_balance_temperature_auto 0x0098090c (bool)   : default=1 value=1
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		gain 0x00980913 (int)    : min=1 max=100 step=1 default=50 value=50
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		power_line_frequency 0x00980918 (menu)   : min=0 max=2 default=1 value=1
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		0: Disabled
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		1: 50 Hz
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		2: 60 Hz
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		white_balance_temperature 0x0098091a (int)    : min=2800 max=6500 step=1 default=4650 value=4650 flags=inactive
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		sharpness 0x0098091b (int)    : min=1 max=255 step=1 default=128 value=128
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		exposure_auto 0x009a0901 (menu)   : min=0 max=3 default=0 value=0
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		0: Auto Mode
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		2: Shutter Priority Mode
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		exposure_absolute 0x009a0902 (int)    : min=5 max=2500 step=1 default=5 value=5 flags=inactive
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest:		exposure_auto_priority 0x009a0903 (bool)   : default=0 value=0
[09/20/24 16:30:52] crowsnest: Try to start configured Cams / Services...
[09/20/24 16:30:54] crowsnest: INFO: Configuration of Section [cam 1] looks good. Continue ...
[09/20/24 16:30:55] crowsnest: V4L2 Control: No parameters set for [cam 1]. Skipped.
[09/20/24 16:30:57] crowsnest: Starting ustreamer with Device /dev/video0 ...
[09/20/24 16:30:58] crowsnest:  ... Done!

But if I go now on another computer, I get the grey square instead of video ??

lmo92 · September 23, 2024, 7:42pm

up ? any suggestion ? I’m a little bit lost …

system · November 22, 2024, 7:43pm

This topic was automatically closed 60 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.

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