HKCam: A Raspberry Pi-powered and open-source HomeKit security camera that costs under US$20

Ever fancied a home security system but have been put off by the price? Well, hobbyist Matthias Hochgatterer certainly thinks so and has based a security system around the Raspberry Pi Zero W, the small developer board that retails for under US$15. You will need the Raspberry Pi camera module too, which the Raspberry Pi Foundation has based on the Sony IMX219 sensor.

This is not just any DIY project, though. Hochgatterer has provided a full set of instructions on GitHub, including links to a pre-configured Raspbian image. The HKCam is compatible with the HomeKit and only requires a 5.1 V micro USB charger for power.

You can currently buy the whole Raspberry Pi Zero W kit on AliExpress for approximately US$30, but you could use any Pi Zero, RPi camera module, microSD card and 5.1 V micro USB charger. Alternatively, you could source these parts locally. Moreover, you could 3D print the camera enclosure if you have one to hand.

Hochgatterer is selling the enclosure and a stand worldwide for just €5 (~US$5.57) though and €9 (~US$10.02) with a wall mount along with associated nuts and bolts. He has already posted a photo on Twitter of numerous camera enclosures he has already printed. Shipping is free if you live in Austria, free for orders over €20 (~US$22.27) in Europe and free for orders over €30 (~US$33.41) elsewhere. Shipping under those thresholds is €6 (~US$6.68) economy or €7 (~US$7.80) in Europe and €11 (~US$12.25) or €13 (~US$14.48) elsewhere. You can order the enclosure here and view the project on GitHub.