A Samsung Galaxy S8, once a flagship phone, now sits in a cage watching a hamster. The phone streams video through the IP Webcam app, acting as a dedicated security camera. The setup lets a family know when to interact with their pet without constant checks. The main goal was to help a daughter care for her pet hamster more efficiently.
The phone's 12MP rear camera provides better clarity than a typical budget Wi-Fi camera. It's pointed directly at the hamster's cage, capturing every movement the small creature makes during the day. The camera is set up to monitor Mr. Nibbles, the hamster, and detect when he is active so that he can be taken out for exercise or to clean his cage.
Setting Up the Camera
The IP Webcam app was installed on the Galaxy S8. It streams live video across a local network. The phone was placed in the cage and aimed at the right spot. The motion detection area was set to only cover the interior of the cage. This ensures that the alerts are triggered specifically when Mr. Nibbles moves, avoiding false alarms from other motion in the room.
Home Assistant picked up the stream, creating sensors like a Motion Active indicator. A trigger sends a push notification when the hamster moves. A cooldown period prevents repeated alerts when the hamster is active. This makes it possible for the daughter to know exactly when to check on the hamster without having to constantly look.
The phone charges overnight, but the S8's old battery isn’t meant for constant charging. Smart plug automation limits charging to 20%-80%, avoiding full battery stress. This helps keep the phone running all day without damage. By using an automation, the phone only charges when necessary, reducing the risk of battery degradation over time.
Technical Details and Performance
The S8's camera quality is enough to make out the hamster's movements, even if it can't match a high-end camera's night vision. Since the cage is only monitored during the day, this works perfectly. The phone provides a high-quality alternative to a new, more expensive security camera, which the family did not want to buy for this specific purpose.
This project reuses old hardware, avoiding extra hardware purchases. It's an example of how unused tech can be put back to work with simple automation and a few apps. By using an old phone and some smart home tools, the family found a creative solution that meets their needs without spending money on new equipment.
The Galaxy S8 was chosen specifically because it was already in the house and had a working camera. It was not in regular use, making it a perfect candidate for repurposing. Using an old phone instead of buying a new security camera saved money and provided a better quality stream with sharper details.
Fine-Tuning the Automation
The setup required some configuration to ensure the camera was properly aimed and focused. The motion detection zone was carefully adjusted so that only movements within the cage would trigger alerts. This helped prevent false alarms from people or pets walking by in the background or from light changes.
The automation process involved integrating the IP Webcam stream into Home Assistant. This required entering the IP address, username, and password provided by the IP Webcam app. Once set up, Home Assistant generated necessary sensors to track motion and send alerts.
The automation for charging also played a key role. By connecting the phone's charger to a smart plug and setting up a rule to turn the plug on when the battery reached 20% and off at 80%, the phone can stay powered all day without harming its battery life. This smart plug automation uses the Home Assistant Companion app, which tracks the phone's battery level in real time.
The solution is a great example of how repurposing old hardware can solve specific problems without needing to buy new devices. In this case, a used phone is now fulfilling a role that would otherwise require purchasing an additional security camera. It's a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution that also gives a new life to an older device.
While the Samsung Galaxy S8 may not have the latest features, its existing hardware and camera were more than enough for this specific use. The high-resolution camera ensures clear images, and the phone's ability to connect to Wi-Fi and run apps like IP Webcam made it a perfect fit for the job.
This project not only solved the problem of checking on the hamster, but it also demonstrated how smart home automation and existing devices can work together to create practical solutions. It shows that with a little ingenuity and some basic tools, it's possible to reuse older devices for specific purposes and avoid unnecessary purchases.