NeoEyes NE101 Modular Sensing Camera

Capture images when your application needs them

NeoEyes NE101 supplies image data for remote monitoring systems, from periodic meter snapshots to equipment checks and sensor-triggered observations. Its low-power capture workflow lets the camera sleep between events, wake to take a picture and upload it through the selected network. It is designed for intermittent image collection; plan continuous video applications separately.

Configure capture schedules, image settings, fill light and MQTT reporting through the camera’s local web interface. For meter reading or other visual analysis, connect the images to your own processing application. Application-specific recognition is a separate integration step.

Choose your network

Select connectivity before choosing a lens. Each version uses the same ESP32-S3 camera platform; the network hardware and regional support determine which infrastructure you need.

Network options: scroll horizontally on smaller screens.

For LTE Cat.1, the regional model must match your carrier’s supported bands. For HaLow, arrange a compatible gateway separately and match its frequency to the camera. Standard Wi-Fi infrastructure does not replace the HaLow gateway. CamThink’s NE101 HaLow deployment guide documents an image-upload workflow using a Morse Micro HaLowLink gateway and an MQTT backend.

Match the lens to the target

Choose the field of view and focus distance together. Close-range options suit a camera positioned near a meter or instrument; standard-distance options suit subjects farther from the lens.

These are lens focus specifications, not guaranteed recognition distances. Check framing, lighting and image detail at the intended mounting position. Replacement OV5640 camera modules are available separately if the installation changes.

From image capture to your application

Configure periodic or triggered capture

Use scheduled, interval or button capture for routine observations. Alarm-In and PIR interfaces support external triggers; sensor-based capture requires compatible external hardware and the corresponding configuration or firmware integration. The built-in fill light can assist close-range capture in low light.

Receive images through MQTT

NE101 publishes JSON messages containing Base64-encoded JPEG images and device metadata. Provide a reachable MQTT broker and a receiving application to decode, store or process the images. MQTTS is available with the appropriate server and certificate configuration. The NE101 quick start covers camera setup and verification of image reporting.

Extend the firmware and hardware

The open-source lowpower_camera firmware provides a starting point for modifying capture logic, power management and communications. Review the repository license for your intended use. The low-power image acquisition example explains how those functions work together.

For sensor integration, the board provides Alarm-In, a PIR connector and 16-pin expansion, with Type-C and UART access for development. Available GPIO resources depend on the installed communication and camera modules. Check the hardware connection and pin assignments before combining extensions.

Plan power and mounting

The standard camera operates on four AA batteries. Battery life depends on capture frequency, network conditions, upload activity, fill-light use and battery selection; evaluate it with your intended configuration.

The enclosure is rated IP67. Choose a NeoEyes mounting bracket for the mounting surface and viewing angle. Brackets are sold separately, with options for wall, pole, meter-facing and flat-surface installations.

The motherboard also supports Type-C power. External wired or solar power requires a suitable enclosure cable entry. The NE101 5 V USB-C version is currently available by enquiry rather than online selection; contact CamThink before ordering a wired or solar-powered setup to confirm the back-cover configuration and sealing arrangement.

What you receive and what to prepare

Included with the selected configuration:

• 1 × NeoEyes NE101 camera configured for the selected connectivity option.
• 1 × OV5640 camera module with the selected lens option.

Prepare for deployment

Prepare 4x AA batteries, the network infrastructure listed above, and an MQTT broker with a receiving application. For LTE, arrange a compatible SIM and data service; for HaLow, arrange the matching gateway. Select a mounting bracket and any external trigger sensors separately for your installation.

Recommend accessories for your installation

The following accessories are sold separately. Choose them according to your mounting, power or development needs.

• NeoEyes mounting brackets help position the camera on a wall, pole, meter or flat surface. Select the mount for your installation surface and required viewing angle.
• 10W solar panel and 7Ah battery kit provides an external-power option for off-grid sites. Standard battery-version cameras require the USB-C cable and back-cover configuration; choose the kit with USB-C accessories and confirm installation and sealing with CamThink before ordering.
• OV5640 camera modules let you evaluate a different field of view or focus distance, or keep a replacement on hand. Your camera already includes the lens option selected above.
• Sensor Expansion Board for NE101 and NE301 supports custom sensor-integration projects. It is a board-only accessory; sensors and cables are separate. NE101 use requires mainboard-version and IO checks, driver adaptation and firmware validation.