Although most enthusiasts may use a Raspberry Pi or other single-board computer for this type of task, an Arduino with an Ethernet connection can also be used to control inexpensive VGA-resolution digital cameras with a TTL output. This has been demonstrated by Instructables member iam_maker_leo who gives us a neat way of activating the camera from a web browser to view a still image.
The camera used is an inexpensive TTL serial version which connects to the Arduino via a software serial connection. The Arduino is loaded with a basic webserver sketch that can interpret the serial data from the camera and offer it up as an image. And thus with a static IP address you can request a still image from the camera by requesting a specific URL, an example of which is shown below:
This is a neat and low-cost method of remote on-demand surveillance, so check out the Instructable to get started. And for more, we're on facebook, Google+, and twitter - so follow us for news and product updates as well.
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It's the Arduino Due-compatible board with the Freetronics additions including Ethernet network connectivity, MAC address chip, microSD storage, optional PoE, upgraded power supply and more - while retaining the simplicity and ease of the Arduino IDE (with 100% compatibility). And you still have a full USB interface for uploading sketches and direct programming. For more information on this powerful board, check out the EtherDue product page.