CSI FIRMWARE - FOR GOPRO HERO4 BLACK AND SILVER CAMERAS
The CSI firmware update is a HERO4 firmware patch that restores the script functionality that was available on the previous HERO3 line of cameras. This allows the HERO4 cameras to run script commands saved to the SD card that will run each time the camera is powered on. We have three versions of the CSI script controller (csiController).
The HERO4 Lite-csiController (click here for more info and to access) only allows for a few simple commands and a maximum of 6 command lines. The Lite scripts cannot be executed when the GoPro's WiFi is active. The Lite version is designed for use with our TL and PS controller boards that are only able to trigger the camera to turn on but not turn the camera off or control the GoPro’s shutter function.
The HERO4 Pro-csiController allows scripts to run when the GoPro’s WiFi is active and the use of an unlimited number of command lines. Pro-csiController scripts can be used to adjust all the setting available in the GoPro menu. The Pro-csiController also includes additional script commands that are not available on the HERO3 cameras such as changing the IP address of the camera and our WiFi monitor function.
When using WiFi scripts with Blink for time lapse images, Blink can be programmed to activate the GoPro's WiFi for a set amount of time each day or week for downloading and clearing the SD card using the GoPro App before the camera and WiFi are turned off to conserve battery. Since Blink's time lapse photo setting has a camera on time of a few seconds, Blink will turn the camera off before WiFi is triggered under regular photo operation. Blink’s Manual controls or video mode can be used to extend the camera on-time to allow the script to activate WiFi for a set length of time.
The HERO4 Cloud-csiController (email for details) allows the HERO4 camera to connect to an 802.11n WiFi network as a client rather than only being able to act as the WiFi host that can be connected to using GoPro App. When connected to a WiFi network as a client, it allows the camera to automatically upload images via FTP or WebDAV to a web server or to be controlled using REST GET commands from your web browser.
Using the automatic upload script, the full sized images are saved to the SD card and the Cloud firmware can automatically upload the full sized image or a smaller thumbnail image (approximately 1000 pixels wide) so you can remotely view and download the images. The GoPro's WiFi is activated for only the duration of the file transfer before WiFi is turned off with the camera to conserve the battery.
The GoPro can only connect to an open network (no password) but the network can have a hidden SSID, MAC address filtering, and firewall settings if extra security is needed. This is advanced functionality and requires a level of familiarity with router settings. Your WiFi network hotspot or access point must be within 20 feet of the camera for reliable operation.
The list of commands is as follows. Further detailed information is available on our support page.
Feature list for the different versions:
Feature |
Lite |
Pro |
Cloud |
Script Length |
6 Lines Max |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Set Auto-Off Timer |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Turn Off Camera |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Mode Selection (Video/Photo) |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Mode Selection (Burst/Night Photo) |
✘ |
✔ |
✔ |
Video low-light (On/Off) |
✘ |
✔ |
✔ |
Protune (Video/Photo) |
✘ |
✔ |
✔ |
Set Exposure Level (Video/Photo) |
✘ |
✔ |
✔ |
Set Resolution |
✘ |
✔ |
✔ |
Shutter |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Sleep |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
WiFi On/Off |
✘ |
✔ |
✔ |
IP Changer* |
✘ |
✔ |
✔ |
WiFi Monitor** |
✘ |
✔ |
✔ |
Cloud Service Upload |
✘ |
✘ |
✔ |
restConnect |
✘ |
✘ |
✔ |
Cost |
Free |
$79 per camera*** |
$250 per camera***, the upload server is not included (email for details) |
* Allows the GoPro camera IP address to be changed for when multiple cameras are in use in advanced applications.
**Refers to the bug which turns WiFi off when a USB cable is disconnected from the camera. The WiFi Monitor function will keep WiFi on.
***Note that a license of the firmware needs to be purchased for each camera as it is tied to the camera serial number. If your camera breaks we will be able to transfer it over to your new or repaired camera.
Features
Lite
Pro/Cloud
Cloud
When using scripts make sure your SD card has a minimum read and write speeds of 30MB/s (U3 rated) You are strongly advised to use an SD card from the recommended list on GoPro's website. Use of cards not on the list, will greatly increase your chance of trouble with your setup. Note that some SD cards have the same product name as the cards on the list but are an older version that only have a U1 rating. Make sure your SD card has a U3 rating. Please use our SD card speed tester (http://cam-do.com/pages/sd-card-speed-tester) to check your SD card has a minimum write and read speed of 30 MB/s.
Scripts can be used with our HERO4 compatible controller boards to carry out complex functions. The csi scripts are executed each time the camera is triggered to turn on by either the CamDo controller board or the Power/Mode button.
Camera |
Compatibility (Y/N) |
HERO4 Black |
✓ |
HERO4 Silver |
✓ |
HERO (2014) |
✘ |
HERO3+ Black |
✘ |
HERO3+ Silver |
✘ |
HERO3 Black |
✘ |
HERO3 Silver |
✘ |
HERO3 White |
✘ |
HERO2 |
✘ |
HERO |
✘ |
Learn how to set-up and use Pro csiFirmware here.
Script Commands
A list of script commands can be found here. A few sample scripts can be found here.
Can I use the firmware on multiple cameras?
No, you will need to purchase a separate version for each camera as it is locked to your camera serial number. If your camera breaks or is replaced (and therefore has a different serial number), please email support@cam-do.com and we will help you out.
Where can I find sample scripts and a complete list of script commands?
A list of script commands can be found here. A few sample scripts can be found here.
Can the custom CSI update be removed?
Yes, the CSI firmware update is not permanent and can be overwritten with an official GoPro update file. Official GoPro HERO4 camera updates can be found here.
When the Pro-Firmware is used with Blink, how can the WiFi on time be controlled if the script runs each time the camera is powered on?
Our HERO4 Pro Firmware can be used with Blink to schedule a set time each day or week for the GoPro's WiFi to turn on for downloading and clearing the SD card using the GoPro App before the camera and WiFi are turned off to conserve battery. This is achieved by using a script to activate the WiFi for a set amount of time. Although the script will run each time the camera is turned on, an initial wait period of 1 minute is set at the start of the script to ensure that WiFi is not triggered when Blink is only programmed for time lapse images. Blink's time lapse photo setting has a camera on time of a few seconds so Blink will turn the camera off before WiFi is triggered under regular operation.
When used with Blink, can the WiFi on time be controlled if also recording video?
No, this configuration will currently only work with time lapse images and will not work if you are also filming video at a certain time of day. This is because the WiFi script saved to the SD card will run each time the camera is triggered to turn on. The first command line of the script is a wait period to ensure that when using standard photo time lapse operation, the camera is turned off by Blink before the WiFi commands of the script are executed.
Can you lock the exposure time using a script?
The shutter exposure settings can only be adjusted to the setting available in the GoPro setup menu.
How does the IP changer work?
The IP address of the camera can be chosen by a new “ip.csi” file that needs to be saved in the SD card's root folder. The "ip.csi" file can be used on the SD card along with an "autoexec.csi" command script. The camera remains as the wifi host.
What type of router is required for using the Cloud Firmware?
To use the Cloud firmware, you need to have an open WiFi network (no password protection) that broadcasts an 802.11n signal within range of the GoPro camera. The router needs to maintain a stable connection to the internet. Note that some routers, typically 3G & 4G routers, have a power/data saving mode that needs to be disabled. You will need to manually input the SSID and MAC address of the router into a script that is saved to the camera's SD card.
Since the WiFi network cannot be password protected, is there another way to secure the network?
For security, some routers allow the use of MAC address filtering so that only authorized devices (the GoPro camera) can connect and if you use a personal hotspot style device, you can also configure the firewall to only have access to the upload server's website (eg. box.com).
What happens to the images if my router’s WiFi signal is briefly lost?
The full sized images are always saved to the SD card so they will not be lost forever. If the GoPro fails to locate the WiFi network programmed in the script due to the network being down, the filename of each failed image upload will be saved to a backlog. The camera will continue to look for the network each time it is triggered. Once the WiFi signal is restored, the camera will resume uploading images. The script will always attempt to upload the most recent photo first. After a successful upload, the camera will start to upload any failed images from the backlog. The maximum amount of time spent searching for the WiFi network before abandoning the upload and maximum time spent uploading images can be set in the script. These are the RouterConnectTimeout & OverallTimeout sections of the script.
Product Codes: SCS01 (Pro-csiController)
SCS02 (Cloud-csiController)
$499.00 USD
Product Code: SGR01
If you'd like a free trial of the software for use of up to two cameras, click here.
Grab is an automated piece of download software that allows for quick and easy file management of multiple SD cards simultaneously when used with the PowerPad. Couple it with the CamDo Bullet to make creating professional time slice videos much simpler and quicker. To try out Grab with up to two cameras before purchasing the license, click here.
Grab is used with the separately available PowerPad (8S and 15S versions), which allows you to continuously power up to 8 or 15 cameras and is also capable of connecting all cameras to a computer through a single USB port for downloading files from the SD card at up to 480Mb per second. The host computer sees each camera’s SD card and mounts them as individual disks.
The Grab software uses the PowerPad to let you manage these individual disks to transfer files from the SD card to the host computer before clearing the SD card to greatly increase memory capacity. This allows the use of multiple cameras for extended shoots in a much more efficient way.
Note: The Grab Software is only compatible with Windows operating systems.
Currently, Grab Software is only compatible with Windows Software and HERO4 cameras.
Camera |
Compatibility ( Y / N ) |
HERO5 |
✘ |
HERO5 Session |
✘ |
HERO4 Black |
✔ |
HERO4 Silver |
✔ |
HERO4 Session |
✘ |
HERO (2014) |
✘ |
HERO3+ Black |
✘ |
HERO3+ Silver |
✘ |
HERO3 Black |
✘ |
HERO3 Silver |
✘ |
HERO3 White |
✘ |
HERO2 |
✘ |
HERO |
✘ |
What is the difference between Grab Software & PowerPad License for Grab Software?
The free version of Grab lets you use it with 2 x cameras so you can try it out. For more than 2 x cameras, you will need to purchase the PowerPad License for Grab Software. We will then request the serial number of your PowerPad in order to provide access.
General support can be found on our Support pages here.
If you have a problem with your PowerPad or need more detailed information, you can ask the folks at Cambrionix. They will be most helpful. Cambrionix Troubleshooting.
Free
Product Code: SWI01
We're always trying to improve our products. Please click here to answer a few questions about our WIGO application.
WiGo is a Windows application designed to communicate with GoPro WiFi enabled cameras that can be used to change the camera settings, preview the image, and download photos and videos directly to your PC from the SD card.
Shortly after the iPhone application was released by GoPro, a number of enterprising individuals began to catalog the WiFi commands sent from that app to the GoPro Wifi BacPac. They were generous enough to share their observations on the GoPro User Forum. In particular, dough29 contributed enormously to the task of documenting the List of GoPro Wifi BacPac Commands and has built RemoteGo, an Android app to control the camera. This software builds on their work. Thank you.
WiGo does not require any installation. Download the WiGo.exe file (which will be delivered to you via email) to the folder you wish to use and run it. Your browser and Windows will warn you that this is unsafe. They are right. It is always risky to download an executable file from an unknown source. Never install WiGo or any other program if you are unsure of the source. If you download from cam-do.com, WiGo.exe is coming directly from the author. It does not contain malware of any kind. Never download WiGo.exe from any other site.
Disclaimer:
This is beta testing software. Use at your own risk. This software may damage your camera. The responsibility is entirely with the user. The author accepts no responsibility for any damage that may be caused by using this software.
Can WiGo be set up to automatically take pictures and upload them to a web site for remote viewing?
The free version does not include those features. We are working on a WiGo Professional version that will incorporate many of the extra features that have been requested by our corporate clients. The ability to control multiple cameras with one WiFi adapter and upload the captured photos to a web site on a regular schedule is the most important feature of WiGo Pro. If this is a feature you would like to make use of, please contact us for further details or to influence our design decisions.
What versions of Windows will WiGo run on?
It has been tested on Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows XP. There is no reason it shouldn't run on almost all Windows versions released in this century. SSID display and automated camera selection are only available in Windows 7 and 8. Users report that it works with the Windows 8 Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet.
Will it work with my camera?
It works with all 3 versions of the HERO3 Cameras and the HERO2 with the WiFi BacPac accessory. There are some features that only work with particular cameras because of the features GoPro has included or the way they have configured their firmware.
HERO3+ includes some new settings and status feedback that were not available in the previous cameras. WiGo works with the HERO3+, but not all settings. HERO4 and HERO5 is not supported.What are the users saying about WiGo?
Feedback has been almost 100% positive. Quite a few users have been happy enough to donate. For example, read these unsolicited emails:
I'm just writing to thank you so so much for the WiGo... i`ve been for about a week or so trying to get the GoPro App through an android emulator for PC and was just about to lose my goddamn mind when I stumbled upon your website, and your wonderful wonderful software. Congratulations on developing this way before GoPro did, or should have done (still dont know why) but the program works amazingly. I don't know if you updated the software since the last time you posted any comments, but I have a HERO3 WHITE ED. and EVERYTHING worked perfectly !!!!! The Previews, the functions, the mode selection, the options selection....everything commanded through the software, the only issue that I believe is normal is the 2 or 3 second delay on the preview image !! but that is expected...and being what it is...even welcome...lol !!!!
- Leonardo in Sao Paulo
Your program fixed my HERO3 Silver blue light problem!!!
Ever since I did the newest firmware update on my HERO3 Silver the blue WiFi lights don't work anymore. This started to cause a problem because you would never really know when the WiFi antenna was on or off. The WiFi button is very easy to activate by accident. It would turn on with out me knowing, rendering the camera battery dead when you wanted to use it. When the camera is off the only way to know the WiFi antenna is on was the blue light blinking.
I found your program online wanting to connect my GoPro to my laptop via WiFi for streaming or just something neat to have.
First of all, on my HERO3 Silver everything works perfectly!!!
I was messing around with the settings for the LEDs in WiGo. Turned the LED setting off then on and now the blue lights work again!!!! Don't know how it fixed it, but it did and has worked ever since.
Now I know when the antenna is really on or off again.
Thank you thank you thank you for such an awesome program. Your time is much appreciated.
I will certainly mention this awesome program and website to my fellow users and also suggest a donation to your efforts.
Thanks again!
- Josh
Tips & Troubleshooting
Streaming video is delayed or cuts off after a few seconds.
The delay is normal and is part of the GoPro implementation.
Some users have reported the streaming working without problems. Others seem to have it stop intermittently. Make sure the firmware in the camera is up-to-date and installed properly. Sometimes a manual install fixes problems after GoPro's automated install has appeared to work. Make sure you are using the latest version of VLC. Restart your computer after updating VLC. WiGo does no more than pass the address of the camera's streaming feed to VLC.
One VLC setting that improves streaming is under VLC - Tools - Preferences - Input & Codecs - Default Caching Policy - select Lowest Latency. There are a lot of settings which can be optimized and perhaps a VLC guru can tell us the best combination.
I see the SD Card on the HERO3 Black but there are no image files.
The latest firmware from GoPro for the HERO3 Black disabled the image file display on the camera's web server. It is possible to run a SOBM script on your SD card which will modify the firmware in the camera to show the files.
Is it possible to capture the streaming video or forward it via the internet?
Yes, it is. It can be done using the features of VLC or with utilities such as FFmpeg and FFplay. TechAnswerGuy has blogged about the process and gmore70 has created a tutorial video showing how to stream GoPro video on YouTube and UStream.
How can I extend the range from my camera to my computer?
There are several ways to do this. One is to use a range extender, which repeats signals from the computer to the camera and vice versa.
Can I control multiple cameras with one computer?
There are several ways to do this. WiGo Pro can access multiple cameras and upload photos using FTP with a single WiFi adapter by accessing them sequentially or control multiple cameras connected to separate WiFi adapters by changing the camera IP address.
Known Bugs
The video mode settings are incomplete. Some video mode settings work on some cameras, but the complete set of mode values for all of the cameras has not been implemented at this time. Some mode settings may be incorrect on some camera models and work correctly on others.
$799.00 USD
ADVANCED USERS ONLY. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO DEPLOY YOUR OWN FTP SERVER HEAD ON OVER HERE TO CloudX.
Please note, CamDo is unable to support troubleshooting your FTP server and network connections.
The following diagram summarises the difference between using CamDo's CloudX platform vs deploying your own FTP server.
|
|
FTP for UpBlink allows you to integrate image upload into your existing infrastructure.
FTP and SFTP protocols supported.
Image upload after every image or once per day.
Status file upload so you can check on vital stats such as SD card free space.
Monitor your time lapse camera remotely.
If you don't have the time to worry about deploying your own FTP server, you'll want to check out CloudX, CamDo's managed time-lapse platform.
Uploads a text file to a status folder on your server listing heartbeat status items confirming:
In order to use this feature, UpBlink must be near a 802.11n WiFi access point with an internet connection(either an open WiFi network or WPA secure network). WEP secure networks are older technology and not supported. Alternatively a 3G/4G hotspot can be plugged into UpBlink.
FTP functionality for UpBlink is a one-off purchase for lifetime access including lifetime firmware updates.
If you don't know how to setup an FTP server or need email notifications and automatic time lapse generation, checkout CloudX, CamDo's managed time lapse platform.:
The following compares FTP functionality to the CamDo CloudX service.
Feature/Pricing |
FTP |
CloudX Lite Plan |
CloudX Pro Plan |
Status Heartbeat |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
Daily Email |
✘ |
✔ |
✔ |
Image Upload |
✔ |
✘ |
✔ |
Cloud Storage | By customer |
✘ Status history only |
✔ 15 GB storage |
Automatic Time Lapse Creation | By customer | ✘ |
✔ Once per week |
Monthly fee | n/a | ✔ | ✔ |
One-off fee | ✔ | n/a | n/a |
The platform is compatible with UpBlink and GoPro cameras.
Additional features we are working on:
Camera |
FTP Heartbeat |
FTP Upload |
✔ | ✔ | |
✘ | ✘ | |
✘ |
✘ |
What is an FTP server?
If you are not familiar with FTP, you will want to check out CloudX, CamDo's managed time lapse platform.
I just received UpBlink - how do I activate FTP functionality?
Once you have received your UpBlink controller, email support@cam-do.com with your UpBlink SSID details and we will send you a firmware update keyed specifically to your device. See the next FAQ to check your activation.
I just activated FTP - how do I know it worked and where do I put in my server settings?
Once activated, the following dropdown box will appear under "Upload Schedule" --> "Upload Type" (see screenshot below). Select FTP or SFTP and fill in the server details.
Can I use the FTP firmware on more than one UpBlink?
No. each firmware is keyed to your particular UpBlink controller. If you have multiple controllers, you will need to purchase 1 x FTP license per UpBlink controller.
Can I use FTP to upload to Google Drive or DropBox?
No. You will need to deploy your own FTP server or purchase a subscription from a web based service. Last time we checked, Box.com offered an FTP service for Enterprise and Business accounts.
How do I setup an FTP server?
If you don't know how to setup an FTP server or need email notifications and automatic time lapse generation, check out CloudX, CamDo's managed time lapse platform.
Do you support FTP and SFTP?
Yes, both protocols are supported. We do not support FTPS.
Help, my FTP connection is not working.
We cannot support the setup of your FTP server, however we suggest the following as a starting point:
Can I get status updates?
Yes, a status.json text file containing status information is uploaded to the FTP server so you can check status remotely.
Can I update firmware remotely using FTP?
Yes, simply place the UpBlink firmware update file into the status folder. On the next upload event, UpBlink will download the firmware and update.
Can I change the settings of the camera remotely?
Not yet. This is likely to be a future feature.
This product does not have any specific support pages as it is a customer deployed FTP server. Please see the FAQ's tab for more information.
General support can be found on our Support pages here.
Also read the FAQ's tab for more information.
Product Codes: SCS09 (FTP)
Item | Price | Qty | Total | |
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Subtotal |
$0.00 USD |
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Shipping | ||||
Total |