Basic Autonomous Kit for Sphero RVR Assembly Guide

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Contributors: Pearce, Ell C
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Plugging in the Camera

You'll need to mount the Raspberry Pi Camera to the pan-tilt mechanism using the included square of double sided tape. However, I recommend you plug in the camera to the ribbon cable before securing the camera to the tape square.

To connect the ribbon cable, you'll need to carefully slide the flexible ribbon cable connector's locking tab out. The locking tab slides out parallel to the board so you'll need to push each side of the tab with your fingernails. The image below highlights where you would need to place your fingernails to slide the tab out.

Highlighted camera connector tabs

Once the locking tab is out, you can insert the camera connector into the slot. Face the camera's exposed contacts toward the PCB in order to make a connection with the connector's pins. Then insert the cable until it is firmly into the connector. Care must be taken to ensure that the ribbon cable does not have any sharp bends when installing the camera.

Inserting the camera connector ribbon into the camera connector slot

When ready, carefully slide the tab back into the locking position using your fingernails.

Gently push the locking mechanism back into place

Now you can mount the Raspberry Pi Camera to the pan-tilt mechanism. Make sure the correct side is facing up. Once mounted, it should look something like what we see here:

Mounting the Raspberry Pi Camera onto the Pan-tilt mechanism

You'll also need to connect the camera ribbon cable to the Pi Zero W. The locking mechanism for the cable is exactly the same as the one on the camera breakout. Again, make sure the contacts of the ribbon are faced correctly. This part can be tricky - take your time and make sure there are no sharp bends in the cable.

Camera cable plugged into the Camera and Raspberry Pi Zero