Labs Construction TL "Ghost"

[Pallenwht]

I had to quit using Labs Construction Time Lapse because of unexpected shutdowns and loss of important TL captures. Too bad - the construction TL was really good when it was working. So I switched to the internal Timelapse feature of the Hero 8, but the construction TL seems to still be running in the background sending "shutdown:now" commands. which is maybe stopping the internal TL operation. (See attached qrlog.txt) I can't say if it a problem with the QR codes (that I don't use anymore) being "stuck" or if it is a camera problem, but something is being confused. The internal TL shuts down after about 3 days and the date stamp, in the program log, goes to 2016-01-01, but the images do have the correct date. Both of the 2 Hero8's exhibit the same problem. Is there a way to delete the labs firmware and go back to the original camera, firmware ? I don't know if this will help, but I don't see any other options, other than resetting the cameras every 3 days. The power source is very reliable, a 12v 9ah battery with solar charging. It works very well. I would appreciate any advice!!

Thanks! Paul

qrlog.txt

qrlog.txt

[dnewman-gpsw]

I don't expect this is Labs, but you can always reinstall stock firmware from: https://gopro.com/en/us/update/hero8-black

It seems you may not be have the battery installed. The camera will be more reliable with a battery using the stock capture modes. The clock resetting is a sign that no power getting to recharge the coin cell. I have not idea why the camera doesn't seem to be keeping the clock charged under USB power.

Please report if you are find this is Labs only, although I expect adding a battery will solve the issue.

[Pallenwht]

Thanks for the info! Even though I am connected to USB power I will leave a Gopro battery in and see how that works. When I saw the incorrect date my immediate thought was a failed internal memory battery, but how do I get to that to replace it? Do you know of a link that describes how to replace that battery or is it just something that can't be done?

Thanks! Paul

On Thu, May 11, 2023 at 11:16 AM David Newman @.***> wrote:

I don't expect this is Labs, but you can always reinstall stock firmware from: https://gopro.com/en/us/update/hero8-black

It seems you may not be have the battery installed. The camera will be more reliable with a battery using the stock capture modes. The clock resetting is a sign that no power getting to recharge the coin cell. I have not idea why the camera doesn't seem to be keeping the clock charged under USB power.

Please report if you are find this is Labs only, although I expect adding a battery will solve the issue.

— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/gopro/labs/issues/355#issuecomment-1544287153, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A5EQAB3SH7KL2NSVY7WHN23XFUGFFANCNFSM6AAAAAAX6CQKQU . You are receiving this because you authored the thread.Message ID: @.***>

[dnewman-gpsw]

That internal battery hasn't likely failed, it recharges off the regular battery (as I understand it.) RTC battery backup is good for a day or two without the battery. The coin cell is not replaceable.

[Pallenwht]

That is kind of what I thought about the coin cell battery (can't get to it). No matter really, because the dates on the images are correct. I was just thinking that an incorrect date might have something to do with the camera shutdowns/stalls. I'll keep plugging away at it. The project completion date is just a couple of months away.

Just a side note/thought: I was looking at the printed QR code the other day, and because it is printed on glossy paper I noticed reflections in the gloss that covered (blocked out) some of the text blocks within the QR code image. Do you have any thoughts on that? I ALWAYS got a response popup with the checkmark, so I didn't think much about it.

Anyway - Thank you for your insight, advice and your quick replies. Very helpful!!

Paul

Paul

On Thu, May 11, 2023 at 1:15 PM David Newman @.***> wrote:

That internal battery hasn't likely failed, it recharges off the regular battery (as I understand it.) RTC battery backup is good for a day or two without the battery. The coin cell is not replaceable.

— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/gopro/labs/issues/355#issuecomment-1544466550, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/A5EQABYRBM3ZZJJ6VE7GWZTXFUUDZANCNFSM6AAAAAAX6CQKQU . You are receiving this because you authored the thread.Message ID: @.***>

[dnewman-gpsw]

QR Code include error correction, so you will not get a partial code message, the checkmark says the full message was decoded.

[Pallenwht]

The internal time lapse mode (Hero 8 Ver 2.51) didn't preform any better (maybe worse - camera stalls after 3 or 4 days) than the Labs Construction TL so I went back to the Labs Ver 2.51.75. Maybe GoPro is correct in saying that the camera doesn't work for extended / long duration operation?? I don't think I have a power source problem with a solar charged 12v 9ah battery supplying USB connection power, but I'll keep an eye on it. BIG QUESTION -- what is the current consumption of the Hero 8 with the WiFI turned on or off? I am trying to calculate how long the camera will operate on those days with very little direct sunlight for charging the battery. However I would like to leave the WiFi turned on so I can access the camera status through the Quik App (which works well). Being a time lapse job and with the camera packed into a Pelco enclosure on top of the construction trailer it's difficult to get at the camera to turn on the WiFi. Any input from you is appreciated! Paul

[Pallenwht]

I forgot to mention that there is a 12v to 5v dc converter with USB connector output. So whatever that device does to bleed off the unneeded 7v will probably have an impact on battery power longevity, BUT that's my problem.