Original Xiaomi Xiaoyi Ants Night Vision 720P Smart Wireless Webcam Security IP Camera - £19.79 @ BangGood

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Original Xiaomi Xiaoyi Ants Night Vision 720P Smart Wireless Webcam Security IP Camera £19.79 @ banggood

£19.79 BangGood26 Oct 15

Source: HotUKDeals | Deals > Technology

Opening post

jackjones69

22 Oct 15

These are brilliant and use to keep eye on my home when I go traveling.

Original Xiaomi Xiaoyi Ants Night Vision 720P Smart Wireless Webcam Security IP Camera

The newest version about the XiaoMi XiaoYi Ants Night Vision Camera is coming.
You'll never worry about the evening of sight.

Automatically start Smart security model when you leave home
You can view the situation on your phone: whether doors windows are closed.
Once something unusual or dangerous, it immediately begins recording and timely alarm to notify you when you are not in.

Observe and photograph and video whenever necessary
You won’t miss every moment of the baby's growth.
It can remote capture when your baby successful complete the blocks tower, or when you are overtime at night, you can croon a lullaby for him hum to sleep.
Turn on the phone and get together with him immediately!

4X digital zoom, every detail are viewed on the screen
You can double-click to 4x zoom to view the accident caused by your lovely pet.
Find it is sleeping in the sofa or chew your shoes in the corner,shout it immediately stop the destruction by voice function.

Two-way voice feature looks like you always with her
With this smart ant camera, you can spend important day with her.
110°wide-angle lens bring a sense of immersive screen, sing a birthday song to her.
It is no longer a problem even though you are far away from her.

Installation within 1 min
Connect the power supply;
Download Xiaomi smart home APP (also support the "small ant Camera" or "Xiaomi router" APP);
Automatically connect.

Shared Via The HUKD App For Android.

Top comments

y0rkiebar

22 Oct 15 13 #12

I've "tweaked" my camera and have :-

RTSP stream (working with VLC and my Synology NAS Surveillance Station)
Telnet access
FTP access
UK timezone with time set using NTP
Stopped all camera access to the Chinese servers (god knows what data is was sending)
Cron enabled (I run a NTP sync job every 5 minutes)
I've had it mount a NFS share on my NAS too.
Wifi settings include multiple Wifi networks so I can move it around and it will connect to whatever it finds.
Oh, blue Wifi light turned off for steath-mode too
IR lights working when it gets dark

So it's a great little device but it's a bit of a ballache to setup. Because I've disabled all the "phone home to China" stuff then the camera app can't contact the phone now. Other apps are available though which access generic RTSP cameras over a network and they work fine with the camera in it's current configuration.

I'm going to get another one and have Surveillance station monitor them for motion when I'm away.

AddictWeb

22 Oct 15 8 #9

I have this and didnt have any problem getting it working. Turned it on, entered the wifi info into the app which automatically picks up the camera, and that was it.

I've installed some modified firmware to allow my to access the RSTP stream and correct the time. Only problem I still have it the blue LED I cant turn off so ive covered it with a bit of tape (its not the IR leds)

Links to firmware / camera dicussions:

http://robinhenniges.com/en/fix-xiaomi-xiaoyi-small-ant
https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/anyone-here-running-the-xiaomi-xiaoyi-yi-smart-wifi-cam.12177/

Nothing compares to this in terms of build quality and features for the price:
- 2 way audio
- Motion detected recording onto SD card
- Motion alerts to IOS and Android
- IR nightvision (great quality)
- Actively maintained firmware (hopefully resolving the few bugs there are)
- 720p

y0rkiebar

23 Oct 15 7 #41

Yup, chmod!

Here's a screengrab of a putty session just now onto the cam showing the files I've removed execute permissions from

The command "chmod a-x cloud p2pserver watch_process" would remove execute permission from the three files (I've already done this).

Now, I've re-enabled execute permission on those files and started them. Lets look at the camera network connections

You can see outbound (from camera) connections to the following IP's

120.92.227.146
120.134.33.107
203.195.157.36

Let's do some digging.....

IP Location Results for 120.92.227.146
==============

City: Beijing
Zip Code: 0
Region Code: 11
Region Name: Beijing Shi
Country Code: CN
Country Name: China

IP Location Results for 120.134.33.107
==============

City: Beijing
Zip Code: 0
Region Code: 11
Region Name: Beijing Shi
Country Code: CN
Country Name: China

IP Location Results for 203.195.157.36
==============

City: Beijing
Zip Code: 0
Region Code: 11
Region Name: Beijing Shi
Country Code: CN
Country Name: China

Mmmmm......

y0rkiebar

23 Oct 15 4 #28

I have thought about it. When I get my next cam then I'll try and document the process from the ground up. My current setup has evolved over a few weeks and trying to document the steps now wouldn't be simple.

Latest comments (154)

elne

10 May 16 #154

Yep, I had this in the garden and could hear birds chirping - expect feedback, take it for a "nice to have" but it is surprisingly OK for what it is and obviously it is much better indoors.

reddychvb

9 May 16 #153

Did anyone test how the 2 way audio quality is?

alexus

7 May 16 #152

Yes looked it over looks to be exactually the same as one I brought has been excellent.

JuliusHibert

7 May 16 #151

Is this the same camera?

http://m.gearbest.com/ip-cameras/pp_193393.html

JuliusHibert

7 May 16 #150

Is this the same camera?

http://m.gearbest.com/ip-cameras/pp_193393.html

elne

5 May 16 #149

Out of the box this camera does not support saving to a NAS it can only do local SD card or FTP, however if you have another application running (Windows, Linux or maybe use a Pi) this would give you greater control and some also have remote access applications so that you can view live/recorded captures from your cameras.

similar question:
http://en.miui.com/thread-91590-1-1.html

https://www.ispyconnect.com/
http://www.live555.com/openRTSP/

Forgot to mention tinyCam Pro can record to 5 cloud services and also via FTP - however it only records JPEG streams so great for motion detection alerts but not for continuous feeds.

zooba2000

5 May 16 #148

Sounds good! When motion is detected we can set up the App such as Tiny cam to give us a notification.

Then we can go to the http or ftp server.

What I am unclear on is where/how do I set up it to record to somewhere other than the SD card (I assume the default recording location is the SD card).

I.e. I want it to auto record to my WD Nas drive.

elne

4 May 16 #147

Correct, you will require the sd card in there in order to piggyback/override the Chinese firmware so any size will do.

The camera can save to said local SD card, FTP, NAS and I believe pda.ru are working on cloud saving to Dropbox/Google - drive. You may also be able to save to say a USB key plugged in to your router if that is an option.

VLC is looking at the live stream from the camera lens directly (LIVE), applications such as Synology look at the recorded data on the NAS that was provided from the Camera (think DVR).

Stream links are:
Main stream: rtsp://x.x.x.x:554/ch0_0.h264 (720p + Audio)
Minor stream: rtsp://x.x.x.x:554/ch0_1.h264 (Mobile 640x480 + Audio)
Audio stream: rtsp://x.x.x.x:554/ch0_3.h264 (Audio only)

elne

4 May 16 #146

Yep works fine, depends on the app DS Cam from Synology is a live feed as is tinyCam Pro (you can also select low bandwidth option).

You will need to portforward however this is the only tricky part as these cameras have unprotected streams so if you portforward anyone in the world could see if they knew your IP and port.

JuliusHibert

4 May 16 #145

To clarify with the hack, is an additional storage device required in order to record the cameras image data? Because the cloud services don't work post-hack?

So any app such as VLC, iSpy etc are accessing the stored data on a different device that the camera has recorded?

JuliusHibert

4 May 16 #144

I don't have one of these cameras at the moment.

However, if you can access the cameras live stream via local Wifi using RTSP stream then it should be a simple case of port-forwarding the correct port on your home router. Then you could access the camera whilst away from home.

You could then combine that with DDNS address to make it accessible via a simple memorable web address.

daedos

4 May 16 #143

What about away from the home via 4G?

elne

3 May 16 #142

Never thought about having a case print nice idea thanks. To answer your question yes the whole thing is based on "M" version that github contains everything that you need.

You do not need to have the chinese Xiaomi app or anything to do with Xiaomi, applying said firmware/modification stops the cloud services, links back to China etc - you just set your WiFi SSID and key in the config file, find the IP via your router and then connect via the RTSP stream.

World is your oyster from there, use tinyCam, Synology, VLC, iSpy etc.

elne

3 May 16 #141

Yes it's been possible for a while, I use tinyCam (even Pro has fully support for Xiaomi Ants) anything that can handle RTSP streams will work, I have two recording to my Synology with motion detection and email alert set.

Not sure on OpenHab but yes for Domogik.

zooba2000

3 May 16 #140

Hi,

I used the drop cam - but opened them up and disconnected the IR to stop the bounce back of the IR lights.

Its easy to do:

http://imgur.com/a/XeihT

Just disconnect that wire going to the second level.

Then the drop cams work fine and I used one of these for each camera:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00L8VKYB0/ref=pe_385721_37038051_TE_3p_dp_1
(note need to get the plug for them not included in this listing and prob a extension wire).

OR! my camera fits in this also:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:979628/#collections
I got it 3d printed for like £15 off a 3d printing site.
Then if you put glue around the area it will be sealed - I have not used this enclosure though.

My issue is the newest MI app does not allow me to view the cameras outside of the home WIFI and I cannot downgrade the app on IOS!!!!!

So as per your post above on the hack-
So once I apply the hack version...
Is there another app I can use after I do this you can recommend?
Finally does the cameras need to be on M version for the hack?

Cheers :smiley:

JuliusHibert

2 May 16 1 #139

Is it now possible to use the Yi Ant without the Chinese iOS app?

That Github link mentions compatibility with Domogik. Does anyone know if it's working with OpenHAB?

elne

2 May 16 #138

https://github.com/fritz-smh/yi-hack

elne

2 May 16 #137

Just for reference there is now a fully English github project with everything detailed and easy to follow.

Based on revision M. :smile:

elne

22 Apr 16 #136

Anyone have any of these mounted externally with IR? I am on the look out for an external enclosure - I have tried Dropcase however the sizing is different and the IR reflects.

I have 3 cameras running all over the house recording to my Synology via Surveillance Station and so far they have been stop on (Firmware version L).

Thinking of mounting this in a bird box and just seal the lens :laughing:, would be ideal if I could find somewhere that sells the foam lens rings too.

daedos

20 Apr 16 #135

Downgrade - yes, UK app - no

JuliusHibert

19 Apr 16 #134

Is it possible to downgrade the firmware and use the app available in the UK App Store?

daedos

19 Apr 16 1 #133

Ok, I'll try and remember the steps:
1, Unplug the camera and remove the SD card
2, Plug the SD card in your computer and open in Windows Explorer
3, Create a folder called test
4, Create a file called equip_test.sh
5, Open the new file in notepad and paste in the 25 lines I linked too - here
6, Save the file and remove the SD card from your computer
7, Plug card into camera and then plug the USB power back.
8, The yellow light will flash a couple of times, bit of blue, some clicking noises, then it'll repeat. Basically wait a couple of minutes for it to stabilise to blue (or none if you disabled the status LED).
9, That should be it.

Easiest way to check if the timeline has changed is via the MiHome app. Open it, connect to your camera and check the feed timestamp (top-left). Re the region choices, it doesn't matter so just choose China.

Other stuff:
Link to the chinese Mi Home app
Firmware downgrade - download the firmware from here, extract to home file to the root of your sd card, reinsert card in to camera and power-cycle.

daedos

19 Apr 16 #132

I'd work on the assumption they are the Chinese versions. Still work fine if you avoid the latest firmware.

JuliusHibert

19 Apr 16 #131

So doe these ones from Banggood work in the UK / International?

zooba2000

19 Apr 16 #130

How id you put the script in? When I put it in what happens for you to know it works. As my Mi home app still only gives options of China/Indian/... but not UK.

I am on L software.

zooba2000

19 Apr 16 #129

I have 6 (2 in 3 different houses). Those from Gearbest need to use the chinese app- I have not been able to have them work with the UK one.

Firstly do not update the software on the camera- I leave them on version L which seems ok.

If you do accidently upgrade, then put the older software on and reset it, it will downgrade.

Only issue with these chinese ones is that the time line does not work. Otherwise it works ok for a cheap price.

http://xiaoyi.querex.be/

JuliusHibert

19 Apr 16 #128

Does this work with the U.K. app?

I bought one from Gearbest recently and it only worked if you live in China and could download the Mi Home app from the Chinese App Store.

daedos

1 Mar 16 1 #127

My timeline worked fine on 1.8.5.1L-N,haven't tried 1.8.6.1A due to the scare stories. I used this script to alter it, save as \test\equip_test.sh on your sd card.

zooba2000

22 Feb 16 #126

Hi,

late to the party but I have a chinese version, when I updated to the latest version it stopped working- saying this only works in China.

So downgraded it back.

But my timeline is still china time- hence doesnt work.

Hence question is what firmware was you using to allow the timeline to work?

Thank you for any help!

daedos

16 Jan 16 1 #125

Micro USB. 2m.

asanchez

16 Jan 16 #124

Can someone with this unit confirm is the USB cable is micro or mini? Also what length of cable comes with the unit please?

daedos

6 Jan 16 #123

Also isn't no longer £19 at banggood. Either:
- buy from GearBest for £19 and have it shipped from China - ~1 month postage.
- buy from ebay UK seller - ~couple of days postage. That seller accepted my offer of £25 recently.

BTW there is a non-night version available too, but IMO you want the night version for flexibility.

daedos

6 Jan 16 #122

Sounds very far fetched. Do you read the Daily Mail per-chance?

Yes, the camera can be switch on/off remotely via the Xiaomi Mi Home app.

wildcardnz

6 Jan 16 #121

Thanks for this. Only problem is I don't want IR on all the time at night due to possible (if slightly far fetched) health concerns about baby retina staring at IR leds in darkness. So if IR is automatic can you turn the whole cam off remotely via app? That would be fine also. Cheers

elne

6 Jan 16 #120

The chinese phrases are fine - it is basically saying "ready to go, please connect your camera to your WiFi via the QR code/Mi Home App".

Take a copy of the contents on the SD, delete what is on there and copy just the contents included in the .zip

jco83

6 Jan 16 #119

Great! Thanks so much
When I tried the K firmware it just kept repeating the same Chinese phrase for ages so I assumed it wasn't working :/
Does the SD card need to be empty of other files? Or is it OK to have other files left on there? Thanks :smile:

winchman

6 Jan 16 #117

I guess I'm concerned that people are becoming more and more distrustful of each other and its very sad.

elne to winchman

6 Jan 16 #118

The world today is in a different way say 10-20 years ago, media scare mongering over the TV/Internet doesn't help.

I see it as protecting my assets, investments and loved ones... one could say buying a drone with a camera has zero use other than to snoop on others.

elne

6 Jan 16 1 #116

Yes indeed and that is the plan for this year, until then due to the distance I work from home having the ability to keep an eye on things is kinda handy, you'll be amazed at what you capture on a camera during the day - I found out who broke my gate it was the postman :wink:.

winchman

6 Jan 16 #115

Ever thought of moving? Dash cam i can understand as its a dynamic situation, but around the house somewhat limited.

winchman

6 Jan 16 #113

Why do people need to have one, are they so paranoid of their surroundings, what has happened to society that people feel they need this?

elne to winchman

6 Jan 16 #114

So in my area in the last 6 months.. 1 successful burglary next door, 1 attempted burglary two houses up, someone stealing metal from a drive way oh and an annoying cat who keeps doing their business on my front garden is a good enough reason.

Same reason people have dashcams for the "what if" factor, difficult to dispute video evidence if caught of course :laughing:.

wildcardnz

6 Jan 16 #111

Want to use this for babys room but don't want IR LED's on all the time. Can the cam or just IR LEDs be turned on/off via some app without a loud baby waking click?

daedos to wildcardnz

6 Jan 16 #112

I use mine in my daughter's room. IR is automatic and needed at night otherwise you wouldn't see anything. The noise is not obtrusive at all - babies can sleep through a lot (such as dog barking!!)

daedos

6 Jan 16 #110

Version 1.8.5.1N is out now, any idea of the changes?

elne

6 Jan 16 #109

No worries buddy, ok so with v2.1 it did have issues as they changed the hardware internally but now after some clever gurus worked on this you can now update to version "M" and still have full RTSP/FTP/SSH etc.

You can safely ignore the "K" information as that is now old.

Personally I would flash 1.8.5.1M_test-rtspfix-4.zip - this is at your own risk of course. If the flash does fail it is as simple as downloading the original "K" firmware, placing on the SD card and re-flashing.

Over to you!

jco83

5 Jan 16 #108

Thankyou so much :smile:
Can you help me with how to know which firmware to use?
*I've just seen on the box I have V2.1 is it OK to use the K firmware or do I need to find out which letter firmware it already has? Thanks

elne

5 Jan 16 2 #107

Default out of the box yes it will, tweaked then no it will function exactly like a decent "business" level IP camera without any reporting back to the china state.

It really is as easy as this thanks to all involved:
http://xiaoyi.querex.be/

jco83

5 Jan 16 #106

After reading through the comments here and miui link above, I'm lost :disappointed:
Don't want to set it up if gonna send all footage to China :/

daedos

18 Dec 15 #105

Typical - posting a question after playing for ages, then I figured it out myself. For whatever reason the test scripts where never setting the TZ. Strange. I was able to enable Telnet so used that to set the TZ file. If anyone want instructions let me know.

elne

1 Dec 15 #92

Looking good found this quote also:

1.8.5.1K_20151201-A_MP77V.zip (7,08 MB)

rtsp works on v2.1, confirm, it remains only to fix the time and everything will be OK :wink:

daedos to elne

18 Dec 15 #104

Just got one of these cameras and been playing around with it. I've tried several equip_test scripts to change the timezone without luck. The camera came with K firmware so is that v2.1 ... how do you tell the camera version?

Is changing timezone possible on v2.1? If so any dummy guides? Ta

alexus

10 Dec 15 #103

Am Happy with the tinyCam app and yes its cool via andriod wear. Could now look at using taskerto do more but will see how things go first. Am pleased with the camera.

alexus

9 Dec 15 #101

Well that's spot on what I needed. working really well in tinyCam even showing up on my smart watch. No push to talk that I can see yet maybe am missing something but definitely a big leap forward.

Thanks for the help.

elne to alexus

10 Dec 15 #102

No worries glad it helped, how are you finding tinycam? it works on your smartwatch too that's pretty neat!

alexus

9 Dec 15 #99

Thanks well i can't get to work in tinyCam Chinese App is working just realised I upgraded my filmware as was saying new version available and it moved me off k onto m lol and that does have RTSP enabled script. Will try again later..

elne to alexus

9 Dec 15 2 #100

Check out this thread: http://en.miui.com/thread-137413-35-1.html latest post with dropbox link.

You will see some of us on there already, you can enable RSTP on the "K/L/M" version and also all other access so that it works with TinyCam and other apps.

elne

9 Dec 15 #98

From what I have read you can password protect (with your own password) the RSTP stream in the older firmware up to "L", after that they changed the goal post again.

slimgym

8 Dec 15 1 #97

Just put them on a high port number and re-map in the router (if you can). I don't think you can re-map the port in the executable on the camera, it's not specified so probably hard-coded the default port.

alexus

8 Dec 15 #96

If I put outside the house covering my front door and driveway I would n't really mind if was possible?
But maybe I should be more concerned about my privacy.

alexus

8 Dec 15 #94

Got it working quite well has anyone get tinycam working on this camera want to share the settings? My tinycam app can see taht the cemera is on the network gets the right name ip address etc automatically but something isn't right as just a black screen if they and connect. Am to get tinyCam work then get that working from outside with the port forwarded on the router and am external address set up. Feel am close.

elne to alexus

8 Dec 15 #95

The RTSP streams on this camera are unprotected so publishing these externally would mean that anyone could connect.

alexus

7 Dec 15 #93

Yes Mines arrived

elne

1 Dec 15 #91

There maybe new hope for us v2.1er's - http://4pda.ru/forum/index.php?showtopic=638230&st=3280

Google Translate is a bit sketchy however:

Efficiency confirmed (V2.0, V2.1) 1.8.5.1K_20151201-A_MP77V.zip (7.08 MB) flashing - as well as the original file on the card and home resset utility rotate the image (included in the kit) in the new matrices not work will vedrobayt binary machine code after patching can be used as confetti Post edited mp77v - Today, 11:39

scooby555

28 Nov 15 #90

They are definitely storing videos in China as our other members have pointed out, this confirms it;

"Just tried the Android app and even though the SD card wasn't in the camera I was still able to view the videos it had recorded earlier so looks like y0rkiebar is right (I actually tried it with the camera powered off and they still played!)."

faisalqau

28 Nov 15 #89

Yes that's the only bad thing about this camera that it's not secure. Other than that its amazing. Thanks for your help.

faisalqau

28 Nov 15 #87

I have found another app last night and that allows you to even turn off blue led light from the settings menu. Try this
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bxo5Ed10JsVqRWo4eHNnVEJaUlE/view?usp=sharing

scooby555 to faisalqau

28 Nov 15 #88

Thanks for sharing, thats the smarthome app? I tried that but it wanted access to my contacts and sharing with my email account - I set up a new email account for the app, however once you update the original app, it also has the ability to turn off the led - just be careful where you put the camera, I am not being paranoid but everything seems to be relayed back to China and I bet there are back doors to view your streams, mine will be pointing into the garden, might build an enclosure for it to place outside, so no big deal as I have CCTV anyway - shame that as its a good bit of kit and also runs off USB power, the plug you get with it is NOT fused so be careful and make sure you use a fused adapter.

faisalqau

28 Nov 15 #86

Many thanks. It did work for me.

faisalqau

26 Nov 15 #84

can somebody tell me which app I need to download ?

scooby555 to faisalqau

27 Nov 15 1 #85

I fiddled for hours trying to find the right app, playstore dont let you download "saying not available in your country". Eventually this one worked for me, after I installed the apk, and when prompted let it update to newer version of app NOT firmware.

I used the QR option on set, very good picture quality, just too suspicious of where all the data ends up and who has access to microphones in China, these are defo some kind of Chinese Corporations in bed with Government Trojan horses lol. Amazing video in dark areas also, hmmm too good for the money, makes you wonder...

Hope it helps.

. http://xiaomienglish.com/download/com.ants360.yicamera.apk

http://xiaomienglish.com/download/small-ants-en-guide-xiaomi_eu.pdf

nguyen1368

14 Nov 15 #83

@y0rkiebar: did you enable nfs for 1.8.5.1K? My yi ant firmware in stock is 1.8.5.1K and still do not know how to enable nfs for writing on my nas!

@oteshima: we can not disable the mic on camera.

oteshima

13 Nov 15 #82

Thanks! Does anyone know if I can disable the mic on the camera to stop it receiving sound too?

y0rkiebar

13 Nov 15 #81

***** Only perform the following it your camera came with Firmware version K and you're got problems and are looking to reload the firmware *****
Take a SD card and remove all files from it. Then put just the "home" file from the following link into the top level folder of the SD card.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_uy0wF5v0lbX3JCVEJSQzVzRjQ/view?usp=sharing

Insert card into camera and boot up, press the "reset" pin in at the back of the camera for a few seconds and then release.

Leave it for a while (a minute or two) until the Chinese speech starts, you're then back to how it came initially so you'll need to use the app to associate with your Wifi etc.

This will install Firmware version K, this version isn't compatible with the rtspsrv BTW.

AWiles

6 Nov 15 1 #68

Received mine yesterday.
Tried to flash an older firmware that would allow telnet and RTSP, but it failed and was stuck in a bootloop. Seems these new versions (that come with 1.8.5.1K installed) can't be flashed with the older firmware.
Had to reflash 1.8.5.1K to bring the camera back to life.

y0rkiebar, Look forward to hearing your experience with these new camera versions.

BeatMaster to AWiles

6 Nov 15 1 #69

Went through exactly this last night - the Chinese woman decided not to talk to me on the older versions.

Likewise look forward to hearing how y0rkiebar gets on and will try to investigate further too :smiley:

oteshima to AWiles

12 Nov 15 #80

How did you reflash the software on it?

Kazan

12 Nov 15 #79

Got it few days ago and it came with K firmware :disappointed: There is an update to L firmware but looks like no solution for rtsp

slimgym

10 Nov 15 1 #78

Yes, it records to a folder just the movement detected part as .mp4 files. The only issue perhaps being the clock which would need to be set over wifi as it boots up, hence the timestamp on the files will be wrong.

TehSheep

10 Nov 15 #77

Will this record to the SD card without being connected to wifi?

elne

9 Nov 15 1 #76

Thanks for you work guys on the miui forum i'm following almost daily hoping for an rstp rev 2.1 firmware :smile:

tom_f

6 Nov 15 #75

I've had it about 1 month but even recently upgraded to the very latest "L" firmware and still managed to downgrade. I think I had to do what Elne suggested which was flashing it with a legit downgrade and then installing the modified firmware from the link I mentioned. A lot of trial and error as I'm more logical than technical. If I recall I think being patient after hitting reset was key, wait for the orange light, wait for it to start flashing and wait for the voice. And I always used the QR code method to get it online (the one it generates on the screen not the one on the back) as the standard config one didn't work for me.

y0rkiebar

6 Nov 15 #74

tom, how long have you had your camera ? It would seem that the "new" ones (my second one included) can't be downgraded to a firmware level compatible with running the RTSP server.

I'm still trying mind :smiley:

tom_f

6 Nov 15 1 #73

Here are are few things I've managed:

Using instructions here I got access via rtsp
http://robinhenniges.com/en/fix-xiaomi-xiaoyi-small-ant

I've accessed the feed using vlc on iOS and Windows PC

Some other free apps just crash when I try to use rtsp or they only support http

IP Cam Viewer (free) iOS app also works but no audio unless you purchase.

I've used Xeoma free software on Mac or pc to view rtsp and also can record and create local web server (http)

I used the Yi app to set it all up at the beginning but now don't need it.

I've used parental controls on my router to block the IP address or MAC address from being allowed to use the Internet. This stops the app working and I figure also stops any video feed going outside my LAN eg servers in China.

The only downside of the approach is that if I unplug it, I then need to disable the router parental controls to get it back online again with the settings I want as some reset.

My aim was a locally accessible IP camera with motion triggered recording to NAS. No external access and no flashing LED light. Audio is a nice to have but not key. I've almost got that and for £20 that isn't bad.

slimgym

5 Nov 15 #66

I would reset and put it on the network using their app with no SD card in and then do the firmware change with the SD card. I also think once you've pressed the reset and had the voice that's the time to run the app up and put your network key in.

elne to slimgym

6 Nov 15 #72

Thanks buddy I managed to get what I thought were bricked cameras back up using the unmodified firmware :sunglasses:.

elne

6 Nov 15 #71

Same issues here, even checked the old Ruski forum and found a modified "J" version but it's still acting weird.

Decent thread I found for this is at (worth checking out the Russian forum via Google Translate) http://en.miui.com/thread-70205-16-1.html

Looking forward to hearing how you guys get on with this also, just wanted RSTP to add these to surveillance station :man:.

y0rkiebar

6 Nov 15 2 #70

I'm finding the same problem. Mine came with the K firmware and refuses to accept firmware downgrades. I thought I'd bricked it but as you're finding, putting "K" back on it brings it back to life.

I did enable telnet access though and attempted to run the rtspsrv program, it runs and opens up port 554 (rtsp port) but any attempts to connect to 554 to view the video stream result in the rtspsrv app bombing out.

So I can do all the things I did on the previous camera version (telnet, ftp, cron, ntp, UK timezone) but crucially not rtspsrv !

Which is the whole point........ Grrrr !

y0rkiebar

5 Nov 15 1 #67

Received a fresh, new camera this morning. I'll have a play and see if this version is still hackable :smiley:

elne

5 Nov 15 #65

Seems a neat little device however mine is now stuck and I cannot seem to get it connected to the app in order to do the downgrade.

Reset procedure is as follows:
1. Power camera on
2. Press and hold reset until crazy chinese lady voice is heard and camera starts to flash
3. Power down camera
4. Stick a "home" file on the SD card and then put in to the camera
5. Power on and wait.......

So I am stuck on #5, I get the shutter sound twice, then the chinese lady voice once and the amber light blinks like mad but then nothing.

Any ideas my good people? I tried firmware B, F and H same issue.

Plarkster

3 Nov 15 #64

Just tried the Android app and even though the SD card wasn't in the camera I was still able to view the videos it had recorded earlier so looks like y0rkiebar is right (I actually tried it with the camera powered off and they still played!). It also seemed to require an internet connection to play them as they wouldn't load when I disconnected the phone line from the router.

It would be good to get some clarification of what's happening. It's not a major deal to me as I just bought it as a test to see whether a Nest Cam or Canary might be useful, but it would have been nice to have been given the option of uploading all the videos 'somewhere' and being able to turn this option off.

Plarkster

3 Nov 15 #63

y0rkiebar - what are you using to view the videos? I'm just using the iPhone app and if I take the SD card out I get the motion alert as normal but when I tap it I just see the live stream. If I try to scroll back I get 'No TF card, playback disabled' which suggests the videos are stored on the SD card?

Are you able to tell if the connections to China are constant, or are they triggered when there's motion? Maybe it's just the data relating to the motion alert that get's sent to the app via your Mi account - the server for which would be based in China?

Plarkster

3 Nov 15 #62

Will have to double check mine then. I'm sure I had a message saying recording wasn't available until an SD card was inserted.

Will try it later and report back, thanks.

y0rkiebar

3 Nov 15 #61

The viewing of motion detection videos is available even when the camera has no SD card fitted. As I discovered (and posted on this thread a page or two back) the camera is establishing network connections to China and has a process running called "cloud". Now I can't say for certain that video data is being sent to Chinese servers but I certainly wouldn't rule it out.

Cyrus

2 Nov 15 #60

a little off topic, can sanyone recommend one which I can use outside and includes PTZ? Needs to have wireless and good night vision.
thanks!

BeatMaster

2 Nov 15 #59

Delivered :smiley: Although not had chance to play with it yet. Nice looking camera and I'm sure with a few tweaks applied it'll be great!

reddychvb

27 Oct 15 1 #52

Did anyone test 2 way voice?

AddictWeb to reddychvb

1 Nov 15 #58

Yep, works ok. It plays a little ding dong tune when you first connect it, then you can speak through the built in speaker. Its pretty tinny and a little fuzzy but easily audible.

Plarkster

1 Nov 15 #57

The camera streams the content from the SD card to your mobile app. I don't believe it goes to the cloud but you do need to register a 'Mi' account to link everything together.

houcem

1 Nov 15 #56

How would it notify your mobile device and allow you to stream content on your mobile? There must be something up in the cloud that receives the content from the IP camera and pushes it to the mobile device. Happy to be corrected though.

y0rkiebar

30 Oct 15 1 #55

In stock @ Gearbest EU warehouse now £21.70 posted.

http://www.gearbest.com/ip-cameras/pp_193393.html?wid=3

houcem

29 Oct 15 #53

Can someone explain how cloud storage works with this camera? Does it upload the videos to the cloud so that you can see them later on your mobile? Is that done free of cost or do they charge you for uploading your personal life footage to their servers?

Plarkster to houcem

30 Oct 15 #54

There is no cloud storage - it takes a micro SD card and saves the videos to that.

bobbydee

24 Oct 15 #50

Will it work with I Phone

kendzi1 to bobbydee

25 Oct 15 #51

Yes it works with iPhone

asanchez

24 Oct 15 #48

Can someone whos got one of these advise what cable is used and what length it comes with please?

y0rkiebar to asanchez

24 Oct 15 1 #49

2 metre white USB cable for power only.

nao

24 Oct 15 #47

thanks op - ordered

scooby555

24 Oct 15 #46

You techs have done us a great service - I am even more rusty, whats best tool to use to sniff the packets and see exactly what is being sent back? This is well fishy if it phones home and somehow gives access to your home network. Is it why its so cheap, Trojan horse!

dcx_badass

23 Oct 15 #45

I've had one of these for a few months now, the firmware/software I'm on lets you disable the LED via the app anyway. The issue with killing the calls to the Chinese servers is that you lose all the remote access via the App, sure you can do it manually with open ports, and a dynamic dns or static IP, but that's a pain and you won't get motion alerts or anything like that. Be good if someone could identify what does what so we can keep that stuff.

BeatMaster

23 Oct 15 #44

y0rkiebar

Do you have any more info/advice on making the modifications you've already made. Custom firmware? Any links? :smiley:

jonathan_d

23 Oct 15 #43

what would this cost if it gets stopped by customs,
don't they charge something like a £7 admin fee now?

for the network concerns you could probably do something with static routes or dns.
it may just looking for firmware/updates, and sending your ip so the app can find it.
either that or they're watching/listening back to everything :confused:

scan it with wireshark to see whats going on!

dwl99

23 Oct 15 #42

cheers

y0rkiebar

23 Oct 15 7 #41

Yup, chmod!

Here's a screengrab of a putty session just now onto the cam showing the files I've removed execute permissions from

dwl99

23 Oct 15 #40

I'm a bit rusty at Linux commands, I presume you have to do something with chmod? I don't suppose you'd care to post a copy of the commands line by line?

y0rkiebar

23 Oct 15 #39

To stop the China network links you have to either:-

a) Mod the camera setup to allow telnet access to the device, login and change permissions on the applications which are calling China. This will stop the phone/tablet app from working with the camera.
b) Block the outbound network requests from camera->China in your router/firewall, this will most probably stop the phone/tablet app from working with the camera also.

Basically, it's not easy! This thing wants to phone home.

hcc27

23 Oct 15 #38

Y0rkiebar, you're a genius mate!

dwl99

23 Oct 15 #37

Have ordered one although slightly concerned about the privacy issues. Do you have a link to any more information about blocking access to the dodgy executables? I take it the modded firmware doesn't address this?

y0rkiebar

23 Oct 15 1 #36

The camera establishes (and maintains) various network connections to Chinese IP addresses. I didn't analyse the network data being transmitted so can't comment on what's being sent but there is no "opt-out" option. I changed the permissions on the culprit executables on the camera such that nothing could run them (as they were being invoked by various processes which have to run for the camera to work).

asanchez

23 Oct 15 #35

Can someone advise what cable is used and what length it comes with please?

hcc27

23 Oct 15 #34

It was also interesting to note Y0rkiebar's comment that the camera 'phones home'. Xiaomi quite recently apologised for similar behaviour in their messaging app, this came from Hugo Barra himself:

http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/08/11/us-china-mobilephone-xiaomi-idINKBN0GB10O20140811

If the camera pings Xiaomi's servers in China, that is indeed a pretty serious issue. Could they be recording camera footage or are they simply noting down usage information? What do they do with this data gathered without our permission (or maybe there is a sly get-out clause in the EULA)?
Our utter reliance on far-eastern products worries me.

hcc27

23 Oct 15 #33

Thank You, that would be fantastic.

Joshm74

23 Oct 15 #32

Amazing price for the spec. Also another brand here which looks the same but also has the ability to turn off the LEDs:

http://www.gearbest.com/ip-cameras/pp_187338.html

AddictWeb

23 Oct 15 #31

Seconding the request for this, thats an impressive list of improvements you've made.

Most notable for me is the Wifi LED, I'd be extremely grateful if you could point me in the right direction for disabling that.

Thanks

kendzi1

23 Oct 15 #30

What is GMT for UK?
Thanks

I found is GMT+7

teerex

23 Oct 15 #29

Looks the same?

y0rkiebar

23 Oct 15 4 #28

y0rkiebar

23 Oct 15 1 #27

Yes

y0rkiebar

22 Oct 15 13 #12

hcc27 to y0rkiebar

23 Oct 15 1 #26

Many of us mere mortals will not be able to set this up the way you've done, even with average networking knowledge. You'd be doing lots of folk here a huge favour if you could put down the instructions as an Instructable/lifehack or make a YouTube video of the process. Thanks in advance.

gavinlew

22 Oct 15 #5

You can change the camera to use UK time, i got one working great here - only downside is its a pity the LEDs cant be turned off when placed in a window

dtokez to gavinlew

23 Oct 15 #25

open it up and add a switch :smiley:

LocoMoFo9999

23 Oct 15 #24

Hopefully bangtidy will stock this soon :confused:

leon121

23 Oct 15 #23

Ordered thx

leon121

23 Oct 15 #22

ordered thx

mistafaz

23 Oct 15 #20

Can this be viewed on android tv box?

jackjones69 to mistafaz

23 Oct 15 #21

I don't see why not as just install apk

mario999

23 Oct 15 #19

Still awaiting mine from the gearbest EU nearly a month ago. Lost by Yodel, Gearbest dragging their feet and constantly delaying, so had to file a PayPal dispute today. Beware.

dezontk

22 Oct 15 #18

Can't you just cover the LEDs with blutac? Do it with some of my other cameras.

sotomonkey

22 Oct 15 2 #17

They hope you have a good banging with your web cam.

dwl99

22 Oct 15 #16

Is it the same camera?

y0rkiebar

22 Oct 15 #15

The comments on GB state that it won't come back into stock at the EU warehouse.

teerex

22 Oct 15 #13

Been looking for something like this. Wasn't there a different model posted here some days ago?

dwl99 to teerex

22 Oct 15 #14

That would be this one. Are they the same? I've been waiting for the other one to come back into stock at gearbest's EU warehouse.

phpandsql

22 Oct 15 #11

Works fine for me only gripe is the time zone not supported here

BINALSEJ

22 Oct 15 #10

hot

AddictWeb

22 Oct 15 8 #9

tek-monkey

22 Oct 15 #8

I need something I can get to stream externally to a server at my house which will do the recording, and can switch to motion detection in the evenings. Any chance with this do you know?

thespiderpig

22 Oct 15 #7

Can this upload video footage to a local server or to the cloud?

kypok

22 Oct 15 #6

Can someone explain how they got this working mine still lying after two weeks

CosmicAero

22 Oct 15 #4

does it have a sensor so it turns on when someone walks in sight of the camera?

kypok

22 Oct 15 #3

1min installation whahaa :smiley:)))

kypok

22 Oct 15 #2

Good luck making it work absolute nightmare

mario999

22 Oct 15 #1

Cheap camera, but has its limitations. Not possible to use third party apps with newest firmware. Can not turn off the leds. Can not change to UK time.

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