Raspberry Pi MotionEye Camera Setup with Docker

What is MotionEye?

MotionEye is a web-based frontend for the motion daemon, making it easy to turn network cameras or USB cameras into a home surveillance system. It allows you to set up motion detection, alerts, and image recording in a user-friendly interface accessible through a browser.

Why Use Docker on a Raspberry Pi?

Docker simplifies the setup process for applications like MotionEye by:

1. Streamlining installation: Docker contains all dependencies in one container.
2. Isolating services: MotionEye runs in a standalone container, avoiding conflicts.
3. Portability: Docker allows easy movement of configurations between devices.

Prerequisites

For setting up MotionEye on your Raspberry Pi, you’ll need:

1. A Raspberry Pi with Raspberry Pi OS installed.
2. Docker and Docker Compose installed on the Raspberry Pi.
3. A compatible camera (USB or Pi Camera Module).
4. Network access to the Raspberry Pi for remote viewing.

Installing Docker on the Raspberry Pi

Step 1: Install Docker

If Docker isn’t already installed, add it with the following commands:

curl -sSL https://get.docker.com | sh
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Reboot the Raspberry Pi after installation:

sudo reboot

Step 2: Install Docker Compose

To manage MotionEye with Docker Compose, install Docker Compose:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y docker-compose

Setting Up MotionEye with Docker Compose

Step 1: Create a Working Directory

Create a directory for MotionEye and navigate into it:

mkdir motioneye-docker && cd motioneye-docker

Step 2: Create a docker-compose.yml File

In this directory, create a docker-compose.yml file for MotionEye:

version: '3.3'

services:
  motioneye:
    image: ccrisan/motioneye:master-amd64
    container_name: motioneye
    ports:
      - "8765:8765"  # Adjust port if needed
    volumes:
      - ./motioneye:/etc/motioneye
      - /etc/localtime:/etc/localtime:ro
      - /data/motioneye:/var/lib/motioneye
    devices:
      - /dev/video0:/dev/video0  # Use the correct device for your camera
    restart: unless-stopped

The default port is 8765, and /dev/video0 is the default device for USB cameras. Adjust if using a different camera or port.

Starting the MotionEye Container

Start the MotionEye container by running:

sudo docker-compose up -d

The container will download and set up MotionEye in detached mode, storing configurations in the motioneye folder.

Accessing MotionEye

Once the container is running, access MotionEye by opening a browser and navigating to your Raspberry Pi’s IP address on port 8765 (e.g., http://<Raspberry_Pi_IP>:8765).

The default login credentials are:

• Username: admin
• Password: (leave blank)

You can set an admin password in the settings after logging in.

Adding Cameras to MotionEye

Once logged in, add a camera:

1. Click on Add Camera and choose the camera type (e.g., Local Camera for USB or Pi Camera).
2. Configure options like resolution, frame rate, and motion detection.

Configuring Motion Detection and Alerts

1. Motion Detection: Enable motion detection in the settings for each camera, adjusting sensitivity as needed.
2. Alerts: Set up email or web hook notifications to receive alerts when motion is detected.

Managing the MotionEye Container

Stopping the MotionEye Container

To stop MotionEye, use:

sudo docker-compose down

This will stop and remove the container, keeping your configuration files in the motioneye folder.

Restarting the Container

To start MotionEye again, simply run:

sudo docker-compose up -d

Conclusion

Setting up MotionEye on your Raspberry Pi with Docker allows for easy, portable home surveillance. With MotionEye’s web-based interface, you can monitor cameras, record footage, and receive alerts, turning your Raspberry Pi into a reliable surveillance solution.