Lemon Drop | Devpost

Lemon Drop Landing Page
Initial Background For LemonDrop
Ability to choose between dashcams
file browser to view dashcam footage

Inspiration

Lemon Drop was born out of a desire to streamline the process of retrieving dashcam footage. The current method involves ejecting the SD card, using a compatible reader to transfer files to a computer, manually backing up the footage, and remembering to reinsert the card into the dashcam. Once we realized we could capture and use the HTTP endpoints on our dashcam's WiFi, we were motivated to eliminate this cumbersome process and make it more seamless for users.

What it does

Lemon Drop automates the entire process of backing up dashcam footage. The application lives on a Raspberry Pi that has modular function. It can plug in to Once in range, the device connects to the dashcam via Wi-Fi, retrieves the latest footage, and stores it on the device. The user can then access an organized web interface displaying their recordings, making it easy to browse and manage footage.

How we built it

We developed Lemon Drop using a Raspberry Pi (borrowed from MHL), a dashcam provided by our team, Python for the backend scripts, and JavaScript for the web interface. The Raspberry Pi serves as the bridge between the dashcam and the user’s system, automating the video retrieval process.

Challenges we faced

One of the main challenges we encountered was managing the connection between the Raspberry Pi and the dashcam. The camera required an exclusive connection to the Pi, which meant we couldn’t access the internet while connected to the dashcam. This forced us to find workarounds for tasks that required online resources.

Accomplishments we're proud of

We’re especially proud of how we overcame the limited documentation for the dashcam’s firmware. Despite the scarce resources, we successfully built functions to interact with the camera, enabling us to list, download, and record files directly from the device.

What we learned

This project provided invaluable experience in working with hardware, exposing us to the unique challenges that come with it. We also deepened our understanding of Python and how to perform various tasks using it, especially in relation to hardware integration.

What's next for Lemon Drop

We plan to continue developing Lemon Drop and expand its capabilities. Future updates will include support for multiple dashcams, as well as improved reliability in downloading footage. Our goal is to make the process even more seamless and accessible.