The Raspberry Pi Meteor System (RMS) is a low-cost, open-source / open-hardware project designed for citizen and professional scientists alike. RMS combines the respectable processing power of the Raspberry Pi single-board computer (SBC) with an inexpensive IP camera module to create a meteor camera system rivaling (and often exceeding) the capabilities of professional systems that can cost upwards of 10x as much.
The Global Meteor Network (GMN)
At the present time, there are now more than 500 RMS Stations operated by citizen scientists in 31 countries around the world. Connected through the GMN, the long-term goal of the network is to characterize the apparent point of origin in the sky (the radiant), the total number, and size distribution of meteors entering our atmosphere. Hundreds of thousands of meteor orbits have already been logged through this work and it won’t be long before we’re talking about millions of orbits!
Building an RMS
To support your RMS build we provide build files, parts sources, CAD files, and setup instructions. We’re also available to answer any questions that might come up during your build.
Buying an RMS
So, what’s in an RMS kit?
 | The RMS camera unit comes assembled with a multi-coated front window and ball-head mount attached to a 3D-printed mounting bracket. Custom brackets can be made on request. |
 | The POE injector is the entry point for power to the camera over ethernet (POE) cable. |
 | Since the Raspberry Pi doesn’t have a built-in RTC, we use a small RTC module to keep time when the Pi is powered down. |
 | RMS will run on the RPi 3B+ as well as the newer 4B and 400 (integrated keyboard) models. Most kits will now be shipped with an RPi 400. A 128 GB or NVMe SSD with RMS pre-installed will also be included with the kit. |
 | A 3A USB-C power supply is included with the RMS kit. |
 | An HDMI to Micro-HDMI cable or adapter will allow you to connect the RPi to an external monitor. |
Which, IRL looks like this…
Pricing & Options
The standard RMS system ships complete (minus network cables) and tested for 500 USD plus shipping. A number of options are available, and we’ll be happy to help you decide on the best system setup for your location. And, since we know that setting up something like this can be daunting, an hour (or so) of remote support is included with every camera purchase.
RMS Standard
The standard system comes with a Raspberry Pi 400 and a 128GB microSD with RMS pre-installed. The camera module uses a Sony Starvis sensor for ultra-low-light capabilities, giving stellar limits typically between magnitude 5 and 6. For sites with low to moderate levels of light pollution, a 4 mm lens is recommended. If, however, you’re running from a site with light-polluted skies, a 6 mm lens is the best choice. $500 US + shipping.
RMS Options
Extra lens – At the time of purchase, you’ll have a choice between 4 and 6 mm lenses. Both use the same housing, so if you’d like to order a second lens to try out the other focal length, just let us know. Add $15 for this option.
Narrow field – If you’d like a longer lens with an 8, 16, or even 25 mm focal length, it can be arranged. Since these lenses are physically longer than the standard lenses, they will come with a custom upper shell. Contact for details on availability and pricing.
| Lens | FOV | Scale (/pixel) | Approx. Mlim |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8mm f1 | 114ox64o | 3.6′ | 5 |
| 4mm f0.95 | 80ox45o | 2.8′ | 5-6 |
| 6mm f0.95 | 53ox30o | 1.7′ | 6+ |
| 8mm f0.9 | 40ox22o | 1.3′ | 7-8 |
| 16mm f1.2 | 20ox11o | 36″ | 8+ |
256 GB microSD card (Kingston or SanDisk) – The standard system ships with a 128 GB card. For most users, this will be more than enough. Doubling your storage will give you more space for archiving data and will also result in less wear on the card. Add $25 for this option.
250 GB NVMe SSD (Kingston or WD) – With a standard microSD card, you’ll find that your write speeds are around 30 MB/s. Replacing the microSD with an NVMe SSD will increase this to something around 300+ MB/s. On top of this, the NVMe drive is much more durable than an SD card, so expect it to last much, much longer! The drive comes with a USB-C to A cable for connecting directly to a blue USB port on your Pi. Add $50 for this option.
500 GB NVMe SSD (Kingston or WD) – Same as above, only twice as big. Add $75 for this option.
| Seq. Write | Rand. Write | Nights Archived | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 GB Kingston NV1 NVMe | 315 MB/s | 15,500 IOPS | ca. 2 years |
| 128 GB Canvas Go Plus SD | 34 MB/s | 1,500 IOPS | ca. 1 year |
Larger format imager – In order to achieve a larger field of view or a higher frame rate, the IMX307 camera module can be swapped out with a larger format imager. We have used the IMX385 successfully. Check with us on current pricing, but expect an extra $125+ for an IMX385 module.
Buy more than one and save 10% on each camera!
FAQs
DIY RMS
- Is it easy to build an RMS?
Building an RMS is straightforward with only a few basic tools needed. Our build manual explains the process in detail.
- Do I need to have a 3D printer to build an RMS?
No. Although we print out our own housings, you can use any commercial outdoor security camera housing. However, if you choose this route, make sure that you seal around the glass window and over all of the exposed bolt holes with silicone sealant.
- If I print a housing, what type of plastic should I use?
We recommend something with a high heat deflection temperature that is suitable for outdoor use. PETG, ASA, and ABS are all possible materials to use. PLA is not advised.
- Will this work if I’m in a city with light pollution?
Even with moderate amounts of light pollution, we find that the standard RMS with a 4 mm lens works quite well. In areas with more light pollution, we’ll often recommend using a 6 mm lens. For more on this, see the technical section on this page.
- Where can I get help?
A great source for help on setting up your own RMS is on the Global Meteor Network forum. You’re also free to ask us questions and we’ll do our best to answer them.
Technical
Camera sensor comparison
Lens tests
Effects of light pollution