script.py

"""
This program interfaces with the GoPro camera and records footage for a
set amount period of time defined by the optional `--seconds` arg.
"""
import argparse
import time
import serial

parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description='Captures video from GoPro for set number of seconds.')
parser.add_argument(
    '--seconds',
    dest='seconds',
    type=int,
    default=5,
    help='The number of seconds you want the video to record for.'
)
args = parser.parse_args()

# Open a serial connection to the GoPro
ser = serial.Serial('/dev/tty.usbserial-A7WA8RME', 9600, timeout=1)
print 'Serial connection opened'

PIN_OUTPUT = 'ATO2\r'
PIN_HIGH = 'ATS2\r'
PIN_LOW = 'ATC2\r'

# Initialize the connection mechanics of the output from the PC to the GoPro.
ser.write(PIN_OUTPUT) # Sets the adapter output pin to an 'output'
ser.write(PIN_HIGH) # Turns the output to the GoPro camera to the 'high' state (its default state)
print 'Configured output pin'
time.sleep(1)


# 1. Power Camera On
# Once the correct serial port has been determined and the output has been set to the
# high 'default' state, you are ready to send commands to the camera.
ser.write(PIN_LOW) # Set the state to low
time.sleep(1)
ser.write(PIN_HIGH) # Re-set the state to high
print 'Camera is powered ON'

# 2. Record for X seconds
seconds = args.seconds
print 'Start recording: %d seconds' % seconds
time.sleep(seconds)
print 'Stopped recording'

# CAMERA NEEDS TO BE IN 1-BUTTON MODE AND IT WILL START RECORDING UNTIL IT IS TURNED OFF
# http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a3876GHNO0

# 3. Power Camera Off
# Set the state to low for 5 seconds and reset to high
print 'Preparing to turn camera off'
ser.write(PIN_LOW) # Set the state to low
time.sleep(5)
ser.write(PIN_HIGH) # Re-set the state to high
print 'Camera is off'