Bad exposure = bad scans. The fix takes 5 seconds if you know how to read the histogram. New blog post up on openscan.blog. We cover what to look for, why ETTR works, and how to dial it in with the OpenScan3 firmware.
Not the fun part of this project: prices on parts and kits go up on May 7. We've kept them stable since 2022, but component costs, shipping, and tariffs have moved enough that we can't hold the line any longer.
If you've been meaning to order, doing so before May 7 locks in current pricing. And if you believe in open hardware and open-source software Patreon is a great way to support the project directly.
OpenScan3 Beta — What’s New
- 2–3× faster captures (0.7s per image with IMX519)
- 64MP Arducam Hawkeye support
- On-device focus stacking
- QR code WiFi setup -Setup wizard with blackshield, Mini v2 & Midi presets
- Live photogrammetry feature preview (surface quality overlay)
- Built-in histogram for exposure control
- Endstops & angle clamping
- Seamless OpenScan Cloud integration
- Polished UI with tooltips throughout
Coming soon: Python SDK, DSLR support, in-browser 3D mesh tools.
Available now and more details on openscan.blog
Introducing OpenScan Halo: Planet-scale photogrammetry
For years, OpenScan has focused on affordable 3D scanning for smaller objects.
Today, we are ready to take the next logical step.
Meet OpenScan Halo: a photogrammetry rig made of multiple synchronized belts around the Earth, designed to deliver 100% scan coverage, 24/7.
No turntable needed, passive rotation provided by existing planetary motion.
Improved occlusion handling through orbital belt redundancy.
Affordable 3D scanning for the masses. All of them.
Seamless metadata synchronization across all longitudes
Multi-hemisphere capture for improved underside coverage.
Cloud, fog and haze processing in the OpenScanCloud.
Early internal tests have shown promising results for terrain, buildings, coastlines, and other medium-sized planetary features.
We are currently exploring strategic partnerships with rocket-owning billionaires.
More details: https://halo.openscan.eu/
This is the camera node from my current multi-cam rig experiment.
This pcb design will probably end up in a couple of projects as it perfectly fits the pi zero + camera, works standalone or in combination with the master and it has multiple in- and outputs (e.g. trigger camera via infrared or normal flash). It is amazing to see how easy such ideas can be realized (or at least get to a level worth experimenting with ^^)
More details and some open questions can be found on our blog.
btw. little Händel is watching closely ;)
New Multi-Camera 3D Scanning Rig in the making - after only 4 (part-time) weeks in development, the first prototype already produces some nice data. Based on Raspberry Pis + Arducam IMX519, this might be the start of something beautiful :) #raspberrypi #makersmovement
OpenScan3 - A completely rewritten firmware laying the foundation for the future of open-source 3D scanning. Pure Python, FastAPI backend, modular architecture, and a proper REST API. This new blog post gives an overview of the core design decisions and what's changed from OpenScan2. --> visit openscan.blog
3D scanning shiny objects with photogrammetry? Absolutely possible with a little bit of surface preparation thanks to @aesub_ orange and the build-in cross polarisation of the OpenScan Mini.
