[Wayback/Archive] GitHub - computerequipmentgroup/equip-1: Compact DV recorder · GitHub Compact DV recorder. Connects to any FireWire camcorder and saves footage directly to microSD. No laptop required. Supports MiniDV, DVCAM, DVCPRO, Digital8, and HDV. Controls the tape deck on supported cameras, so you can digitize an entire tape automatically. Pressing record on the camera triggers capture on the Equip-1.

Computer Equipment Group has launched the Firehat, an open-source FireWire HAT that adds a native IEEE 1394 / i.LINK / DV port to SBCs with a Raspberry Pi PCIe FFC connector like the Pi 5 or the Radxa ROCK 2F. Built around a VIA VT6315N controller, the Firehat provides a modern way to capture footage from MiniDV, Digital8, DVCAM, DVCPRO, and HDV camcorders. It lets users connect compatible cameras or decks to an SBC and record the original digital DV stream directly to local storage, without legacy computers or discontinued FireWire capture cards. Firehat specifications: Compatibility – Radxa ROCK 2F, Raspberry Pi 5, and other SBCs that expose PCIe over an FPC connector (or via adapter) Controller – VIA VT6315N FireWire / IEEE 1394 controller Display – 1.3-inch monochrome OLED display onboard Camera input port – 6-pin FireWire/i.LINK/DV port Host interface PCIe 2.0 FFC connector for video 40-pin Raspberry Pi [...] The post Firehat is an open-source FireWire DV capture HAT for SBCs with Raspberry Pi PCIe FFC connector (Crowdfunding) appeared first on CNX Software - Embedded Systems News.

Computer Equipment Group has launched the **Firehat,** an open-source FireWire HAT that adds a native IEEE 1394 / i.LINK / DV port to SBCs with a Raspberry Pi PCIe FFC connector like the Pi 5 or the Radxa ROCK 2F. Built around a VIA VT6315N controller, the Firehat provides a modern way to capture footage from MiniDV, Digital8, DVCAM, DVCPRO, and HDV camcorders. It lets users connect compatible cameras or decks to an SBC and record the original digital DV stream directly to local storage, without legacy computers or discontinued FireWire capture cards. Firehat specifications: * Compatibility – Radxa ROCK 2F, Raspberry Pi 5, and other SBCs that expose PCIe over an FPC connector (or via adapter) * Controller – VIA VT6315N FireWire / IEEE 1394 controller * Display – 1.3-inch monochrome OLED display onboard * Camera input port – 6-pin FireWire/i.LINK/DV port * Host interface * PCIe 2.0 FFC connector for video * 40-pin Raspberry Pi GPIO header for OLED, buttons, LEDs, and buzzer control * Misc * 3x low-profile SMD tactile buttons * 3x SK6812 RGB LEDs * 1x PWM-controlled SMD buzzer * Dimensions – 56 x 70 x 12 mm * Weight – 25 grams * Certifications – CCE and UKCA certifications are pending The Firehat connects to the SBC through both the 40-pin GPIO header and the PCIe FFC connector. The GPIO header provides power and handles the OLED, buttons, LEDs, and buzzer, while the PCIe FFC connection carries the FireWire data between the VIA VT6315N controller and the SBC. Firehat + Radxa ROCK 2F connected to a camera via FireWire In terms of software support, the Firehat works as a standard PCIe FireWire controller on Linux using the FireWire stack. DV capture is handled with open-source tools such as dvgrab and dvcont (a command-line utility inside the libavc1394 library), while the Equip-1 software stack provides a more complete standalone recorder interface. Firehat also supports FireWire device control, allowing compatible cameras and tape decks to play, stop, rewind, and trigger captures through software. The Firehat is fully open-source, with its KiCad schematics, PCB layouts, 3D models, and other hardware files released under the CERN OHL-S license. The software is licensed under GPL, and the design files and documentation are available on the project’s GitHub repository. Firehat top and bottom We have covered plenty of PCIe HATs for the Raspberry Pi 5 for adding an NVMe SSD, 5G cellular connectivity, a DAB digital radio, and various other features, but never one that supports the FireWire protocol. The Firehat fills that gap with support for native DV and HDV capture over FireWire. The Firehat is available on Crowd Supply with a $7,500 funding goal. A $79 pledge includes the Firehat main board, a 1.3-inch OLED screen, a 25 mm coaxial shielded FPC cable, and a 30-cm IEEE 1394 6-pin to 4-pin FireWire cable. Shipping is free in the US and adds $12 for other countries, with deliveries expected to start on February 3, 2027. Debashis Das Debashis Das is a technical content writer and embedded engineer with over five years of experience in the industry. With expertise in Embedded C, PCB Design, and SEO optimization, he effectively blends difficult technical topics with clear communication Share this: **Support CNX Software! Donate viacryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress**. We also use affiliate links in articles to earn commissions if you make a purchase after clicking on those links.