Digital Super 8 Cart

Description

Im trying to make a digi ( digital) Super 8 cart ( yes, I may have gone insane) . so iv had the idea of trying to make a digital Super 8mm cart for a while and I met up with some great Geeks at EMF 2024 one of whom had tried the same idea but a different take. This project maps the madness that follows.

Details

The Project :

This project has come to be due to the fact I can't afford the £100 price tag to use Super 8, Dev the film and scan it. So I want a way to test shots and use the camera without the expense. With the Goal of one day hopefully using the film once iv got used to the camera and can use this cart to plan my shots out, saving money.

Project outcomes:

The main outcome of this project is to have a Digi Cart that I can trigger using the camera's original Trigger and does not need me to alter the camera in any way. It's as simple as that.

Influences :

In my journey iv found a few people who have had the same idea. I first found out this might be possible from the Elements 14 YouTube channel video linked here, but as you can see in the screenshot below, it ended up being rather bulky and with focusing issues

The big changing point in this project, which has been on the shelf for ages, was in 2024 at EMF where I went to a talk by Jenny List who, as many of you will know is an author and YouTuber, this was the big turning point this is when I found out you could in fact fit a raspberry pi zero into a super 8 Cart, something I thought was impossible when I measured up a old school cart, but as you can see below it very much just fits I have including a link to Jenny List video here

I have spent the last few months trying out different designs and cases, and I think I'm finally on the right track to have a test Cart built in time for EMF 2026. Although everything has to be millimetre-perfect. More updates to follow as I start the long Journey to become 3d Tetris Champion. ( Also, I apologise about my spelling :) )

Components

1 × ZIRO Matte Black PLA Filament https://www.amazon.co.uk/ZIRO-Filament-1-75mm-Toughness-Dimensional/dp/B095PBL3QH?th=1

1 × Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W https://thepihut.com/products/raspberry-pi-zero-2

1 × Micro SD Card Module https://www.amazon.co.uk/DAOKAI-Module-Adapter-Expansion-Arduino/dp/B09YYG6BT3/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2LP88OGEK6DMC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4G6Ta0nHdTLEh2FocR_6LJ0J_zKsFpoq37kJut-557LKQplRdzP2zuIfycB1l-z1DL46Gt7AkgDT6-dWm3XAxhMpyiYNii0W0qrWso1xc-FGUpik5p0miriCiG--yjn69pAWOP6_6esvhjP3N8yvBIIqyiLV_U1_iX261Qz5Z2uGmvA3Ean4FkZt00_bS-htrBwnrGeJ7HMSnvDf0VP82xdGeNOSEDVx3bDmSzoGlY4.ylHeXaFvp_MXQBXrY7qf-5Lc2NuS4N3Cco0PGXwbzXc&dib_tag=se&keywords=Micro%2BSD%2BCard%2BModule%2BSPI%2B3.3V%2BTF%2BReader%2Bfor%2BArduino&qid=1773007555&sprefix=micro%2Bsd%2Bcard%2Bmodule%2Bspi%2B3.3v%2Btf%2Breader%2Bfor%2Barduino%2B%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-2&th=1

1 × Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W Aluminum Heat Sink ( this may change having to mount on the rear of the pi currently ) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Waveshare-Dedicated-Aluminum-Heatsink-Raspberry/dp/B09NJLR5S2/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1EANTL12BPSSZ&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OAzDq93OPNpn73WYOzrNqX5a1oXl6ft1WmiM67cXUYt0_1tUeW9KeNHNjaO_24nZct0U4Conmd_0D1yJJKQdvelugYIUR7Y9a5s8a_VnA_22NIv0-DesuktqMjaY_v0vkLt7qq6hb1UhEtDuK0ANws0zH-2MmxSfhanZd1gAfOjBwIYChHaJVBtnJG5XuvV6FBw8-tWFbtrERnUhAL9_Iqa_Xjp758632FNv5utDNWU.RVf-YbR2XAnBut4XdjAn8tNoOJkeLsuLzCRlMAel8cQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=Raspberry+Pi+Zero+2+W+Aluminum+Heat+Sink&qid=1773007524&sprefix=raspberry+pi+zero+2+w+aluminum+heat+sink+%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-6

1 × 18650 Battery 3.7V 3800mah Lithium Rechargeable Battery https://www.amazon.co.uk/SZAJOR-3800mah-Lithium-Ion-Rechargeable-Connector/dp/B0D6YWY7ZC/ref=sr_1_6?crid=2MD22HKK69W8T&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0B3gCgtxq-goSnE2oIZsP-bmP4kQ26Obl9KVxgyYljgI_IgO7J4mNyqlxBkduYyzP5E9K7R3NAVlimKke5PRY_1AHLlLl5IN-e9FIBHXnBGIqj5tN3uJEbF92E1-sch1-GCOB--_jWCfPGSeR7wr1mSN-8efyPF0OQVoy6JfSwXkKyTDUu6LzEgnxXcualRwu8112C1BzrkEVdOC65jThOAUOflXvciGgCzuJX-hRGY.pbLu2YjO81PEjL0FNEw3TbkAr3GE0DHhqB6oa_pcxyU&dib_tag=se&keywords=18650%2BBattery%2B3.7V%2B3800mah%2BLithium%2BRechargeable%2BBattery&qid=1773007492&sprefix=18650%2Bbattery%2B3.7v%2B3800mah%2Blithium%2Brechargeable%2Bbattery%2Caps%2C208&sr=8-6&th=1

Project Logs

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We have power : update 07/04/2026
bozzer91 • 4 days ago • 0 comments

This update is a small but vital step in this project. The digi cart is now running under its own power. I have swapped out the bad DC to DC converter.
This new one can go up to 5 amps, so plenty of headroom. I have also found a micro switch small enough to fit in the case that can also take 1 amp at 5 volts ( max for this circuit )
I've installed everything into the Digi Cart to see how it fits and to find out any issues
Issues so far
1 . Raspberry Pi standoffs need lowering to allow some more space for ribbon cable, as it is hitting the camera module when I try to close the lid fully
2. The SD card reader is the type where the micro SD card sticks out, something I had not realised until I tried it in the case. I will need to rework the case design to move this SD card reader back.
Before I address these issues, I'm sorting out the camera itself, trying out different ways to mount it, different-sized extension tubes, and making sure I don't need to change the mounting points on the case.
update 14/03/2026 - We have Video !
bozzer91 • 03/14/2026 at 23:53 • 0 comments

Exciting update today.
While waiting on parts to fix my power issues, I've been experimenting with different ways to use the camera module, and two of them worked (YAY). So I now have two possible ways to make the camera module display an image. I have included a short video of the results below.
Update 11/03/2026 - well that didnt work
bozzer91 • 03/11/2026 at 22:49 • 0 comments

So, today's update is titled "well that didn't work" as I made a few mistakes I need to correct.

I think it's important to show the process of building so people see it takes time, and that we don't just go from idea in our heads to a working product in one easy step.

So the first issue I have is that I started soldering the power wiring into place.

The eagle-eyed among you will notice that the BATT input is wired the wrong way round. This is due to my battery using reversed colours, something I didn't know until I tried plugging it in.

The battery still works fine; this one section just has the wrong colours.

The second issue revolves around my battery charger and DC step-up converter.
My charger can only output around 4.2 volts at 1 amp, so my intention was to use a DC-DC step-up converter to make this a stable 5 volts. However, this little PCB

It can only output about 480mA max at 5 volts, so it is completely useless and has been removed from the parts list. I had far too many tabs open with DC-to-DC converters, and it seems I purchased the wrong one/ got the data sheets mixed up.

So what are the next steps :

The wiring with the wrong colours, I'm just stuck with, so that is what it is.

The power converters I have three open

1. Find a new step-up converter that can do 1 amp
2. Find a new battery charger that can output 5 volts at 1 amp
3. Run the pi directly off the battery at 4.2 volts ( not recommended)

I will be exploring these options over the next few days.
Update 07/03/2026 - working case in sight.
bozzer91 • 03/08/2026 at 20:31 • 1 comment

Over the past few months, I have been focusing on the case design and fitting all the parts inside, as the main thing holding me back at the moment is that I'm not able to run this as a self-contained unit. It's stuck on my desk, and my office is not long enough to reach infinity focus when calibrating the camera.

I can now start a list of parts for my project (yay), as I have found parts that fit and will hopefully work. I already know my screen will not work as it is, hence it is not being listed yet. I will update the list as and when I find new parts or issues.

Parts to be listed :
Motherboard (microcomputer)
SD card reader
Battery charging board
Battery
power converter for the Pi
Camera ( still in flux )
3D filament

I have recently changed the 3D filament I'm using to matte black. So far, the amount of light it reflects is a lot less ( see the example below top part is the old filament and the bottom is new matte black)

Next steps:
The next steps are to get this assembled and under its own power so I can start working on the software. I can then work on the camera module. I have designed the case to allow me to swap this out when I find new ways of focusing the cameras. I already have three ideas floating around if the current one does not work. And finally, I need to make a power-on switch for the Pi. This will prob be the only custom PCB, not an off-the-shelf part, as to date I have not found a micro switch that can take 2 amps at 5 volts. If you know of one, please feel free to comment below.
Update to this log. I'm having trouble adding links to the parts section. Not all the links work once I save. Please bear with me as I sort the issues.
02/11/2025
bozzer91 • 11/02/2025 at 18:27 • 0 comments

Update 02/11/2025.
Version 2 of the camera mount is done and ready for testing. I'm now just on the lookout for a new Super 8 camera as my side loader is not focusing right, so I can't calibrate the camera.

I have also added some air vents above the Raspberry Pi to help vent heat. I also have some full-body heat sinks for my Raspberry Pi in order to ensure some of the heat can escape.
Im still alive :) 17/10/2025 update
bozzer91 • 10/17/2025 at 21:36 • 0 comments

A quick update to say I'm still alive ( yay ) and still working on this project iv had a few things happen.

My PC decided it didn't want to be a pc anymore, so i had to fix that.

i got a new 3d printer, so been setting that up and decided to change the mounting for the camera.

im hoping to get the next update out before the end of the year , providing i don't change the camera mounting again :)
UPDATE 27/04/2025
bozzer91 • 04/27/2025 at 17:52 • 0 comments

Today i have a small update.
I have been working on the camera mounting. After far to many editions ( more then you can see below ) I finally have a mount that works for my camera.
This mount locks the camera from moving away from the focus plane while leaving enough space for me to experiment with different cameras/measurements from the focus plane.
I have two Super 8 cameras, one side-loading and one rear-loading. I have been trying this out with both cameras using the side loader so I can adjust the parts inside the DIgi Cart easily, and in the side loader, and I can confirm compatibility by trying the rear loader.
After a lot of adjusting the position of the camera and the focus, we have success, I finally have an image, its not perfect but its a start.
Next steps :
I have a few problems to work through, step one being the camera's aperture controls seem to reduce the image field of view so I need to check is it my Digi Cart camera position that is doing this or if it's normal operations. Step two, I'm using a 120° lens on my Pi camera, which is nowhere near ideal, so I intend to change this out for a 75° lens in the hope I can fill more of the screen with the image and possibly cut off the sides, avoiding the issues with the aperture.
Update : 20/04/2025
bozzer91 • 04/20/2025 at 20:06 • 0 comments

Iv spent the past few days refining the Case idea, and Case V1 is almost there, all must have parts that have a home now, and it's getting very cramped in the Cart. I am now working on the camera mounting solution, which you can see at the front of the cart. Next, I need to figure out if I can fit a screen and controls onto the lid before i can start working on the software.