rs300-v4l2-driver Guide: Get MINI2 Thermal Imaging Module Working with Raspberry Pi

This guide is built from the rs300-v4l2-driver project’s core details—focused on the rs300 driver (software backbone) and MIPI CSI-2 (hardware link) to make your MINI2 module talk to Raspberry Pi.

About This Guide

We’re the manufacturer of the MINI2 thermal imaging module. Most user headaches with Raspberry Pi connections boil down to two things: not setting up the rs300 driver right, or misusing the MIPI CSI-2 interface. This doc breaks both down like a step-by-step lab note—no fancy tech jargon, just what works.

1. Prerequisites First

Before you start, make sure you have:

• A Raspberry Pi (4B, 5, or Zero 2 W—all work with MIPI CSI-2 natively)
• Raspberry Pi OS: Raspbian 11 (Bullseye) or 12 (Bookworm) (older versions lack rs300 driver libraries)
• Basic tools: git, gcc, make, and linux-headers (we’ll install these if missing)

2. Install the rs300 Driver (Critical!)

The rs300 driver is how your MINI2 module communicates with Raspberry Pi. Follow these steps exactly—they’re pulled straight from the project’s README:

Step 1: Install Dependencies

Open your Raspberry Pi terminal and run this command to grab tools needed for the rs300 driver:

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y git gcc make linux-headers-$(uname -r)

Why? linux-headers matches your Pi’s kernel—without it, the driver won’t compile.

Step 2: Clone the rs300 Driver Repo

Grab the driver files from GitHub:

git clone https://github.com/Kodrea/rs300-v4l2-driver.git

Then move into the driver folder:

cd rs300-v4l2-driver

Step 3: Compile & Install the Driver

Compile the driver first (this takes 1–2 minutes):
make

If you see no errors, install it:
sudo make install

Step 4: Set Auto-Start for the rs300 Driver

To avoid reinstalling every time you boot, add the driver to startup:

sudo echo "rs300" >> /etc/modules

Reboot your Pi to test:

sudo reboot

Check if it worked: After rebooting, run lsmod | grep rs300. If you see “rs300” in the output, the rs300 driver is loaded!

3. Connect via MIPI CSI-2 Interface (Hardware Step)

The MIPI CSI-2 port is how the MINI2 module physically connects to Raspberry Pi. All supported Pi models have a standard MIPI CSI-2 port—no adapters needed.

How to Connect:

1. Power off your Raspberry Pi first! (Heads up: Live operation = damaging the MIPI CSI-2 port or module.)
2. Find the MIPI CSI-2 port on your Pi: It’s a small, ribbon-style slot (usually labeled “CSI” or near the camera icon).
3. Peel back the Pi’s port latch gently.
4. Align the MINI2 module’s MIPI CSI-2 ribbon (blue side up, match the notches!) and slide it into the port.
5. Press the latch back down to secure it.

Model-Specific Notes:

• Pi 4B/5: The MIPI CSI-2 port is on the top edge (near the HDMI ports).
• Pi Zero 2 W: The port is smaller but uses the same pinout—use the MINI2’s compact MIPI CSI-2 ribbon (included with most modules).

4. Common Issues & Fixes (From the README)

Even with perfect steps, glitches happen. Here’s how to fix the most common problems with rs300 driver and MIPI CSI-2:

Issue 1: “make” Fails (Driver Won’t Compile)

• Check dependencies: Rerun the apt-get install command from Step 1—missing linux-headers is the #1 cause.
• Update your OS: Run sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y—outdated kernels break rs300 driver compilation.

Issue 2: No Thermal Image (Module Not Working)

1. Check MIPI CSI-2 connection: Power off, peel the latch, and re-seat the ribbon—loose connections are super common.
2. Verify driver load: Run lsmod | grep rs300. If nothing shows up, reinstall the rs300 driver (repeat Section 2).
3. Enable CSI on Pi: Run sudo raspi-config, go to “Interface Options” → “Camera”, select “Enable”, then reboot.

Issue 3: Pi Doesn’t Detect MIPI CSI-2 Port

• Check Pi config: Some Pi units ship with MIPI CSI-2 disabled by default. Use raspi-config (above) to turn it on.
• Test with another cable: Faulty MIPI CSI-2 ribbons happen—swap in a spare if you have one.

5. Compatibility Notes

• rs300 Driver Versions: Always use the latest from GitHub (the repo updates often!). Recent fixes include better MIPI CSI-2 speed on Pi 5.
• Unsupported OS: Raspbian 10 (Buster) or older won’t work—stick to Bullseye (11) or Bookworm (12).

Need More Help?

As the MINI2 manufacturer, we’ve got your back:

• Want a visual guide? We can send photos of MIPI CSI-2 connection steps.
• Stuck on driver compilation? Share your terminal logs, and we’ll debug the rs300 driver issue.
• Using a rare Pi model? Ask—we’ve tested MIPI CSI-2 compatibility for most variants.

Just reach out, and we’ll get your MINI2 module up and running with Raspberry Pi fast!