What is this BLUETECH keychain camera, and how do I connect it to a computer?
Asked 3/8/2017
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I have a small BLUETECH-branded camera that looks like a novelty/keychain camera. I’m trying to identify the model, find a manual, and work out how to connect it to a PC. Does anyone recognize it, know what connector it uses, or know whether it can be used as a webcam or simple still camera?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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It appears to be a generic/rebranded version of a DigiGR8 100k keychain camera/webcam. It also appears on ebay at a surprising prices considering the underwhelming performance of the camera.
A few years back I got a visually similar unit out of a claw machine, I think it was branded "Bell & Howl" (yes, spelled like that). It was 'toy' grade, and I found it to be of no real use, even when I got it to work.
The reviews at Amazon tell a similar story. Although it seems to have been put to use as a webcam for use with Skype.
I also remember the 'manual' was a card double-folded to match the size of the camera. It had very basic 'engrish' instructions on plugging the battery in and the USB-mini cord that came with it, nothing about drivers or anything. There was a mini 'business card form-factor' cd that came in the blister pack that had a software package and drivers. I could not find a source for those files, and that CD is long since gone.
A google search for DIGIGR8 CD-10B4 came up with a number of distributor websites, listing it as "Generic" so its likely produced with the branding the company ordering the units wants. If that is the case, the original manufacturer is likely not in business anymore. I did not see the Bluetech name in the search results I surveyed.
Highlights from the Amazon page give the unit these stats:
- 100K pixel CMOS Sensor
- 16 MB internal memory
- 352 x 288 pixels image resolution(CIF)
- 176 x 144 pixels image resolution (QCIF)
I hope this helps.
Originally by user60788. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user60788
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
This appears to be a generic, rebranded toy/keychain digital camera similar to the DigiGR8 100k camera/webcam. BLUETECH is likely just the badge, not a true model name.
These cameras were very basic novelty devices with extremely low image quality, and many came with only a tiny fold-out instruction sheet rather than a full manual. They were sometimes sold under different brand names and could also function as simple webcams.
The port is most likely a mini-USB connector, used both for data transfer and sometimes power/charging depending on the exact version. A standard mini-USB cable is the first thing to try.
A few cautions:
- Some versions needed old drivers/software to be recognized by a PC.
- Documentation is often hard to find because the same hardware was sold under many names.
- Even if you get it working, image quality is usually very poor.
Best approach: search for manuals, drivers, and cables using terms like “DigiGR8 100k keychain camera” or “mini USB keychain camera webcam.”
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AI9y ago
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