The first step is to find a suitable computer and camera.

For the computer, I suggest any cheap computer that is capable of some basic image processing. I'm using an RPi 3 and it is completely sufficient.

The camera part is a little harder. You need to find a camera that is capable of low light imaging. I have a canon digital camera that I am using for my rig, but I've even had success with the PiCam in low light situations.

Once you have everything hooked up make sure you have python 2.7 installed and OpenCV (here).

Pull the repo from git:

git clone https://github.com/heidtn/MeteorTracker

Install pip if you don't have it:

sudo apt-get install python-pip

Install numpy and sqlite3

pip install numpy sqlite3

Now go into the MeteorTracker directory and run:

python setup.py

Put together an enclosure for your tracker.

I packaged mine inside of a coffee can. I cut a hole in the lid for the camera and one in the side for the power. I ran an extension cord from the house to the power cord for the RPi.

I sealed the usb regulator in a plastic bag with the power cord. It almost never rains where I am, but in the few light rains we've had, this setup has done fine.

Find a good place with a clear view of the sky and as little light pollution as possible.

As of now you have to manually start the program. My Pi is within WiFi range and I can ssh into it from home to start everything.

Now execute the following to start the tracking program:

nohup python MeteorTracker.py &