Predator Scorpion
A dashcam, license plate reader, and wireless router, all in one compact package.
Notice: Predator Scorpion is an early prototype designed to read license plates at extremely long range. It has a very limited field of view, and a low detection success rate when mounted improperly. Most users should consider Predator Owl for a much more reliable, consistent, affordable, and versatile platform.
Predator Scorpion can comfortably scan license plates from hundreds of feet away.
1/2
Predator Scorpion is extremely compact and doesn't obstruct the driver's view like a typical dashcam or GPS might.
2/2
Predator Scorpion is an entry level device designed to reliably and passively scan license plates of the vehicles ahead. It's extremely compact, and can easily be completely concealed behind the windshield of a car. Out of the box, it's capable of operating as a dashcam, license plate reader, and wireless access point. Since it runs on on a Linux based platform, technical users can run any Linux software or scripts they want, making it the most customizable driving companion you'll ever find.
Specifications
These are the technical specifications for Predator Scorpion.
- Processing: Raspberry Pi 4B
- Memory: 2 GB
- Storage: 32 GB
- Camera: ELP 5MP 2592x1944 (ELP-USB500W02M-SFV)
- Lens: 5-50mm vari-focal lens
- Power Supply: Standard 15W USB-C Raspberry Pi power supply
- Approximate Scanning Rate: 12 plates per minute
- Approximate Range: 50 to 700 feet
Features
Here are some of the many features you'll get with Predator Scorpion.
Inexpensive
Predator Scorpion is designed to be as affordable as possible, making it a great entry level option for the average driver or tech hobbyist. For less than a month's worth of gas, you can get a fully functional, multipurpose driving companion.
Adjustable
While Predator Scorpion is primarily designed for use dashboard mounted license plate reader, it's lens is fully adjustable, allowing it to be zoomed in for long range scanning, or zoomed out for use as a normal dashcam, without any additional purchases!
Long Range
Predator Scorpion uses a 50mm optical zoom lens, which enables it to scan license plates on cars hundreds of feet away, even while in motion. It also has physical dials for modifying focal length and zoom for easy and quick adjustments without the use of advanced equipment.
Modular
Predator Scorpion is completely modular and uses off-the-shelf parts, meaning it's extremely easy to repair and upgrade. If, after purchasing and using Predator Scorpion for a while, you decide that you want to be able to scan license plates from farther away, simply remove the existing camera and drop any new USB camera in it's place!
Open Source
As you might expect, Predator Scorpion uses the exact same version of Predator as you'd get by building a Predator device yourself. That means you'll get the same privacy and freedom benefits by purchasing Predator Scorpion as you would if you built it from scratch yourself, and that you'll always be able to update the software running on your device.
Compact
Predator Scorpion is extremely compact, and takes up very little space, allowing it to be placed on the dashboard of a car without obstructing the driver's vision of the road in any capacity. This also makes it much easier to conceal (or even completely relocate) Predator Scorpion to reduce the chances of your car becoming a target for thieves.
Multipurpose
Predator Scorpion is capable of operating as a dashcam, license plate reader, and wireless access point, all without exceeding the price of a single one of those devices. Instead of spending $150 on a dash-cam, $500 on a license plate reader, and $200 for a wireless router, Predator Scorpion can easily serve the purpose of all 3.
Efficient
Predator Scorpion uses an ARM processor, which makes it extremely energy efficient, and ensures it won't overheat even under intensive loadseliminating the need for active cooling. The entire system is easily powered by an accessory port in your car, and won't put any significant load on the electrical system.
Unrestricted
Predator Scorpion contains absolutely zero arbitrary restrictions that limit functionality, repairability, or upgradeability. The entire system runs on a generic Linux platform, making it easy to replace, upgrade, or add hardware to Predator Scorpion, and the Predator software itself has no DRM of any kind that restrict what you can do with it.
Caveats
Here are some of the things you should know about Predator Scorpion before you consider a purchase.
Assembly
Predator Scorpion is not a mass-produced product by any means, and is built to order. While assembly is reliable and durable, expect to receive several modular devices, not a single unified enclosure.
Technical
While Predator comes completely pre-assembled and set up, you'll still need basic technical knowledge to get it up and running. For example, you'll need a basic understanding of the Linux command line, as well as basic router configuration experience.
Processing Speed
Predator Scorpion uses an inexpensive Raspberry Pi 4 to process license plates. While this provides perfectly acceptable speeds in a hobbyist use case, it may not fit the needs of everyone. A set up like this can only process an image every 7 seconds or so, which means it will almost certain miss cars that aren't visible for a considerable amount of time.
Shutter Speed
Since the camera used with Predator Scorpion is extremely compact, it isn't as sensitive to light as a camera with a larger lens and sensor. In sunny or overcast conditions, Predator Scorpion will have no issues scanning plates of moving cars ahead. However, it will struggle to detect plates of on-coming cars, especially during storms or the night.
Water Resistance
Predator Scorpion is not water resistant in any capacity, and only has a plastic case designed to protect against moderate impacts. If you intend to install Predator in a vehicle where the interior is frequently exposed to water, such as in the case of an off road vehicle, you may want to do some additional water proofing to protect against splashes.