Kid's camera -> offline printer

[tvbcof]

I got a 'myFirst Camera Insta 20' a while ago.  I think in Europe.  The intent was to use it in a primitive way for QR codes.  Then destroy it and the hardware used to create the QR images.

The device has, of course, a camera, a screen large enough for QR codes, TF card reader (used also for firmware flashing) and doesn't seem to have wi-fi, BT, etc.  In short, it's got the fix'ns for an off-line signing device using QR codes as a mode of communications.  Plus it's got a printer.

The specs of this device are no-where that I can find, and I don't wish to tear it apart just yet since it's initial use is not yet satisfied and it is a bitch to find such toys were I live or order shit off AliExpress.

If the device would do a clean construction of a QR with extra layout and such, it would give a much better result than doing it the dumb way (e.g., taking a picture of a screen.)  Yes, I am aware of gotchas with thermal printing, but that's musings for another thread.

Has anyone done an inventory of such devices with an eye toward 'hacking' them for Bitcoin related off-line work?  Anyone who digs this kind of shit an is good at it want to?  If so, please speak up on this thread or ping me.

[LoyceV]

The specs of this device are no-where that I can find
~
If the device would do a clean construction of a QR with extra layout and such
~
Has anyone done an inventory of such devices with an eye toward 'hacking' them for Bitcoin related off-line work?

A quick search confirms that it's going to be near impossible to install anything else on it.
It reminds me of Piper Wallet (further reading). If you haven't seen it yet, it may give you some ideas.

If I'd have to print offline QR-codes, I'd use a laser printer and a laptop running Linux LIVE from RAM. Although an offline laser engraver sounds more fun.

[tvbcof]

...
A quick search confirms that it's going to be near impossible to install anything else on it.

What technical information did you dig up to find that?

I figured that the processor would probably handle the anticipated loads just fine, but if it is to much hassle to overcome whatever protections the mainboard may or may not have, different guts could be made so long as the components were not overly proprietary.

Edit:  Ah, found something: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MyFirst+Camera+Insta+2+teardown/165993

It reminds me of Piper Wallet (further reading). If you haven't seen it yet, it may give you some ideas.

Yes, I did run across that project, but mostly info from when it was new.  There was another similar one as well.  Much of the discussion revolves around RNG.  That doesn't interest me a whole lot as I would almost certainly be bringing my own addresses from a variety of generators.  As mentioned, the device has pretty much everything needed for 'modern' work-flow built in (cameras, screens, TF, etc.)  I think the cost retail is something like $70 but that is not in volume or surplus.

If I'd have to print offline QR-codes, I'd use a laser printer and a laptop running Linux LIVE from RAM. Although an offline laser engraver sounds more fun.

I've been putting some thought into more ideal QR modes of storage which would be more durable and in particular, fireproof.  Maybe I'll expand on some of the options it in another thread.

Playing with an engraver or similar would probably be a blast for about the first three cards, then an expensive drag for the next three hundred and ninety seven.  I remeber something called 'seedhamer' I think it was.  The TBO (Time Before Overhaul) was likely to be dismal though they did have some $10,000 (or there-abouts) model which might work for a bit longer.  Looks like they have something new now: https://seedhammer.com/

[LoyceV]

What technical information did you dig up to find that?

I Googled "installing linux on myfirst camera", and it basically told me it can't be done. I expect it to take reverse engineering at a level that's really not worth it for just one device.

Playing with an engraver or similar would probably be a blast for about the first three cards, then an expensive drag for the next three hundred and ninety seven.

Why do you need 400 different wallets?

[tvbcof]

What technical information did you dig up to find that?

I Googled "installing linux on myfirst camera", and it basically told me it can't be done. I expect it to take reverse engineering at a level that's really not worth it for just one device.

Ah, I see.  I would be loathed to run Linux or any other time-sharing OS on such a device.

Accourding to what I can dig up, the CPU/MCU is 'proprietary' though I would be quite surprised if it were not some fairly well understood core.  I've never actually done it before, but I would think it not impossible that if a non-trivial buyer expressed interest, perhaps the IP owner would release the specs and otherwise make it possible to work with the existing hardware effectively for a (actually fairly slight) re-purposing.  Of course I could be wrong about this.

One kind of cool thing about working with a 'toy' such as this could be that it wouldn't attract a lot of attention when traveling, and because it has an internal battery, it would pretty much have to travel as hand-carry.

Playing with an engraver or similar would probably be a blast for about the first three cards, then an expensive drag for the next three hundred and ninety seven.

Why do you need 400 different wallets?

Well, you start thinking of multi-sig, trust fund payouts for a large family, etc, etc, and the numbers can add up pretty quickly.

[LoyceV]

Well, you start thinking of multi-sig, trust fund payouts for a large family, etc, etc, and the numbers can add up pretty quickly.

If you really need that many: engraving 400 QR-codes can be fairly easy: see how many you can fit on a metal sheet, and cut them afterwards.

[DaveF]

Playing with an engraver or similar would probably be a blast for about the first three cards, then an expensive drag for the next three hundred and ninety seven.  I remeber something called 'seedhamer' I think it was.  The TBO (Time Before Overhaul) was likely to be dismal though they did have some $10,000 (or there-abouts) model which might work for a bit longer.  Looks like they have something new now: https://seedhammer.com/

I have wanted to seedhammer for a few months now.
I don't even mind the price that much.

But the well over $100 to ship and the "you are on your own for customs" just kills it for me.

I could deal with one of the other, but not both. I ordered a bunch of heavy ~11kg things from Switzerland and that other company took care of everything.
And charged me less for shipping. I know seedhammer is a small company so there is probably a lot more costs involved with them doing it by hand. But still....

-Dave