Can I Set My Simply Safe Camera To Record For A 48 Hour Cycle

We have worked with the ESP32 module already, it'south a powerful even so cheap microcontroller from Espressif and A-Thinker with advanced features like Bluetooth, WiFi, and multipurpose GPIO ports.

Today we'll look at some other member of the ESP32 module family, the ESP32-CAM lath.

This amazing fiddling module packs a lot of ability and features into a small package. Read on and run into how you can put information technology to use.

Introduction

The ESP32-CAM is a total-featured microcontroller that also has an integrated video camera and microSD menu socket. It'south inexpensive and easy to use, and is perfect for IoT devices requiring a camera with advanced functions like image tracking and recognition.

ESP32-CAM

The sample software distributed by Espressif includes a sketch that allows you to build a web-based camera with a sophisticated command panel. Subsequently you get the hang of programming the device y'all'll notice that it is very easy to apply.

Non bad for a board that costs about ten dollars, including the photographic camera!

Examining the ESP32-CAM

The ESP32-CAM module has fewer I/O pins than the previous ESP-32 module we looked at. Many of the GPIO pins are used internally for the photographic camera and the microSD bill of fare port.

Another thing missing from the ESP32-CAM module is a USB port. In lodge to program this device you lot'll need to brand utilize of an FTDI adapter. This volition exist described further on in this commodity.

Hither is the pinout of the ESP32-CAM Module:

ESP32-CAM Pinouts

1 affair to annotation about this module is that information technology has components on both sides of the printed circuit board. The "peak" of the lath has the connector for the camera module, also as the microSD (sometimes chosen "TF") card socket.

ESP32-CAM Module - Top

You'll as well annotation a square white LED on the top of the module, this tin human action equally a "flash" for illuminating the subject you lot are trying to view with the camera.

The underside of the excursion board has the ESP32-S module. It too has a connector for an external antenna, as well every bit an internal antenna that is etched onto the circuit board. I'll explain how to use the external antenna shortly.

ESP32-CAM Module - Bottom

Some other key component located underneath the lath is the reset switch.

Considering there are and then many components on the bottom of the module y'all may find it easier non to use a solderless breadboard when experimenting with the ESP32-CAM module. The use of jumpers with female Dupont connectors is recommended.

ESP32-CAM Specifications

The ESP32-CAM is based upon the ESP32-S module, so it shares the same specifications. It has the following features:

802.11b/m/n Wi-Fi
Bluetooth 4.2 with BLE
UART, SPI, I2C and PWM interfaces
Clock speed upwardly to 160 MHz
Computing ability up to 600 DMIPS
520 KB SRAM plus 4 MB PSRAM
Supports WiFi Image Upload
Multiple Slumber modes
Firmware Over the Air (FOTA) upgrades possible
9 GPIO ports
Born Flash LED

Camera Specifications

The ESP32-CAM includes an OV2640 camera module. The device also supports OV7670 cameras. The OV2640 has the following specifications:

2 Megapixel sensor
Assortment size UXGA 1622×1200
Output formats include YUV422, YUV420, RGB565, RGB555 and eight-scrap compressed data
Epitome transfer rate of 15 to 60 fps

Working with the ESP32-Cam

Using the ESP32-CAM is similar to using the ESP32 modules we looked at previously, with one major difference. The ESP32-CAM board has no USB port, and then you can't only connect it up to your estimator and start loading programs.

Instead you lot volition need to add an external FTDI adapter. This is the aforementioned adapter y'all would apply programming an Arduino Pro Mini, so if you've worked with the Pro Mini then you probably already have 1 of these.

Hooking up the FTDI Adapter

Hither is the hookup diagram for connecting the FTDI adapter to the ESP32-CAM module:

ESP32-CAM FTDI Hookup

It is of import to note that the FTDI adapter must exist set for a 3.iii-volt VCC output, not 5-volts, as we are powering the ESP32-CAM using the iii.3-volt power pin. You could likewise proceed the FTDI adapter at 5-volts and utilise the 5-volt power pin instead.

I have found the 3.3-volt set to exist more than reliable, which is why I am recommending information technology.

You'll besides need to note that at that place is a connection between the GPIO 0 pin and Footing. This connexion is only required while you are programming the ESP32-CAM. Once you accept finished programming the module y'all can ability information technology down and remove this connection.

ESP32-CAM and FTDI Adapter

As you'll require access to the Reset push button button you lot may want to use female-to-female Dupont jumpers, instead of a solderless breadboard, when working with the ESP32-CAM.

Programming with the Arduino IDE

In order to utilize the ESP32-CAM, or any ESP32, with the Arduino IDE you will need to use the Board Manager to add the ESP32 boards. This is achieved past adding a JSON file link to your Arduino IDE Preferences "Additional Boards URL" text box.

ESP32 Add Board Manager JSON

Complete details for doing this can exist found in the Getting Started with ESP32 article.

Once you accept washed this you volition find a list of ESP32 boards in your Arduino IDE Boards Manager. Select the A-Thinker ESP32-CAM board from this list.

Loading the Sample Sketch

Later you select the A-Thinker ESP32-CAM board you will accept a number of example sketches loaded into your Arduino IDE.

The sample sketch we will exist using is the CameraWebServer sketch. Y'all can load information technology every bit follows:

Open the Arduino IDE
Click on the File menu item on the superlative card bar.
Scroll down and click on Examples . A sub-bill of fare will open up.
Curl down the sub-menu and look for Examples for A-Thinker ESP32-CAM .
Below this you lot'll meet an entry for ESP32 . Click on it and another sub-carte du jour volition open.
Select Camera from this sub-menu.
Select CameraWebServer

The CameraWebServer sketch is very complicated and consists of 4 files, so I won't go over the details hither.

The sketch turns the ESPO32-CAM into a full-featured online photographic camera, complete with face detection capabilities and a wealth of controls. It'south a very impressive demonstration of the ESP32-CAMs capabilities!

Before you can utilise the sketch you will need to change it for your network, and to select the right ESP32 module.

Nether the lines saying Select Camera Model you need to select the correct entry for your board. The one I used (and the most pop 1) is CAMERA_MODEL_AI_THINKER
Beneath that you will run across a line for your SSID. Enter your networks SSID here.
On the line below the SSID enter your network admission password.

Note that the ESP32-CAM only works with two.iv GHz WiFi networks.

Relieve the sketch later on you modify it.

Testing the ESP32-CAM

Load the sketch into your IDE and press the Upload button to compile and load it to the ESP32-CAM, via the FTDI connector. Be certain y'all accept the jumper connected betwixt GPIO 0 and Basis.

The sketch may take a while to compile, this is normal. When it is finished you tin disconnect the USB cable, remove the jumper wire, and then reconnect the USB cablevision to power the lath back up once more.

Open your Serial Monitor, making sure it is set up to a baud rate of 115,200 bps. Then press the Reset switch on the ESP32-CAM module.

Y'all should run across some initialization information, followed by a argument saying that the board has connected to the network and has obtained an IP address. The IP address volition exist in the form of a URL, such as http://192.168.1.67 (this is just an instance URL, yours will be different)

Copy this accost and then paste it into the accost bar of a web browser. The web browser needs to be on the aforementioned network as the ESP32-CAM is connected to.

ESP32-CAM Camera Web Server

You should now see the webpage for the camera, complete with a number of controls.

Click on the Kickoff Stream button to stream video. You can change the size and frame charge per unit of the video using the drop-down at the top of the screen.

Experiment with the many features of the Photographic camera Web Server, and try to recollect that this is all coming from a 10-dollar module!

Resolving ESP32-CAM Ability Issues

If you have bug getting the ESP32-CAM to work the showtime thing you'll desire to investigate is the power supply. This is also truthful with other ESP32 modules.

Although the ESP32 can operate at a very low standby current it too consumes large bursts of electric current when operating its radio, and this can affect both WiFi and Bluetooth performance.

One manner to determine if you have a power issue is to observe the Series Monitor when starting your ESP32-CAM. If you lot run across a message proverb a "Brownout Condition" has been detected then information technology's probable that the ESP32-CAM is trying to draw more electric current than you're able to supply for it.

At that place are a few means to get around this event.

Using an Active USB Hub

The FTDI module that supplies power and communications for the ESP32-CAM gets its power from the USB cable connected to it. The power source hither is your computer.

Most USB2 figurer ports do have enough electric current capability to satisfy the requirements of the ESP32-CAM, but some do not.

Another gene can be the length and quality of the USB cable. These cables use very thin wire, and sometimes the voltage drop is pretty meaning. Often you can resolve the brownout issue by merely replacing the cablevision.

Another way, and one that worked for me in the workshop, is to use a powered USB hub. This allows you to place the hub shut to the ESP32-CAM and use a shorter USB cable to drive the FTDI adapter.

Powered USB Hub

A USB2 hub is sufficient, it doesn't need to be USB3. The hub allows the communications signals to pass through to the FTDI adapter while powering it from its own ability supply.

It is important to use a POWERED hub hither, as using a passive USB hub simply defeats the purpose and would probably make things worse!

Using a 5-volt Power Supply

Another fashion to resolve the brownout status is to ability the ESP32-CAM with the 5-volt ability pivot, instead of the three.3-volt pin.

If you are using the FTDI adapter and are having issues running the ESP32-CAM try switching the power to five-volts and using the v-volt power pin.

Oddly plenty I plant that the ESP32-CAM seems to RUN better with 5-volts, but information technology is easier to Program using 3.3-volts! This might be unique to my setup, however, then I urge you to experiment.

ESP32-CAM on Breadboard

The higher up paradigm shows an ESP32-CAM on a solderless breadboard with a 5-volt breadboard power supply. The ESP32-CAM was already programmed using female-to-female jumper cables and three.iii-volts.

The breadboard power supply is powered by a standard ix-volt bombardment, assuasive for a portable setup.

1 event with mounting the module on a breadboard is it prevents easy admission to the reset switch, however, you tin access the switch from the front using a toothpick or other insulated object.

Using an External Antenna

Another problem you might meet using the ESP32-CAM is WiFi Signal strength.

The ESP32-CAM has an antenna etched on its printed circuit board. The specification canvas from A-Thinker claims a proceeds of 2.1dBi for the onboard antenna.

If you are in shut proximity to your router or WiFi access point this should be sufficient, however as you movement the module farther from the point source you tin experience dropouts or loss of bespeak.

The solution for this is to add together an external antenna.

Selecting an External Antenna

At that place are many dissimilar external antennas that would exist suitable for employ with the ESP32-CAM. The requirements for the external antenna are as follows:

Information technology needs to piece of work in the 2.4GHz band.
It needs to have a U.FL or IPEX MHF or MHF1 connector.

Otherwise you can use either a flexible "stick-on" or a dipole antenna.

ESP32-CAM Antenna Connector

Using the antenna is non just simply a matter of plugging it into the socket however. You will need to brand a modification to the ESP32-CAM board, and this will require a bit of soldering. So heat upward your soldering iron and follow these instructions.

Modifying the ESP32-CAM for External Antenna

The ESP32 board has a small antenna connection on the lesser of the module, very close to the congenital-in antenna.

Next to the antenna connector, and betwixt the born antenna and the metallic case of the ESP32S module, are a trio of solder pads. At that place is a 0-ohm (yep, you read that correctly) resistor across two of the pads, as illustrated here:

ESP32-CAM Antenna - Internal Strapping

In the above diagram you can meet the position of this resistor when using the internal antenna.

To utilise the external antenna you need to remove the resistor and identify information technology in the gap between the bottom pads, as illustrated here:

ESP32-CAM Antenna - External Strapping

The surface-mount resistor can be difficult to piece of work with, peculiarly if you are unaccustomed to working with SMD components. Simply as this is a 0-ohm resistor y'all tin just use a small piece of wire instead, in fact that'due south what I did and it worked fine.

Note that you tin can't put a wire there and keep the original resistor, you can only use one antenna at a fourth dimension.

After you have modified the board you can install the external antenna.

Antenna Test Sketch

Here is a elementary sketch that you can use to test the antenna operation, you can utilise it with both the internal or external antenna.

half dozen

eight

sixteen

nineteen

ESP32 WiFi Betoken Test

esp32-wifi-signal-test.ino

Tests WiFi indicate forcefulness

*Requires WiFi SSID and Password

DroneBot Workshop 2020

https://dronebotworkshop.com

// Include WiFi library

#include "WiFi.h"

// SSID and Password - modify for your WiFi network

const char* ssid = "REPLACE_WITH_YOUR_SSID" ;

const char* countersign = "REPLACE_WITH_YOUR_PASSWORD" ;

void setup ( ) {

// Setup serial monitor

Serial . begin ( 115200 ) ;

// Get-go WiFi and conect to network

WiFi . begin ( ssid , countersign ) ;

// Await while connection established

while ( WiFi . condition ( ) != WL_CONNECTED ) {

filibuster ( 500 ) ;

Serial . impress ( "-" ) ;

}

// WiFi is connected

Serial . println ( "" ) ;

Serial . impress ( "Connected to network " ) ;

Serial . println ( ssid ) ;

filibuster ( 100 ) ;

}

void loop ( ) {

Serial . print ( ssid ) ;

Serial . print ( " Point Level: " ) ;

Serial . println ( WiFi . RSSI ( ) ) ;

filibuster ( 2000 ) ;

}

This is a very basic sketch and most of its functionality comes from the WiFi Library that Espressif installs with the ESP32 lath managing director.

Y'all'll demand to change this sketch with your SSID and WiFi password, only as you did for the CameraWebServer example sketch. These values are assigned to a couple of constants.

In the Setup the series monitor is initialized and then an effort is made to connect to the WiFi admission betoken using the credentials you lot supplied.

Assuming y'all get a successful connection we move on to the Loop.

In the Loop nosotros just use the WiFi library to read the signal strength and we and so display this on the serial monitor. Afterwards a 2-2d delay nosotros practice it all again.

ESP32-CAM with External Antenna

Load the sketch, retrieve to strap the GPIO 0 pin to ground while yous are uploading the lawmaking. After that you can remove the jumper and hit the reset key.

You should detect the signal forcefulness on your serial monitor.

In my case I found a substantial departure between the internal antenna and the external one. I was getting readings of most -60dBm with the internal antenna, and -48dBM or meliorate with the external one, a major improvement.

Keep this sketch handy for testing out your other ESP32 installations.

Determination

The ESP32-CAM module is an amazing value. At less than x dollars yous get a total-featured microcontroller that includes both a video camera and a microSD carte socket.

The supplied example sketch may be all that you need in order to create a useful product with this device. Of course you can take it much further and create sketches to use this versatile module in a number of IoT projects.

I promise you enjoyed this commodity and that it inspires you lot to create your own camera-enabled devices. And if you encounter problems with it at that place is an ESP32-ESP8266 section on the DroneBot Workshop Forums where you can talk over this with other enthusiasts like yourself.

Summary

Getting started with the ESP32-CAM

Article Proper noun

Getting started with the ESP32-CAM

Description

The ESP32-CAM is an inexpensive microcontroller that comes with a built-in photographic camera and microSD bill of fare interface - all for less than 10 dollars! In this article, I'll show you how to get started with the ESP32-CAM and employ it to create a Camera Web Server. Nosotros'll likewise go over some troubleshooting tips yous can utilize if you have problems getting your ESP32-CAM to work.

Author

DroneBot Workshop

Publisher Name

DroneBot Workshop

Publisher Logo

Source: https://dronebotworkshop.com/esp32-cam-intro/

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