What is the ESP32-CAM module and how to use it step by step
Hello and welcome back. In this project, we will learn what is the ESP32-CAM module and how to use it step by step. You can use this knowledge for various tasks. That’s security systems, home automation, image processing, and so on. So, I think this is a good tutorial for you.
What is the ESP32-CAM module?
This is a small-size ESP32 board variation. Especially, it includes a camera module. Therefore, we can get photos and videos through this board. Also, this board is mainly based on the ESP32-S microcontroller. It consists of two cores and includes WIFI and Bluetooth. So we can easily communicate with this board.
Finally, I want to tell you my personal experience, this is a small-size board and a low-cost board. But we can use this board for different tasks.
Pin diagram of this board
Specifications of this board
- Processor —- ESP32-S dual-core Tensilica LX6 microcontroller
- Camera —– 2-megapixel camera
- Connectivity —- Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.2 BLE
- Memory —- 520 KB SRAM, 4 MB flash memory
- I/O Pins —- 32 digital I/O pins, 8 analog inputs
- Dimensions —- 27mm x 40mm
- Interfaces —- UART, I2C, SPI, I2S, IR remote control, PWM, GPIO
- Operating Voltage —- 3.3V
- Operating Temperature —– -40°C to 85°C
OK, let’s learn how to use this board step by step. The required components are given below.
- 1.ESP32-CAM module x 1 — Amazon / Our Store
- 2. TTL programmer x 1 — Amazon / Our Store
- 3. Jumper wires — Amazon / Our Store
Disclosure: These Amazon links are Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Step 1
Firstly, identify these components.
Step 2
Secondly, connect the ESP32 CAM module to the TTL programmer. And then connect the “GND” and “100” pins together. For that, use the circuit diagram below.
Step 3
Thirdly, connect this programmer to the computer. Then, let’s prepare Arduino IDE for programming ESP32 boards. Follow the below steps for that.
- Now, include the ESP32 board URL to the Arduino IDE.
- https://raw.githubusercontent.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/gh-pages/package_esp32_index.json
- Next, install the ESP32 board on the Arduino IDE.
Step 4
Next, select board and port.
Step 5
Now, open the Camera WebServer example. It’s in the Arduino IDE. And then, enter your WIFI SSID and password.
Step 6
Next, click the upload button. When the following message is displayed, press and hold the RST button for two seconds.
Step 7
Now, remove the Reset jumper wire and open your serial monitor on the Arduino IDE (Change the baud rate to 115200). Now you can see the board URL.
- If you want to provide an external power supply to the ESP32-CAM board, please use the circuit diagram below.
Step 8
Next, copy and paste the URL on the desktop or mobile internet browser. Now you can see the camera view interface. You can change these settings as you like. Finally, click the “Start Stream” button.
OK, enjoy this project. The full video guide is below. So, see you in the next project or tutorial.
