ESP32-CAM 101

All ESP32 boards running MicroPython.
Target audience: MicroPython users with an ESP32 board.
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rp346@njit.edu
Posts: 18
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2018 6:33 pm

ESP32-CAM 101

Post by rp346@njit.edu » Tue Nov 06, 2018 7:10 pm

I just got ESP32-CAM with 2M Camera from alibaba.com. I order this assuming it can do whatever ESP32-Wemos with capturing pics.

First question came into my mind, how do I connect it to computer for flash ?

Anyone know how to set up ESP32-CAM to run microPython and then run basic code ? any link with information is appreciated.

Thanks
- roy

loboris
Posts: 344
Joined: Fri Oct 02, 2015 6:19 pm

Re: ESP32-CAM 101

Post by loboris » Tue Nov 06, 2018 7:52 pm

See the ESP32-CAM Product Specification.pdf and schematic.

You must use some USB to UART adapter connected to GND, U0R & U0T pins. Use IO0 and RST button to enter the download mode and flash the MicroPython firmware.

Some usefull info can be found in ESP32_CAMERA_QR GitHub repository.

I'm planning to add the camera support to my MicroPyrthon port soon.

rp346@njit.edu
Posts: 18
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2018 6:33 pm

Re: ESP32-CAM 101

Post by rp346@njit.edu » Sat Nov 10, 2018 3:37 am

I connected UART wires to ESP32-CAM with following pins

Red: VCC
Green: U0T
White : U0R
Black: GND

But I don't see ESP32-CAM getting detected on mac. What is required here ?

Also can you explain this Use IO0 and RST button to enter the download mode and flash the MicroPython firmware.
- roy

OutoftheBOTS_
Posts: 847
Joined: Mon Nov 20, 2017 10:18 am

Re: ESP32-CAM 101

Post by OutoftheBOTS_ » Sat Nov 10, 2018 4:40 am

When the ESP32 starts up it checks the status of IO0 and if it is pulled to GND then the ESP32 enters boot loader mode ready to accept flashing of new bin file. If IO0 if high or floating then the ESP32 will just run the bin file that is already stored in flash.

loboris
Posts: 344
Joined: Fri Oct 02, 2015 6:19 pm

Re: ESP32-CAM 101

Post by loboris » Sat Nov 10, 2018 8:43 am

rp346@njit.edu wrote:
Sat Nov 10, 2018 3:37 am
I connected UART wires to ESP32-CAM with following pins

Red: VCC
Green: U0T
White : U0R
Black: GND

But I don't see ESP32-CAM getting detected on mac. What is required here ?
If you are using the USBtoSERIAL cable like this one, green is TxD and has to be connected to U0R, white is RxD and must be connected to U0T on ESP32-CAM.

Red wire is +5V, so connect it to 5V pin on ESP32-CAM, Black wire is GND, connect it to GND pin.
VCC pin on ESP32-CAM is connected to either 5V or 3.3V depending which jumper is installed (5V or 3.3V), so if not shure, don't use it with this kind of USBtoUART cable, use the pin marked 5V for 5V power.

After connected, short IO0 to GND and press and release the RST button. ESP32-CAM should now be in flash dovnload mode and you should be able to flash it. Remove the IO0-GND connection.

First of all, check if your USBtoSERIAL adapter is detected on your OS without ESP32-CAM connected. The right drivers must be installed

rp346@njit.edu
Posts: 18
Joined: Sun Sep 16, 2018 6:33 pm

Re: ESP32-CAM 101

Post by rp346@njit.edu » Sun Nov 11, 2018 3:49 pm

Thanks guys, it worked.
- roy

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