My course has primarily focused on robotics projects using the EZ-B controller and a camera for real-time interfacing. With recent developments, I am planning to create an additional video that incorporates Synthiam's support for other types of controllers. Although I've successfully flashed an alternative controller, it lacked compatibility with camera integration and Wi-Fi capabilities. The absence of an onboard computer limits the use of a USB camera, posing a significant challenge.
This dependency on specific components like the EZ-B, IO Tiny, and cameras can be problematic. For my course project, Mecha Morphix, which involves controlling five servos, the Arduino Mega seems excessive. I am in search of a suitable controller, compatible with Synthiam ARC, that includes both Wi-Fi and camera support to effectively replace the EZ-B.
I noticed that the ESP32 with a camera is listed among the supported controllers for ARC. Has anyone experimented with using the ESP32 in conjunction with a camera for such applications? Any insights or experiences would be appreciated.
Esp32 camera will work. And 5 servos is perfect because they don’t have many free I/o ports.
I’ll have to check when I’m home later to see how many servos can be used with the camera at same time. The camera uses several I/o and time resources - which didn’t leave much I/o available for servos. But my gut says 5 servos shouldn’t be a problem.
you won’t get audio from it though. The only controllers that I know of with audio and video is from ezrobot.
but, if purchasing ezrobot products from resellers, I don’t think you will experience delays. Resellers have inventory so you’ll get them right away.
@synthiam support, Yeah let me know what you find out. I'll need a back up for those around the world (100's or 1000's of students) who might take the course and have to wait to receive their EZB/Camera combo. Not sure if this would be a drain on the EZ Robots manufacturing or all the ongoing issues with trade wars etc. All my audio is a separate device and won't be affected if its not supported. But the overhead of the camera might be a problem.
I think i have a expansion board for the esp-32 for more pin outs. Has anyone tried the raspberry pi and pi camera with ARC, is it supported?
Edit #1
...Ahh i see the camera is a camera riding a ESP32...i thought it was an add on to full sized esp 32...hmmm.
Edit # 2 PS if this is starting to get outside the original thread feel free to move this.
This seems to be a much more expandable version.
If memory serves me correctly, the ESP32-Cam only served 1 frame per second over WiFi. I think that was with it's factory firmware, I'm not sure if the EZB firmware for it changes that.
Will, I would recommend getting in contact with Dennis the CEO of EZ-Robot and see if you can establish a deal with him. If you are looking at higher volumes of product I'm sure he'd be open to discussing things with you directly. Maybe you can become a reseller in order to secure stock for your students, and make a percentage off each sale.
@jeremie, Hahahah 1 fps might be a bit slow. I’ll do some tests later if supply becomes an issue.
We just don’t have the overhead atm to carry stock of EZB and Cameras. Each student will be purchasing their parts based on the supplied BOM. There are no "Kits" for this early bird option.
The esp32cam does 20-30fps but it lacks audio. I’ll check out if it can do 5 servos in a bit.
iotiny is the way to go if you could find stock with resellers. I also think demand would prioritize where ezrobot stock is allocated. But in the meantime, I’ll check out the servo capability with esp32cam while camera is running. Might even be documented on its hardware page. @athena could tell me too haha forgot about that.
*edit: yeah, 5 servos while camera runs: https://synthiam.com/Support/Hardware/ESP32-Cam
Well options are the best way to go with people who have different budgets. I tried to give multiple options on various parts throughout the build. The EZB is overkill for this platform but gives builders the ability to expand. The IO Tiny is a cheaper option to the EZB, but the pricing for the camera is soooo overpriced ($85), totaling $135 for cam and the Tiny. The ESP32 Cam comes in at about $9 (Amazon) $1 (AliExpress)for both cam and controller (I don't need Audio). Hard to compete if it works with 5 servos and can do a frame rate of 20 to 30 fps. I'll order an couple and do some tests.
We moved related comments to this new thread so it gets proper attention.