ESP32 Cam

ESP32 Cam UART

Hardware: ESP32 Cam ESP32 Cam

Author: DJ Sures

This firmware converts a ESP32 Cam into an EZB for ARC to connect to it.

This firmware allows the ESP32 Camera to emulate an EZ-B v4 camera, enabling it to seamlessly connect to the EZ-B v4 camera port. By acting as a drop-in replacement for the EZ-B v4 camera, the ESP32 Camera provides a flexible, cost-effective solution for adding video capabilities to your robotics projects.

Key Features:

  1. EZ-B v4 Compatibility: The firmware transforms the ESP32 Camera into a fully compatible EZ-B v4 camera, supporting UART-based communication for video streaming.
  2. Low Power Requirements: The ESP32 Camera operates efficiently, drawing power directly from the EZ-B v4's camera port (3.3V).
  3. Plug-and-Play Integration: With minimal wiring, the ESP32 Camera can be directly connected to the EZ-B v4, providing video streaming capabilities without the need for additional hardware or modifications.

Hardware Connections:

To set up the hardware, connect the ESP32 Camera to the EZ-B v4 as follows:

ESP32 Camera Pin EZ-B v4 Camera Port
UART 0 TX Camera RX
Pin 2 Camera RTS
GND GND
3.3V 3.3V

How It Works:

The firmware enables the ESP32 Camera to communicate with the EZ-B v4 through UART, emulating the behavior of a native EZ-B v4 camera. Here's what happens under the hood:

  1. UART Communication: The ESP32 Camera streams video data over the UART TX line to the EZ-B v4 camera RX port.
  2. Flow Control: The Camera RTS line ensures proper synchronization, allowing the EZ-B v4 to manage the data flow efficiently.
  3. Power and Ground: The ESP32 Camera draws power (3.3V) and shares a common ground with the EZ-B v4 for stable operation.

Benefits:

  1. Cost-Effective Solution: Use an ESP32 Camera as a replacement for the EZ-B v4 camera at a fraction of the cost.
  2. Customizable: With firmware running on the ESP32 Camera, you can further modify or extend its features to suit your project needs.
  3. Compact and Efficient: The ESP32 Camera provides a compact form factor and operates efficiently within the EZ-B v4's power constraints.

Use Case Example:

This setup is ideal for projects that require video streaming to the EZ-B v4 but benefit from the flexibility and affordability of an ESP32 Camera. For instance:

  • Retrofit older robots with a modern, high-quality video feed.
  • Build custom robotic systems that leverage both the video capabilities of the ESP32 Camera and the processing power of the EZ-B v4.

By turning the ESP32 Camera into an EZ-B v4-compatible device, this firmware simplifies integration, reduces costs, and adds flexibility to your robotics toolkit.

User-inserted image


Version Information

  • Syntax fix for the pinMode INPUT capitalized

Version Information

Use the RTS pin to prevent flooding the ezb memory


Version Information

  • First initial release

*Note: this is untested and may require modifications from the user.


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PRO
USA
#1  

User-inserted image

My ESP32 CAM is working well with my webserver file

I added you zip file When I try to compile your file all I get is:

#include "src/OV2640.h" ^~~~~~~~~~~~~~ compilation terminated. exit status 1 src/OV2640.h: No such file or directory

PRO
USA
#3   — Edited

followed the instructions, uploaded fine, (to the hard reset point) all good

next thing to solve is the 4 wires to fit into the EZB4 or IOTing controller

I only have Breadboard Jumper Wires here at the farm

I will check when I get home from the farm for thinner wires or something else

what wires do you use?