Portable Camera Using ESP32CAM Module
I made a portable camera using the ESP32 CAM module which is easily rechargeable and programmable. It is hard to program ESP32 cam since we have to make several connections with FTDI USB to TTL adapter before programming. I made those connections on zero PCB and now I have to only insert FTDI USB to TTL adapter module and shift one jumper while programming. Two rechargeable batteries are used along with a battery charging module to charge one cell at a time on board, so no need to remove batteries. However, one battery should be removed while charging. I made a decent enclosure for the entire project with foam board to make it portable. This video just shows the highlights of the project. I did not cover how to make wiring connections but I will mention them below since it is not a big deal to make them.
Component List:
1.ESP32 CAM module.
2.LM2596 DC-DC buck converter step-down module
3.TP4056 Li-ion battery charging module
4.Few male and female header pins
5.Zero PCB
6.3.7V 3000mAh Li-ion rechargeable batteries
7.Battery holder
Easy connections to make:
1.Powring: Insert ESP32 CAM module on zero PCB and solder it. Connect the LM2596 DC-DC buck converter step-down module to it. Out+ goes to 5V of the cam and out- goes to GND. Provide a Single Pole Double Throw (SPDT) switch between the battery supply and the LM2596 module as the main power switch.
2.Programming: Place female headers with 6 pins. Connect the respective pins of the header. Make sure to see pin names no FTDI USB to TTL adapter module. Connect the ground to the ground of the cam. No need to provide its VCC since we have already provided it with batteries. Connect tx of FTDI to GPIO3 and rx to GPIO1. Place male headers between GPIO0 and ground. We use a jumper while programming and remove it when programmed.
3.Charging: Connect B- of TP4056 Li-ion battery charging module to the -ve of the battery case. Connect B+ to +ve but, use one remaining pin of SPDT switch to switch it in charging mode. Remove one battery while charging the other.