Can I use an ESP32 to build an IoT security camera? With the advancement and accessibility of technology, people are equipped with low-cost instruments and tools to create their own electronic projects be it a smartwatch or an IoT security camera. As the use of IoT security cameras has increased for surveillance purposes, technology such as ESP32 becomes relevant which helps people create a low-cost microcontroller for an IoT camera. Compared to traditional CCTV cameras, you can create an ESP32-based security camera at a relatively low cost.
In his tutorial, we will discuss how you can create an IoT security camera using ESP32 and a few components at your home without much expense.
Table of Contents
What is ESP32?
Developed by Espressif Systems, a Shanghai-based Chinese company, ESP32 is a System on Chip (SoC) Microcontroller integrated with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. ESP32 comes in two variants including Tensilica Xtensa LX6 microprocessor in both dual-core and single-core variations and Xtensa LX7 dual-core microprocessor or a single-core RISC-V microprocessor.
ESP32 is integrated with an antenna switch, RF balun, power amplifier, low-noise receive amplifier, filters, and power management modules. Powered with 320 KiB RAM and 448 KiB ROM, it is a development board that supports a wide range of applications to create your projects including an IoT security camera.
Some other features of ESP32 are:
- Integrated Crystal− 40 MHz
- Module Interfaces− UART, SPI, I2C, PWM, ADC, DAC, GPIO, pulse counter, capacitive touch sensor
- ROM− 448 KB (for booting and core functions)
- Integrated Connectivity Protocols− WiFi, Bluetooth, BLE
- PIR Sensor x 1
- On−chip sensor− Hall sensor
How Does it Work?
The security camera built using ESP32 is an AI and IoT-based surveillance system connected to a cloud server, which ensures you get access to real-time video streaming on your desktop or mobile phone. Powered by a PIR sensor system, it helps the users to monitor any unwanted movement with real-time notification with a photo sent on the smartphone as soon as the camera detects the motion. This system can run on smartphone applications like the Blynk app and desktop to get real-time video streaming while enabling the user to take the photos manually.
Steps to Create An IoT Security Camera Using ESP32
This section will help you through the creation of the ESP32 CAM board, programming, wiring, and installation as a home security system application where you can see live video streaming.
Let’s explore the steps to create an IoT security camera using ESP32.
Arrange All the Components
The first step is to acquire all the components needed to create an ESP32 camera from a reliable source.
The components needed are:
- ESP32-CAM Board – AI-Thinker ESP32 Camera Module
- FTDI Module USB-to-TTL Converter Module
- USB Cable – 5V Mini-USB Data Cable
- Jumper Wires – Female to Female Connectors
ESP32 CAM and FTDI Connection
Now that you have arranged all the components, it’s time to assemble and connect them. You can use any type of USB-to-TTL Module based on a CP2102 or CP2104 Chip to program this board. Based on the circuit diagram, which is easily available on the internet, connect the FTDI Module with ESP32 CAM.
Ensure the 5V & GND Pin of the FTDI module is connected to the 5V & GND of ESP32 CAM. Also, connect the Rx to UOT and Tx to UOR Pin. Until the programming is done, it is important to short the IO0 and GND Pin together.
Programming (Coding)
Since you are creating an IoT camera, another important step is programming the device. If you are not a coder, then you can program software for your device with easily available open-source coding on the internet. You can download and use the programming without much modification.
You need to enter your Wi-Fi credentials like SSID and the password of your router in the “home_wifi_multi.h” file to set up the program. Thereafter you have to uncomment your camera model from the coding. You can upload the program to your ESP32 device by connecting it to the PC with a USB cable. Select the AI Thinker ESP32 CAM Board from the board manager and press the upload button.
Monitoring Live Video Streaming on Web Server
Can I watch live video streaming remotely? ESP32 allows users to connect their multiple devices through different applications to monitor live video streaming. You can watch the live video streaming by connecting it to multiple platforms be it a mobile phone, tablet, or desktop. You need to install an application such as Blynk on your mobile phone to monitor real-time video streaming on a web server, while you are not in town.
Using ESP32 as a Security Device
Now that you have completed all the connections and programming parts, you can use it as a security camera at your home or office by below steps:
- Place this device outside the house or office gate
- Put all the accessories, wiring, and battery in a plastic box at the gate
- Make sure WiFi is enabled for live video streaming
- Install the Blynk app on your mobile phone
- Set up Ngrok on your Windows or Mac or Linux-based computer
- Add up to 10 devices through a WiFi connection
Conclusion
Technology such as ESP32 and access to open-source coding on the internet have made creating an IoT-based security camera as easy as never before. By arranging a few components and know-how, you can build an ESP32-based surveillance camera at your fingertips, which is more cost-effective and efficient than a commercial CCTV camera. Hopefully, the above steps will help you build your own IoT security camera using ESP32 at home without much expense and expertise.
FAQs
1. What components do I need to create an ESP32 Camera?
You need the following components to build an IoT Security camera using ESP32:
- ESP32-CAM Board – AI-Thinker ESP32 Camera Module
- FTDI Module USB-to-TTL Converter Module
- USB Cable – 5V Mini-USB Data Cable
- Jumper Wires- Female to Female Connectors
2. Can I monitor ESP32 camera video streaming on my mobile phone?
You need to install the Blynk app on your mobile phone to watch live video streaming of an IoT-based ESP32 security camera. You can also click pictures on a real-time basis.
3. How many WiFi devices can I connect to ESP32?
On an ESP32-based IoT security camera, you can use up to 10 devices via WiFi on AP mode to watch real-time video streaming.
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