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Streaming ESP32-CAM Video to Home Assistant The ESP32-CAM is a versatile and affordable camera module that can be used for various projects. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to set up video streaming from the ESP32-CAM to Home Assistant, allowing you to monitor your surroundings remotely. Setting Up Video Streaming Web Server Open the Arduino IDE and navigate to the ESP32 examples. 1. Select File->Examples->ESP32->Camera->CameraWebServer example in Arduino IDE. 2. Replace the codes in CameraWebServer with the code below (Note: please fill in your WiFi account and password) #include "esp_camera.h" #include <WiFi.h> // // WARNING!!! PSRAM IC required for UXGA resolution and high JPEG quality // Ensure ESP32 Wrover Module or other board with PSRAM is selected // Partial images will be transmitted if image exceeds buffer size // // You must select partition scheme from the board menu that has at least 3MB APP space. // Face Recognition is DISABLED for ESP32 and ESP32-S2, because it takes up from 15 // seconds to process single frame. Face Detection is ENABLED if PSRAM is enabled as well // =================== // Select camera model // =================== #define PWDN_GPIO_NUM -1 #define RESET_GPIO_NUM -1 #define XCLK_GPIO_NUM 45 #define SIOD_GPIO_NUM 1 #define SIOC_GPIO_NUM 2 #define Y9_GPIO_NUM 48 #define Y8_GPIO_NUM 46 #define Y7_GPIO_NUM 8 #define Y6_GPIO_NUM 7 #define Y5_GPIO_NUM 4 #define Y4_GPIO_NUM 41 #define Y3_GPIO_NUM 40 #define Y2_GPIO_NUM 39 #define VSYNC_GPIO_NUM 6 #define HREF_GPIO_NUM 42 #define PCLK_GPIO_NUM 5 #include "DFRobot_AXP313A.h" DFRobot_AXP313A axp; // =========================== // Enter your WiFi credentials // =========================== const char* ssid = "*****"; const char* password = "******"; void startCameraServer(); void setup() { Serial.begin(115200); Serial.setDebugOutput(true); Serial.println(); while(axp.begin() != 0){ Serial.println("init error"); delay(1000); } axp.enableCameraPower(axp.eOV2640);//Enable the power for camera camera_config_t config; config.ledc_channel = LEDC_CHANNEL_0; config.ledc_timer = LEDC_TIMER_0; config.pin_d0 = Y2_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_d1 = Y3_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_d2 = Y4_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_d3 = Y5_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_d4 = Y6_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_d5 = Y7_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_d6 = Y8_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_d7 = Y9_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_xclk = XCLK_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_pclk = PCLK_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_vsync = VSYNC_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_href = HREF_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_sscb_sda = SIOD_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_sscb_scl = SIOC_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_pwdn = PWDN_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_reset = RESET_GPIO_NUM; config.xclk_freq_hz = 20000000; config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_UXGA; config.pixel_format = PIXFORMAT_JPEG; // for streaming //config.pixel_format = PIXFORMAT_RGB565; // for face detection/recognition config.grab_mode = CAMERA_GRAB_WHEN_EMPTY; config.fb_location = CAMERA_FB_IN_PSRAM; config.jpeg_quality = 12; config.fb_count = 1; // if PSRAM IC present, init with UXGA resolution and higher JPEG quality // for larger pre-allocated frame buffer. if(config.pixel_format == PIXFORMAT_JPEG){ if(psramFound()){ config.jpeg_quality = 10; config.fb_count = 2; config.grab_mode = CAMERA_GRAB_LATEST; } else { // Limit the frame size when PSRAM is not available config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_SVGA; config.fb_location = CAMERA_FB_IN_DRAM; } } else { // Best option for face detection/recognition config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_240X240; #if CONFIG_IDF_TARGET_ESP32S3 config.fb_count = 2; #endif } #if defined(CAMERA_MODEL_ESP_EYE) pinMode(13, INPUT_PULLUP); pinMode(14, INPUT_PULLUP); #endif // camera init esp_err_t err = esp_camera_init(&config); if (err != ESP_OK) { Serial.printf("Camera init failed with error 0x%x", err); return; } sensor_t * s = esp_camera_sensor_get(); // initial sensors are flipped vertically and colors are a bit saturated if (s->id.PID == OV3660_PID) { s->set_vflip(s, 1); // flip it back s->set_brightness(s, 1); // up the brightness just a bit s->set_saturation(s, -2); // lower the saturation } // drop down frame size for higher initial frame rate if(config.pixel_format == PIXFORMAT_JPEG){ s->set_framesize(s, FRAMESIZE_QVGA); } #if defined(CAMERA_MODEL_M5STACK_WIDE) || defined(CAMERA_MODEL_M5STACK_ESP32CAM) s->set_vflip(s, 1); s->set_hmirror(s, 1); #endif #if defined(CAMERA_MODEL_ESP32S3_EYE) s->set_vflip(s, 1); #endif WiFi.begin(ssid, password); WiFi.setSleep(false); while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) { delay(500); Serial.print("."); } Serial.println(""); Serial.println("WiFi connected"); startCameraServer(); Serial.print("Camera Ready! Use 'http://"); Serial.print(WiFi.localIP()); Serial.println("' to connect"); } void loop() { // Do nothing. Everything is done in another task by the web server delay(10000); } Then upload the code to the FireBeetle ESP32 S3 board and look for the serial terminal response. Get PCBs for Your Projects Manufactured You must check out PCBWAY for ordering PCBs online for cheap! You get 10 good-quality PCBs manufactured and shipped to your doorstep for cheap. You will also get a discount on shipping on your first order. Upload your Gerber files onto PCBWAY to get them manufactured with good quality and quick turnaround time. PCBWay now could provide a complete product solution, from design to enclosure production. Check out their online Gerber viewer function. With reward points, you can get free stuff from their gift shop. Also, check out this useful blog on PCBWay Plugin for KiCad from here. Using this plugin, you can directly order PCBs in just one click after completing your design in KiCad. Setting Up Video Stream Properties Next, open up the IP address that shows in the serial terminal and look for the camera web server properties. Set up the resolution. Go with the lower one to get a high FPS. Finally, add the:81/stream in the camera IP address. Now it will directly show you the camera feed. Integrating with Home Assistant Open Home Assistant. Next, navigate to the overview and add a picture card. Enter the IP address of your ESP32-CAM following:81/stream and click Finish. And that’s it! You’ve successfully set up video streaming from the ESP32-CAM to Home Assistant. Feel free to customize and enhance this project further. Happy monitoring! 📷🏠

The Xiao esp32 s3 sense is a tiny but powerful development board that integrates the ESP32-S3R8 processor, which supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity, 8MB PSRAM, 8MB flash memory, and a rich set of interfaces. The Xiao esp32 s3 sense also comes with a detachable OV2640 camera sensor, a digital microphone, and an SD card slot, which enable various applications in the fields of intelligent voice and vision AI. The xiao esp32 s3 sense is compatible with the Arduino IDE and MicroPython, which makes it easy to program and use. It also supports low-power consumption modes, battery charging, and multiple themes and information display. The Xiao esp32 s3 sense is suitable for space-limited projects, such as wearable devices, IoT devices, and embedded ML devices. In this article, I will show you how to get started with the Xiao esp32 s3 sense, how to use the camera and SD card features, and how to customize and optimize the board. Let’s begin! Get PCBs for Your Projects Manufactured This project was successfully completed because of the help and support from NextPCB. Guys if you have a PCB project, please visit their website and get exciting discounts and coupons. NextPCB offers high-quality, reliable PCB starting at $1.9, and multilayer starting at $6.9. Also, everyone can enjoy free PCB assembly for 5 boards! Also, NextPCB is having a year end sale in which anyone can register through their website and get a $30 Coupon which can be used for ordering PCBs. You can also try HQDFM free online PCB Gerber viewer to check your PCB design and avoid costly errors. Capturing and Displaying Images The Xiao esp32 s3 sense comes with a detachable OV2640 camera sensor, which can capture images up to 2 megapixels. The camera sensor is connected to the board via a 24-pin FPC cable, which can be easily plugged in or unplugged. The camera sensor can be mounted on the board using the provided screws, or placed anywhere you want using the extension cable. To capture and display images, you need to use the CameraWebServer example sketch from the Arduino IDE. This sketch will create a web server on the Xiao esp32 s3 sense, which will allow you to access the camera stream from any web browser on your local network. You can also take snapshots and save them to the SD card or the flash memory. To use the CameraWebServer sketch, you need to follow these steps: Open the Arduino IDE and select the Xiao esp32 s3 sense board from the Tools menu. Go to File > Examples > ESP32 > Camera > CameraWebServer and open the sketch. In the sketch, find the line that says #define CAMERA_MODEL_AI_THINKER and uncomment it. This will select the correct camera model for the Xiao ESP32 s3 sense. #include "esp_camera.h" #include <WiFi.h> #define CAMERA_MODEL_XIAO_ESP32S3 // Has PSRAM #include "camera_pins.h" // =========================== // Enter your WiFi credentials // =========================== const char* ssid = "ELDRADO"; const char* password = "amazon123"; void startCameraServer(); void setupLedFlash(int pin); void setup() { Serial.begin(115200); while(!Serial); Serial.setDebugOutput(true); Serial.println(); camera_config_t config; config.ledc_channel = LEDC_CHANNEL_0; config.ledc_timer = LEDC_TIMER_0; config.pin_d0 = Y2_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_d1 = Y3_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_d2 = Y4_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_d3 = Y5_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_d4 = Y6_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_d5 = Y7_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_d6 = Y8_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_d7 = Y9_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_xclk = XCLK_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_pclk = PCLK_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_vsync = VSYNC_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_href = HREF_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_sscb_sda = SIOD_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_sscb_scl = SIOC_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_pwdn = PWDN_GPIO_NUM; config.pin_reset = RESET_GPIO_NUM; config.xclk_freq_hz = 20000000; config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_UXGA; config.pixel_format = PIXFORMAT_JPEG; // for streaming //config.pixel_format = PIXFORMAT_RGB565; // for face detection/recognition config.grab_mode = CAMERA_GRAB_WHEN_EMPTY; config.fb_location = CAMERA_FB_IN_PSRAM; config.jpeg_quality = 12; config.fb_count = 1; // if PSRAM IC present, init with UXGA resolution and higher JPEG quality // for larger pre-allocated frame buffer. if(config.pixel_format == PIXFORMAT_JPEG){ if(psramFound()){ config.jpeg_quality = 10; config.fb_count = 2; config.grab_mode = CAMERA_GRAB_LATEST; } else { // Limit the frame size when PSRAM is not available config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_SVGA; config.fb_location = CAMERA_FB_IN_DRAM; } } else { // Best option for face detection/recognition config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_240X240; #if CONFIG_IDF_TARGET_ESP32S3 config.fb_count = 2; #endif } // camera init esp_err_t err = esp_camera_init(&config); if (err != ESP_OK) { Serial.printf("Camera init failed with error 0x%x", err); return; } sensor_t * s = esp_camera_sensor_get(); // initial sensors are flipped vertically and colors are a bit saturated if (s->id.PID == OV3660_PID) { s->set_vflip(s, 1); // flip it back s->set_brightness(s, 1); // up the brightness just a bit s->set_saturation(s, -2); // lower the saturation } // drop down frame size for higher initial frame rate if(config.pixel_format == PIXFORMAT_JPEG){ s->set_framesize(s, FRAMESIZE_QVGA); } // Setup LED FLash if LED pin is defined in camera_pins.h #if defined(LED_GPIO_NUM) setupLedFlash(LED_GPIO_NUM); #endif WiFi.begin(ssid, password); WiFi.setSleep(false); while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) { delay(500); Serial.print("."); } Serial.println(""); Serial.println("WiFi connected"); startCameraServer(); Serial.print("Camera Ready! Use 'http://"); Serial.print(WiFi.localIP()); Serial.println("' to connect"); } void loop() { // Do nothing. Everything is done in another task by the web server delay(10000); } In the sketch, find the line that says const char* ssid = "your-ssid"; and replace your-ssid with the name of your Wi-Fi network. Do the same for the line that says const char* password = "your-password"; and replace your-password with the password of your Wi-Fi network. Upload the sketch to the Xiao esp32 s3 sense and open the serial monitor. You should see the IP address of the web server, such as http://192.168.1.100. Open any web browser on your computer or smartphone and enter the IP address of the web server. You should see the camera stream and some buttons and options on the web page. Adjusting the Resolution and Orientation The xiao esp32 s3 sense can capture images at different resolutions, ranging from 160x120 to 1600x1200. You can change the resolution from the web page by selecting one of the options from the drop-down menu. The higher the resolution, the better the image quality, but the slower the frame rate and the more memory usage. You can also change the orientation of the camera from the web page by clicking on the buttons that say “Flip” or “Rotate”. The flip button will flip the image horizontally, while the rotate button will rotate the image 90 degrees clockwise. Using the Webcam Web Application The Xiao esp32 s3 sense can also be used as a webcam for your computer. It allows you to use the camera sensor as a video input device for any software that supports webcams, such as Skype, Zoom, OBS, etc. To use the webcam web application, you need to follow these steps: Install and run the VLC on your computer. You should see a window with a preview of the camera stream and some settings. In the settings, enter the IP address of the web server, such as http://192.168.1.100:81/stream. Click on the “Start” button to start the webcam service. Open any software that supports webcams and select the Xiao esp32 s3 sense as the video input device. You should see the camera stream on the software. Storing and Accessing Data The Xiao esp32 s3 sense comes with an SD card slot that can support microSD cards up to 32GB. The SD card slot can be used to store and access data, such as images, videos, audio, text, etc. You can also use the SD card as secondary storage for your programs, libraries, or data files. Before using the SD card on the Xiao ESP32 s3 sense, you need to format the SD card to FAT32 format. This is the most compatible and widely used format for SD cards. You can use any tool or software that can format SD cards to FAT32 format, such as the SD Card Formatter, the Disk Management tool on Windows, the Disk Utility tool on Mac, etc. After formatting the SD card, you need to insert the SD card into the SD card slot on the Xiao ESP32 s3 sense. Please note the direction of insertion, the side with the gold finger should face inward. The SD card slot has a spring mechanism that will lock the SD card in place. To eject the SD card, you need to press the SD card gently and release it. To store and access data on the SD card, you need to use the SD library from the Arduino IDE. This library provides functions to create, read, write, delete, and list files and directories on the SD card. You can also use the File object to manipulate the files and directories on the SD card. #include "FS.h" #include "SD.h" #include "SPI.h" void listDir(fs::FS &fs, const char * dirname, uint8_t levels){ Serial.printf("Listing directory: %s\n", dirname); File root = fs.open(dirname); if(!root){ Serial.println("Failed to open directory"); return; } if(!root.isDirectory()){ Serial.println("Not a directory"); return; } File file = root.openNextFile(); while(file){ if(file.isDirectory()){ Serial.print(" DIR : "); Serial.println(file.name()); if(levels){ listDir(fs, file.path(), levels -1); } } else { Serial.print(" FILE: "); Serial.print(file.name()); Serial.print(" SIZE: "); Serial.println(file.size()); } file = root.openNextFile(); } } void createDir(fs::FS &fs, const char * path){ Serial.printf("Creating Dir: %s\n", path); if(fs.mkdir(path)){ Serial.println("Dir created"); } else { Serial.println("mkdir failed"); } } void removeDir(fs::FS &fs, const char * path){ Serial.printf("Removing Dir: %s\n", path); if(fs.rmdir(path)){ Serial.println("Dir removed"); } else { Serial.println("rmdir failed"); } } void readFile(fs::FS &fs, const char * path){ Serial.printf("Reading file: %s\n", path); File file = fs.open(path); if(!file){ Serial.println("Failed to open file for reading"); return; } Serial.print("Read from file: "); while(file.available()){ Serial.write(file.read()); } file.close(); } void writeFile(fs::FS &fs, const char * path, const char * message){ Serial.printf("Writing file: %s\n", path); File file = fs.open(path, FILE_WRITE); if(!file){ Serial.println("Failed to open file for writing"); return; } if(file.print(message)){ Serial.println("File written"); } else { Serial.println("Write failed"); } file.close(); } void appendFile(fs::FS &fs, const char * path, const char * message){ Serial.printf("Appending to file: %s\n", path); File file = fs.open(path, FILE_APPEND); if(!file){ Serial.println("Failed to open file for appending"); return; } if(file.print(message)){ Serial.println("Message appended"); } else { Serial.println("Append failed"); } file.close(); } void renameFile(fs::FS &fs, const char * path1, const char * path2){ Serial.printf("Renaming file %s to %s\n", path1, path2); if (fs.rename(path1, path2)) { Serial.println("File renamed"); } else { Serial.println("Rename failed"); } } void deleteFile(fs::FS &fs, const char * path){ Serial.printf("Deleting file: %s\n", path); if(fs.remove(path)){ Serial.println("File deleted"); } else { Serial.println("Delete failed"); } } void testFileIO(fs::FS &fs, const char * path){ File file = fs.open(path); static uint8_t buf[512]; size_t len = 0; uint32_t start = millis(); uint32_t end = start; if(file){ len = file.size(); size_t flen = len; start = millis(); while(len){ size_t toRead = len; if(toRead > 512){ toRead = 512; } file.read(buf, toRead); len -= toRead; } end = millis() - start; Serial.printf("%u bytes read for %u ms\n", flen, end); file.close(); } else { Serial.println("Failed to open file for reading"); } file = fs.open(path, FILE_WRITE); if(!file){ Serial.println("Failed to open file for writing"); return; } size_t i; start = millis(); for(i=0; i<2048; i++){ file.write(buf, 512); } end = millis() - start; Serial.printf("%u bytes written for %u ms\n", 2048 * 512, end); file.close(); } void setup(){ Serial.begin(115200); while(!Serial); if(!SD.begin(21)){ Serial.println("Card Mount Failed"); return; } uint8_t cardType = SD.cardType(); if(cardType == CARD_NONE){ Serial.println("No SD card attached"); return; } Serial.print("SD Card Type: "); if(cardType == CARD_MMC){ Serial.println("MMC"); } else if(cardType == CARD_SD){ Serial.println("SDSC"); } else if(cardType == CARD_SDHC){ Serial.println("SDHC"); } else { Serial.println("UNKNOWN"); } uint64_t cardSize = SD.cardSize() / (1024 * 1024); Serial.printf("SD Card Size: %lluMB\n", cardSize); listDir(SD, "/", 0); createDir(SD, "/mydir"); listDir(SD, "/", 0); removeDir(SD, "/mydir"); listDir(SD, "/", 2); writeFile(SD, "/hello.txt", "Hello "); appendFile(SD, "/hello.txt", "World!\n"); readFile(SD, "/hello.txt"); deleteFile(SD, "/foo.txt"); renameFile(SD, "/hello.txt", "/foo.txt"); readFile(SD, "/foo.txt"); testFileIO(SD, "/test.txt"); Serial.printf("Total space: %lluMB\n", SD.totalBytes() / (1024 * 1024)); Serial.printf("Used space: %lluMB\n", SD.usedBytes() / (1024 * 1024)); } void loop(){ } Here is the serial terminal response. Wrap-Up: In this article, I have shown how to use the Xiao Esp32 S3 Sense Camera and SD card future. Hope you guys found this helpful. Will see you another one. Bye.

Analog high definition (AHD) is well-known HD-CCTV technology. It was created as an affordable option for long-distance video transmission. It is a digital HD-CCTV system that uses coaxial cable to compress and transmit analog HD video signals. In closed-loop video surveillance applications, video creation, and vehicle surveillance, this technology is more widely used. It is the perfect solution for situations where big amounts of data need to be delivered at low prices due to its uncompressed high-definition video signal delivery. Using coaxial and RCV cables, this technology supports the transmission of video. Additionally, it has a reputation for being able to sustain a constant video signal free from interruption, which is crucial in any circumstance requiring high-quality video images. This made the upgrade much more cost-effective than a complete switch to an IP system, eliminating the need for extensive rewiring. Working of analog HD camera An Analog HD camera is a type of video camera that uses a combination of analog technology and digital processing to capture, store, and transmit high-definition images. They work by capturing and transmitting images in the form of an analog signal. Using security cameras as an example, in more detail, they record an analog video signal for use in a traditional analog CCTV application and deliver that signal via coaxial cable to a digital video recorder (DVR). Each camera is powered by a cable that bundles the power and video cables. The analog signal is compressed and digitalized by the DVR before being saved to a storage device for future retrieval. The DVR is intelligent enough to handle operations like digital zoom, motion detection, and scheduling. Either monitor can be connected to the DVR, or the DVR can be set up to publish via an internal network for viewing on PCs.