The ESP32-WROVER CAM Board with OV2640 Camera is a versatile and compact module that combines powerful computing with integrated wireless capabilities, making it ideal for applications like video streaming, robotic vision, remote monitoring, and IoT projects. This module is based on the Espressif ESP32 microcontroller, featuring a 240 MHz processor, onboard OV2640 camera, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity. The board comes with comprehensive tutorials and examples, making it easy to start developing projects using Arduino IDE, C, or Python.

Key Features:

• High-performance 240 MHz Espressif microprocessor
• 8 MB SRAM for enhanced memory performance
• Integrated 4 MB flash storage
• Built-in OV2640 camera for image and video capture
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support for wireless communication
• Suitable for applications requiring remote data collection, image processing, or network connectivity

Specifications:

• Processor Brand: Espressif
• Processor Speed: 240 MHz
• RAM: 8 MB SRAM
• Flash Storage: 4 MB
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• Voltage: 5V input
• Camera: OV2640
• Dimensions: 40 x 27 x 4 mm (approx.)
• Weight: 10g
• Programming Compatibility: Arduino IDE, MicroPython, C/C++

Package Contents: 1 x ESP32-WROVER CAM Board with OV2640 Camera

In this step-by-step tutorial we'll setup the ESP32-WROVER CAM Board to stream video over a local network. We'll use the popular ESP32-CAM Video Streaming Server example provided by Espressif, which uses the Arduino IDE.

Requirements

• ESP32-WROVER CAM board with OV2640 camera
• Micro-USB to USB cable (for power and programming)
• Arduino IDE (version 1.8.12 or newer)
• FTDI programmer or USB-to-Serial adapter (for flashing)
• Jumper wires (to connect ESP32 to FTDI)

Step 1: Install the ESP32 Board in Arduino IDE

• Open the Arduino IDE.
• Go to File > Preferences.
• In the Additional Board Manager URLs field, add this URL: https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json
• Click OK to save.
• Go to Tools > Board > Board Manager. Search for ESP32 and install the ESP32 by Espressif Systems package.

Step 2: Connect the ESP32-WROVER CAM to FTDI Programmer

• Wire the ESP32-CAM to the FTDI programmer as follows:
  • ESP32-CAM GND → FTDI GND
  • ESP32-CAM 5V → FTDI VCC
  • ESP32-CAM U0R → FTDI TX
  • ESP32-CAM U0T → FTDI RX
• Connect the IO0 pin of the ESP32 to GND (for flashing mode).
• Connect the FTDI programmer to your computer via USB.

Step 3: Set Up the CameraWebServer Code in Arduino IDE

• Open Arduino IDE and go to File > Examples > ESP32 > Camera > CameraWebServer.
• Select AI Thinker in the camera model section at the beginning of the code:  #define CAMERA_MODEL_AI_THINKER
• Set your Wi-Fi credentials in the code:

const char* ssid = "YOUR_SSID";
const char* password = "YOUR_PASSWORD";

Step 4: Configure the Board Settings

• Go to Tools and set up the following configurations:
  • Board: ESP32 Wrover Module
  • Partition Scheme: Huge APP (3MB No OTA)
  • Flash Frequency: 40MHz
  • Flash Mode: QIO
  • Upload Speed: 115200
• Make sure the Port is set to the port where the FTDI adapter is connected.

Step 5: Upload the Code

• In the Arduino IDE, click on the Upload button.
• When you see “Connecting…” in the console, press and hold the Reset (RST) button on the ESP32 board to begin the upload process.
• Once the upload is complete, disconnect IO0 from GND and press the Reset (RST) button.

Step 6: Run the Camera Web Server

• Open the Serial Monitor (Tools > Serial Monitor) and set the baud rate to 115200.
• Press the Reset button on the ESP32-CAM.
• In the Serial Monitor, you should see the ESP32’s IP address. This will be used to access the video stream.

Step 7: Access the Video Stream on the Local Network

• Open a browser on any device connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Enter the IP address shown in the Serial Monitor (e.g., http://192.168.1.100).
• You should see the ESP32 Camera Web Server interface. Click Start Stream to view the live video feed from the ESP32-CAM.

Step 8: Adjust Camera Settings (Optional)

The CameraWebServer interface provides several options to tweak camera settings like brightness, contrast, and resolution. Adjust these as needed for your setup.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If you don’t see the IP address in the Serial Monitor, double-check the Wi-Fi credentials.
• Make sure you’re using the 5V pin instead of the 3.3V pin to power the ESP32-CAM.
• If the stream lags, reduce the resolution in the Camera Web Server interface.

Your ESP32-CAM should now be successfully streaming video to your local LAN!