04-14-2024, 04:45 PM
The ESP32-CAM is a small camera you can use for different things. One thing you can do is turn it into a hidden spy camera for a room. But there's a problem: it doesn't have a USB port. This makes it a bit tricky to program. However, with some extra equipment like an ESP32-based board, an FTDI programmer, and some wires, you can easily program it to work as a Wi-Fi spy camera.
To make the spy camera program, we'll use a program called Arduino IDE. Then we'll use the FTDI programmer to transfer the program to the ESP32-CAM. You'll need either male-to-male jumper wires with a breadboard or female-to-female jumpers. If you want to power the board after programming it, you can add a LiPo battery board meant for a D1 mini, which will let you use a rechargeable LiPo battery.
Here's what you'll need:
- ESP32-CAM Camera Module with FTDI USB to TTL Serial Converter
- D1 Mini Battery Shield with Charging Module
- 3.7 V 500 mAh LiPo Battery
- Solderless Breadboard
- Jumper Wires
- Mini-USB Cable
- Arduino IDE Software
Step 1: Set Up the Camera in Arduino IDE
In the Arduino IDE, you need to add a link to a special file. Then, you install some software that helps the Arduino IDE understand the ESP32-CAM.
Step 2: Open the Default Camera Sketch
We use a pre-made program called a sketch. It already has some code for the camera. We just need to change a few things, like the Wi-Fi network name and password.
Step 3: Tweak the Example Sketch's Code
In the program, we tell it which kind of camera we're using and what Wi-Fi network to connect to.
Step 4: Wire Up Your ESP32-CAM
Connect the FTDI programmer and ESP32-CAM module using jumper wires. This lets the programmer talk to the camera.
Step 5: Upload the Sketch to Your ESP32-CAM
Connect the programmer to your computer and upload the program to the camera.
Step 6: Find a Power Source for Your ESP32-CAM
Once the program is on the camera, you can disconnect the programmer. You can power the camera with a battery instead.
Step 7: Connect to Your Spy Camera's Interface
Use a web browser to connect to the camera over Wi-Fi. You can change settings and view the camera's feed.
Now you have a spy camera you can hide in a room. Be careful though, it can get hot, especially if you add extra things to it.
To make the spy camera program, we'll use a program called Arduino IDE. Then we'll use the FTDI programmer to transfer the program to the ESP32-CAM. You'll need either male-to-male jumper wires with a breadboard or female-to-female jumpers. If you want to power the board after programming it, you can add a LiPo battery board meant for a D1 mini, which will let you use a rechargeable LiPo battery.
Here's what you'll need:
- ESP32-CAM Camera Module with FTDI USB to TTL Serial Converter
- D1 Mini Battery Shield with Charging Module
- 3.7 V 500 mAh LiPo Battery
- Solderless Breadboard
- Jumper Wires
- Mini-USB Cable
- Arduino IDE Software
Step 1: Set Up the Camera in Arduino IDE
In the Arduino IDE, you need to add a link to a special file. Then, you install some software that helps the Arduino IDE understand the ESP32-CAM.
Step 2: Open the Default Camera Sketch
We use a pre-made program called a sketch. It already has some code for the camera. We just need to change a few things, like the Wi-Fi network name and password.
Step 3: Tweak the Example Sketch's Code
In the program, we tell it which kind of camera we're using and what Wi-Fi network to connect to.
Step 4: Wire Up Your ESP32-CAM
Connect the FTDI programmer and ESP32-CAM module using jumper wires. This lets the programmer talk to the camera.
Step 5: Upload the Sketch to Your ESP32-CAM
Connect the programmer to your computer and upload the program to the camera.
Step 6: Find a Power Source for Your ESP32-CAM
Once the program is on the camera, you can disconnect the programmer. You can power the camera with a battery instead.
Step 7: Connect to Your Spy Camera's Interface
Use a web browser to connect to the camera over Wi-Fi. You can change settings and view the camera's feed.
Now you have a spy camera you can hide in a room. Be careful though, it can get hot, especially if you add extra things to it.