Yet Another ESP32 Webcam

Link to the original blog post with a nice text & pictures layout.

The problem:

I used an old phone with an Android IP Webcam app to check my driveway, but it stopped working after 3 days. Then I had to reset it – this means going up the ladder every single time. I couldn’t find a way to make it work longer.

Actually, there is no problem. I just like to tinker and couldn’t find a case/mount for ESP32cam that would suit my needs, so I invented a problem.

Electronics

esp32 cam with serial module, antenna, cam module 66-degree OV2640 (aliexpresss link), ~10€
160-degree lens (fisheye) module OV2640 v2 (aliexpress link), ~5€

The ESP32 module has an internal and external wifi antenna. To use the external one, I resoldered a tiny resistor (as the previous time, but this time I did it in 5 minutes and no burns 🙂 )

Case

I started with the following case from Printables (thanks to @CosmicNimbus). It’s a nice case, but it doesn’t have a mount. So I designed it.

Mount

All parts are available at Printables.

I’ve added the red part to the original case (in TinkerCad):

Then I designed a 90-degree joint. 7mm bolt fits nicely to the inner hole.

3d model of a esp32 cam case joint in TinkerCad

… and a stand/mount:

3d model of a esp32 cam stand in TinkerCad

Printed and assembled:

I used 2 screws and bolts (7mm?) I had at hand to tighten joints.

I know, the print is ugly, my printer is not behaving lately.

printed and assembled case for esp32 cam, white pla

Mounted in the wooden shed. Yeah, brown filament would be better:

mounted case for esp32 cam, white pla, on a wooden horizontal pillar

Home Assistant and ESPHome

The Home Assistant integration and ESPHome code is the same as previous time.

Conclusions/Key takeaways

It’s a cheap webcam, 15€ + my work.
The resolution is not great (1600×1200), but it’s usable to see what’s happening on the driveway.
This camera module’s (160degree) image quality is worse than the original (66degree), the image is blurrier.
The refresh rate is around 1fps (due to 15m to the wifi router and limitations of the esp32), but it’s ok-ish.
The fisheye effect is ok-ish, it covers a large area.

a fisheye view on the driveway through a wooden garage

Disclaimer

The links to the products are not affiliate links and I don’t receive any compensation for linking.

The code and the ideas are mostly from HomeAssistant and ESPHome community forums.

Hashtags: #esphome #esp32cam #homeassistant #diy #case #3dprinting