Build an ESP32-CAM Developers Module with Power Supply

This easy-to-build Developers Module simplifies working with the ESP32-CAM and also provides a useful portable power supply for all your experiments.
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Today I’m building a project, an ESP32-CAM Developers Module. This handy contraption allows me to easily work with and program an ESP32-CAM module, without all the tangle of wires usually involved. It also provides a portable power supply that allows me to use the ESP32-CAM just about anywhere, and it even eliminates the dreaded “Blackout” condition messages!
I actually built this while filming another ESP32-CAM video, which you’ll be seeing soon. I love the inexpensive ESP32-CAM module, but experimenting with it presents a number of difficulties:
- The Reset switch is on the BOTTOM of the module, meaning you have no access to it on a solderless breadboard. And you need to have access to it.
- Even if you do get it onto a breadboard it eats up a lot of the pins. There is only space left for one connection to each module pin.
- You need to ground the GPIO IO0 pin when programming the module.
- Speaking of programming, you need an external FTDI adapter to program the module, or to use the serial monitor.
- If you don’t have enough current to get the radio started for Bluetooth or WiFi you’ll receive a “Brownout” error message. This is not unique to the “CAM” module, it’s an issue with most ESP32 modules.
- If you add an external antenna it becomes even more awkward to experiment with this module.
I ended up building this little project, which I’m presenting to you as a useful way of working with the ESP32-CAM.
Here is the Table of Contents for today's video:
00:00 - Introduction
03:48 - ESP32-CAM Prototyping Issues
06:40 - Development Module Features
13:51 - Module Parts Required
18:50 - Module Schematic
24:43 - Module Construction
30:50 - Building the Power Supply Base
37:58 - Testing the Power Supply
40:13 - Testing the Developers Module
Even if you don’t build this exact project you can still use the same concept for other microcontrollers that you work with frequently. Or you can make a better one with a bigger breadboard and more LEDs and pushbuttons.
And the power supply would be a useful project in its own right, it is both battery and AC adapter powered and it provides 3.3 and 5 volts in a very comp[act and easy-to-build unit.
Hope you enjoy it, and if you like the ESP32-CAM please subscribe - I’ll be doing a lot more with it now that I have my developers module!

[@emilio9578]

One of the best tutorial and educational channels on KZbin. Your hard work and amount of time put into these videos does not fly under the radar, Bill.

[@ricardomartinez1871]

Indeed.

[@Mr_Nobody_I]

This channel is gold. I am jealous of young people almost of not being 15 years old again (i am 49) and having access to this kind of resources when i was that age. Good work, very detailed. Thanks a lot.

[@golestaan2259]

I second your comments and complements. I am 64

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

For me this was a great introduction to the ESP32CAM. As a photographer by trade and a radio ham, these are going to be perfect projects, thank-you!

[@ianrobinson509]

Your tutorials are so informative, professionally produced and a delight to watch. Like another of your respondents I have dabbled in electronics for 60+ years (do the math), starting as a teenager with valves and WW2 military surplus up to the present day. If I could have seen then what we have today I would never have believed it. Never stop learning.

[@no5x937]

Looking forward to making similar ESP32-CAM Dev Kit setup. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication to the hobby. - NO5X

[@beauregardslim1914]

Great stuff! I have one of these arriving this week with the intention of possibly installing a bunch around the house. Even if I don't build this whole setup, you've provided lots of very useful tips.

[@musaadejoshuaibuopaluwa1712]

I love your videos. I've always checked for arrival of new videos. Thank you Bill

[@tinkmarshino]

Outstanding! This will be my first winter project! Now that I have been learning a bit about electronics I am excited for winter to get here.. At 68 the cold just gets to me to much to work in the shop anymore.. So I read, watch videos and mope around the house all winter.. last year I decided I would learn a little bit of this electronics stuff.. It was (and still is) a lot more of a struggle then when I was young.. but I am getting the basics down and following your lead here feel that I have accomplished something.. I am still not up to noob standards.. But i can now understand everything you say and follow your design with out trouble..Thanks Bill I appreciate it.. hope things have calmed down a bit there.. what ever happened to the robot.. did I miss it? I have been rather busy myself this summer.. carry on brother! see you again soon.

[@citizengkar7824]

You, Sir, are one 'steely-eyed missile man' (quote from the movie, "Apollo 13"). If none of your other videos showed your expertise {which they definitely do}, in electronics, then this project does. Top work.

[@notnecessary7730]

Just found your channel & this vid re-ignited my interest in electronics which I first dabbled in 40+ years ago.

[@tatavox1408]

Good job Bill ! Look forward for the next ESP32 CAM experiments !

[@arceniocornejo6779]

I am a retired math professor eager to know about arduino, esp32 and IOT. I think your video will help me to start my journey. Tkanks

[@golestaan2259]

Definitely great help, but don't get frustrated if things don't go as easy and smooth as he makes it. It needs lots of experience to do wire wrapping and soldering especially to such tiny wires (40 Awg, 22 Awg etc...) Enjoy your journey.

[@anurasenarathna1703]

One of the best educational channel in electronics. Well done.

[@AmirASD]

Always looking forward to the next video. Thanks and as always, great video. 👍

[@richardstewart4135]

Great informative video! I learned and began to use wire wrapping back in the 70's. Today it has almost been completely replaced by the solderless breadboards, but for complicated prototyping, wire wrapping still makes sense even today. I have come across a few tube amps that Incorporated wire wrapping instead of the older point to point system, but that is a whole different form of wiring for another day. Thank you and keep up the good work! :D

[@wikihoohoo]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge :) 10/10 for the subtle humor :D

[@ricardomartinez1871]

Thanks to you I discovered the ESP32-CAM. Experimenting now.

[@MrMarkatgrc]

May I am allowed to express my Gongratulations to your Excellent Work!

[@VK5AV]

Great project, thanks for putting this together.

[@mmaranta785]

Love that blue pegboard!

[@jimcatan703]

You have saved my life (metaphorically). Thank you so much.

[@RichardBronosky]

Great video! I almost didn’t watch it because I’ve watched a few ESP32Cam videos already (yours included). But this dev kit/station is a great idea. Glad I watched. I’m going to build a tinker station with a larger battery that can drive my TS-100 because I tend to work on the family room coffee table on weekend days when the kid is about. Thanks!

[@toriqulislamshimanto]

This is the most underrated channel on youtube

[@Javaman92]

Excellent job!

[@sunpeter8260]

Ingenious and convenient!

[@Leroys_Stuff]

Great video as always Bill.

[@dismaldunc]

Oh Bill, I have SUCH tidy workshop envy! keep up the good work also as I spend a lot of time watching your content I wish you had a "buy me a coffee" type of payment facility so I could thank you !

[@richardkean1559]

My brain is exploding, just diving into all this pcb board wiring and module stuff. Thanks for the video even though I am 2 years late to this party.

[@albravo2324]

Thanks, great video.

[@irfanhakim1213]

Great work

[@varmint243davev7]

Thanks for a great idea. I made a super simple version of this on a solder prototype breadboard that holds the USB to Serial and the Micro USB power connector. Female sockets for the board and jumper connections. It makes working with the ESp32 Cam so much easier.

[@selinklc7143]

what dıd you use as power supply

[@varmint243davev7]

@@selinklc7143 2.4A phone charger

Super! And very inspirational. I really like the nuts-and-bolts style presentation on a topic that is not that easy - even I understood this :-)

[@JamesFraley]

Amazing tutorial.

[@MsFrepu]

Muy bueno , gracias por tus ideas

[@motoflyte]

Great videos. You're a pro

[@abpccpba]

Very nice design.

[@Pinchington]

I live for your opening puns. Thank you for making videos.

[@EasyOne]

Nicely done

[@tubeDude48]

As always, fine job Bill. And a nice project. Look forward to your next adventure! Will you give me the make and model of the power supply case?

[@markday3145]

I would love to see a quick video on the technique for connecting and soldering those small wires to the connectors, etc., via the perfboard. Especially in the case where you need to connect multiple wires to a single pin, and how you get them to all stay in place while you get the joint soldered.

[@golestaan2259]

Totally agreed. I am bad both with soldering and wire wrapping and thinking to use fritzing to make a pcb....and even bcb needs soldering.

[@Ashyaa2]

good job man :) keep it up

[@CodingScientist]

wow this is amazing bill , you should next make a ESP32 Cam Robot with 2 or 4 motors

[@williambarrett7108]

I would like to see a video about turning the esp32cam around so the picture comes out correct. I am going to build this project but it will take a while because I have to order all the components and I am not sure I can figure out how to wire it the correct way for the cam to be correct. I really enjoy your videos and I am learning a lot! I really appreciate all the work you put into your great videos!! Thank you so much!!!

[@digitalartee]

Great video! Btw, ESP32 cam comes with USB port already. Am using it and it's great :) Thank you for your videos.

[@golestaan2259]

Most esp 32 versions come with built in usb but some don't.

[@TheUnofficialMaker]

wow,great, good candidate for a pcb!

[@readytoboot]

Awesome video my friend

[@TOMTOM-nh3nl]

Thank You

[@HarishPillay]

Thanks for the very well done tutorial. The one thing I learned was the challenge of brownouts. Am wondering if a current meter could be included in the circuit.

[@henrypostulart]

Call me old, but that wire wrapping process was how I wired thousands of telephone connections in the 70/80’s… zit’s weird to heard it referenced as antique during my lifetime…

[@sumduma55]

Ok old. If you were wiring telephone connections in the 70s/80s, you have lived before most plastics (most all modern use plasyics) were out of the lab and into the wild. Think about what you have seen change in your lifetime. And welcome to the old folks home. I'll be in the corner kicking myself for wasting all that money on blow and women in the 80s and refusing to buy Microsoft stock in the early 90s because I thought Bill Gates looked like a shady character.

[@ratsrex]

Wire wraping.... book written by my university teachers (profesors) states that wire wraping can give up to 10 times more lowest resistance connection area in comparison to just soldering and is more relaible in some applications. My professors as many scientis in former soviet block were (regardless their ow will) involved in military devices construction and building (just in case of something unexpected) ...so highest standards without considering costs were primary design principles for them. But, today there is no even electronic components suitable for wraping available n public market ....no sqare terminals ..everything round ..or just SMD. ... BTW...Very professional tutorial ...nice to watch and listen

[@nvridgerunners]

Thanks!

[@Dronebotworkshop]

You are very welcome, and thank you too!

[@keliu6195]

Nice job. Actually I was also thinking build a small board to make programming ESP32CAM easier, but I cancelled the plan due to following reasons: 1) programming ESP32CAM with the help of USB2TTL or a Arduino UNO is not that difficult, we just need to wire up 4-5 lines. 2)Actually, we only need to use USB2TTL to program ESP32CAM once, just upload a sketch with OTA functionality, then we can update the sketch without any cable. 3)ESP32CAM is a good board, but it is not suitable for projects with battery power, there are some design issues in the board, even we put the ESP32 into deepsleep mode, the SD card and Camera units still consume some current, it is very difficult to limit the current below 1mA Another comment, to make the soldering simple, it is worthwhile to use the breadboard-shape prefboard for such projects

[@dineshs4604]

wow that's great! would like to see more videos on esp32 cam... fuse both Esp32 cam & Arduino (serial) let's make one robot with nice UI

[@anothergeek7987]

Thanks for your informative videos. For the esp32-cam or Pi Zero+cam, I hope you will consider a POE (802.3af) connection project, instead of using WiFi and USB power.

[@tedsykora1858]

I see a winter project ahead.

[@mohali7027]

Thanks for all your videos could you make long range gold detector

[@YoutubeBorkedMyOldHandle_why]

Very nice, but I wonder if it might be a bit overkill to solving the major issues, i.e. access to the reset button and breakout pins. I'm thinking the following: 1) Solder female headers (as you have done), on a double sided perfboard. 2) On the bottom side (edges) of the perfboard, solder on 'male' headers and make *connections between male/female pins. 3) (The tricky part), plug each of the 'male' headers into its own separate solderless breadboard. With only one relatively simple perfboard and a lot fewer wires, you'd have: the same access to the reset button, access to the underside of the ESP32 for the antenna, and tons of breakout connections on the breadboards, (a shorter video ;-) Then you could continue to add the switches, FTDI and LEDs etc., all to a single perfboard. * - Solder connections between top and bottom headers may be tricky. The thing to do here is thread the holes (like shoe laces) with a thin bare wire before inserting the headers. Solder the headers. Then trim away the excess wire.

[@paulrobinson5490]

Excellent project and very nicely explained. Any chance of doing the generator RPM project I mentioned a little while ago, please please. Stay well

[@christinewhybrow8813]

You've convinced me, I REALLY must take the leap. To esp32 cams. Given my progress with my #batteryCharger, I should be free sometime after retirement! Bill, have you ever tried 'Eagle' design software, I'm having a lot of trouble wading through libraries, with the worst search function I've yet come across!

[@kevinaldrichFL]

Love all your videos, subbed a while ago and you've inspired me to start tinkering again. I just came across a lot of AT&T MC010B DC-DC POWER MODULE, IN 28V 0.44A / OUT 12V 0.83A. I think they are a dc-dc step-down but I'm not really sure what their purpose is for. What project could these be used in? Also if you would like a few for testing I'd be happy to send a few.

[@RahulJain-rj6jw]

best explanation and very useful , but I have a request can you please make a video about cnc arduino writing machine with dvd stepper motors. It will be very helpful because there is no video on youtube that explains how to do and whats happening like you. thank you

[@yawarsaeed6499]

Awesome, can you please do another video showing RSSI signal level on mobile phone instead of Arduino serial monitor. This will make it more practicable to move the cam at a distance & simultaneously check it's signal level / connectivity to the wifi router more conveniently . Awaiting your earliest response on this.

[@AreebAmir]

Hello Sir!Nice video and very helpful.Please make a video on shift register please and tell more about it

[@codecage9333]

@Areeb Amir, there is already a video on shift registers. It was made available about 6 months ago. Take a look at the entire list of available videos.

[@AreebAmir]

Yes I know but about many other part of ICs

[@johnpipe362]

Good video. I used a "helping hands" to mount my board and antenna, but it is ungainly. The idea of a custom circuit board for mounting and connections is the solution. I have never used JLCB or equivalent to make a circuit board, but this would be the way to go. Are there any designs for this project out there?

[@playerunknown6685]

For problem at 43:46 ,you can flip it vertically..!!! s->set_vflip(s, 1); // flip it back (line 81 , 89). Just change(s, 1 ); to (s,0);

[@leptopython]

Thank you for your clear tuts on ESP32. I have one question, how can we set up a web server (database on web?) in Windows or Linux on PC, then transfer photos, temperature and humidity data and so on acquired by ESP32 to the web server via WLAN. Then the users can open the web server from PC or mobile phone to browser/manage(for example, plot, query) the information? Thanks

[@tangguh9796]

next project using magnetic (compass) sensor please

[@8ank3r]

Just curious if you could make a multi camera array with the cams combined/superimposed on one another, ie. IR cam Thermal Cam and Normal Cam. So you could see in various views. Is that even feasible?

[@sledgeHammerRulez]

can I use wires from inside a network cable? What is the rule of thumb for thickness of cable related to current/voltage please? BTW, nice/interesting concept and good video (again)!

[@ryantavan2688]

Are you able to make a video about Esp32 audio kit, please? there is very limited info about this. thank you

[@technophile01]

Hi. Have you tried to connect to esp32cam far from home in 4G for example? I didn t succeed

[@andrewk6008]

where do you get all those perfectly sized enclosures?

[@DEADB33F]

Just add some OTA update code to the first sketch you upload. Then you no longer need the reset button.

[@BlondieSL]

So after watching this video a month or so ago, I bought 2 of these ESP32-CAM devices. They work ok. So then, I order 2 of those camera strips.... the cams with the wide angle lens, adjustable focus and longer wire. I connected the first one and was impressed at how much better the picture was that the cams that come with the boards. The image was brighter and the colors better. Then, I connected the 2nd wide angle cam only to discover that it was defective. Very disappointing. At least Amazon put through a refund for the 1 cam, so that was something. Since it was not working, I did some troubleshooting on the thing. I realized that the tiny cam element was not making good contact on some of its solder balls, where it's soldered to the mini pcb. I applied some heat to try to reflow and for a brief moment it worked. LOL Ok.... so... I applied more heat to reflow better and all of a sudden, the camera element literally POPPED off. When the solder melted, it was like a spring and the element went flying off into the 9th dimension, never to be seen again. LOL So the next time I order one of these, if it needs to be reflowed, lesson learned, clamp the cam element to the pcb first. As so many people have reported, this thing does suck the power AND gets hot! When I put one of these into production (a hidden security camera at the back of the garage) I'll have to add a mini 5V fan to it as well.

[@AIskolen]

Hi Bill, what program do you use for making schematic. I'm a teacher and looking for something similar. AND thanks for your major effort in the channel!

[@Toolman93]

In the past, Bill has mentioned that he uses Keynote on a Mac for the presentations.

[@digitalmarketing5957]

I have a 20x4 LCD with I2C (PCF8574) in my project which works 100% fine when setup with the ATMega328 on the Arduino UNO, but when set on a PCB I made with the same ATMega328 (without the Arduino interface) it only shows white squares.

[@hassankassim2642]

Hello well done thank you for amazing projects and information. when I connect esp32cam and uart pprogrammer and doing all steps then remove jumper and reset it showing dots only and it does not connect to the wifi help please

[@jedandecko5585]

You need to check your credentials (user,pass combo), dots means that you esp can not connect to your wifi. If you look at the skatch Serial.print "." and delay after it print dots every X miliseconds that your esp is trying to connect. So either your credentials are wrong or your esp is out of range of your ruter. If you use build in antenna range is kinda small, try coming closer to ruter. GL in solving your problem.

[@davidbradley3074]

Great Video, BUT how do you record all the data to a file for a security cam. Can you help me, PLEASE!

[@ceruleanfish6703]

David very n00b here... However, I'm guessing you could use some type of software programming with an IDE. Grab the stream, input it into a helper app, choose what type of file and any parameters. Then, last save out the video file. Beyond my programming skills but FFmpeg might do the trick. Bests~

[@26692harisri]

is it possible to build mini drone from esp32 and/or drone with esp32 cam. plz plzzzz do esp32 as flight controller

[@WagonLoads]

Not sure if anyone asked these 3 questions.. Can the video image be rotated? What pins can I use for i2c? How do I connect/point the output of this code to (my own domain name) so it can be accessed from anywhere in the world? example/esp32cam_php?id=1234

[@MrBobWareham]

Hi Bill, thanks for the video, but do you have an esp32-cam that has been running for some time and has it lost the Wi-Fi after a few days like mine? I have tried different power supplies and added a large capacitor to the power supply and have run it on 5 volts and 3.3 volts but get the same problem, it runs for 3 to 4 days then disconnects, so I restart it, and it's OK for another few days.

[@Elnasir]

@DroneBot pls can I get the sketch you used for the Esp32 cam?

[@waynemallette1554]

Hi Bill. My name is Wane Mallette and have been trying to register on the forums to get some in put on a new project but have been unable to pull up registry screen and was wandering what I am doing wrong have already subscribed to the news letter thanks for any help on this.

[@codecage9333]

Wayne you just need to send an email to "forum [at] dronebotworkshop [dot] com" with your first name (required), last name (optional), a username (required), and a few words of why you want to join (required). The auto-registration had to be dropped because of more robots generating requests than real folks interested in the content of the forum. The email seems to eliminate the imposters. Hope to see you soon on the forum.

[@braaitongs]

E (497) esp_core_dump_flash: No core dump partition found! - i get this when trying to connect using Arduino ide

[@porkhunts]

How can I incorporate a rechargeable battery within this system plz? A link to a schematic would be awesome anyone.

[@rolfjohansen5376]

with that WIFI module, can I remotely send it new code and have it compiled, or update it from a distance? thanks

[@haithamsaleh6680]

Hi there !!! where are you ?? long time not seen,hope you are well.... why you don't switch to nextion display tft with arduino , i think this would be interesting for all , we here in Jordan Middle east pretty much interesting with all new tech and more cheap solution , as will the market always search for the cheapest prices and in parallel good quality waiting for your good prompt reply be good Haitham

[@TheSpyder19]

So, I guess there's no way around needing to get to the bottom of the board to hit the reset switch ? You couldn't add a 2nd PBNO for that ?

[@jameszahary]

Any easier way: 1. Turn off the power 2. Turn on the power

[@TheSpyder19]

@@jameszahary Doesn't work that way. You have to hit the reset button while it's powered on in order to trigger the download

[@jameszahary]

@@TheSpyder19 Mine must work different than yours. I've programmed them a thousand times and never pressed that button.

[@TheSpyder19]

@@jameszahary Since I don't have experience of programming thousands of them, I'll just defer to your expertise

[@noweare1]

@@TheSpyder19 lol, I was thinking the same thing just add a pb normally open switch. Elegant solution Herr Spyder

[@henrikjensen3278]

I have build a test board for the regular ESP32 (Dedicated PCB with .some 3.3V to 5V translators and 3.3V power supply), I am not really gotten around to the CAM module yet. I believe it is a very good idea to build a development platform for playing with modules, when you expect to use them a lot. I do not approve of using any type of standard boards when you can make a dedicated PCB for $10 to $15 (Usually 5pcs including shipping). The cheap PCB have some size restrictions, i.e. you may be limited to placing everything on the same side of the module. Using a 9V battery for any ESP32 module is also a fairly bad solution, but would work if you get a LiIon rechargeable 9V battery (LiIon can handle high peak currents).

[@user-zw9uv7ui5r]

Can i power esp32 cam without regulator

[@anikmukherjee2003]

If I want to study about these things...which engineering should I choose?? Plz reply..

[@rhythms7500]

Electrical maybe...

[@rhythms7500]

Mechatronics also a good option.

[@rhythms7500]

@BS Handle Created That's great idea.

[@anikmukherjee2003]

@BS Handle Created @Rhythms7 Thanks for your reply

[@noweare1]

Just take classes your interested in. These college degrees are way to expensive. Save yourself some $$$. Unless your a genius and can handle a high level position then go for it.

[@saharabdelraouf9171]

10:05

[@lg_pa_62wall24]

Lets get back to BD1

[@noweare1]

Yes, not cool to start something of that magnitude then not finish it.

[@donnysdp]

Sir, Im facing a problem where my battery-powered ESP32-cam's WIFI won't connect to the SSID. But if I use the USB-powered (FTDR), the Wifi would connect to the SSID. Do you know why is that? I have set the battery to be 5V.

[@contentsv]

No code ?

[@josephreyes9560]

2020

[@giuseppebonardi7322]

Ok

[@23yearsold60]

This answer @ @

[@23yearsold60]

This answer @

[@edgaras9790]

yoo