DIY ESP32 Security CAM
Introduction: DIY ESP32 Security CAM
Hey guys and welcome back,
This is my DIY Security Cam which is made from an ESP32 connected with a 5V Charger circuit that converts 240V AC into 5V DC for ESP32 to run.
The goal for making this project was to make a cheaper alternative to the existing WIFI Security Camera.
Also, huge thanks to PCBWay for Supporting this project, Check out PCBWay for getting great PCB Service at a relatively less cost.
Supplies
These are the things that I've used in this project-
* ESP32 CAM
* Custom PCB (which was provided by PCBWay)
* 3D Printed Enclosure
* Charger Circuit (BOM is attached)
* Isolated 5V 1A SMPS Module
Step 1: Getting Started
Now, a few weeks ago I a post about the ESP32 CAM which you can check out, https://www.instructables.com/ESP32-CAM-WEB-Server-and-Getting-Started-Guide/
In that post, we learn how to control the ESP32 CAM and flash it with a UART Module. Flashing this esp32 is a pretty easy process, we first connect the module in the right writing order and then connect this with Arduino IDE and follow some basic guidelines like we need to press the Reset button once while uploading the sketch and our esp32 cam will flash like a normal esp32.
Here we have an ESP32 that contains the CAM webserver sketch that enables us to connect this it with the internet and see the live camera footage.
doesn't that sound like a security camera?
yes it does, the wifi security cam do exactly this but they provide more features that are mostly software-based so what I'm gonna do here is, I will provide this esp32 power with a charger circuit, I will use a custom PCB in this project which will contain the esp32 and charger circuit and then I will put that custom PCB in a 3D Printed enclosure.
this is the plan.
well, it will work electronically but I'm not pretty sure that the PLA can withstand being outside for this kind of project.
Step 2: Circuitry
Anyways, to get started with this project, I first designed a charger circuit by replicating and reverse engineering an existing 5V 1A Charger circuit that I found in an existing commercial mobile phone charger. (SCHEMATIC IS ATTACHED)
Now, this project involves working with the AC supply which is pretty lethal so I don't recommend you guys to replicate this project as I did, instead of making an SMPS CIrcuit, you can use an isolated power supply module to power this board. 382
it's still dangerous but it will decrease the chances of getting elecuted by this project.
To use the isolated power supply, I have already added its Pads on the PCB so we can just solder this onto the circuit or use an extremely dangerous non-isolated charger circuit.
I designed this whole project in my OrCAD software, I wanted to add a custom silkscreen to this board so I prepared this image in GIMP and then exported the PNG image.
then I converted the PNG file into a BMP (because the OrCAD only imports BMP Images) and then added this image onto my PCB design and this was the result! note- this method will be different for every PCB Designing suit so just follow your PCB Cad software image importing process and you'll be good.
Step 3: Getting PCB Made From PCBWay
After finalizing the PCB, I exported its Gerber data ad send that to PCBWay for samples,
I received the PCBs in a week, PCB quilty was pretty great and I'm happy with it. PCBWay you guys rock, Check out PCBWay for getting great PCB Service at less cost!
Step 4: Assembly Process
After receiving the PCBs, I started the assembly process of this board.
* We first add solder paste to each component's pad one by one. (a better alternative is to use a stencil which I didn't get because I'm such a genius 🤡)
* After this, I added components to their assigned place one by one in the right order and then after doing that, I verify the board one last time, and then I put the whole circuit onto my DIY SMT Hotplate for the reflow process.
* Solder paste will melt as soon as the reflow surface hit the solder paste melting temp and then we carefully remove the PCB from the hotplate and let it cool down for a little bit.
* after checking the PCB solder joints and making sure that we didn't short any components, we then move on to the next step which is to add THT components like the capacitors, fuse, MOV, and transformer. 472