Prusa Research ESP32-CAM

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Summary

ESP32 Cam Hardware Assembly

Attach ESP32 Cam to USB Shield

Connect the main ESP32 Cam module onto the USB shield.

Open Camera Connector Latch

Lift the camera connector safety latch to open it.

Connect Camera Module

Connect the camera module and secure its safety latch.

Install ESP32 Cam Drivers

Install CH340 USB-to-Serial Drivers

Download and install the CH341SER.EXE driver for the USB-to-Serial converter.

Connect ESP32 Cam to Computer

Connect ESP32 Cam and Verify Detection

Connect the ESP32 Cam via USB, open Device Manager, and note the COM port.

Download ESP32 Cam Firmware

Download Firmware Files from GitHub

Download all .bin firmware image files from the Assets column of the GitHub repository.

Prepare for Firmware Flashing

Download ESP32 Flash Download Tool

Download the Expressif ESP32 Flash Download Tools from the provided URL.

Extract and Run Flashing Tool

Extract the downloaded zip file and run the flash_download_tool executable.

Configure Flashing Tool Settings

Set ChipType to ESP32 and WorkMode to Develop in the flashing tool.

Configure Firmware Files for Flashing

Configure Bootloader File and Address

Select the bootloader .bin file and set its address to 0x1000.

Configure Partitions File and Address

Select the partitions .bin file and set its address to 0x8000.

Configure Main Firmware File and Address

Select the main .bin firmware file and set its address to 0x10000.

ESP32 Cam Flashing Tool Setup

Set SPI Speed and Mode

Configure SPI SPEED to 80MHz and SPI MODE to DIO.

Configure COM Port and Baud Rate

Set the COM port and BAUD rate to 460800 for the camera.

Verify Flashing Tool Settings

Double-check all configured settings in the flashing tool before proceeding.

Erase and Flash ESP32 Cam Firmware

Erase Camera Memory

Click the ERASE button to clear the camera's memory.

Start Firmware Flashing

Click START to begin flashing firmware, avoid touching the module during the process.

Prusa Connect Camera Setup

Access Prusa Connect and Add Camera

Open Prusa Connect, log in, select printer, navigate to Camera tab, and add a new camera.

Save Camera Token

Copy the generated camera TOKEN and save it securely for later use.

ESP32 Cam Hardware Positioning

Connect Camera to Power

Connect the ESP32 Cam to a USB power supply.

Position Camera Near Printer

Install the camera near the printer, ensuring adequate cooling and ventilation.

Connect ESP32 Cam to Wi-Fi

Connect to ESP32 Cam Wi-Fi Network

Find the ESP32 Cam Wi-Fi network, enter the default password '12345678', and connect.

Configure ESP32 Cam Software

Access Camera Configuration Interface

Open the camera's IP address (192.168.0.1) in a web browser.

Insert and Save Camera Token

In the Camera configuration tab, insert the saved TOKEN and click Save.

Configure ESP32 Cam Image Settings

Set Image Frame Size (Resolution)

Adjust the frame size to improve image quality, or decrease it for better Wi-Fi signal.

Set Image Refresh Interval

Configure the interval for refreshing camera snapshots and click Save.

Configure ESP32 Cam Wi-Fi Network

Scan and Select Wi-Fi Network

Scan for available Wi-Fi networks, enter SSID and password, then Save & Connect.

Reboot Camera for Wi-Fi Connection

Click 'Reboot' to restart the camera and establish the Wi-Fi connection.

ESP32 Cam Optional Software Features

Set Authentication for Configuration

Configure a password on the Authentication tab to secure the configuration page.

Set Hostname for Network Access

Set a Hostname (mDNS record) in the System tab for easier network access.

Manual Firmware Update

Upload a firmware file via 'Upload file & Update' for a manual update.

Check for Cloud Firmware Updates

Use 'Check Update from cloud' to find and install newer firmware versions.

Finalize ESP32 Cam in Prusa Connect

Reconnect to Usual Network

Disconnect from the ESP32 Cam Wi-Fi and reconnect your computer to your normal network.

View Camera Feed in Prusa Connect

After a short wait, the camera image will appear in the 'Camera' tab on Prusa Connect.

The ESP32 Cam for Prusa Connect is a camera module designed to integrate with the Prusa Connect ecosystem, allowing users to remotely monitor their 3D printers. This guide details the setup and configuration process for the ESP32 Cam, from hardware assembly and driver installation to firmware flashing and software configuration for Prusa Connect.

Function Description:

The primary function of the ESP32 Cam is to provide remote visual monitoring of a 3D printer through the Prusa Connect platform. It captures snapshots of the printing process and sends them to the Prusa Connect interface, enabling users to check on their prints from anywhere. The camera operates over a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network, making it a wireless solution for printer surveillance. It supports various camera modules with different focal lengths, offering flexibility in viewing angles. The firmware, developed by Miroslav Pivovarsky, includes features such as a web page for camera configuration, the ability to send photos to Prusa Connect, OTA (Over-The-Air) updates, a service AP for camera configuration, serial console configuration, and logging to a micro SD card.

Important Technical Specifications:

Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network.
Hardware Versions: Two main versions identified:
- Version 1: Features six resistors on the front of the PCB, compatible with CH340 USB-to-Serial converters for programming. This is the version recommended and used in this guide.
- Version 2: Features four resistors on the front of the PCB, requires FT232RL or CP2102 converters for programming.
USB Bridge: Recommended to be purchased as a set with the ESP32 Cam, consisting of a CH340 USB to serial controller and a voltage stabilizer.
USB Cable: Micro USB to USB-A cable, ensuring it provides data connection (not just charging).
USB Power Supply: Capable of providing at least 2A current.
Firmware Files: .bin firmware image files are required for flashing, including ESP32_PrusaConnectCam.ino.bootloader.bin, ESP32_PrusaConnectCam.ino.partitions.bin, and ESP32_PrusaConnectCam_web.ino.bin.
Flashing Tool: EXPRESSIF ESP32 Flash Download Tools (e.g., flash_download_tool_x.x.x.exe).
Flashing Parameters:
- ChipType: ESP32
- WorkMode: Develop
- SPI SPEED: 80MHz
- SPI MODE: DIO
- DoNotChgBin: Checked
- BAUD Rate: 460800
- Addresses for firmware files:
  - ESP32_PrusaConnectCam.ino.bootloader.bin at 0x1000
  - ESP32_PrusaConnectCam.ino.partitions.bin at 0x8000
  - ESP32_PrusaConnectCam_web.ino.bin at 0x10000
Default Wi-Fi AP Password: 12345678.
Default IP Address for Configuration: 192.168.0.1 or http://prusa-esp32cam.local (mDNS hostname).
LED Indicator: A red LED light illuminates on the camera module when powered.
Hardware Issue: The ESP32-CAM AI-Thinker board has a known hardware problem with the FLASH LED diode, with solutions described in the readme.

Usage Features:

Remote Monitoring: Provides live snapshots of the 3D printer via Prusa Connect.
Easy Setup: The guide provides a step-by-step process for hardware assembly, driver installation, firmware flashing, and software configuration.
Web-based Configuration: The camera's settings, including image resolution, refresh interval, and Wi-Fi credentials, are configurable through a web interface accessible via a browser.
Prusa Connect Integration: Seamlessly integrates with the Prusa Connect platform by using a unique TOKEN generated within Prusa Connect for authentication.
Flexible Camera Modules: Supports various camera modules, allowing users to choose different focal lengths for optimal viewing angles.
Firmware Updates: Supports both manual firmware updates by uploading a .bin file and over-the-air (OTA) updates directly from the cloud, provided the camera is connected to the internet.
Customizable Settings: Users can adjust image quality (frame size/resolution) and refresh interval to balance performance and network conditions. Lowering image quality can help with connectivity issues in areas with bad Wi-Fi signals.
Security: Allows setting a password for accessing the camera's configuration page via the Authentication tab.
Hostname Configuration: Users can set a hostname (mDNS record) for easier access to the configuration page over the local network, e.g., http://prusa-esp32cam.local.

Maintenance Features:

Driver Installation: Requires installation of CH340 USB-to-Serial converter drivers for communication with the computer during flashing.
Firmware Flashing: The process involves erasing the camera's memory and then flashing the necessary firmware files using the EXPRESSIF ESP32 Flash Download Tools. This is a critical step for initial setup and major updates.
Hardware Handling: Emphasizes handling electronics boards by their sides only to prevent ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) damage.
Protective Cover: Recommends printing a protective cover for the camera module to protect it and potentially aid in cooling.
Cooling Considerations: Advises installing the camera in a well-ventilated space, especially if using a printed cover, to ensure sufficient airflow and prevent overheating of the electronics.
Troubleshooting: Provides guidance for common issues, such as ensuring the USB cable supports data connection, running the flashing tool as an administrator, and verifying flashing parameters. It also suggests trying an older version of drivers if the linked ones do not work.
Wi-Fi Configuration: Allows users to scan for available Wi-Fi networks, enter SSID and password, and reboot the camera to connect to the specified network.
System Tab Options: Provides advanced system options for maintenance, including hostname setting, manual firmware updates, and cloud-based firmware updates.