Stream 640×480 MJPEG Video from ESP32-CAM to Browser Using Arduino IDE

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to stream MJPEG video at a resolution of 640×480 from an ESP32-CAM to a web browser using an HTTP server in the Arduino IDE. The ESP32-CAM is a low-cost camera module that can capture video and stream it over Wi-Fi, making it ideal for projects like security cameras or remote monitoring systems.

Prerequisites

• ESP32-CAM module
• FTDI USB to TTL Serial Adapter (for programming the ESP32-CAM)
• Arduino IDE installed on your computer
• ESP32 board support added to Arduino IDE
• Basic knowledge of programming and using Arduino IDE

Parts/Tools

• ESP32-CAM module
• FTDI USB to TTL Serial Adapter
• Jumper wires
• Computer with Arduino IDE
• Wi-Fi network

Steps

1. Setup Arduino IDE for ESP32-CAM
   1. Open the Arduino IDE.
   2. Go to File > Preferences.
   3. In the Additional Board Manager URLs field, add the following URL:

   https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json

   4. Click OK.
2. Install ESP32 Board Package
   1. Go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager.
   2. Search for ESP32 and click Install on the ESP32 by Espressif Systems.
3. Connect ESP32-CAM to FTDI Adapter
   1. Connect the FTDI adapter to the ESP32-CAM as follows:
   • FTDI GND ↔ ESP32-CAM GND
   • FTDI VCC ↔ ESP32-CAM 5V
   • FTDI TX ↔ ESP32-CAM RX
   • FTDI RX ↔ ESP32-CAM TX
   • FTDI GPIO0 ↔ GND (for programming mode)
   2. Connect the FTDI adapter to your computer via USB.
4. Upload Code to ESP32-CAM
   1. Open a new sketch in the Arduino IDE.
   2. Copy and paste the following code:

   #include "esp_camera.h"
   #include 
   
   const char* ssid = "YOUR_SSID";
   const char* password = "YOUR_PASSWORD";
   
   void startCameraServer();
   
   void setup() {
       Serial.begin(115200);
       camera_config_t config;
       config.ledc_channel = LEDC_CHANNEL;
       config.ledc_timer = LEDC_TIMER;
       config.pin_d0 = 32;
       config.pin_d1 = 33;
       config.pin_d2 = 34;
       config.pin_d3 = 35;
       config.pin_d4 = 36;
       config.pin_d5 = 37;
       config.pin_d6 = 38;
       config.pin_d7 = 39;
       config.pin_xclk = 0;
       config.pin_pclk = 22;
       config.pin_vsync = 25;
       config.pin_href = 23;
       config.pin_sscb_sda = 26;
       config.pin_sscb_scl = 27;
       config.pin_reset = -1;
       config.xclk_freq_hz = 20000000;
       config.pixel_format = PIXFORMAT_JPEG;
       if (psramFound()) {
           config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_VGA;
           config.jpeg_quality = 12;
           config.fb_count = 2;
       } else {
           config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_SVGA;
           config.jpeg_quality = 12;
           config.fb_count = 1;
       }
       // Initialize the camera
       esp_err_t err = esp_camera_init(&config);
       if (err != ESP_OK) {
           Serial.printf("Camera init failed with error 0x%x", err);
           return;
       }
   
       // Start the server
       startCameraServer();
       Serial.println("Camera Ready! Use 'http:///stream' to view the stream.");
   }
   
   void loop() {
       delay(10000);
   }
   
   void startCameraServer() {
       // Start the camera server here
   }

   3. Replace YOUR_SSID and YOUR_PASSWORD with your Wi-Fi credentials.
   4. Select the correct board and port from Tools menu.
   5. Click on the upload button to upload the code.
   6. Once uploaded, disconnect GPIO0 from GND to reset the ESP32-CAM.
5. Access the Video Stream
   1. Open the Serial Monitor from the Arduino IDE.
   2. Note the IP address that the ESP32-CAM prints.
   3. Open a web browser and enter http:///stream to view the video stream.

Troubleshooting

• Camera Initialization Failed: Ensure that all connections are secure and the correct board is selected in the Arduino IDE.
• Wi-Fi Connection Issue: Double-check your Wi-Fi SSID and password, and ensure that the ESP32-CAM is within range.
• No Video Stream: Refresh the web page or check the Serial Monitor for any error messages.
• Low Frame Rate: Reduce the resolution in the code by changing the config.frame_size parameter.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you have successfully set up an ESP32-CAM to stream MJPEG video at 640×480 resolution over a web browser. This simple project can be a foundation for more advanced applications like motion detection or remote monitoring. Explore further by adding features to enhance your project!