Build The Most EQUIPPED Security Camera with ESP32-CAM

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In this video I run you through the process of developing a fully-equipped Arduino-based Solar-powered ESP32 WiFi Security (Surveillance) Camera from the ground up.

Parts and Modules used in the project:
🤖 DFRobot (+ Amazon) links to majority of parts-

Disclaimer: Amazon purchase links used are affiliate links. It doesn't cost you extra to buy through those and I just get a tiny commission. Thank you!

🔗 Amazon links to the rest of parts:

Components & parts for Latching Switch circuit:

🔨 Tools and other supplies used:

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Tags: max imagination, diy security camera, cctv camera, esp32-cam, esp32 cam, diy home security, esp32 camera, wifi, diy surveillance camera, ov5640, arduino security camera, esp32 camera streaming, esp32 cam arduino, esp32 cam code, diy security camera esp32, diy wifi security camera, cheap diy wifi camera, diy spy camera, esp32cam, system, online security camera, ip surveillance camera, diy smart camera

#diysecuritycamera #esp32cam #3dprinted

[MaxImagination]

Also, please keep in mind that this security camera is only a PROTOTYPE and was made with the intent of potentially making it a product one day. I did not expect to make it a more viable solution to replace commercial CCTV camera systems (at least not yet). Much more would need to be worked on, still.

Its prototype cost came out to around $380 USD, considering I hired overseas services and got everything at retail cost. If it were to be mass-manufactured, its overall (per-unit) manufacturing cost would drop by a LOT.

I don't want to discourage anyone out there who wants to make something alike of their own, but I don't necessarily expect others to recreate the level of camera I have just made, as it was an experiment. However, if you do have a vision with what you choose to create and think you will end up with something that meets your needs, pursue it!

Huge thanks to PCBWay and DFRobot for making this project possible! The camera works really well with its current features, couldn't have asked for a better outcome 😁

[rezganger]

dont worry. mistakes are only problematic IF you wont learn from them. anyone who learns from their mistakes should start making a lot! im serious.

[PCBWay]

Good Job, MAX! We are so proud to be one part🥳

[fajile]

Cctv and coax cable have alot going for them. If you monitor the resistance on your coax shielding you can detect when someone taps the line. Its super safe and coax is practically scrap. Its just hard to find systems that still take coax. Personally i dont like any home security that runs on wifi. For anything. Like even using wifi to call the cops. If its got any kind of wifi bottle neck i cant accept it.

[tiagodesteffani]

Probably the best and most complete project you've done to date, very good Max👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[shauncrosby]

Very cool little project I must say. Something that could save you a bit of power and maybe alleviate some of the issues you had with the PIR's is Human Precence Microwave detection units like the RCWL-0516 mounted facing down could give you quite a wide area to pick up movement, and save some space too. But nice job.

[shodanxx]

Great work, looking forward to you synthesizing what you've just learned into V3.
Given the ESPCAM is 5$ device and given it's lackluster performance, I think the entire device should be made with more consideration for the cost
Recycled 18650 are more appropriate for such a project.
You should run the entire camera in an oscilloscope to measure exact instantaneous power draw, I imagine current draw extremely high right now.
The camera should sleep when not actively being looked at, awaken by timer and PIR movement
The power control circuitry has certainly a lot of room for reducing idle and sleep current
With a slip ring, you could probably have 360 degree rotation by putting the rotation (yaw) servo on-board.
Many parts could be mounted without screws with just locking feature on the housing.
Using ESPNOW you should be able to have remote trigger PIR sensors to wake up the camera with movement currently too far away.
You should try to improve frame rate, possibly by lowering resolution and your wifi setup. It would make sense to dial image quality up and down depending on network condition and whether you are recording or streaming.
Try reducing the number or screws and insert to 6
Replace silicon with o-ring to make re-assembly easier
ESP cam is so cheap, have two sensor to switch between night and day on the CSI bus

[haydenc]

Make sure you conformal coat the PCB's and components to prevent corrosion
Very cool setup. and build..I have all the parts coming in for mine!
Keep em coming!!!!

[heatherryan]

That looks better than some production models that I’ve seen. Well done kid. And something I’ve noticed, every left handed person that I know is super smart, or really good on their individual fields.

That really cool that you did all that. Congrats.

[Cybertruck]

First time I've seen your channel. Amazing amount of dedication to the whole project from start to finish. All of that coupled with producing the video. As I'm typing this you mentioned "learning curve". You must have learned so much which will lead on to some great future projects. Cheers...

[jasonrhoades]

Dude!!! You're my hero!!!! Awesome project. This will be a great way for me to get introduced to the esp32. Keep these projects comin and I'll keep watchin!

[qazwsxxswzaq]

Perfect build. But seems to be an overkill for the feeble ESP32-CAM. You can consider moving the antenna to the solar pole and use LiPoly battery that comes with a more compact form factor. Passive cooling is a better way forward if you want to make a product or a kit out of it.

[FiglioBastardo]

Sold! I'll take one.
Very well done good sir! Your exceptional intelligence is amazing.

[dragonapolo]

Good job friend, your classes inspire me to continue in electronics, really thank you very much for sharing your wisdom (I'm from Latin America, I'm using google translate) Saludos

[tigreonice]

Wow amazing project! I would add if someone steal it and try to connect to his pc you can know the location by ip and go into his pc(ruber ducky and reverse shell like)

[makernova]

Man, what an awesome project! These are my favorite videos to watch and to make!

One thing I've noticed with 3D prints, especially when you have holes for switches and such, is sometimes widening the opening by 0.5 or 1 mm will make it so you don't have to sand down or chisel openings to fit parts. At some point it may make sense to print "fit guides" that have a grid of different sizes of features to make it easier to see what your 3D model will translate to when it's actually printed. Another option that I've done with bigger parts is to print out sub sections of the model in multiple iterations until I can get the right fit before finally printing out the overall component.

I saw you mentioned intending to make this a product one day, that's really cool! I've always wanted to make a product some day too. Have you thought about making kits too? Whenever I see videos/posts of someone making something there's always a range of responses from people who want you to make the product and just buy it off of you, to people who want to buy a box with all of the parts so they can make it themselves, to people who just want a list of parts and they'll do the rest. I've always thought kits would be a cool, easy way to still sell the product. You can still buy components in bulk but you don't have to do any assembly yourself!

Anyway, thanks for sharing your build with us!

[RoySATX]

Nice job. In a world where too many kids spend their time on frivolity it's nice to see this. Keep going, nothing would please me more then replacing my proprietary security camera system one day with yours.

[jonujangidJ]

It look like spy robot, your detailed video explanation is just amazing. Next time try mini fpv system for rc stuff

[billknudsen]

This is an amazing project. I’ve been dying to make a baby monitor with the esp32 that is sound activated, and sends push notifications to a phone, but with an infant it’s been impossible. If you’re looking for a new project that uses the esp32 and that mic you couldn’t use, I’d be forever grateful. Keep up the great work and content!

[ed]

fantastic project. This is over-the-top use of ESP32 cam.