Steve Mercer asked 3 years ago
I purchased my first ESP32-CAM from Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RB2J4XL and whilst it doesn’t mention it anywhere it appears to be an exact clone of the AI-Thinker board.
I looked online on how to program this board and found Youtube videos using UNO and other ESP32 boards (Both of which I have). It always seemed to upload OK but the serial monitor would say that the camera was not found. I finally bit the bullet and ordered an FTDI adapter from Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082NKCXCN.
Seeing as I use a Mac with USB-C ports I also ordered a proper cable – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UUBRX0Y
To avoid frustration I highly recommend the above items. After plugging everything in and following the steps from RNT (https://randomnerdtutorials.com/esp32-cam-video-streaming-face-recognition-arduino-ide/) everything just worked.
Not really a question but a recommendation of what works.
Sara Santos Staff answered 3 years ago
Hi Steve.
Thank you so much for your recommendations.
We also recommend programming the ESP32-CAM with an FTDI programmer.
It is possible to use a UNO and establish a serial connection, but it’s an extra unnecessary step that might cause problems.
Thanks for sharing your recommendations.
I hope you enjoy our projects.
Regards,
Sara