Wireless Security Camera in a Matchbox

Description

Hey, what's up, guys? Akarsh here from CETech.

Today we are going to make an internet-connected camera which has wifi on board and is so small that it fits in a matchbox, hence can be placed for securing your valuables without anyone being suspicious.

I have used an ESP32 based ESP32-CAM module which can be programmed easily and there is no need for extra wiring as the camera module comes preconnected with the ESP32!

So let's get started! I have also made a video about building this project in detail, I recommend watching that for better insight and detail.

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Components

Build Instructions

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1

Parts

The only important module which is required with the rest being optional is the ESP32-CAM . Which you can find here .[ALIEXPRESS] { LCSC product page }

Moving on, I used a micro USB breakout board to supply power to the ESP32-CAM module which you can avoid by directly connecting the module to a power supply. For programming, you can use this module .

To get a better Wi-Fi range I added an antenna to the ESP32 module using the connector on the module which is again optional.

As a casing for the project, I used an old matchbox to show off its small size!
2

Get the Project PCB Manufactured

You must check out JLCPCB for ordering PCBs online for cheap!

You get 10 good quality PCBs manufactured and shipped to your doorstep for 2$ and some shipping. You will also get a discount on shipping on your first order. To design your own PCB head over to easyEDA, once that is done upload your Gerber files onto JLCPCB to get them manufactured with good quality and quick turnaround time.
3

Connections and Soldering

1. As there is no micro USB port on the ESP32-CAM module hence we add an external USB port using a breakout module for powering the project easily.

2. So I connected the +5V and GND lines of both the modules as shown in the hand-drawn diagram.

3. That's it for the connections! Test by powering up the module and you'll see the white led flash for less than a second.