This weekend I completed the camera module integration, tested and pushed the code to GIT. I was also able to design and manufacture a 2D version of the case (3D printable one was already done) and made a few prototypes. The camera module (if connected) is triggered by ResQ to wake up from deep sleep, take a still image of the area when a new MAC address target appears, store the image as a jpg to sd card then go back to deep sleep and wait for a new target. Nice eh?
How I did it:
I took the existing ResQ which has always lived on a breadboard (it's a good idea to keep a breadboard version of any project so you can quickly test any changes you like). I took the ESP32-CAM module we had previously tested the code on and added a wire to the RST line.
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I connected this RST line to the CAM Output on ResQ (D0 pin broken out on the PCB and schematic) Shared a ground between the boards (also broken out on the PCB).
Then updated the code. I knew the design was solid and SHOULD work but real hardware testing is the only way to know for certain how it will truly function.
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I updated the ResQ code to trigger this output pin low any time a new MAC address is written to the SD card. This means that you will catch an image of the area any time a new target is detected. Later I'll put options in the code to catch a series of images at set intervals which will cover more area. This should work great when carried by a drone/UAV since you will have images of the area from above EXACTLY where your target is located. Nifty.
I then designed and laser cut the 2D case models out of 3mm plywood and acrylic.
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They turned out great and are big enough that users don't have to remove the camera board pins as seemingly every one of them found online comes pre-soldered. Desoldering headers is a pain so lets avoid that and make it easy for people...
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Super happy with the code, design and function.
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We now have a full family of case options for the Air, Ground AND Camera modules.
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Now this seals the deal for yet ANOTHER use for ResQ coming soon- with ZERO code or hardware modifications we can use this system in a pretty cool application I will show in an update soon.
Stay Tuned :)
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