In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through creating an ONVIF-compatible IP camera using the ESP32-CAM module. ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) is a global standard for IP-based security products, making your camera compatible with a wide range of NVRs (Network Video Recorders) and VMS (Video Management Systems).
Materials Needed:
- ESP32-CAM module
- FTDI USB-to-Serial adapter
- Breadboard and jumper wires
- MicroSD card (optional, for video storage)
- 5V power supply
Step 1: Setting Up the ESP32-CAM
- Connect the ESP32-CAM to your computer:
- Connect the FTDI adapter to your computer via USB.
- Wire the FTDI adapter to the ESP32-CAM as follows:
- FTDI VCC to ESP32-CAM 5V
- FTDI GND to ESP32-CAM GND
- FTDI RX to ESP32-CAM U0T
- FTDI TX to ESP32-CAM U0R
- Connect GPIO 0 to GND to enable programming mode.
- Install the Arduino IDE:
- If you haven’t installed the Arduino IDE yet, download and install it from here.
- Set Up the Arduino IDE:
- Open the Arduino IDE.
- Go to
File
>Preferences
and add the following URL in the “Additional Board Manager URLs” field:
https://dl.espressif.com/dl/package_esp32_index.json
- Go to
Tools
>Board
>Board Manager
and search for “ESP32” and install the package. - Select
AI Thinker ESP32-CAM
from theTools > Board
menu. - Set the upload speed to
115200
.
Step 2: Writing the Arduino Code
We will use the ESP32-CAM
as a basic IP camera streaming video over RTSP, then integrate the ONVIF protocol for compatibility with NVRs.
#include <WiFi.h> #include "esp_camera.h" #include "OV2640.h" #include "ESPmDNS.h" #include "WiFiUdp.h" #include "ArduinoOTA.h" #include "ONVIF.h" // Replace with your network credentials const char* ssid = "your_SSID"; const char* password = "your_PASSWORD"; // OV2640 camera OV2640 cam; void setup() { Serial.begin(115200); Serial.setDebugOutput(true); Serial.println(); // Connect to Wi-Fi WiFi.begin(ssid, password); while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) { delay(500); Serial.print("."); } Serial.println(""); Serial.println("WiFi connected."); Serial.print("Camera Stream Ready! Go to: http://"); Serial.print(WiFi.localIP()); // Start the camera cam.init(esp32cam_config); cam.run(); // Initialize ONVIF service ONVIF.onvif_start(WiFi.localIP()); // Enable mDNS if (!MDNS.begin("esp32cam")) { Serial.println("Error setting up MDNS responder!"); } else { Serial.println("mDNS responder started"); } // OTA Update Setup ArduinoOTA.begin(); } void loop() { ArduinoOTA.handle(); ONVIF.onvif_loop(); }
Step 3: Flash the Code
- Upload the code to the ESP32-CAM:
- Press the
Upload
button in the Arduino IDE. - Once the code is compiled, hold the
RST
button on the ESP32-CAM module, then release it after a moment to enter the programming mode.
- Press the
- Monitor the Serial Output:
- After uploading the code, open the Serial Monitor (
Ctrl + Shift + M
) to check if the ESP32-CAM connects to your Wi-Fi network.
- After uploading the code, open the Serial Monitor (
Step 4: Testing the Camera
- Open a web browser and enter the IP address shown in the Serial Monitor to view the camera feed.
- Use an ONVIF-compatible viewer or NVR to detect and stream from your ESP32-CAM.
Step 5: Troubleshooting
- Wi-Fi Connection Issues: Ensure your Wi-Fi credentials are correct and that the ESP32-CAM is within range of your router.
- Camera Initialization Issues: Ensure that the camera module is securely connected and that you’re using the correct camera model in your code.
- ONVIF Compatibility: Make sure your ONVIF viewer or NVR is set to detect devices on the same local network.
This tutorial gives you a basic setup for an ONVIF-compatible camera using the ESP32-CAM. The ONVIF protocol allows you to integrate this camera with a wide range of security systems, making it a flexible and powerful addition to your DIY projects.