Esp32 CCTV with Sound

Posted by: @dronebot-workshop

Have you looked at using the ESP-EYE instead of the ERSP32-CAM board? They are more expensive, but they do have a built-in MEMS microphone module.   I've shown them (albeit briefly) in a few videos now, and may plan a wireless doorbell project video using one.

They do have one drawback, however - they have no I/O pins. They do have an integrated pushbutton (thus my doorbell application), but I really wish they had brought out some GPIO pins.

And as others have said, the tiny fixed-focus camera on the ESP32 boards won't make the best security camera, but you've indicated that you've tested it and are satisfied with the performance.

@dronebot-workshop

Thanks for your thoughts, Bill.

I can certainly add the ESP-EYE units into my calculations as I'm still very much at the design stage of my project. I haven't looked at the cost, but the inbuilt microphone would mitigate some of the cost plus it "sounds" (lol) perfect. Integrated hardware usually makes life easier. 

Of course cost is a consideration in any project, but it is not the driving factor in my projects. First and foremost is always the functionality... only then does cost come into it. Also, as stated audio recording would not be required in all camera locations... so adding a few ESP-EYE boards is perfectly feasible. 

The output GPIO pins only cause me issue with my cooling fan. I hope to use the twin processor capabilities of the chips to monitor the internal chip temperature and start a small cooling fan  when needed.

Perhaps thermistors could be utilised to a second Wrover board in the CCTV station. The Wrover could control a second camera unit, monitor the chip temperatures of both boards and start the exhaust fan if either started to heat up.

I should add also that I'm looking at using different cameras from the OV2640 family... so will have some ability to pick different cameras throughout the system based on each station's location, orientation and the functionality required (eg IR or standard spectrum). I won't just be going with the stock units supplied with the boards.

I'll research the ESP-EYE boards when I get a chance for use in my project. Thanks again, Bill for the excellent suggestions. 

@davee 

Wow! Thanks Dave for the great work in supplying this information. Micro SD cards are not essential to my project so this will be extremely useful for me personally as I move forward. Thank you.

@sticks  This sounds like an interesting project you've got going on. I do wonder at the idea of turning on lights and fans and not scaring off the animals you're trying to see. Maybe you could change the camera and the LED to IR? 

Thanks @wb9rro. The lights mentioned will be on our verandahs and activated by those cameras recording security footage... where lights will also act as a deterrent to any miscreants.

Those cameras outside that will be recording wildlife will not have any lights attached for the reason you mention. Rather I am investigating IR cameras and perhaps IR lights as well... but that too could be an issue for the wildlife so further tests will have to be conducted. 

Naturally though... should any Kangaroos wander onto our verandahs then scaring them off before they devour my wife's pot plants will be an added bonus. lol