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Soddering the wifi jumpers on ESP32 Cam

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JacobL
(@jacobl)
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Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 2
Topic starter  

The jumpers are so dang tiny, my tip dwarfs all the contacts.  I was able to use some wick to draw off the SMD 0oahm but can't get a good connection to the external antenna port.  Any tips on bridging the contacts?


   
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(@dronebot-workshop)
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@jacobl

I can sympathize, I had the same experience.  Eventually I'll need to invest in some proper SMD soldering equipment, although as I get older my ability to solder super-tiny things is diminishing.

It was helpful using a lighted magnifier so I could see what I was doing. And I also used the solder wick, as you did.

Also, you don't actually need to jumper the antenna points with the resistor you removed, you can just jumper them with a tiny piece of wire.  I found that easier than putting a resistor in, and it seems to work quite well.

Of course, proper SMD soldering is done with paste and stencils, not with a soldering iron.  Sparkfun has a series of videos on SMD soldering that include using a frying pan and a toaster oven to do reflow!

I'd love to hear some other responses as I too would like some tips on doing this, especially as I just got another batch of ESP32 CAM boards and I'll want to modify a few of them for an external antenna.

😎

Bill

 

"Never trust a computer you can’t throw out a window." — Steve Wozniak


   
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tentoes
(@tentoes)
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I have the same problem (when trying to “solder bridge” two contact pads together).  My last attempt was trying to bridge two pads on an esp32 Cam module.  Best recommendation is nothing new....1) clean pads with alcohol;2) brush with eraser;3)clean w alcohol again;4)apply flux to pads;5) apply solder to “tin” the pads if possible;6) if the pads are close enough, apply big blob of solder on soldering iron (to cover BOTH pads)

 

I am pretty sure that you know all of these things already.  It isn’t easy and I will be ordering any future esp32 Cam boards with the external antenna already installed and the jumpers already in place.


   
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(@dronebot-workshop)
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Posted by: @tentoes

 It isn’t easy and I will be ordering any future esp32 Cam boards with the external antenna already installed and the jumpers already in place

Can you post a link to a source of these pre-configured boards please? I've been picking mine up on Amazon but haven't found them there.

Thanks

😎

Bill

"Never trust a computer you can’t throw out a window." — Steve Wozniak


   
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tentoes
(@tentoes)
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Hi yes I will.....I will get back to you.


   
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tentoes
(@tentoes)
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Posts: 28
 

 

C801D081 4DA9 4175 9FC6 29142989AAE6
2D0F3B8E 6F1B 48E7 B48C 77F4E5C529E7

So I apologize everyone....I cannot find the information I used to order these.  I am relatively sure that I ordered these from Ali Express and I am attaching two photos of the ESP32 Cam board (with the correct jumper for using the IPEX connector and attaching an external antenna).  As you can see, the correct jumper (zero-ohm resistor) is installed and this board is unmodified from the supplier.....

If anyone would like a pic of the reverse side just let me know.

Again I apologize for not delivering what I thought I could provide...

 


   
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tentoes
(@tentoes)
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Hi all so I have attached a pic of the reverse side of the module and another pic of the camera side of the module in the hope of providing something a bit more legible and maybe useful....


   
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tentoes
(@tentoes)
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Posts: 28
 

I don’t think I posted the second set of pictures properly so let me try again....

41F73833 F852 43EA 9157 AEEAFDD88E38
B18920FE 7593 489E 84F0 65DBBDC3A6A3

 There, that’s better.

If I was going to try to do this again, I would: 1) Attempt any soldering FIRST ; then 2) Simply break or destroy the existing resistor or strap with some small “nippy” flush cutters.


   
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(@dronebot-workshop)
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@tentoes

No worries LOL.

😊

I did find this ESP32 CAM at Banggood, it has the ESP32 CAM and antenna. However I can't figure out if the module is already configured to use the antenna, the description is a bit fuzzy and the image doesn't show the resistor position.

If anyone DOES have a source please let us know!

Thanks

😎

Bill

"Never trust a computer you can’t throw out a window." — Steve Wozniak


   
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tentoes
(@tentoes)
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@dronebot-workshop

Hi I believe if you look closely at the image, the existence and position of the 0-ohm resistor can be discerned and is proper for using an external antenna.


   
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(@dronebot-workshop)
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@tentoes

You obviously have better eyesight than I do, on the picture on Banggood I can't see the resistor at all! So I'll have to take your word for it.

I'll order a few, worst thing that could happen is that I increase my stock of ESP32 CAM boards and antennas!

BTW, I picked up a few ESP EYE boards last week, they really look nice but they don't seem to accommodate an external antenna. However, they do have an actual physical "mini antenna" instead of just etching on the PCB.  Anxious to try them out.

😎

Bill

"Never trust a computer you can’t throw out a window." — Steve Wozniak


   
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tentoes
(@tentoes)
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@dronebot-workshop

The image I am referring to is one that I submitted, on that picture the resistor is visible.  Sorry if I caused confusion...


   
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JacobL
(@jacobl)
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Joined: 4 years ago
Posts: 2
Topic starter  

Anyone have luck using a DVR program with their cam? I was trying to get ispy working but it seems the cam is not providing the proper connection url.  


   
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tentoes
(@tentoes)
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Posts: 28
 

Hi so recently I ordered a few ESP32 Cam boards from AliExpress.  Both of them have the correct resistor/jumper for using the external antenna.  I have attached some pics of the boards and all of the components that came along with them.  The second pic shows all of the gear that was sent.  The remaining pics are of the front and back of the ESP32 boards and a close-up of the resistor position.  NOTE that I have NOT tested these yet!!!

10819827 032F 4C31 B62C 1813989A2A79
1820A41C 03E4 4917 B400 BB6884E32CC2
6F52B1C8 D7AC 461A BA82 25C3C44A39F1
37BF1BB6 9622 497B ABA1 D8DAEF7A46A1

By the way, the spacing on the paper is 1/4”.


   
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