how to disable flas...
 
Notifications
Clear all

how to disable flash light on thinker esp32-cam

5 Posts
3 Users
0 Likes
3,596 Views
 Erhy
(@erhy)
Member
Joined: 2 years ago
Posts: 6
Topic starter  

Hello!

 Because I need the GPIO 4 for steering the roboter, I want to
disable the flash light by removing some parts or connections.
 I found a video, but I didn't understand the instructions:
(903) ESP32-CAM How to add a GPIO33 output and disable flash LED - YouTube

Thank You for advice 
Erhy

This topic was modified 2 years ago by Erhy

   
Quote
(@johnyork)
Member
Joined: 1 year ago
Posts: 2
 

The easiest way to permanantly disable the flash LED is to remove transistor Q1 which sits right next to the flash LED. GPIO4 goes to the base of Q1. Use a 30 watt iron, heat up the connections, and slide Q1 off the board. I know this works because I've done it. I use an ESP32 Cam operated by remote control to take pictures of birds visiting my birdbath. No flash to scare the birds and less battery drainage. I have before and after photos of Q1 if anyone wants to see them.


   
ReplyQuote
Ron
 Ron
(@zander)
Father of a miniature Wookie
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 6662
 

@johnyork That is strange that the flash was working since the 'standard' camera software has no connection to it and the new V4 software has a software/UI control of the LED.

SO, my question is what software are you using?

First computer 1959. Retired from my own computer company 2004.
Hardware - Expert in 1401, and 360, fairly knowledge in PC plus numerous MPU's and MCU's
Major Languages - Machine language, 360 Macro Assembler, Intel Assembler, PL/I and PL1, Pascal, Basic, C plus numerous job control and scripting languages.
Sure you can learn to be a programmer, it will take the same amount of time for me to learn to be a Doctor.


   
ReplyQuote
(@johnyork)
Member
Joined: 1 year ago
Posts: 2
 

I am using a commonplace sketch to store photos on a microSDcard inserted in the socket on the ESP32 Cam.. The microSDcard shares HS2 Data1 with Q1 that activates the flash LED. Unless you remove Q1, every time you take a picture and save it to the microSDcard the LED will flash.


   
ReplyQuote
Ron
 Ron
(@zander)
Father of a miniature Wookie
Joined: 3 years ago
Posts: 6662
 

@johnyork Ok, I use the standard espressif camera software that has been re-worked into Ver 4. The LED has software control.

First computer 1959. Retired from my own computer company 2004.
Hardware - Expert in 1401, and 360, fairly knowledge in PC plus numerous MPU's and MCU's
Major Languages - Machine language, 360 Macro Assembler, Intel Assembler, PL/I and PL1, Pascal, Basic, C plus numerous job control and scripting languages.
Sure you can learn to be a programmer, it will take the same amount of time for me to learn to be a Doctor.


   
ReplyQuote