New project, new to esp32-cam, need advices

[brebisson]

Hello,

I want to use an ESP32-CAM to send RAW images to a remote computer through WIFI.
In addition, I want to use the same ESP32-CAM to contol 2 stepper engines to rotate the camera.

The remote computer will be sending movement commands to the ESP32 for the motor, will need to control the camera settings and do the image processing (as the ESP32 does not have enough memory to do so).

The images will most likely be long exposures (multiple seconds).

The application here it so make a "mini telescope" if you want to know

I am experienced in embedded SW and "standard" arduino, but 100% new to the ESP32 ecosystem.

What would you guys advice? Where would I get started?

Merry Xmass,
Cyrille

[lbernstone]

Most of the cams out there provide jpg as their native transfer format. You will need to find one that can give you raw. Make sure whatever you get has psram. The wifi on esp32 is not pushing the speed limit for 802.11n, so moving more than 2 megapixel images is unlikely (and you may need to drop frames at that).
Get the cam part working before you worry about the motors. ++/-- a stepper motor is not rocket science, and doesn't take a lot of processing time.

[brebisson]

Hello,

Speed is not an issue on my end as I will be mostly taking long exposure pictures (1 second or more)...

Who, where can I get help/discusson with regard to using (modifyng) the camera interface for the ESP32-CAM?

The interface implements a lot of "basic" features, but not all that I need (and which is supported by the sensor: OV2640)

Thanks,
Cyrille

[lbernstone]

You've already found the source library and asked your question there. The code is open source, and so you can modify it yourself. If you are not able to do that, then you are rather stuck with what other people will provide for you.

[brebisson]

Hello,

Nice internet skills!

As you said, I have found the source code, but said source code seems to rely on undisclosed information (from Omnivision)...

So, I am hopping that someone will be able to help me... I just don't know who has the information, and who can, and is willing to help me.

I am completely new to esp development and am not yet familiar with the various locations where I can get help.

Thanks,
Cyrille