In case of poor Wi-Fi, can you use/control/provide functionality of the ESP32 board’s GPIO pins via USB instead of Wi-Fi? I can envision a USB splitter attached to the Raspberry Pi 5 where my home assistant runs.
I also just discovered that there are Ethernet port enabled ESP32 boards.
I am just worried about the reliability of Wi-Fi. This is for a van build and my wire/devices/ are in relatively short distances. Or am I overthinking this and that Wi-Fi will be perfectly fine?
To the core of your question: Wifi will probably be fine. The ESP32 devices will reconnect if your van has been away and comes back in range.
Since you mention it is easily accessible and a van isn’t that big, there should be no problem with the wifi. Even a bus wouldn’t provide an issue.
When first flashing ESP32 devices you need to connect them to USB. If you keep the cable plugged in, perfect: you’ll be able to flash it every time. When not trying to flash it, it will simply draw power from the USB connection.
If you mean
can ESP32 send back the info I want over USB?
then there might be an option (that I don’t know about), but it isn’t the default way of doing things.
Nope, brand-new build. I am totally new to the HA thing, but heavy learning and studying, about a week got me going. Got an ESP 12F 4 board relay, camera, switch control with independent LED. This is an amazing platform. Considering the size of the Raspberry Pi 5 and running all of this…wow. I guess I am old. My ultimate plan is “one glass panel” control as they say. There is a YouTube channel…Smarty Van who inspired me. I am amazed at how cheaply I can get automations going with ESP32 boards.
No, I meant instead of worrying about WiFi or new point to point wiring, use the existing CANBus wiring that is already found inside your van to get the data signals around - just tap into it via a CANBus converter and voila!
Bonus, you may be able to extract data for your van engine temperature, battery level, etc, commonly available via ODBC2 adapters that tap into the same CAN Bus too.
Apparently ESPHome is now in the processes of enabling an USB-link for Ethernet (PoE) - that might remove the need for a power-outlet/USB C cable as well