ESP32-cam won't flash with esphome

ESPHome
1

I may be missing something here. I have esphome and I have the esp32-cam module with the module to power it. Using a usb cable from my phone to my laptop I can connect to the esp but it never uploads the firmware it just stays at connecting until it times out. I have tried the boot button when connecting with no joy. I have tried two cables. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated

Thanks

2

have you flashed devices with that cable previously?
try a different cable

3

Yeah I have been thinking about trying a different cable

4

If the new cable doesn’t work, post your ESPHome code, and compile log [formatted </> please]

5

Hi IOT7712

I have tried 4 cables and a sh-u09C5. I select the com port and I never get past connecting. I hold down the reset button while I select the com port and release it just as it starts the connect process. I have it set to 3.3vdc Rx to tx and tx to rx There is only the rst button do I need to short something for the boot? I really have no yaml yet just the default that esphome will provide initially

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You don’t want the reset button, that just restarts the device. If there’s no ‘boot’ button, just short GPIO0 to GND.

https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esptool/en/latest/esp32/advanced-topics/boot-mode-selection.html

1 Like
7

I may have a bum card. shorting Gpio0 to ground while connecting does nothing, tries to connect until it times out I have one of these and holding the GPIO0 button doesn’t work Amazon.com: EC Buying 2Pcs ESP32-CAM Development Board Test Board WiFi OV2640 Camera Module Serial Port Downloader Type-C to Serial Port : Electronics Same thing as trying the SH-U09C5

Frustrating

8

Cam has USB. You can connect directly to it.

is this first esp device you try to flash?

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PXL_20260109_154725302
PXL_20260109_1547253021920×2550 242 KB

PXL_20260109_154731785
PXL_20260109_1547317851920×2550 234 KB

This is what I have, no usb connector. Not my first one but I don’t work with them all that often. I have a couple of esp32-S3’s with ethernet connection. They programmed up easily

10

if you havent done so already and its convenient, can you grab another esp and connect with USB cable you will use for this device and verify it is functional for flashing purpose.

Many time I sit with these ttl devices and esp and after SEVERAL hours find that the cable did not work. I would like to eliminate the first.

After verify cable, Work on the esp cam.
Those boards are pretty simple so failure is not likely. It happens however.

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I have a new esp32-c3 coming tomorrow so I will use the same usb cable and report back

Thanks

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also, how are you connecting 2 boards? loose connection or incorrect connection will cause you issues as well

but yeah. check usb cable first

13

If you’re using a power supply module like the one pictured for your ESP_Cam, you usually don’t need to bridge GPIO0 to GND for programming; the board does this automatically.

ESPCam_PowerModule
ESPCam_PowerModule1920×2620 296 KB

It’s possible that you’re missing the necessary USB driver for the cable connection from your PC to the ESP_Cam power supply board.

If you open the Windows Device Manager without the USB cable connected, and then open it with the USB cable connected to the ESP_Cam, is there an additional COM port listed in the Device Manager?

If so, is it listed as an “Unknown Device”? If it’s an unknown device, you’re missing the driver. USB communication typically uses chips like the CH340, CP210X, or CP9102. Different chips require different drivers.

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Using the same usb cable /pc I was able to flash an esp32-c3 with esphome and it works fine. I bought a Seeed Studio board for my project. I’ll get back to the esp32Cam

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Now check if PC detecting

Windows- device manager will show
Linux- lsusb will show