A fatal error occurred: Failed to connect to ESP32: Timed out waiting for packet header Failed uploading: uploading error: exit status 2 [SOLVED]

[turbomen]

Hi this is my first time posting here (I'm sorry if I'm doing it wrong....)

So I'm trying to live stream video through the esp32 Cam module(CAMERA_MODEL_AI_THINKER). Since I do not have a FTDI 232, I'm uploading the example code using the Arduino Uno, for guidance I followed this tutorial video How to program ESP32 CAM using Arduino UNO - YouTube . Code compiles. but when trying to upload the code I get the error:

Sketch uses 2594094 bytes (82%) of program storage space. Maximum is 3145728 bytes.
Global variables use 56272 bytes (17%) of dynamic memory, leaving 271408 bytes for local variables. Maximum is 327680 bytes.
esptool.py v3.0-dev
Serial port COM5
Connecting......................................_____

A fatal error occurred: Failed to connect to ESP32: Timed out waiting for packet header
Failed uploading: uploading error: exit status 2

I held the reset button like in the vid and also the whole way. I have checked for any connection errors as well. Any advice is welcome!

[turbomen]

I couldn't attach the code so ill paste it here!

#include "esp_camera.h"
#include <WiFi.h>

//
// WARNING!!! PSRAM IC required for UXGA resolution and high JPEG quality
//            Ensure ESP32 Wrover Module or other board with PSRAM is selected
//            Partial images will be transmitted if image exceeds buffer size
//

// Select camera model
//#define CAMERA_MODEL_WROVER_KIT // Has PSRAM
//#define CAMERA_MODEL_ESP_EYE // Has PSRAM
//#define CAMERA_MODEL_M5STACK_PSRAM // Has PSRAM
//#define CAMERA_MODEL_M5STACK_V2_PSRAM // M5Camera version B Has PSRAM
//#define CAMERA_MODEL_M5STACK_WIDE // Has PSRAM
//#define CAMERA_MODEL_M5STACK_ESP32CAM // No PSRAM
#define CAMERA_MODEL_AI_THINKER // Has PSRAM
//#define CAMERA_MODEL_TTGO_T_JOURNAL // No PSRAM

#include "camera_pins.h"

const char* ssid = "*******";
const char* password = "*******";

void startCameraServer();

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  Serial.setDebugOutput(true);
  Serial.println();

  camera_config_t config;
  config.ledc_channel = LEDC_CHANNEL_0;
  config.ledc_timer = LEDC_TIMER_0;
  config.pin_d0 = Y2_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d1 = Y3_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d2 = Y4_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d3 = Y5_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d4 = Y6_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d5 = Y7_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d6 = Y8_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_d7 = Y9_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_xclk = XCLK_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_pclk = PCLK_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_vsync = VSYNC_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_href = HREF_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_sscb_sda = SIOD_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_sscb_scl = SIOC_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_pwdn = PWDN_GPIO_NUM;
  config.pin_reset = RESET_GPIO_NUM;
  config.xclk_freq_hz = 20000000;
  config.pixel_format = PIXFORMAT_JPEG;
  
  // if PSRAM IC present, init with UXGA resolution and higher JPEG quality
  //                      for larger pre-allocated frame buffer.
  if(psramFound()){
    config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_UXGA;
    config.jpeg_quality = 10;
    config.fb_count = 2;
  } else {
    config.frame_size = FRAMESIZE_SVGA;
    config.jpeg_quality = 12;
    config.fb_count = 1;
  }

#if defined(CAMERA_MODEL_ESP_EYE)
  pinMode(13, INPUT_PULLUP);
  pinMode(14, INPUT_PULLUP);
#endif

  // camera init
  esp_err_t err = esp_camera_init(&config);
  if (err != ESP_OK) {
    Serial.printf("Camera init failed with error 0x%x", err);
    return;
  }

  sensor_t * s = esp_camera_sensor_get();
  // initial sensors are flipped vertically and colors are a bit saturated
  if (s->id.PID == OV3660_PID) {
    s->set_vflip(s, 1); // flip it back
    s->set_brightness(s, 1); // up the brightness just a bit
    s->set_saturation(s, -2); // lower the saturation
  }
  // drop down frame size for higher initial frame rate
  s->set_framesize(s, FRAMESIZE_QVGA);

#if defined(CAMERA_MODEL_M5STACK_WIDE) || defined(CAMERA_MODEL_M5STACK_ESP32CAM)
  s->set_vflip(s, 1);
  s->set_hmirror(s, 1);
#endif

  WiFi.begin(ssid, password);

  while (WiFi.status() != WL_CONNECTED) {
    delay(500);
    Serial.print(".");
  }
  Serial.println("");
  Serial.println("WiFi connected");

  startCameraServer();

  Serial.print("Camera Ready! Use 'http://");
  Serial.print(WiFi.localIP());
  Serial.println("' to connect");
}

void loop() {
  // put your main code here, to run repeatedly:
  delay(10000);
}

[gilshultz]

It appears you do not have the correct board selected. Go to Tools>Board: then select the correct board. If it is not there you need to select the board manager (top of board list) and get the correct one.

[turbomen]

I tried but still no dice....Its prolly the arduino board, I just came home after purchasing a FTDI 232 hopefully that works........

[Idahowalker]

Did you press the button on the ESP32 after the ...___... showed up?

[turbomen]

yes I did....I tried pressing it once, holding it for a bit, and holding it till the output changes....
still the same error pops up.....my flash frequency is at 40, flash mode is on QIO and partition scheme is on Huge app...

[turbomen]

Sorry about the Time passed guys.... I had another project due in college......But good news.....IT WORKS!...…. It was due to 2 things

1.I had RX and TX switched
2. The jumper cable fitting the GND to the Io0 pin of the cam was faulty

I found this website to solve errors....So if you have any other of the errors in the list be sure to check this!

ESP32-CAM Troubleshooting Guide: Most Common Problems Fixed | Random Nerd...

Thank you guys for the help!