Can't upload code to ESP32 CAM via FTDI module

Other Hardware 3rd Party Boards
1

Hi all, already ran this through esp32 forums but I didn't get a response, I hope a kind saviour will help me here

When I try to upload the CameraWebServer (or even a generic blink) example to an esp32 cam via an FTDI adapter (this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07R17BMTL? ... ct_details), it seems to not be giving me a serial connection.

I get a solid red LED on the FTDI adapter when I hook it up.

I troubleshooted this online and all the suggestions say are "check you've got the correct COM port" but it only gives me one option and the port works when I want to upload to other esp32 and arduino devices etc. It's possible the COM port is being opened by the MD and/or the FTDI adapter but they aren't establishing a serial connection to the actual ESP32 CAM

Here's the specific error message

"esptool.py v4.2.1

A fatal error occurred: Failed to connect to ESP32: No serial data received. the selected serial port does not exist or your board is not connected"

Connections I'm using;
y03mjnk

Settings I'm using;
DhajO17

Current attempts to troubleshoot, all gave me the same result, no change (probably suggesting I'm doing something fundamentally wrong):

  • Attempted a different ESP32 CAM from a new manufacturer (this one link
  • Tried a second FTDI adapter (same manufacturer)
  • Attached it to an MD shield which apparently makes programming the board much easier, included with the new cam purchased above, same problem
  • Tried to press the onboard reset button while the dots appear on the IDE, like you would another ESP32 board
  • Tried changing the usb cable multiple times
  • Tried a new laptop and a new PC
  • Tried the newer version of the IDE, I got a differently worded error message but it pretty much said the same thing
  • At this point I'm just trying to upload a simple blink sketch :frowning:
  • Found on the random nerd tutorials a potential solution. Hold down the IO0 button on the MD shield till the dots appear, then press the onboard reset button. No luck.
  • Stupidly attempted to change the FTDI 3v3 jumper to 5v, and connected it to the 5v pin, burning my finger and most likely destroying my £12 purchase. I was willing to try anything at that point but yeah, that was dumb.

Code: Generic blink sketch

//LED BUILT_IN is GPIO 33 
void setup() {
  pinMode(33, OUTPUT); // Set the pin as output
}

// Remember that the pin work with inverted logic
// LOW to Turn on and HIGH to turn off
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(33, LOW); //Turn on
  delay (1000); //Wait 1 sec
  digitalWrite(33, HIGH); //Turn off
  delay (1000); //Wait 1 sec
}
2

See post #2 here;

3

Thanks for your help, I did try this but it won't even connect to the serial monitor, I get this

image

4

AARRGGHH -- See my response in your cross post.

Don

5

I saw it Don, my post in the general discussion you replied to before was to ask where I should have uploaded the more detailed post above, hence, it's in this forum

7

I suggest you ask a moderator to sort out this mess.

Did my solution to check the GND connection help?

Don

8

I tried moving the ground connection but no change :frowning:

9

What mess Don? It's a general forum, I asked a question, then posted in the appropriate forum once I had the answer

10

You might want to try using one of the programmingr boards that are specifically designed for the ESP32-CAM. You can remove it after programming so you only need one even if you have several camera boards. That's what I use.

Don

11

I linked the cam I was using https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B097Y93P8D?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

It came with it's own dev board and the reviews are suggesting it works for most, which is frustrating as I must be doing something completely wrong and I can't figure out what

12

The 'mess' is that I saw the other thread first and put my response there. Those people who did not stumble upon that other thread would not have the possible benefit of my response.

Don

13

I don't recall seeing that link in the other thread. More evidence of the 'mess' I was referring to.

Don

14

Don, for the second time, that original thread was a simple query, to make sure I was posting my issue in the correct place, hence, here it is.

It's not a mess, you just didn't read the original post

image
image912×172 21.1 KB

Granted, I probably shouldnt have linked my esp32 forum post in the request, encouraging users to help solve the problem, I'm sorry I did that, I'm currently on 52 of my 99 lashes.

Thank you for your help so far but you're really getting bent out of shape over nothing

15
16

If you're using IDE 2.x and the Serial Monitor is open, close the Serial Monitor. There is a known problem with the combination IDE2.x / FTDI / Serial Monitor.

17

Thanks for the suggestion, I've been through this many times in an attempt to troubleshoot but no luck :frowning:

18

I tried both but I get the same result :frowning:

19

Did the spare work?

20

No in fact, I had exactly the same outcomes

However! I tried it on a 4th PC, and I got the ....underscores....underscores.... etc etc instead of just ........... and I managed to upload the blink sketch and it works.

Are the dots and undescores to communicate the transfer and reciept of data? If it isn't obvious, I'm quite early into this hobby

I'm sure I'll hit some more issues but for now, I wonder what it was that the cam didn't like on my two laptops?

21

Hello, I have the same problem, I have tried all the solutions I have seen, I checked the cables and they are fine and the sketch still does not load. I have already tried two esp32 cam cards and both have the same error, I use the cp210 adapter