Error uploading code to ESP32 Clone

Using Arduino Programming Questions
1

I get this error message:

"A fatal error occurred: Failed to connect to ESP32: Timed out waiting for packet header"

Here are my materials:
Arduino UNO CH340
ESP32 Camera Clone HW-818

I installed the CH340 driver thinking it was a problem with the clone, but nothing seems to be wrong with the Arduino. I also did all the basic troubleshooting methods for this error. I checked the wiring, baud rate, and COM port.

This is the video tutorial I watched to upload a sketch.

I hope I provided all the information you needed.

All help and tips would be very much appreciated! Thank you.

2

If you have a problem uploading code it would be useful to add the code to your post!

3

The UNO is 5V logic level.

The ESP32CAM is 3.3V logic level, so is not compatible.

4

Check the logic level of your ESP32CAM, if it is 3.3v then you need to get a logic level shifter like a CYT1076.

5

Here is the code:

#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);
}
6

@srnet @arduinobotting
Thank you for the help!

I am a bit confused though since the guy in the video managed to make it work despite the difference in logic levels.

7

So since the guy in the video had the miss matched logic levels working with his particular parts, is that a gurantee it will always work ?

8

The ESP32CAM I have can work on 3.3V and 5V and both options don't work. I also bought an FTDI programmer and a BSS138 Logic level converter since I can't find any CYT1076 models. Tested the same process with a 3.3V setting and 5V and nothing seems to work. Could it be my ESP32CAM is defective or am I troubleshooting this wrong? Thanks again for the help!

9

Here is a link for CYT1076 . https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gebildet-3-3V-5V-Channels-Converter-Bi-Directional/dp/B07RY15XMJ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=CYT1076&qid=1689082635&sr=8-1

Although, it does look visually similar to the Logic level converter you mentioned.

If I were you I would try another board because maybe you damaged it already.

If you have issues connecting the Logic level converter then post a your wiring diagram.

1 Like
10

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