In this episode of element14 Presents, Mark completes the wiring and programming of a DIY ESP32-powered photo booth that connects to Telegram. Learn how to connect LEDs, switches, and power lines, set up the ESP32 for programming, and configure your custom Telegram bot to remotely trigger photo captures. Follow along step-by-step as we demonstrate wiring tips, software setup in Arduino, and how to manage credentials and bot tokens for a fully functional remote-controlled camera system.
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Mark from element14 Presents takes on a practical embedded project using the ESP32-CAM to build a DIY photo booth that sends captured images directly to a Telegram bot. It’s a compact, network-connected device that can be used at parties, events, or just for home automation fun. The project starts with flashing the ESP32-CAM using the Arduino IDE, and connecting it to Wi-Fi for basic functionality. The aim is simple: capture a photo when a physical button is pressed, then push that image to a user via Telegram.
The first major step in the build involves getting the ESP32-CAM up and running. Mark uses a USB-to-serial adapter to flash the module and ensure it communicates correctly with the development environment. One early challenge he faces is the sometimes tricky process of initiating flash mode on the ESP32-CAM, which requires grounding GPIO 0 and resetting the board. Once the firmware is flashed, he moves on to testing the camera module and verifying the image capture through the serial monitor.
Hardware-wise, the core of the setup includes the ESP32-CAM, a pushbutton connected to a GPIO pin, and some basic wiring. Mark also includes a 5V regulator to ensure stable power delivery, as the ESP32-CAM can be sensitive to voltage drops, especially when the camera is active. Integrating the Telegram bot is done by interacting with the Telegram Bot API and programming the ESP32 to send an HTTP request with the image data. This part of the project involves some careful handling of certificates and understanding how multipart form uploads work within the constraints of the ESP32.
One issue that arises is managing memory usage and response time. The ESP32 doesn’t have much RAM, so Mark experiments with different image resolutions to find the right balance between quality and stability. Larger images can cause the device to crash or fail to send, so finding a middle ground becomes key to a reliable setup. Through debugging and iterative testing, he gets consistent image capture and delivery working, with a pushbutton triggering the snapshot and upload flow seamlessly.
For those wanting to recreate this project, Mark advises double-checking the power supply and paying close attention to wiring—especially around the flash and reset process. The Arduino IDE makes development approachable, but users will need to be comfortable with C++ code and familiar with how the Telegram Bot API works. The final result is a working photo booth powered entirely by an ESP32-CAM and a few simple components, offering an engaging entry point into IoT and embedded camera projects.
Downloads and Links
- Supporting Code and Schematics
Bill of Materials
| Product Name | Manufacturer | Quantity | Buy Kit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power supply 230 /5V | Multicomp Pro | 1 | Buy Now |
| Power connector | Multicomp Pro | 1 | Buy Now |
| Pushbutton Switch, 12 mm, SPST, On-Off, Round Raised, Yellow | Multicomp Pro | 1 | Buy Now |
