Old raspberry PI webcam & ESP32 integration
April 1, 2025Reviving Old Raspberry Pi: Webcam & ESP32 Integration
The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new devices and innovations emerging every day. However, this doesn’t mean that older devices are no longer useful. In fact, many older devices can still be repurposed and used for a variety of tasks. One such device is the Raspberry Pi Model B Rev. 2, a single-board computer that was first released in 2012. In this article, we will explore how to revive an old Raspberry Pi and use it for webcam experiments and ESP32 integration.
Introduction to Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi is a series of small, low-cost, and highly capable single-board computers that were designed to promote the teaching of computer science and programming. The Raspberry Pi Model B Rev. 2 is one of the earlier models, featuring a 700 MHz single-core CPU, 512 MB of RAM, and two USB 2.0 ports. While it may not be as powerful as newer models, it is still a capable device that can be used for a variety of tasks.
Exploring Webcam Experiments
One of the first things we wanted to try with our old Raspberry Pi was using it with a webcam. We started by researching which Raspberry Pi models come with built-in Wi-Fi, as this would be a handy feature for modern projects. We found that the Raspberry Pi 3 Model B, Raspberry Pi 4 Model B, Raspberry Pi 5, Raspberry Pi Zero W, and Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W all have built-in Wi-Fi. However, our Model B Rev. 2 does not have Wi-Fi, so we would need to use a USB Wi-Fi adapter or Ethernet for network access.
Next, we wondered if our old Pi could work with a USB webcam. The short answer is yes, but with limits. The Raspberry Pi Model B Rev. 2 has two USB 2.0 ports and a sluggish 700 MHz single-core CPU, so it’s not a powerhouse. However, it can manage basic video monitoring, timelapse photography, and motion detection. The catch is that USB power delivery is weak, so a powered USB hub might be needed for hungrier webcams. Also, it needs a UVC-compatible camera, such as a Logitech C270.
Discovering the CSI Port
As we continued to explore our old Raspberry Pi, we discovered that it has a CSI (Camera Serial Interface) port. This port is perfect for official Raspberry Pi camera modules, and it offloads video processing from the CPU, making it more efficient for this old hardware. We found a 5MP camera module with a 175° wide-angle lens that is compatible with our Model B Rev. 2’s 15-pin CSI slot.
With this setup, we could capture 5MP stills, stream low-res video, and monitor a wide area thanks to the fish-eye lens. Setup was simple: we just had to plug in the ribbon cable, enable the camera in `raspi-config`, and test with `raspistill -o test.jpg`. It worked like a charm, although 1080p video was too much for the Pi’s modest specs.
Pricing and Comparison
We were curious about the costs of different Raspberry Pi models, so we checked prices and weights:
– Raspberry Pi Model B Rev. 2: ~50-100 PLN (used), 45g
– Raspberry Pi 4 (4 GB): 300-350 PLN, 46g
– Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W: 120-150 PLN, 9g
– Camera Module (5MP): ~100-150 PLN
Our old Pi was basically free since we already had it, and the camera was a worthwhile investment.
Integrating with ESP32
As we continued to experiment with our old Raspberry Pi, we decided to integrate it with an ESP32. The ESP32 is a microcontroller that has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, making it perfect for IoT projects. We used the ESP32 to create a web server that could receive and display images from the Raspberry Pi.
We connected the Raspberry Pi to the ESP32 using a serial connection, with the Raspberry Pi’s GPIO 14 (TXD) connected to the ESP32’s GPIO 16 (RXD2), and the Raspberry Pi’s GPIO 15 (RXD) connected to the ESP32’s GPIO 17 (TXD2). We also connected the ground pins of both devices.
On the Raspberry Pi side, we used Python to send the image file to the ESP32:
import serial
import time
ser = serial.Serial('/dev/ttyS0', 115200, timeout=1)
def send_file(file_path):
with open(file_path, 'rb') as f:
ser.write(b'START\n')
ser.write(f.read())
ser.write(b'END\n')
print("File sent!")
send_file('test.jpg')
ser.close()On the ESP32 side, we used Arduino to receive the image file and display it on a web server:
include
include "FS.h"
include "SPIFFS.h"
HardwareSerial Serial2(2); // UART2 on GPIO 16/17
void setup() {
Serial.begin(115200);
Serial2.begin(115200);
SPIFFS.begin(true);
}
void loop() {
static bool receiving = false;
static File file;
if (Serial2.available()) {
String line = Serial2.readStringUntil('\n');
if (line == "START") {
receiving = true;
file = SPIFFS.open("/image.jpg", FILE_WRITE);
} else if (line == "END" && receiving) {
file.close();
receiving = false;
Serial.println("File saved");
} else if (receiving) {
file.write((uint8_t*)line.c_str(), line.length());
}
}
}We also added a route to the ESP32’s web server to display the received image:
server.on("/image", HTTP_GET, [](){
File file = SPIFFS.open("/image.jpg", "r");
server.streamFile(file, "image/jpeg");
file.close();
});Now, after snapping a photo with `raspistill`, we can send it to the ESP32, and it’s viewable at `http://
Lessons Learned
Throughout this project, we learned several valuable lessons:
– Performance: UART at 115200 bps is slow (~11 KB/s), so a 100 KB JPG takes ~9 seconds. This is fine for small files, but less so for big ones.
– Old Tech Rocks: Our 2012 Pi still shines for basic tasks, proving that old devices can still be useful.
– Wired Wins: Skipping Wi-Fi simplified things with this setup, making it more reliable and efficient.
What’s Next?
We could tweak the ESP32 to trigger motor actions based on the image (e.g., motion detection), but for now, we’re thrilled to breathe new life into this old Pi. If you have an ancient Raspberry Pi lying around, dig it out – you might be surprised what it can still do!
In conclusion, reviving an old Raspberry Pi can be a fun and rewarding project. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can breathe new life into an old device and use it for a variety of tasks. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting out, we hope this article has inspired you to explore the possibilities of old technology. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start tinkering!
I am appalled by the sheer waste of functional technology that occurs when old devices like the Raspberry Pi Model B Rev. 2 are discarded. As someone who has worked in the tech industry for years, I’ve seen firsthand how capable these devices can still be, even if they’re not the latest and greatest. The fact that this old Pi can still be used for webcam experiments and ESP32 integration is a testament to the ingenuity of the maker community, but it also highlights the need for more sustainable practices in the tech world. What’s stopping us from repurposing more of these devices and reducing electronic waste? Can we really not find more creative ways to breathe new life into old tech, rather than simply tossing it in the landfill? The environmental impact of our throwaway culture is staggering, and it’s time for us to take responsibility and start thinking about the long-term consequences of our actions. So, I ask you: what’s the most innovative way you’ve seen an old device being repurposed, and how can we scale that up to make a real difference?
I’m with you Madelyn, but on a day when openSNP is shutting down due to data privacy concerns and the rise of authoritarian governments, it’s crazy to think we’re still tossing functional devices like the Raspberry Pi Model B Rev. 2, I mean, what’s next, trashing our ESP32s because they’re not shiny and new, as someone who’s built a career on repurposing old tech, I think we can do better, and by the way, have you seen the creative ways people are repurposing old smartphones as security cams, now that’s what I call breathing new life into old tech.
I completely understand where you’re coming from, Jose, and I applaud your dedication to repurposing old tech – it’s a mindset that not only reduces waste but also fosters creativity and sustainability. Your point about the Raspberry Pi Model B Rev. 2 and ESP32s is well-taken, especially on a day when we’re reminded of the importance of data privacy and the potential consequences of our actions online. The recent news about revenge porn victims and the record number of intimate image abuse reports to the UK helpline is a stark reminder of the darker side of technology and the need for responsible innovation. As someone who’s passionate about using technology for social good, I believe that repurposing old devices can be a powerful way to promote digital inclusion and reduce the environmental impact of our tech habits. I’ve seen firsthand the creative ways people are repurposing old smartphones as security cams, and it’s inspiring to think about the potential for old Raspberry Pis and ESP32s to be transformed into something new and useful. Your comment has got me thinking, Jose – perhaps it’s time for us to get creative and find new uses for these old devices, not just for the sake of sustainability, but also to promote a culture of responsibility and empathy in the tech community.