With all of the final code validated on the workbench, it was time to test it in the field. The project deadline was 3 weeks away and the field testing was a formality to ensure nothing was missing before assembly. With all of the bench testing done, it seemed that this would take a single day to complete and the next phase would begin. Field testing involves taking the hardware outside and testing it in a state that closely matches…
When the GPS module used for the ESP32-Cam project failed to get a reliable lock while bench testing, it became clear that a mockup was the best option. Development has its challenges, but not having reliable sensor data needn’t be one. Some digital and analog sensor data can be generated either by counters, timers, or a combination of the two. Other sensor data might follow a protocol like SPI, I2C, or UART data streams. For all of these sensor types,…
Having code that is organized as blocks or objects opens the door for other possibilities. As the ESP32-Cam project progressed, the use of the I2C protocol from the current sensor led to the widening of the project scope. Among the current sensor were several shelved I2C protocol sensors. The hardware was already available, all that need to be done was merge its code base into the firmware development. Only a barometer sensor was added, which included a thermometer. The sensors…