The Smallest DIY Spy Cam

Welcome to the repository for The Smallest DIY Spy Cam project. This project features a compact, easy-to-build camera using the Xiao ESP32S3 Sense, capable of capturing and saving images to an SD card with just the press of a button. It's perfect for DIY enthusiasts who love working on mini electronics projects.

Features

• Small and Discreet: Built using the Xiao ESP32S3 Sense, making it one of the smallest DIY cameras available.
• Image Capture: Captures images with a simple button press.
• Sequential Image Naming: Images are automatically named in sequence (image1, image2, image3, etc.).
• SD Card Storage: Images are stored directly on an SD card.
• Power-Saving Mode: A long press of the button puts the device into deep sleep, where it consumes minimal power. It wakes up and turns on the LED when a long press is detected again.

Components Used

• Xiao ESP32S3 Sense (With camera)
• Micro SD Card Module
• Push Buttons (for capturing images)
• LiPo Battery
• Wires
• RGB LED

Setup Instructions

1. Hardware Assembly

   • Connect the camera module to the Xiao ESP32S3 Sense.
   • Connect the SD card module.
   • Wire the capture button to pin D0 and the other pin on the GND pin.
   • Solder the battery for portable power.

2. Software

   • Clone this repository to your local machine.
   • Open the project VSCode and install the PlatformIO Plugin.
   • Select the Xiao ESP32S3 board.
   • Upload the code to the board.

Guide to Selecting the Right Code This repository contains two versions of the project. Depending on your requirements, you can choose between the Basic Image Capture version or the Image Capture with Power-Saving (Deep Sleep) version:

Basic Image Capture:

Use this code if: You want a straightforward implementation where pressing the button captures an image and saves it to the SD card. This version does not include any power-saving features and is ideal for short-term use or situations where power consumption is not a concern. Ideal for: Quick projects, demonstrations, or when you have a continuous power supply. File Name: 'code.ino'

Image Capture with Power-Saving (Deep Sleep):

Use this code if: You need your camera to operate for extended periods without draining the battery. This version allows you to put the device into deep sleep with a long press of the button and wake it up again with another long press. It also includes the basic image capture functionality with a short press. Ideal for: Remote deployments, battery-powered applications, or scenarios where energy efficiency is crucial. File Name: 'DeepSleep.ino'

4. Operation
   • Power on the camera by pressing the button once.
   • Press the button to take a picture.
   • The image will be saved to the SD card with a sequential name.
   • To turn of the camera, just long press the button for 2 seconds

Usage

• TinyML Image Data Collection: This spy camera is ideal for collecting image datasets in remote areas for machine learning projects. The power-saving mode extends battery life, making it more suitable for fieldwork.
• DIY Spy Camera: The small form factor, along with the ability to operate in low-power mode, makes it a great tool for DIY enthusiasts interested in creating their own spy or security cameras.

Future Enhancements

• Adding video recording functionality.
• Implementing wireless image transfer.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.

Acknowledgments

• Special thanks to the open-source community for their contributions and support.