ESP32-Cam-Security-Node Project

ESP32-Cam Security Node managed bij Home Assistant with ESPHome

Introduction

As with many of the projects we start, this one started simple and with a single purpose but quickly grew to what it is today. Current day, it’s one of the many devices i have build and configured in Home Assistant that has a crucial role in the area of security. It is build on ESP32-Cam combined with 2 motion detection sensors, 1 temperature sensor and a buzzer for audio notifications.

Besides the use of security (Cam & Motion detection) it also services roles in light control and doorbel control. I have created a couple of security display nodes (Security- Clock, Security-Cat) that show by using RGB Led and audio notification triggers of the security nodes. If there is enough intrest, i will document these projects as well.

Continuous improvement

As my partner often points out i have a issue with trying to improve everything. So if you have any suggestions or improvements i would be very happy to implement them! While writing this i realizes i could add a RGB Led and i will try to implement this short term. I would be very happy if someone could help with the RCWL-0516 because it is still giving false triggers……

Sensors & Components

I have used the sensors below in the project. I don’t have positive experience with the HC-SR501 and was unable to fix all the false triggers it gives. The STL files allow use of DHT11 or ds18b20, i think the DHT11 has better accuracy.

ESP32Cam -Microcontroller
AM312 – PIR Sensor
- HC-SR501 -PIR Sensor (I was not able to fix the huge amount of false triggers)
Micro USB 5V DIP Adapter board – Power
Passive piezo buzzer
Dallas ds18b20 – Temperature Sensor
Resistor R4,7K
DHT11 – Temperature Sensor
RCWL-0516 – Doppler Sensor

PCB Design

The PCB i used is a PCB Board Hole Grid Board from 7cm x 3cm that i soldered the sensors on. All the sensors (ESP32 Cam & PIR) that are on the front of the PCB are detachable, to achieve this i soldered 2 rows of 8 female pins en for the PIR sensor a 3 row female pin.

For power & ground i sewed a wire on row 3 & 8 over the lengt of the PCB. The micro USB DIP i soldered on A4 for ground (i connected it to row 3) and A8 for 5v power.

PCB Front

PCB Back

ESP Home YAML file for Home Assistant

In the directory Code you can find the YAML file that i made and use in ESP Home in Home Assistant. Some important points are:

I use the secrets file in ESP Home for all sensitive or device related data.
The file makes use of the ds18b20 temperature sensor and not the DHT11 sensor.
The ds18b20 has a disadvance in accuracy and requires a offset in temperature.
To fix false alarms of the PIR & Doppler sensor i use a delayed_on value, for the PIR sensor it solves the false alarms.
The Doppler sensor still requires some troubleshooting to get more stable.

esphome:
  name: livingroom-security-node
  platform: ESP32
  board: esp32cam


wifi:
  ssid: !secret wifi_ssid
  password: !secret wifi_password
  # Optional manual IP
  manual_ip:
    static_ip: !secret static_ip_livingroom-security-node
    gateway: !secret gateway
    subnet: !secret subnet
    dns1: !secret dns1

  # Enable fallback hotspot (captive portal) in case wifi connection fails
  ap:
    ssid: "Livingroom-Seurity-Node"
    password: !secret hotspot_livingroom-security-node

captive_portal:

# Enable logging
logger:
  level: INFO

# Enable Home Assistant API
ota:
  password: !secret ota_livingroom-security-node



# ESP32 Cam configuration entry
esp32_camera:
  external_clock:
    pin: GPIO0
    frequency: 20MHz
  i2c_pins:
    sda: GPIO26
    scl: GPIO27
  data_pins: [GPIO5, GPIO18, GPIO19, GPIO21, GPIO36, GPIO39, GPIO34, GPIO35]
  vsync_pin: GPIO25
  href_pin: GPIO23
  pixel_clock_pin: GPIO22
  power_down_pin: GPIO32
  vertical_flip: true
  resolution: 1280x1024
  jpeg_quality: 10
  
# Image settings
  name: Livingroom Camera


# Binary Sensors PIR & Doppler configuration entry
binary_sensor:
  - platform: gpio
    pin: GPIO13
    name: "Livingroom PIR Sensor"
    device_class: motion
    filters:
      - delayed_on: 3000ms    
  - platform: gpio
    pin: GPIO15
    name: "Livingroom Doppler Sensor"
    device_class: motion
    filters:
      - delayed_on: 3000ms

# Output ESP32 Cam light & Buzzer rtttl configuration entry
output:
  - platform: gpio
    pin: GPIO4
    id: gpio_4
  - platform: ledc
    pin: GPIO12
    id: rtttl_out
    channel: 2

light:
  - platform: binary
    output: gpio_4
    name: "Livingroom Camera Light"
    
rtttl:
  output: rtttl_out
  on_finished_playback:
    - logger.log: 'Song ended!'

api:
  services:
    - service: play_rtttl
      variables:
        song_str: string
      then:
        - rtttl.play:
            rtttl: !lambda 'return song_str;'


# Temperature configuration entry
dallas:
  - pin: GPIO14

sensor:
  - platform: dallas
    address: 0x5B3C01D6079A2228
    name: "Livingroom Temperature Sensor"
    filters:
      - offset: -9.6