Lesson 18
Live Camera Feed (Hiwonder 7.3)
Connect to the ESP32-S3 Vision Module Hotspot and View the Stream
🎯 Learning Objectives
- Connect the ESP32-S3 vision module to your computer and confirm the COM port is recognized
- Connect to the vision module’s WiFi hotspot HW_ESP32S3CAM (AP direct mode)
- Open the live camera feed page at http://192.168.5.1 on phone or PC
- Understand when/why firmware re-flashing is needed to restore image transmission
- Follow safe workflow notes (avoid COM1, power switch OFF when plugging USB, etc.)
🔌 Section 1: Device Connection (USB + Drivers)
Connect the ESP32-S3 vision module to your computer using a Type-C cable. Then open Device Manager to
confirm a COM port appears.
Note: If the device does not show up under Ports, you may need the CH34x driver from the Hiwonder resources download.
Quick Checklist
- Cable: Must be a data-capable Type-C cable (some are charge-only)
- Port: Confirm a COM port appears in Device Manager
- Driver: Install CH34x driver if no port appears
Troubleshooting
If you don't see a COM port:
1) Try a different USB port
2) Try a different cable
3) Install CH34x driver
4) Reboot and check again
📶 Section 2: Connect to the Hotspot (AP Mode)
The ESP32-S3 vision module creates a WiFi hotspot named HW_ESP32S3CAM. This method is
called AP (Access Point) direct mode.
- Step 1: Open WiFi settings on your phone/PC
- Step 2: Connect to HW_ESP32S3CAM
- Step 3: Stay connected to that network while viewing the camera
📷 Section 3: Start Image Transmission (192.168.5.1)
After connecting to HW_ESP32S3CAM, open a browser and go to:
http://192.168.5.1
Expected Result
- You should see a page that can start image transmission
- If the page loads but no image appears, firmware may need to be reflashed
Quick Troubleshooting
If 192.168.5.1 doesn't load:
1) Confirm you are connected to HW_ESP32S3CAM (not your home WiFi)
2) Disable VPN
3) Try a different browser
4) Power-cycle the ESP32-S3 vision module
🔧 Hands-On Activity: Prove the Stream Works
Get the camera feed working on both a PC browser and a phone browser.
Activity Checklist
Materials Needed:
- ESP32-S3 vision module
- Phone or tablet with WiFi
- Computer with WiFi
- Type-C cable (data)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- PC: Connect to HW_ESP32S3CAM and open 192.168.5.1
- Phone: Connect to HW_ESP32S3CAM and open 192.168.5.1
- Verify: Confirm the image updates (live feed)
- Document: Screenshot the page on PC and phone for your lab notebook
💡 Pro Tip: If you previously flashed other firmware and the live feed stopped working, reflash the image transmission firmware to restore it.
📋 Assessment & Homework
Programming Challenges
- Network Check: Write down the exact steps to get from "power on" to "live feed"
- Recovery Plan: Describe when you would reflash the image transmission firmware and why
- Troubleshooting: List 3 reasons 192.168.5.1 might not load and how to fix each
Research Assignment
Topic: AP Mode vs STA Mode
Write a one-page explanation of the difference between:
- AP (Access Point) mode: ESP32 creates a hotspot
- STA (Station) mode: ESP32 joins an existing WiFi network
Practical Exercises
- Verify the stream works at different distances between phone and vision module
- Test in a room with many WiFi networks and record if stability changes
- Optional: If the live feed fails, practice the firmware reflash workflow