I adapted the code written by namato (https://github.com/namato/micropython-ov2640) to make it work with Raspberry Pico / Pico W or potentially other RP2040 devices. I changed the frequency and baud rate and added the required ID field for the I2C initialization. I increased the sleep time in line 41 of the 'ov2640.py' file, which prevented the first picture coming out corrupted. The first picture always comes out not well exposed though, I have no idea how to fix this.
You may want to experiment a bit with the frequencies and timeouts, I believe this has the potential to be better optimized.
Namato wrote:
"""
This is a basic interface to the ArduCAM OV2640 under MicroPython for the ESP8266. I wrote this because I could not find any good camera interfaces with MicroPython on the ESP8266.
Using this class you can:
- Initiate still pictures up to 1600x1200 resolution
- Read them from the camera
- Save them to flash on the ESP8266
After saving the image you can use other modules to post it to a REST API, or save a (short) history of pictures on the flash for later retrieval.
"""
This particular camera has both an i2c and spi interface for setup and getting data on/off the camera. A good way to wire up the camera to the Pico / Pico W is as follows (note Vcc and GND pins are omitted here):
| Camera Pin | Pico (W) Pin |
|---|---|
| CS | GPIO13 |
| MOSI | GPIO11 |
| MISO | GPIO12 |
| SCK | GPIO10 |
| SDA | GPIO14 |
| SCL | GPIO15 |
This configuration is for I2C and SPI both with ID=1. If you want to change pins so the camera connects to SPI or I2C with ID=0 (see: Pico / Pico W pinout), you must change the IDs in the camera initialization line.
Just upload the files into your microcontroller via Thonny and you're good to go.
The original driver source from Arducam was instrumental in the creation of this pure MicroPython version.
The overall project was inspired by esparducam, but getting this to work doesn't require any SMD soldering. :)