I wanted to share my recent success in integrating multiple smart home devices, which I hope will inspire others and provide some tips along the way.
The Goal: I aimed to set up a Raspberry Pi 3 Model B Plus to handle streaming and motion detection using five ESP32-CAM cameras. While I knew this setup could work theoretically, I wasn’t entirely sure about the performance, especially with five cameras running simultaneously.
The Setup Process: I started by installing Home Assistant on the Raspberry Pi. The initial setup was smooth, but the real challenge came when integrating the ESP32-CAMs. I had to experiment with different configurations to ensure that the Pi could handle the video streams without lagging.
Challenges and Solutions: One issue I encountered was the Pi’s CPU usage spiking during peak camera activity. To address this, I optimized the camera settings and implemented a staggered streaming schedule. This helped distribute the load more evenly and improved overall performance.
The Outcome: After some tweaking, the system now runs flawlessly. The ESP32-CAMs provide clear video feeds, and the motion detection works as intended. It’s been a rewarding experience, and I’m proud to say that my home is now more secure and connected than ever.
Tips for Others: If you’re planning a similar project, I recommend starting with a single camera to test the setup before scaling up. Also, don’t hesitate to explore community forums for advice and shared configurations. Every challenge I faced had a solution, and there’s a wealth of knowledge out there to help you along the way.
Happy integrating everyone! 