Help& Troubleshooting

Code – Troubleshooting

Compilation Issues (for ESP32-CAM)

It’s important to distinguish between compilation errors and upload errors when working with the board.
Always run the code verification step before attempting to upload, as explained in the main guide.

Signs of a compilation error:
Console output Compilation error: …
Pop-up window indicating a failure:

The following checklist will help you identify the cause of a compilation issue:

  1. Check the version of the esp32 board package by Espressif
    1.1. Go to: Tools > Board > Board Manager
    1.2. Use the search field to find the package “esp32” by Espressif
    1.3. Install version 2.0.17
  2. Make sure the correct board is selected: “AI Thinker ESP32-CAM” Go to: Tools > Board > esp32 > AI Thinker ESP32-CAM
  3. Ensure all required code files are open in Arduino IDE
    Check the open tabs in the Arduino IDE window.
    In addition to MySat_main.ino, you should have 10 additional tabs open, including files like ADC.h, RTC.h, camera.h, etc.
    If these files are missing:
    Ensure you’re not opening MySat_main.ino directly from a ZIP archive.
    Extract the archive first, then open the .ino file from the extracted folder.
  4. Verify the location of your Arduino sketchbook and libraries folder
    4.1. Go to: File > Preferences
    4.2. Copy the path shown in “Sketchbook location”
    4.3. Navigate to that folder in your file explorer
    4.4. Ensure there is a libraries folder inside the sketchbook directory
  5. Rule out potential library conflicts or auto-updated libraries
    Move all existing libraries from the libraries folder to a different location (or delete them if you don’t need them).
    Go to the official MySat GitHub repository, download the archive with verified libraries, and extract it into the libraries folder (from Step 4).
    After this step, the libraries folder should contain only the 8 ZIP-format libraries provided by the MySat project.        

Once you’ve completed all the steps above, try verifying the code again.

Uploading Issues – ESP32-CAM
It’s important to distinguish between compilation issues and upload issues when working with the board. 
Always run the “Verify” option to check your code before attempting to upload, as described in the main instructions.
The following checklist will help you identify the cause of an upload failure:

  1. Identify the correct serial port
    For Windows:
    1. Connect the USB-to-TTL converter to your computer’s USB port
    2. Press Win + X and open Device Manager
    3. Expand the section called “Ports (COM & LPT)”
    4. Look for a line that includes “…CP2102…” in the name
    *If you don’t see such a line, you likely need to install the driver for the USB-to-TTL converter. Please refer to the driver installation guide.
    5. Note the port number displayed as (COM#) — you will need this for the Arduino IDE

    For Linux:
    1. Connect the USB-to-TTL converter to a USB port
    2. Open a Terminal and run: lsusb
         Look for a line containing “…CP2102…”
    3. Then run: sudo dmesg | grep tty
         Identify the most recent entry that includes something like “ttyUSB#”
         *This is your active serial port for the ESP32-CAM

    Once you’ve identified the correct port:
    In Arduino IDE, go to Tools > Port > [Select your detected port]

  2. Close all other Arduino IDE windows except the one you’re using for uploading
    If any other serial monitors, background tools, or software are using the serial port — close them as well.
  3. Check that all electronic modules are correctly inserted into the MySat board
    Make sure all module pins are fully aligned and inserted into their designated sockets.
    Pay special attention to the ESP32-CAM and HC-12 module — incorrect placement is a common cause of issues.
  4. Check the connection between the USB-to-TTL adapter and the “Programmer” socket on the MySat board (A)
    Follow the official wiring diagram carefully (see instructions).
  5. Confirm that your PC is successfully connected to the ESP32-CAM
    5.1. Disconnect the USB-to-TTL adapter from your PC (if currently connected)
    5.2. Remove the jumper from the boot pins on the MySat board (A), if it is present
    5.3. Insert the Remove Before Flight into its slot
    5.4. Connect the USB-to-TTL adapter to the USB port of your PC.
    Check that the ESP32 power LED on the MySat board (A) is lit.
    5.5. Go to: Tools > Serial Monitor
    Verify that data is being output.
    Alternatively, go to: Tools > Get Board Info
    Make sure the information window opens.
  6. Properly enter firmware upload mode on the MySat board
    6.1. Disconnect the USB-to-TTL adapter from your PC
    6.2. Insert the Remove Before Flight tag
    6.3. Place a jumper on the boot pins of the MySat board (A)
    6.4. Reconnect the USB-to-TTL adapter to your PC

After completing the above steps, try uploading the firmware again.
If the problem persists, restarting your computer may help resolve the issue.

 Incorrect Text in Serial Monitor
Cause – An incorrect baud rate setting prevents the serial monitor from properly displaying incoming data.
Solution – Set the baud rate to 115200 using the dropdown menu located in the bottom-right corner of the Serial Monitor window.

Code – Advanced Information
coming soon…