The M5StickT2 ESP32 Thermal Camera Development Kit is an innovative device from M5Stack, combining the capabilities of the ESP32 microcontroller with thermal imaging technology. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
Hardware Features
- Microcontroller:
- ESP32-PICO-D4: This is the core of the M5StickT2, providing:
- Dual-core Tensilica LX6 microprocessor running at up to 240MHz.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity for IoT applications.
- ESP32-PICO-D4: This is the core of the M5StickT2, providing:
- Thermal Imaging Sensor:
- AMG8833 Infrared Array Sensor: A grid-eye sensor with an 8×8 array of IR elements, capable of detecting temperatures in the range of -20°C to 100°C with an accuracy of ±2.5°C. This sensor provides a 60-degree field of view.
- Display:
- 1.14″ TFT LCD Screen: With a resolution of 135 x 240 pixels, it displays thermal images in real-time or as processed data.
- Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi: For internet connectivity and OTA (Over-The-Air) updates.
- Bluetooth 4.2: With BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) support for short-range wireless communication.
- Sensors and Input/Output:
- 6-Axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit): Includes an accelerometer and gyroscope for motion detection.
- RTC (Real-Time Clock): For timekeeping and scheduling tasks.
- Buttons: Includes a red button for user interaction.
- Power Management:
- Built-in Battery: Equipped with a 120mAh battery for portable use.
- USB Type-C: For charging, programming, and data transfer.
- Other Features:
- Grove Port: For expansion with M5Stack’s ecosystem of sensors and modules.
- MicroSD Card Slot: For data storage or capturing thermal images.
- Vibration Motor: For haptic feedback.
- RGB LED: For status indication or user feedback.
- Type-C to Grove Expansion: An option to connect additional Grove modules via the USB port.
Software and Development
- Development Platforms:
- Arduino IDE: Supported with specific libraries for the ESP32 and M5StickT2.
- MicroPython: Can be programmed in Python for a more accessible development experience.
- UIFlow: M5Stack’s visual programming environment, although more suited for simpler projects.
- Software Features:
- M5Stack Library: Provides functions for controlling hardware components, managing power, and interacting with the thermal sensor.
- ESP-IDF: For low-level programming with Espressif’s IoT Development Framework.
Applications
The M5StickT2 is designed for:
- Thermal Imaging:
- Temperature Monitoring: Useful in industrial settings for monitoring equipment temperatures, detecting overheating, or in medical applications for fever screening.
- Home Automation: Can detect human presence or monitor room temperatures.
- Security and Surveillance:
- Night Vision: Thermal imaging provides a way to see in the dark or through smoke.
- Perimeter Detection: Detects movement or heat signatures for security purposes.
- IoT and Smart Devices:
- Environmental Sensing: Measures heat distribution for HVAC optimization, or as part of environmental monitoring systems.
- Educational and DIY Projects:
- Learning about Infrared: Great for educational purposes to understand thermal radiation and imaging.
- Health and Wellness:
- Non-Contact Temperature Measurement: Useful for checking body temperature without physical contact, especially in the context of health screening.
Benefits
- Portability: Its compact size allows for easy, portable use.
- Versatile Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth provide options for data transmission and remote control.
- Thermal Imaging: Adds a unique feature set not commonly found in other IoT development kits.
- Ease of Use: The M5StickT2 is user-friendly with straightforward programming options.
- Expandability: The Grove port and microSD slot allow for customization and data storage.
Usage and Development
- Setup:
- Install the necessary drivers and libraries for ESP32 in your chosen development environment.
- Connect the M5StickT2 via USB-C for programming and charging.
- Programming:
- Use Arduino IDE, MicroPython, or UIFlow to write code that interacts with the thermal camera, manages power, and leverages its connectivity features.
- Expansion:
- Connect Grove modules or other peripherals via the Grove port or through the USB-C to Grove expansion option to enhance functionality.
- Deployment:
- Deploy your project in settings where thermal imaging is useful, like home automation, security, or environmental monitoring.
M5StickT2 is a sleek and compact infrared thermal camera designed for precise temperature measurement. It features the advanced FLIR Lepton 3.0 long-wave infrared (LWIR) camera core, delivering a clear and stable image with an effective resolution of 160 * 120. As a non-contact infrared sensor covering a large area, it provides an excellent solution for temperature monitoring applications.
The main control chip of M5StickT2 is Espressif’s ESP32, which not only offers built-in Wi-Fi support but also delivers impressive computing speeds of up to 240MHz. This ensures seamless image output with a high frame rate of 7 FPS and above. The 1.14-inch screen with a resolution of 135 * 240 allows for easy viewing of thermal images. M5StickT2 comes equipped with a wide range of hardware resources. It includes a built-in 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for motion sensing, a digital microphone for audio input, and a power management chip to optimize battery usage. Speaking of battery, the device incorporates a 300mAh battery for convenient portability.
For interactive operation, M5StickT2 provides two programmable buttons and a rotary encoder, offering intuitive control and customization options. To expand the device’s capabilities, a 4 Pin HY2.0 interface with I2C support is available at the bottom, allowing users to connect additional peripherals and sensors. The body of M5StickT2 is 3D printed using high-quality Black Nylon filament, ensuring durability and a sleek appearance. Furthermore, it features an M3 screw hole and a 1/4″ screw hole on the underside, facilitating easy mounting in various setups.
Power switch operation:Power on :Long press power button for 2 seconds Power off :Short press power button for 6 seconds
Usage
Press the reset button to power on. The default display screen is RGB display mode. The left side is the temperature image, the upper right is the power display, and the lower right is the histogram and temperature range. The temperature range is automatically adjusted with the target temperature. The default bulls-eye automatically tracks the maximum temperature. Press the button on the right side of the fuselage (B button) to switch the tracking mode (minimum / center / maximum value), press the button A on the front of the fuselage to switch the image display mode (GRAY / GOLDEN / RAINBOW / IRONBLACK / RGB). Dial encoder controls the display sensitivity (adjust the display temperature and color gamut), and long press the reset button for 6 seconds to turn off.
Product Features
- ESP32-based
- Case Material: Nylon 3D print
- FLIR Lepton 3.0
- Built-in 6-Axis IMU,microphone
- Buttons and dial encoder
- IPS LCD(1.14 inch)
- built-in Lithium Polymer Battery
- GROVE/4P HY2.0 Interface
Include
- 1x M5StickT2
- 1x USB Type-C(20cm)
Applications
- Car engine failure check
- Building dehumidification insulation sealing test
- Industrial furnace inner wall refractory crack
- Outdoor observation of animals at night
Lepton 3.0 Parameter
| Parameter | / |
|---|---|
| Effective Pixels | 160*120 |
| Field of view | 56° |
| Fast imaging time | 500ms |
| Effective Frame Rate | 8.7Hz |
| Input Clock | 25MHz |
| Pixel Size | 12μm |
| Low operating power | 150 mW (operating), 650 mW (during shutter event), 5 mW (standby) |
| Scene Dynamic Range | Low Gain Mode: -10 to 400°C; High Gain Mode: -10 to 140°C |
| Spectral Range | 8 to 14µm |
| Thermal Sensitivity | 50 mK(0.050°C) |
| Optimum Temperature Range | -10°C to +80°C |
Specification
| Resources | Parameter |
|---|---|
| ESP32 | 240MHz dual core, 600 DMIPS, 520KB SRAM, Wi-Fi |
| Flash Memory | 4MB |
| Power Input | 5V @ 500mA |
| Port | TypeC x 1, GROVE(I2C+I/0+UART) x 1 |
| LCD screen | 1.14 inch, 135*240 Colorful TFT LCD, ST7789 |
| Button | Custom button x 2 |
| MEMS | MPU6886 |
| MIC | SPM1423 |
| Power Manager | AXP192 |
| Battery | 300 mAh @ 3.7V |
| Antenna | 2.4G 3D Antenna |
| Thermal | Lepton 3.0 |
| Encoder | Dial encoder |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 60°C |
| Net weight | 26g |
| Gross weight | 82g |
| Product Size | 48*30*29mm |
| Package Size | 144*44*43mm |
| Case Material | Plastic ( PC ) |
Conclusion
The M5StickT2 ESP32 Thermal Camera Development Kit offers an exciting blend of IoT capabilities with thermal imaging, making it an excellent tool for both professional and hobbyist applications where heat detection or visualization is required. Its compact design, combined with the power of the ESP32, provides a versatile platform for developing innovative thermal imaging solutions or integrating thermal sensing into existing IoT ecosystems.