In this article we will interface Nextion Display with ESP32, we will see how to configure the display for the first time, download the needed resources, and how to integrate it with the ESP32 microcontroller board. The Nextion display is a powerful Human Machine Interface (HMI) solution that lets you create interactive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for your embedded projects. When combined with the ESP32 microcontroller, you can develop user-friendly interfaces for various applications, including IoT devices, automation projects, and data visualization dashboards.

Hardware & Software Requirements to Interface Nextion Display with ESP32

Hardware:

• ESP32 Dev Board (e.g., ESP32-WROOM-32)

• Nextion Display

• Jumper wires

Software:

• Nextion Editor

• Arduino IDE 

Nextion Display Setup

Nextion Editor is a development software used for visual building of graphic interface for embedded/IOT/GUI-intensive devices with various types of TFT displays and Touch Panels. Using this software, we can start creating user interfaces for TFT based devices in a faster and easier way.

You can download Nextion Editor from this link

https://nextion.itead.cc/resources/download/nextion-editor/

After downloading the editor install the nextion editor .

Nextion Editor General Overview

Here’s a quick overview of the different sections of the Nextion Editor.

1. Main Menu

2. Canvas – this is where you add your components to build the User Interface.

3. Toolbox – this is where you have a wide variety of components you can add to the user interface, like pictures, progress bar, buttons, sliders, and much more.

4. Picture/Fonts list – this shows the fonts and pictures imported to your projects. Here you can also add new fonts and pictures.

5. Page area – you can manage your pages here, like add more pages, copy and delete pages.

6. Attributes area – this part shows your component’s attributes. You can edit the component’s attributes here.

7. Compiler output window – this will show any errors occurred during compiling.

8. Event window – here you can add code to be run when an event is met.

Interfacing ESP32 with Nextion Display

• Connect the Nextion display to the ESP32:

• Connect the TX pin of the Nextion display to the RX pin of the ESP32 (e.g., ESP32 Tx0 to Nextion Rx).

• Connect the RX pin of the Nextion display to the TX pin of the ESP32 (e.g., ESP32 Rx0 to Nextion Tx).

• Use the jumper wires to connect the GND pins of both devices.

Configure the Nextion display:

• Open the Nextion Editor and create a new project.

• Select the model of your Nextion display.

• Design your desired interface using the built-in components like buttons, text boxes, images, and progress bars.

• Assign unique IDs to each component for interaction with the ESP32 code.

Example User Interface designed in Nextion Editor:

The above image shows the connection diagram of ESP 32 wifi four relay board with the nextion display.From the ESP 32 board J1 and J2 connect 5v and Ground(G) to the nextion display as show below.Connect Tx of nextion to the Rx0 of the ESP32 board and Rx of nextion to the Tx0 of the ESP32 board .This will establish Uart communication.

Example Code to Show Temperature, Humidity and State of Button on Nextion Display

#include "Nextion.h"

#include "DHT.h"

#define DHTPIN 4     // what digital pin we're connected to

// Uncomment whatever type you're using!

#define DHTTYPE DHT11   // DHT 11

//#define DHTTYPE DHT22   // DHT 22  (AM2302), AM2321

//#define DHTTYPE DHT21   // DHT 21 (AM2301)

// Initialize DHT sensor.

DHT dht(DHTPIN, DHTTYPE);

// LED pins

const int led1 = 8;

const int led2 = 9;

// Declare your Nextion objects - Example (page id = 0, component id = 1, component name = "b0") 

NexText tState = NexText(0, 4, "tState"); 

NexButton bOn = NexButton(0, 2, "bOn");

NexButton bOff = NexButton(0, 3, "bOff");

NexSlider h0 = NexSlider(0, 5, "h0");

NexText tSlider = NexText(0, 6, "tSlider");

NexText tTempC = NexText(1, 5, "tTempC");

NexText tTempF = NexText(1, 4, "tTempF");

NexProgressBar jHumidity = NexProgressBar(1, 8, "jHumidity");

NexText tHumidity = NexText(1, 9, "tHumidity");

NexButton bUpdate = NexButton(1,10, "bUpdate");

// Register a button object to the touch event list. 

NexTouch *nex_listen_list[] = {

 &bOn,

 &bOff,

 &h0,

 &bUpdate,

 NULL

};

/*

 * Button bOn component pop callback function. 

 * When the ON button is released, the LED turns on and the state text changes. 

 */

void bOnPopCallback(void *ptr) {

 tState.setText("State: on");

 digitalWrite(led1, HIGH);

}

/*

 * Button bOff component pop callback function. 

 * When the OFF button is released, the LED turns off and the state text changes. 

 */

void bOffPopCallback(void *ptr) {

 tState.setText("State: off");

 digitalWrite(led1, LOW);

}

/*

 * Slider h0 component pop callback function. 

 * When the slider is released, the LED brightness changes and the slider text changes. 

 */

void h0PopCallback(void *ptr) {

 uint32_t number = 0;

 char temp[10] = {0};

 // change text with the current slider value

 h0.getValue(&number);

 utoa(number, temp, 10);

 tSlider.setText(temp);

 // change LED brightness

 analogWrite(led2, number); 

}

/*

 * Button bUpdate component pop callback function. 

 * When the UPDATE button is released, the temperature and humidity readings are updated. 

 */

void bUpdatePopCallback(void *ptr) {

 // Reading temperature or humidity takes about 250 milliseconds!

 // Sensor readings may also be up to 2 seconds 'old' (its a very slow sensor)

 float h = dht.readHumidity();

 // Read temperature as Celsius (the default)

 float t = dht.readTemperature();

 // Read temperature as Fahrenheit (isFahrenheit = true)

 float f = dht.readTemperature(true);

 // Check if any reads failed and exit early (to try again).

 if (isnan(h) || isnan(t) || isnan(f)) {

 return;

 }

 // Update temperature in Celsius

 static char temperatureCTemp[6];

 dtostrf(t, 6, 2, temperatureCTemp);

 tTempC.setText(temperatureCTemp);

 // Update humidity percentage text and progress bar

 char hTemp[10] = {0}; 

 utoa(int(h), hTemp, 10);

 tHumidity.setText(hTemp);

 jHumidity.setValue(int(h));

 // Update temperature in Fahrenheit

 static char temperatureFTemp[6];

 dtostrf(f, 6, 2, temperatureFTemp);

 tTempF.setText(temperatureFTemp);

}

void setup(void) { 

 dht.begin();

 Serial.begin(9600);

 // You might need to change NexConfig.h file in your ITEADLIB_Arduino_Nextion folder

 // Set the baudrate which is for debug and communicate with Nextion screen

 nexInit();

 // Register the pop event callback function of the components

 bOn.attachPop(bOnPopCallback, &bOn);

 bOff.attachPop(bOffPopCallback, &bOff);

 h0.attachPop(h0PopCallback);

 bUpdate.attachPop(bUpdatePopCallback, &bUpdate);

 // Set LEDs as outputs

 pinMode(led1, OUTPUT);

 pinMode(led2, OUTPUT);

}

void loop(void) { 

 /*

 * When a pop or push event occured every time,

 * the corresponding component[right page id and component id] in touch event list will be asked.

 */

 nexLoop(nex_listen_list);

}

Working of the Project

Once the hardware is connected and the software is programmed, the ESP32 communicates with the Nextion display through serial communication. The ESP32 sends commands to the display, telling it what to display and how to respond to user input. The Nextion display then updates its GUI and sends back any user interactions to the ESP32 for further processing.

You May Also Like To Read: AT Commands, Call and SMS Using A7672S 4G GSM with Nuvoton Microcontroller

Conclusion

In this post we have seen the interfacing of Nextion display with ESP32, following the above tutorial you can explore multiple dimensions of Nextion Display and as well of ESP32. Nextion is a great display that makes the process of creating user interfaces simple and easy. Campus Component offer a diverse range of components to fuel your innovation. If you're ready to elevate your projects with the seamless synergy of Nextion Displays and ESP32, and many other electronic components, visit Campus Component today and buy electronic components online in India.

Camera drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have revolutionized the way we capture images and videos. With their ability to fly high and capture breathtaking views from unique angles, camera drones have become increasingly popular among photographers, videographers, and hobbyists. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of camera drones and how they can enhance your photography and videography.

What are Camera Drones?

A camera drone is a flying device equipped with a camera that captures images and videos from an aerial perspective. They are controlled remotely through a controller or a mobile app, and they can fly up to several hundred feet in the air. Some drones can also be programmed to fly autonomously, following pre-programmed flight paths or waypoints.

The Advantages of Drone Cameras in Various Industries

Recent years have seen tremendous advancements in technology, including embedded systems and IoT, and the invention of drones is a great example of this progress. With the surge in drone sales, it's clear that their diverse applications and high efficiency are attracting a lot of attention. Drone cameras, which incorporate embedded systems and IoT technology, provide accurate results for various research, investigative, industrial, logistic application purposes, as they are unmanned aerial vehicles that can capture aerial footage with great precision. Drones are now considered one of the most innovative and effective machines for getting certain jobs done.

Applications of Camera Drones

There are wide application where Drone Camera are used and these applications are increasing as the technology is developing. Some of the applications are discussed below:

1. Agriculture

"Drone technology is revolutionizing the agricultural industry, allowing for improved crop performance and efficient fertilizer distribution. In addition, drones are employed for regular crop monitoring, enabling farmers to analyze crop conditions and take appropriate action to maintain crop health."

2. Monitoring of Wildlife Areas

"Drone cameras have become an essential tool for wildlife monitoring, providing accurate information about the situation of forests and wildlife areas. They are particularly useful in remote or dense areas where human access is limited or not feasible."

3. Geographic Mapping

Geographic mapping has become significantly more effective with the advent of drone technology. Drone cameras are utilized to capture necessary information and photographs of different geographical locations for 3D mapping. This technology provides experts with accurate and detailed data, making it easier to create precise maps of various locations.

4. Camera enabled Drones in IoT

Drone cameras are being integrated with IoT technology to create new possibilities and innovative solutions in various industries. For example, logistics and delivery companies are using drone cameras to monitor inventory levels and improve the efficiency of their supply chains. Surveillance and security companies are leveraging drone cameras to monitor large areas and enhance public safety. Inspection companies are using drone cameras to inspect infrastructure such as bridges, pipelines, and power lines. Additionally, mapping and surveying companies are using drone cameras to collect accurate geographic data for urban planning and environmental studies.

Benefits of Camera Drones

1. Aerial Photography and Videography

One of the most obvious benefits of camera drones is their ability to capture stunning aerial photographs and videos. Drones can fly to heights that would be impossible for humans to reach, allowing for breathtaking views and unique perspectives. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, camera drones can take your photography and videography to next level.

2. Time-saving and Cost-effective

Camera drones can save time and money by capturing images and videos quickly and efficiently. Instead of having to rent a helicopter or a crane, drones can provide aerial shots at a fraction of the cost. Additionally, drones can capture footage in a fraction of the time it would take to set up traditional equipment.

3. Safe and Environmentally Friendly

Using drones for aerial photography and videography is a safer alternative to traditional methods. Instead of risking human lives by having people climb to great heights, drones can capture footage from a safe distance. Additionally, drones are environmentally friendly and produce less noise pollution compared to traditional methods.

4. Versatile

Drones can be used in a variety of settings, from outdoor events to real estate photography. They can also be used to capture footage in hard-to-reach locations, such as rugged terrain or dangerous areas. With the right equipment, drones can also capture thermal imaging, which can be useful in search and rescue missions.

Conclusion

Camera drones have revolutionized the way we capture images and videos, providing a new perspective on the world around us. They are versatile, safe, and cost-effective, making them an excellent tool for professional photographers, videographers, IoT hobbyists and those building an IoT solutions. 

If you are building IoT solutions and looking for electronic components, reach out to us at Campus Component today!

FAQs on Camera Drones