NestNinja is built on the Waveshare ESP32-P4-WIFI6 Development Board, a high-performance platform combining the ESP32-P4 application processor with ESP32-C6 connectivity.

Development Board

Waveshare ESP32-P4-WIFI6

**Core Processor: ESP32-P4** - 400MHz dual-core RISC-V processor - 32MB PSRAM (stacked) - 32MB NOR Flash - ISP + H.264 encoder @ 1080p 30fps - MIPI-CSI camera interface - USB 2.0 OTG High Speed - SDIO 3.0 with SD card slot - 27 programmable GPIOs via 40-pin header **Connectivity: ESP32-C6** - Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) @ 2.4GHz - Bluetooth 5 / BLE - Connected to P4 via SDIO slave interface - Pre-flashed with factory firmware

Official Documentation:

⚠️ Critical Design Note: ESP32-P4 is the application host. The ESP32-C6 acts as a connectivity co-processor and cannot independently control peripherals.

Camera Module

OV5647 with 160° Fisheye Lens

**Specifications:** - **Sensor:** OV5647 (5 megapixel) - **Lens:** 160° fisheye for full nest coverage - **Resolution:** Up to 1080p @ 30fps - **IR Cut Filter:** Automatic day/night switching - **IR LEDs:** Integrated for night vision - **Interface:** MIPI-CSI to ESP32-P4 **Features:** - Wide viewing angle captures entire nest interior - Excellent low-light performance - Invisible IR illumination doesn't disturb birds - Hardware-compatible with Raspberry Pi Camera Module v1

Reference Product: AliExpress Link

Motion Detection

HC-SR501 PIR Sensor

**Purpose:** Wake the ESP32-P4 from deep sleep when bird motion is detected **Features:** - Passive Infrared (PIR) motion detection - Adjustable sensitivity and delay time - Wide detection angle (~120°) - Ultra-low power consumption - 3.3V compatible **Operation:** - Monitors for warm-body movement (birds) - Triggers wake signal to ESP32-P4 - Enables low-power standby mode - Essential for battery-powered installations

Power Options

Flexible Power Delivery

USB-C Power (Primary)

  • Standard 5V USB-C input
  • Simple plug-and-play operation
  • Suitable for installations near power outlets

Battery Operation

  • Compatible with rechargeable lithium batteries
  • PIR motion detection minimizes power usage
  • Deep sleep mode draws <3mA (target)
  • Ideal for remote installations

Solar Power

  • Works with solar panels + battery systems
  • Requires appropriate voltage regulator
  • Perfect for off-grid bird boxes
  • Environmentally friendly operation

Connectivity & Storage

Wireless & Data

Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)

  • 2.4GHz for best range outdoors
  • Better penetration through walls and vegetation
  • Modern protocol efficiency

Bluetooth 5

  • Easy setup and pairing
  • Configuration without Wi-Fi
  • Future mobile app support

microSD Card

  • SDIO 3.0 interface for high-speed writes
  • Local video recording storage
  • Supports large capacity cards
  • Your data stays with you

GPIO & Expansion

Developer-Friendly Design

40-Pin GPIO Header

  • 27 programmable GPIO pins
  • I2C bus (GPIO7 SDA, GPIO8 SCL)
  • I2S audio interface (GPIO9-13)
  • 3.3V and 5V power rails
  • Ground pins throughout

Expansion Possibilities:

  • Add environmental sensors (temperature, humidity)
  • Attach displays for local viewing
  • Connect external storage
  • Control servos for pan/tilt
  • Custom integration projects

Bill of Materials (BOM)

Component Description Approx. Cost
ESP32-P4-WIFI6 Board Waveshare development board £30-40
OV5647 Camera 160° fisheye with IR £10-15
HC-SR501 PIR Motion sensor £1-2
microSD Card 32GB+ recommended £5-10
USB-C Cable Power cable £3-5
Enclosure Weather-resistant bird box £15-30
Total Approximate £65-100

Prices are estimates and vary by supplier and quantity. This is for a single prototype unit.

Assembly Notes

Hardware Integration

  1. Camera Connection: MIPI-CSI cable to P4 camera port
  2. PIR Sensor: Connect to GPIO46 (or chosen wake pin) + power
  3. SD Card: Insert microSD into onboard slot
  4. Power: USB-C or battery via appropriate regulator
  5. Enclosure: Weather-proof, bird-friendly housing with camera view
  • Soldering iron (for headers/wires if needed)
  • Small screwdriver set
  • Wire strippers
  • Multimeter for testing
  • Hot glue or mounting adhesive

Purchase Options

Premium Products (Coming Soon)

Complete Bird Box System

  • Fully assembled smart bird box
  • Pre-configured camera and sensors
  • Weather-resistant enclosure
  • Professional installation guide
  • Email support included
  • Perfect for end users who want plug-and-play

Smart Camera Module

  • Pre-assembled camera system
  • Easy mounting for existing bird boxes
  • Configuration guide included
  • Ideal for tinkerers with DIY bird boxes
  • Community forum support

DIY Component Build

For Advanced Users:

If you prefer to source components yourself:

Development Board:

Camera Module:

  • Search for “OV5647 160 degree fisheye IR camera”
  • Raspberry Pi Camera suppliers
  • Electronics distributors

Other Components:

  • Standard electronics suppliers (Digikey, Mouser, Farnell)
  • Amazon for general items
  • Local electronics shops

Note: DIY builds require technical skills and are supported through community forums only. Community Edition firmware will be released Q3 2026.

Technical Deep Dive

For detailed hardware information, architecture decisions, and pinout diagrams:

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