1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the setup, operation, and maintenance of the Heltec ESP32-S3 Wi-Fi HaLow Camera HT-HC33 Development Board. This board is designed for Internet of Things (IoT) applications requiring long-range wireless communication, integrated camera capabilities, and low power consumption. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the device to ensure proper functionality and safety.
2. Product Overview
The Heltec HT-HC33 is a versatile development board featuring an ESP32-S3 microcontroller and a Wi-Fi HaLow module. It integrates a 300-pixel wide-angle camera, an SD card slot, and multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah), Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Its robust design supports operation in various environments and is compatible with Arduino for ease of development.
Figure 2.1: Top view of the Heltec HT-HC33 Development Board with the integrated camera module.
Figure 2.2: The HT-HC33 board alongside its detachable camera module.
Figure 2.3: Key features and components of the HT-HC33 board.
Figure 2.4: USB-C interface and integrated protection features.
Figure 2.5: Physical dimensions of the HT-HC33 board.
Figure 2.6: Pinout diagram of the HT-HC33 board.
3. Key Features
- Long-Range Wi-Fi HaLow & High-Speed IoT Camera Board: Ultra-long-range wireless communication (up to 1~2 km) with high-speed data transfer (32 Mbps) for stable, long-distance IoT connectivity. Features low power consumption and strong signal penetration.
- Integrated 300-Pixel Wide-Angle Camera & Advanced Imaging: Equipped with a 300-pixel wide-angle camera supporting auto exposure control, gain adjustment, image scaling, and compression. Ideal for remote surveillance, smart security, and machine vision. Arduino-compatible design allows for customization.
- Triple-Network Connectivity: Wi-Fi HaLow, Bluetooth & 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: Seamless integration of Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah), Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, with an onboard antenna and IPEX connector. Includes a Type-C USB port with ESD/short-circuit protection and an SD card slot for local storage.
- Low-Power Design & Robust Hardware for Harsh Environments: Engineered for extreme conditions (–30°C to +85°C), featuring RF shielding, voltage regulation, and lithium battery support with overcharge protection. Compact and durable for industrial automation, asset tracking, and rural network expansion.
- Plug-and-Play Development with Arduino & Full Prototyping Support: Rapid IoT prototyping enabled by a pre-installed CP2102 USB-to-serial chip for simplified programming. Features 2x15-pin headers and an FFC connector for expanded functionality.
4. What's in the Box
Upon unboxing, please verify that all components are present and undamaged:
- 1 x Heltec HT-HC33 Development Board
- 1 x OV3660 Camera Module (21MM, 120-degree wide-angle lens)
5. Setup Guide
- Camera Connection: Carefully connect the OV3660 camera module to the FFC connector on the HT-HC33 board. Ensure the ribbon cable is inserted correctly and the connector latch is secured.
- Power Supply: The board can be powered via the Type-C USB port or a lithium battery (2.7V-4.2V) connected to the SH1.25-2 battery interface. For initial setup, USB power is recommended.
- Driver Installation: The HT-HC33 uses a CP2102 USB-to-serial chip. If you are connecting the board to a computer for the first time, you may need to install the appropriate CP2102 drivers. These are typically available from Silicon Labs or Heltec Automation's official website.
- Development Environment Setup:
- Install the Arduino IDE or PlatformIO.
- Add ESP32 board support to your chosen IDE.
- Install necessary libraries for Wi-Fi HaLow, camera, and other peripherals as per Heltec's documentation.
- First Program Upload: Connect the board to your computer via the Type-C USB cable. Select the correct board and COM port in your IDE. Upload a basic test sketch (e.g., a blink LED program or a camera test example) to verify communication.
- SD Card Insertion (Optional): If using an SD card for storage, insert it into the micro-SD card holder on the board. Ensure it is formatted correctly (e.g., FAT32).
6. Operating Instructions
The HT-HC33 board offers diverse functionalities for IoT applications:
- Wi-Fi HaLow Communication: Utilize the 802.11ah standard for long-range, low-power wireless data transmission. Refer to Heltec's examples and documentation for setting up HaLow networks and communication protocols.
- Camera Operation: The integrated OV3660 camera supports image capture with adjustable parameters such as auto exposure, gain, scaling, and compression. Program the ESP32-S3 to control the camera for various applications like remote monitoring or image processing.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The board supports Bluetooth for short-range communication with other devices. This can be used for local control, data transfer, or device pairing.
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: Standard 2.4GHz Wi-Fi is available for traditional network connections, allowing the board to act as a client or access point.
- Data Storage: The micro-SD card slot enables local storage of captured images, sensor data, or configuration files. Implement file system operations in your code to manage data on the SD card.
- Low Power Modes: The ESP32-S3 supports various low-power modes. Optimize your code to utilize these modes for battery-powered applications to extend operational time.
7. Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your HT-HC33 Development Board, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Environmental Conditions: Operate the board within its specified temperature range of –30°C to +85°C. Avoid exposure to extreme humidity, direct sunlight, dust, and corrosive substances.
- Cleaning: If necessary, gently clean the board with a soft, dry, anti-static brush or cloth. Do not use liquids or abrasive cleaners.
- Handling: Always handle the board by its edges to avoid touching sensitive components. Use anti-static precautions when working with the board.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly check the Heltec Automation official website for firmware updates or new library versions to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.
- Battery Care: If using a lithium battery, ensure it is charged and discharged within its safe operating limits. The board includes overcharge protection, but proper battery management is crucial for battery lifespan.
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your HT-HC33 board, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Board not powering on. | Incorrect power supply, faulty USB cable, or battery issue. | Verify USB cable connection and power source. If using battery, check battery charge and connection. |
| Cannot upload code to the board. | Incorrect COM port selected, missing CP2102 drivers, or incorrect board selection in IDE. | Ensure CP2102 drivers are installed. Select the correct COM port and "ESP32-S3 Dev Module" or similar board in your IDE. Try pressing the RST button before uploading. |
| Wi-Fi HaLow or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi not connecting. | Incorrect network credentials, antenna not connected, or out of range. | Double-check SSID and password. Ensure the antenna is securely connected to the IPEX connector. Move closer to the access point or gateway. |
| Camera not capturing images or showing distorted output. | Camera module not properly connected, incorrect camera initialization in code, or insufficient power. | Ensure the camera ribbon cable is fully inserted and latched. Verify camera initialization code. Provide adequate power supply. |
| SD card not detected or data not saving. | SD card not inserted correctly, incompatible format, or faulty card. | Reinsert the SD card. Ensure it is formatted as FAT32. Try a different SD card. |
9. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| MCU | ESP32-S3R8 |
| Wi-Fi HaLow Module | HT-HC01 (MM6108Q) |
| Serial Port Chip | CP2102 |
| Wi-Fi HaLow Standard | IEEE 802.11ah |
| Memory | 384KB ROM; 512KB SR; 16KB RTC SRAM; 8M PSRAM; 16MB SIP Flash |
| Interface | HaLow ANT(IPEX1.0); 2*15*1.27 Header Pins; 24P_0.5mm FFC connector(camera); USB TypeC; SH1.25-2 battery interface; Micro-SD card holder |
| Power Supply | 5V@USB, 2.7V~4.2V@battery |
| Operating Temperature | –30°C to +85°C |
| Operating Humidity | 10%~90%, non-condensing |
| Dimensions (Unincluded Camera) | 60.00*33.50*7.10mm³ |
| RAM | SRAM |
| Wireless Type | 802.11a (Note: This is likely a general category, HaLow is 802.11ah) |
| Item Weight | 8.8 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 2.2 x 0.28 x 1.32 inches |
| Number of Processors | 1 |
| Ram Memory Installed Size | 16 KB |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 384 KB |
| Connectivity Technology | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Note: Some specifications are derived from general product data and may refer to broader categories (e.g., 802.11a for wireless type, while the primary Wi-Fi HaLow is 802.11ah).
10. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information, please refer to the official Heltec Automation website or contact their customer support directly. Warranty terms typically cover manufacturing defects for a specified period from the date of purchase.
For technical support, documentation, and community forums, please visit the official Heltec Automation resources. You can also find additional information and resources on their Amazon Brand Store:
