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Welcome

Mihir Patel - Individual Datasheet
as part of
R6 Recon Amphibot (Amphibot V1)
for
Team 302

Submission: May 04, 2026

Introduction

This datasheet documents the hardware and firmware design for my individual subsystem: the Internet-based Two-way Wireless Communication module (ESP32 Gateway) for the Amphibot V1. Its purpose is to record clear, testable requirements, show the block-level hardware layout, list parts and interfaces, and explain how my work plugs into the team-level system (UART daisy-chain, power bus, and MQTT/Wi-Fi). This page is intended for teammates, instructors, and graders so they can quickly understand what I built and how it integrates into the overall project.

Project Summary

The Amphibot V1 is a small, throwable amphibious exploration robot that streams live FPV video and telemetry to a remote operator while reporting a consolidated hazard score. My module provides the bi-directional Wi-Fi gateway between the robot and the operator's device. It:

  • Hosts a reliable Wi-Fi connection and communicates with an external MQTT broker.
  • Translates UART traffic from the onboard modular bus into MQTT topics (and vice versa).
  • Implements safe fallback behaviors on connection loss — broadcasting a motor safe-stop command over UART when WiFi is lost.
  • Was designed to support live FPV video streaming via the OV5640 camera module, with full software infrastructure implemented.

This gateway is crucial for remote control, live telemetry, and demo display functions of the Amphibot. For the full team-level context, visit the Team 302 Report Website.

My Contribution

I (Mihir Patel) own the Wireless Communication subsystem (ESP32). My responsibilities were:

  • Hardware: Selected and integrated the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1-N8R8 module, the AP63203WU-7 3.3V switching regulator, barrel jack and power-jumper circuitry, and the 2×4 IDC ribbon connector interface.
  • Firmware: Implemented Wi-Fi + MQTT client using the mqtt_as async library, MQTT↔UART packet bridge, reconnection and WiFi-loss failsafe behaviors.
  • Camera infrastructure: Designed and implemented camera_module.py for OV5640 frame capture and chunked MQTT publishing, and viewer.py for laptop-side frame reassembly and display.
  • System integration: Defined and implemented the 64-byte UART packet format, board ID routing, and inter-board message handling across the daisy-chain.
  • Documentation: Supplied the module datasheet, BOM, block diagram, schematic, PCB design, and API specification.

Project Sections

You can navigate the main sections of this individual datasheet using the top menu or the links below. Each section documents a specific stage of the design and implementation of the Wireless Communication (ESP32) subsystem.

  • Project Requirements – Module-level requirements, thresholds, target goals, and final results

  • Block Diagram – Subsystem-level block diagram showing power domains, UART daisy-chain connections, ESP32 peripherals, and external interfaces

  • Component Selection – Selected components and design rationale for the ESP32 wireless gateway

  • Microcontroller Selection – ESP32 microcontroller selection criteria, comparisons, and rationale

  • Power Budget – Power consumption analysis, supply requirements, and power domain design

  • Bill of Materials (BOM) – Manufacturer part numbers, footprints, quantities, and estimated costs

  • Schematic – Electrical schematics for the wireless communication module

  • PCB Layout – PCB layout, routing decisions, and design considerations

  • API – Firmware behavior, UART message specification, and MQTT topic documentation

  • Hardware V2.0 – What I would improve in a second hardware revision

  • Resources – Final code, downloadable files, and project videos

  • Reflection – Lessons learned, startup tips, and recommendations for future students