How to prepare a Seeed Studio XIAO Sense ESP32 ​

What's in the box ​

Your XIAO should come with the following components:

• ESP32-S3 Main Board
• Camera Hat With Low FOV Camera
• External Antenna

Wired vs Wireless ​

The only difference in hardware config between wireless and wired XIAOs is if the antenna is connected or not.

Wireless Configuration ​

If you are making a wireless setup, you will need to connect the antenna.

Line up the antenna connector to the one on the board,

then press firmly until it snaps on.

Once connected it should be flat like this:

Wired Configuration ​

If you are making a wired setup, you do not need to attach the antenna. Set it aside and continue to the next step.

Connecting the Camera Hat ​

First, locate the connector on the camera hat, and the corresponding one on the XIAO main board circled below.

Press down carefully until it snaps on.

Once connected remember to be careful, it is known that these connectors can break semi-easily so avoid ripping them apart too many times or twisting on them weirdly.

Removing the Camera ​

First we need to remove the existing camera from the XIAO and replace it with a higher FOV longer ribbon camera.

Begin by lifting up the grey part of the camera connector gently until it raises up.

Now grab the camera and gently wiggle it out of the connector.

Connecting the camera ​

The camera should have the pins facing downward, you should only see the black end.

Line up the camera with the pins on the connector like below.

Push the camera in by using a finger on each side of the connector, slowly pushing straight in until it stops. Be gentle so you do not damage the ribbon cable.

The cable should go about half way in like this image:

Now, close the camera connector by flipping the grey part down.

Conclusion ​

You should now have your XIAO Sense ESP32 ready for firmware flashing!