Circuit Digest’s LiteWing is a low-cost DIY drone controlled by an ESP32 module, based on a custom PCB and off-the-shelf components, and costs around 1000 rupees to manufacture, or $12 at current exchange rates.
The DIY ESP32 drone was designed as a low-cost alternative to expensive DIY drones that typically cost close to $70. The result is a WiFi drone that fits in the palm of your hand and can be controlled via WiFi using your smartphone. Interestingly, there are no 3D printed parts included as the PCB forms the chassis of the device.
Main features and components of DIY ESP32 drone
Wireless Module – ESP32-WROOM-32 for WiFi control using a smartphone. Storage – MicroSD card slot Sensor – MPU6050 IMU for stability control. Propulsion 4x 720 coreless motors 2x 55mm propellers Type A(CW) 2x 55mm propellers Type B(CCW) USB – 1x USB-C port (via CP2102N) for charging and programming Power management 1300mAh Li-ion battery TP4056 Li-ion charger IC Custom “All-in-one” PCB dimensions without the need for 3D printed parts – complex (see photo below). Bare PCB – Some parts are cut out before use and serve as the legs of the drone.
The hardware design files (PDF schematic + BoM + Gerber files) and firmware code based on Espressif’s ESP-Drone implementation can be found on GitHub. The drone is designed to be controlled by a smartphone running an open-source Android or iOS app developed by Espressif and is based on a fork of the Crazyflie open-source nanocopter mobile app.
Please see the announcement for details. You can also see the drone in action in the video embedded below and learn more about the schematics and challenges encountered during the project.
Although you can build it yourself for about $12, Circuit Digest has launched a Kickstarter campaign offering the LiteWing as a $50 kit with essential components (other than the battery), a detailed video tutorial and a fully assembled Provides access to kit drone for $60. Connect your own LiPo battery and it’s ready to use right out of the box. Shipping will add $2 to India and $20 to the rest of the world, and shipping is expected to begin in November, right after the campaign ends. The success of the crowdfunding campaign is currently limited, perhaps because you can find a similar ESP32 drone on Aliexpress for around $40 shipped…
via Hackster.io
Update: This article about this project was first published on April 2, 2024 and has been updated after it was launched on Kickstarter under the name LiteWing.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software as a part-time job in 2010, then quit his job as a software engineering manager and began writing daily news and reviews full-time in late 2011.
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