Project Hub /Test & Measurement Instrumentation/Multimeters, Voltmeters & Ammeters/Let's Build a Low Cost Drone using ESP32
Let's Build a Low Cost Drone using ESP32
Intermediate
ESP32
₹1,500 – ₹5,000
6 – 12 Hours
Partial Kit

Let's Build a Low Cost Drone using ESP32

Build a low-cost, WiFi-controlled DIY quadcopter using an ESP32 and MPU6050 IMU sensor, operable via smartphone apps or Python API.

Originally published on CircuitDigest
View original tutorial
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Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

This list includes a generic resistor set as a placeholder — it is not matched to the exact value or part number this circuit needs. The correct one is specified on the original source page linked above; check it before buying.

We don't carry yet: Logic ICs (74xx / 40xx)
Transistors (BC547 / 2N2222 / TIP / MOSFET)
Diodes (1N4007 / 1N4148 / Schottky / Zener)
SD Card Module
Header Pins / Terminals / Connectors
LiPo Battery
Drone Parts (ESC / propeller / flight controller / BLDC)
Screws / Nuts / Standoffs / Hardware
Capacitors
Custom PCB / PCB Fab

Browse all components

How It Works

Why Build This

Gain hands-on experience designing and programming custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) for embedded control systems and micro-aerial vehicles.
Understand the practical integration of sensor feedback loops, PID control tuning, and wireless networking using the ESP-IDF framework.
Apply undergraduate-level electronics principles involving MOSFET motor drivers, power management circuits, and inertial measurement units.

Real-World Application

Indoor flight training, aerial photography prototyping, educational drone research, and foundational autonomous flight system development.

Skills You'll Learn

PWM signal generation
I2C sensor communication
MOSFET motor driving
power management circuit design
embedded firmware flashing
IMU data processing
wireless drone telemetry

Safety Precautions

Exercise caution when operating spinning propellers. Ensure preflight checks are performed in an open indoor or safe outdoor space to prevent injury or property damage.

Technology Tags

ESP32
MPU6050
WIFI
DRONE
QUADCOPTER
C
PYTHON
FLIGHT CONTROLLER
PCB DESIGN

Frequently Asked Questions

You will need the ESP-IDF v4.4.5 development framework, esptool, the ESP32 Flash Download Tool, and the official ESP-Drone firmware repository to compile and upload the flight software.
The ESP32 outputs low-current PWM control signals which switch the SI2302 N-MOSFETs on and off rapidly, allowing them to safely regulate the high current demanded by the 720 Coreless Motors.
Yes, the onboard TP4056 Li-ion charger IC manages safe recharging of the 1300mAh LiPo battery whenever a power source is connected to the Type C USB Connector.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.
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