ESP32-Drone

Objective

Design and build a fully open-source from scratch using an ESP32-WROOM microcontroller.

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• ESP32 dev board
• MPU6050 module

Option 1: Using Dev Container

• Install and Open Docker Desktop
• Install VS Code with Dev Containers extension

Option 2: Local Development

• Install Up-to-date ESP-IDF framework (v5.4+)
• ESP-IDF VS Code extension
  • Guide: https://github.com/espressif/vscode-esp-idf-extension/blob/master/README.md

Clone and build project

Using Dev Container:

git clone https://github.com/kvn147/ESP32-Drone.git
cd ESP32-Drone
# Open in VS Code and select "Reopen in Container" when prompted
# or use Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows): "Dev Containers: Reopen in Container"
idf.py build

Local development:

git clone https://github.com/kvn147/ESP32-Drone.git
idf.py build

Project Scope

• Mechanical: 3D-printed frame for drone.
• Electrical Hardware: ESP32 and MPU6050 to develop the flight controller and firmware. ESC for speed control. LEDs for error detection.
• Firmware: Sensor calibration, attitude estimation, PID control, motor mixing (pilot input translated to flight behavior).

Progress (so far)

• Research Articles and Videos.
• Gather Electronic Components (ESP32, MPU6050, LEDS).
• Set up GitHub & ESP IDF Project.
• Interface MPU6050 with microcontroller.
• 3D Print Drone Quad Frame.
• Attitude Estimation.
• PID Controller.

Resources

• Electronics: ESP32-WROOM, MPU6050, ESC, Motors, Propellers, Batteries, LEDS.
• Tools: Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer, Soldering, RC transmitter/receiver (?).
• Software: VS Code, ESP-IDF Extension, Fusion 360, KiCad (?), GitHub.

Meeting Agenda (06/25):

1. Gathering external components.
2. Decide on 3D printed frame.
3. Setup GitHub repo.

Future Meetings TBD