We built a Drone using ESP32 for less than Rs.1000!

Full tutorial: circuitdigest.com/microcontro...
Build your own WiFi-controlled Drone! This easy-to-follow guide takes you through everything you need to know, from the parts list to flashing the firmware.
Control your drone from your phone and experience the thrill of flight! This drone is perfect for beginners and experienced flyers alike.
Long-Tail Keywords
esp32 wifi controlled drone, diy drone with wifi control, how to build a wifi controlled drone, diy drone project, esp32 drone code, esp32 drone circuit diagram, pcb design for drone, 3d printed drone frame, how to fly a wifi controlled drone, best battery for diy drone
Hashtags
#esp32 #drone #wifidrone #diy #droneproject #electronics #engineering #coding #3dprinting #flightcontrol #fpv
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[@AlexLebed]

for anyone wondering, Rs. 1000 == $12

[@youcube2]

I am indian I am good

[@GCAGATGAGTTAGCAAGA]

This thing probably controls better than the helicopters in GTA: Vice City.

[@chuckstidham2832]

I wish somebody would sell this as a complete kit.

[@matiasbrollo6871]

Son piezas fáciles de conseguir. Mucho más divertido de construir.

[@RameshKumar-kb7hp]

Its not worth it, as the wifi and brushed motors are huge limitations. Its not worth the time and effort I mean.

[@explorer_1113]

​@@RameshKumar-kb7hp well people have different needs, for a science project a simple indoors nano quadcopter is sufficient. But yeah, its really limited in terms of payload capacity, battery life, etc

[@vector3757]

1:58 coreless brushed motor!

[@Circuitdigest]

Right!! thanks for pointing it out

[@technocrat9984]

How to upload firmware and how to download it plz make a video of it. It will be really helpful to us.

[@KaniHarw]

Great Project and good explanatory video, It shows a lot of scope for improvement and tinkering potential for hobbyists.

[@Friendroid]

Thank you for sharing your project

[@KimasM]

TP4056 is only for correctly charging battery, it doesn't have discharge protection. just small correction

[@Circuitdigest]

Yes TP4056 is only for charging.

[@user-qv6gm2rv9q]

How many thrust of grams you can get each 1 motor . I used 716 motor it have 15g thrust

[@drelectronics13]

This has to be the best video of year 2024 , Btw who designed the pcb ,loved the all in one pcb design

[@user-eu9rp8en7b]

Thank you for sharing your STM 32 project,that have help for me❤❤

[@maifeeulasad]

Awesome 💯 Where can i find the source for that android project??

[@PCcreation6]

Bro which battery you are using and take sometime and check where these drone components available and tell bro for me also this is dream to build drone many asked about components you are telling different vendors but check and tell bro i don't know any vendors do this to me bro pls reply fast I need this information and bro send me 3D printed Enclosure and mounting screws link or file pls pls

[@user-iu2sj4xo8o]

What is the address of the bootloader file, partition and drone? It wants inside the software

[@nubyoz]

Great work. Would love to see that with basic FPV and recording... maybe 2nd ESP32 ?

[@Circuitdigest]

Possibly!

[@robertparenton7470]

Thank You! From Frisco, TX

[@henkdevries2971]

Might be fun to make a transmitter as well (repurpose old game controller?), using the ESP-NOW protocol 😉

[@Circuitdigest]

It can be done with some modifications to the firmware.

[@snopz]

It would be great if you use the esp32 s3 xiao sense from seeed studio witch have camera and its very small in size very cool project ❤

[@nebiru78]

very honest build what i mean nice explanation of the problems that you will might encounter

[@suomi35]

This is a wonderful project. Congratulations!

[@Circuitdigest]

Glad you like it!

[@SetoFPV]

can you add some sensor like optical flow, esp32 cam, so the functionality of the drone can be wider :)

[@Circuitdigest]

You can, but you might need to modify the design. The current design can support features such as Indoor position-hold flight, Height-hold flight, and head-free mode with by adding extra modules.

[@MaksymCzech]

Great work, good sirs

[@makemusic001]

At around 2:00 you mention a "coreless BLDC motor". These motors are not brushless right? Just to make sure I correctly understand the circuit

[@Circuitdigest]

Its a coreless motor, not BLDC .

[@PCcreation6]

Bro pls make a detailed video on pcb and products on your website and how to build drone from your website

[@romzeek]

BLOODY NO!! BRO

[@randallyoung6715]

What was your recommendation for the battery again, I couldn't understand what you said? 🤗Great video, I will try and build for sure...

[@Circuitdigest]

Hi,you can use a battery with at least 30C discharge rate.

[@ThePiyushD]

Very clever idea in pcb design. Can you share PCB design or sell the fabricated PCB?

[@Circuitdigest]

Hi, we have provided all the details including the PCB fabrication files ib our github. CHeckout the project page for the github repo link.

[@AVI-xo1kb]

@Circuit Digest can you make a detailed video on ov7670? I've seen and followed your post on ov7670 but I encountered several errors. Please think about it. I already half completed my esp32-based drone ( Not the one shown in this video but my own version ) and I am planning to use ov7670 for camera module and transmit data thrpugh nrf24l01 pa/lna module if needed for long range but for short range we can use websocket. Hope you think about this idea. regards

[@Circuitdigest]

Not immediately, but may be in the future.The NRF24L01 is not at all suitable for video transmission. You better look for some other option.

[@AVI-xo1kb]

@@CircuitdigestThx and do you any other options in mind for video transmission ? I used nrf24l01 for transmitter and receiver hence I thought it might be useful 😕. Any other video transmitters I've found were costly ( more than 1500)

[@amalcp4319]

how to cover distance over the wifi

[@abhijitpatil9697]

good job keep doing

[@omtajne2898]

Really great project!! Would be very helpful for tinkerers like me. Thank you

[@mteng20]

Can you provide a spreadsheet with all of the part numbers, cost and suppliers who you bought the components from? A list with hyperlinks to each of the components would be deeply appreciated.

[@Circuitdigest]

We have provided the manufactures part number for all the electronic components in the BOM.

[@satyajitl1374]

Hi there...i have an idea in my mind can you replace the esp 32 wroom module with "esp32 cam" so it can give live video feed...if the idea works then it will be a great diy fpv project

[@Circuitdigest]

Adding a video stream to the same module thats used for controlling is a bad idea. Video stream will need higher band width and it can cause issue with the control system when not in close range.

[@TheOneThingByPXM]

Subscribed - Do you have any tutorial or reference to grow through for Drone Programming

[@Circuitdigest]

You may check out the project page, it contains more details about the build.

[@yogeshlokhande6957]

Build this drone using esp32 devkit module. Make step by step video

[@P0K0]

I've a pi pico and 6050 imu, will use that to make this project 🙂 . Problem is those motor driver mosfet and 720 motors aren't available in local market. Code will be my own, so no problem

[@Circuitdigest]

The MOSFETs and the motors are easily available in varies ecom websites.

[@angappamegatech6530]

Amazing project

[@user-qv6gm2rv9q]

This is the great project i saw on KZbin 👍 i made this using esp32 wroom module and mpu6050 module it works fine thank you 😊

[@Circuitdigest]

You are welcome

[@Voyage06]

bro where did you sourced pcb as jlc pcb and pcbway are asking 1000 rupees

[@user-qv6gm2rv9q]

@@Voyage06 no they have published schematic on website it have all pinouts.so it's easy to make I used only esp32 board not pcb.good luck for your project👍

[@Voyage06]

@@user-qv6gm2rv9q bro can I contact you please share your Instagram

[@Prrprrlmao]

Would it be possible to use the CAM module, instead of the original so that we can also take photos/record during flight?

[@Circuitdigest]

It is possible. But you will have to modify the firmware.

[@REDMAGICGAMINGInsights]

watching with no load

[@wil6592]

Hello, can you please share the link to purchase the pcb?

[@Circuitdigest]

KiCad design and the gerber files are provided in the project page. You can use those files to order the PCB from any PCB manufactures you prefer.

[@pritishsahu6137]

This is a game changer for me

[@ankushsaha2975]

How can we order this PCB... and plz make a full making video... Please 🥺🙏

[@Circuitdigest]

PCB files can be found on the project repo. Use the gerber files to order them from your desired PCB Fab.

[@Rusty_Harsh]

Hello sir, how to use the circuit diagram and make the pcb. I don't know to solder small components, what can i do. Btw very nice video and the way you explain is very understandable. Thank you ❤

[@Circuitdigest]

Hi , if you don't know how to solder you may opt with PCB assembly services. Many PCB manufacturers offers PCBA. FYI PCB assembly services are not cheap.

[@Rusty_Harsh]

@@Circuitdigest if I go for the assembly service, what should I do with the circuit diagram. Should I give it to them or what for the assembly?

[@TheVedantPatil]

Hii, I had a dount, to print the PCB layout on a glossy paper do i need both Backside as well as Frontside of ESP32 which is given in your pdf ?

[@Circuitdigest]

The PCB design we have provided is a 2 layer PCB. it has lot of small vias. So i would recommend get it manufactured from PCB Fabs.

[@TheVedantPatil]

@@Circuitdigest can you suggest me some fabricators with affordable price ?

[@matteosaccaro9876]

great project. It's possible to have a link to buy a motors or a code to found it. Thank you.

[@Circuitdigest]

You can just search fro 720 coreless motor. Make sure you by two pairs, two with CW rotation and two with CCW rotation. same for the rotors. Code can be found in the github repo linked in the project hub.

[@matteosaccaro9876]

@@Circuitdigest thank you

[@StuckOn69]

you made such a amazing projext

[@PCcreation6]

Bro assembled pcb takes more cost Bro part name is not clear in bom for searching separately so pls provide list of proper name for searching and atleast names of vendors where you bought i want to try this project pls send fast and also screw and mount where you bought pls send urgent bro reply fast

[@Circuitdigest]

All the component part numbers are given in the BOM provided in the Github repo nd project page. we can't provide any certain vendor names since we bought it from various once during a time span.

[@vishusharma8566]

Are you guys shipping outside India? I would like to buy 2 drones to play with. They look really cool.

[@Circuitdigest]

Hi, sorry we don't sell the projects. We have provided all the necessary details to build it you self. Please refer the project page for more details.

[@kritarthjain293]

looking forward to build this drone....it will be fun 😊

[@Circuitdigest]

Have fun!

[@abhijitpatil9697]

bruh soo good

[@PCcreator06]

Bro which battery you are using and take sometime and check where these drone components available and tell bro for me also this is dream to build drone many asked about components you are telling different vendors but check and tell bro i don't know any vendors do this to me bro pls reply fast I need this information

[@PCcreation6]

Bro li ion battery 30c 360mah can be used or not and bro can you provide 40usd coupon because pcb assembled take 60usd if i want to order components separately you are not telling website do something bro there problem with pcb for everyone this problem only

[@Circuitdigest]

You can use 30C 360mAh battery, but the flight time will be less. We are not affiliated with any PCB Fabs, So Can't give you any coupons or such. You may group with others to order the PCB , so that the cost will be low. AS already mentioned we have given full BOM, use that to order from your vendor.

[@umeshwalkar8489]

which cad software used to design schematic. Orcad, Eagle etc

[@Circuitdigest]

Kicad

[@SoumyarnjnPanda]

can you suggest from which site we should order the pcb

[@Circuitdigest]

There are many reputed manufacturers. If you look at global level there are many such as JLCPCB, PCBWAY, NextPCB, VIASION etc. and if you are looking for Indian manufacturers you can try PCBPower, Lion Circuits, Robu etc.

[@SoumyarnjnPanda]

@@Circuitdigest Thank you very much, I visited Lion ciruits website for the pcb it says it cost around 1700 what you have mentioned is 100 rs or did I do anything wrong while ordering?

[@SoumyarnjnPanda]

It seems like everyone is having trouble while ordering PCBs. It would be a great help if you could share a detailed video on that or share any articles on how to order PCBs.

[@Circuitdigest]

@@SoumyarnjnPanda We have ordered the PCBs from JLCPCB, which cost only around 2$ + shipping for 5 PCBs.

[@PCcreator06]

​@@Circuitdigest but assembled pcb takes more cost

[@dipanshudhote5671]

what is the size of motor can use in this pcb

[@Circuitdigest]

These are 720 coreless motor.

[@godlovesyou70]

Can I buy it ? I want to do video shooting of my house and it’s asking for 4K for one shoot !

[@Circuitdigest]

Hi, We don't sell these. We have provided all the details to make such a drone on your own. And FYI this drone is not capable of and not meant for photography purpose.

[@spartans2371]

Can I use the 3D printer to print the base

[@Circuitdigest]

You can try to print them and glue them to the PCB. But they won't as strong as the PCB one.

[@KrishnaKumar-jl8pw]

You got one more subscriber for your hard work ❤, and some questions; what about flying time according to that battery,if it is low,then can we upagrade that?(Increase in capacity also increase the weight of battery thats why im asking) Anyway great video❤❤❤,you must make a drone with esp32 cam module 🫶🫶

[@Circuitdigest]

10-20 Minutes. you can change the batteries, but with increase in weight, you might want to change the motors, propellers, and the ESC.

[@KrishnaKumar-jl8pw]

@@Circuitdigest thanks for your response bro,are you from Kerala?

[@stonz-on-games]

Please tell me how can I make drone using the actual node mcu board

[@Circuitdigest]

If you mea using an ESP32 node MCU, follow the circuit diagram and connect IMU module and motor driver circuit on a perf board. keep in mind doing such may increase the weight and the rotors may not be able to lift it. Also keep in mind to mount the IMU in the correct orientaion.

[@user-iu2sj4xo8o]

Hello, can you also upload the code tutorial?

[@Circuitdigest]

Instructions on how to upload is also provided in the project page. I would recommend you to install IDF and use esptool to flash the code.

[@user-iu2sj4xo8o]

@@Circuitdigest Do you make a video on how to upload the code?

[@user-iu2sj4xo8o]

I esp download tool I installed and partition file and esp32 drone.bin I found it, but there was no bootloader file, where can I find it?

[@TerrellCornwell]

I wish someone would just create a project like this with over-the-counter parts-like a standard PCB instead of a custom one

[@Circuitdigest]

There are plenty of over the counter flight controllers available. the problem is that they are not cheap. So thats why we have make our own PCBs to reduce the cost.

[@mralonescientist2456]

Sir is raspberry pie can help something to build drone?

[@PCcreation6]

Bro if esp32 wroom32 not there can we use esp32 wroom32E N4

[@Circuitdigest]

Yes you can.

[@llejk]

How stable is the PCB? Would be cheaper to use a 3d printed frame, so it can be replaced if damaged? The PCB is expensive to replace.

[@Circuitdigest]

The PCB is very sturdy. We haven't faced any issues with the PCB's strength. But you can go with a 3d printed frame If needed.

[@Rahulkvijayan]

from where we can order the pcb?

[@Circuitdigest]

The gerber file is available on our website. You can also check how to order PCB there

[@user-qv6gm2rv9q]

What is motor type you used? 716?

[@Circuitdigest]

They are 720 coreless motor.

[@akashgangurde1651]

Can i make it work on micro ros ?

[@Circuitdigest]

You may. But you will have to write the firmware from scratch.

[@akashgangurde1651]

@@Circuitdigest is it too difficult , what other technologies I have to learn .?

[@moeezurrehmanansari4505]

Can someone send me the link from where I can buy this pcb

[@Circuitdigest]

PCB files can be found on the project repo. Use the gerber files to order them from your desired PCB Fab.

[@mounirbalir5631]

where can i find the application ? i mean the ESP_Drone

[@Circuitdigest]

We have provided link for the app in the project page. If you are an iPone user you can download it directly from app store. For Android phones use the link in the project page.

[@_forever.fame_]

How can I purchase the PCB

[@Circuitdigest]

We don't sell the PCB. But we have provided all the necessary files for you to order it your self from any PCB manufacturers.

[@giwamubarak3680]

Weldone

[@MysteryCat69]

Can I make this drone in Esp8266 I think the code will work the same😊

[@Circuitdigest]

No, It won't work with ESP8266. You may have to re-write the code

[@maplus8230]

I can't connect to esp from my phone and keep losing connection, but it shows up between networks. Can anyone explain this?

[@Circuitdigest]

May be you have check your ESP32. We haven't faced any such issues.

[@maplus8230]

@@Circuitdigest I uploaded your code to my esp32 without any additions. I just uploaded the code. Does this affect the connection?

[@amirphilip2234]

How can I get the PCB sir?

[@Circuitdigest]

The PCB files are provided in the github repo linked below the project page. Please check it out.

[@dailycookingwithayrin]

where is the gerber file for the pcb ??

[@Circuitdigest]

Gerber file can be found in the Github repo linked in the project page. In the repo look in Hardware/production folder.

[@allabouttech9993]

where is the gerber file of the pcb!

[@Circuitdigest]

Check the Github repo. You can find the gerber file in foldder called production.

[@user-qu3dk7ku8o]

Mai iski learning kaha se karu ki mai bhi aap ki tarah ise bilkul scratch se bana saku

[@Circuitdigest]

Full details can be found on the project page linked in the video description.

[@maryjane136]

Nice project! Well done. You swapped pitch and roll in your explanation showing the App. Probably that was the reason of your crashes??? Just kidding.

[@dipanshudhote5671]

how to upload firmware, i tried all three of them in my esp32 but no one works

[@Circuitdigest]

What was the error you are facing? And if you are building the firmware from the source, make sure to install version 4.4.x of ESP-IDF. With other versions you may face compilation error.

[@dipanshudhote5671]

@@Circuitdigest plz make a video on flashing firmware

[@ashwinrawat9622]

Where can I buy the pcb?

[@Circuitdigest]

Hi, You can make your own using all the details provided on the project page.

[@Circuitdigest]

We have provided PCB design files along with BOM on the project page. You can use that to order them from any one of the PCB fab.

[@ENGEC_MAMILLAPALLIPUNITHVINAYR]

Can I know how to access the pcb file from that git hub link

[@Circuitdigest]

You can find the Gerber file ESP32_drone.zip within the Hardware/production folder

[@chikutiwari6638]

How many rpm is your motor😮

[@Circuitdigest]

Rated RPM: 48000

[@dipanshudhote5671]

what is the thickness of PCB

[@Circuitdigest]

its standard 1.6mm PCB

[@rameshvallabh899]

👍Can the design be made more miniscule than this?

[@AVI-xo1kb]

yeah it can be but then you might need a separate frame to hold the motors cause the motors need to be a certain distance away from each other.

[@rameshvallabh899]

@@AVI-xo1kb Gearwheels? with just one motor....i dont know but just wondering.

[@Circuitdigest]

Can be. But may need to change the motors, propellers and batteries depending the on size.

[@tomgusa12]

👍👍 Do one need license or permission to use drones in public? Or even to use in my home premise?

[@Circuitdigest]

You don't need a licence to operate nano drone. The weight limit may be different for different countries.

[@deepshankarhalder8495]

If it is for the wifi cant we use esp8266

[@Circuitdigest]

The current firmware is written for ESP32 core.

[@PCcreation6]

Bro where did you buy pcb urgent pls tell

[@Circuitdigest]

We manufactured it from JLCPCB. You can use any PCB Fabs like JLC, PCBway. etc. You can use the gerber file provided in the project page. Or you can directly order it from www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/Low_Cost_Drone_using_ESP32_30d00350.html

[@PCcreation6]

​@@Circuitdigest bro link in pcbway takes 93usd very high cost

[@PCcreation6]

​@@Circuitdigest give any 80usd coupon in pcbway bro

[@roguesecurity]

Go for Indian PCB manufacturer like LionCircuit. You can get 5 PCBs for ~₹1500

[@eraofscience5365]

Please can you volunteerally help us with the PCB board??

[@Circuitdigest]

What help do you need?

[@kapilso]

How to actually build one ?? Soldering ?? nothing explained in detail

[@Circuitdigest]

Interactive BOM for the project is available on the project repo. You can use that to help you assemble it.

[@jaymondal7775]

subscribed

[@shortsblocker5076]

Make the same with esp32 s3 with cam

[@Circuitdigest]

Current firmware doesn't support camera feed.

[@shortsblocker5076]

@@Circuitdigest XIAO ESP32S3 i am talking about this module.

[@pavethranm8984]

Awsome

[@Circuitdigest]

Thank you senior

[@Bharath_.9]

can u make it without pcb

[@Circuitdigest]

You can, but it would be easier with the PCB.

[@Bharath_.9]

@@Circuitdigest thank u for replying me sir i was wondering that it is better if u make a clear vedio of assmbelling all this with pcb and all the libraries need i was trying to make drone since two year on wards it is not even possibiling

[@PCcreation6]

Bro I want to order from link of pcbway provided by you cost is 35usd ok I can use coupon but there are certain issues pls check pcbway they are telling there.are issues to be confirmed by you my order is pending since 4 days pls shortout the issues with pcbway urgent bro pls pls check it

[@Circuitdigest]

Because the PCBs have break away parts some manufactures may consider it as multiple designs in one PCB. So try to convince them its part of the same PCB. Or you may try other fab houses such as JLCPCB or Robu or any other you prefer.

[@elfellahioussama2485]

Could you plese give us Motor Part number?

[@Circuitdigest]

Its 720 coreless motor.

[@pritishsahu6137]

Sir how can we buy this

[@Circuitdigest]

We dont sell this, you can build it on your own

[@debjyotimusib2715]

If it depends on wifi Then the range of this drone is not more than 10m.

[@Circuitdigest]

For WiFi, depending on the antenna you can get anywhere from 50-200m range. And If we use WiFi LR it can be extended more.

[@greenearth00]

maximum range

[@ternocimadh5863]

1000rs are like 12€

[@Circuitdigest]

Yes

[@techstuffhere3158]

Where is the camera? Its now an rc helicopter😅 btw nice project

[@Circuitdigest]

It does not a have a camera. Just a simple drone. Starting with baby steps

[@SaranyaSuresh-iq2jd]

​@@Circuitdigest😊