Lightweight Quadcopter

C++
Python
Project Management
System Design
System Testing
Arduino
PCB
Drones
Visual Studio
Algorithms
Open Source
Communication
Hardware Verification
Documentation
Technical Writing
Hardware
Problem Solving
Spring 2025

This lightweight quadcopter project was developed to provide a simple, open-source starting point for future Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) students interested in drone development. The quadcopter’s frame is built entirely from a single printed circuit board (PCB), eliminating the need for mechanical design or 3D modeling, which many ECE students may not be familiar with. The main goal of this project is to make drone development more accessible and to create a documented path for future enhancements. Key technologies used include the ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 microcontroller for flight control, a gyroscope (LSM6DSO32) for tracking orientation, and I2C-based communication between sensors and the controller. Power is supplied by a 3.7V LiPo battery, and the system includes voltage regulation for stable operation. All design files and firmware are hosted in a GitHub repository to support transparency and easy collaboration. A major accomplishment was integrating all components onto a single PCB. Challenges included sensor tuning and debugging I2C communication. The Time-of-Flight sensor was not used in the final version but can be added in future improvements.

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Artifacts

Name Description
Github The GitHub repository contains all the code needed to program the quadcopter.   Link
PCB It includes all the KiCad files as well as the schematic of the quadcopter.   Download
Bill Of Material The quadcopter BOM includes all components needed for assembly, such as the flight controller, motors, ESCs, battery, sensors, and frame. Prices exclude tariffs and shipping.   Download
Repository This is a detailed walkthrough on how to order components, build, and program the quadcopter.   Download
Poster This is the team’s poster that provides an overview of the quadcopter project.   Download
Executive Summary This Executive Summary outlines the development, progress, and future plans of a lightweight, single-PCB quadcopter project designed to support future ECE students through accessible design, documented resources, and open-source collaboration.   Download
Project Summary Video This is the team's Project Summary Video giving an overview of the system.   Link
Project Document This is the project document that goes in detail about each block of the quadcopter, outlining system requirements, design decisions, and recommendations for future development. It serves as a complete reference for understanding how the quadcopter works and how each component interacts within the system   Download
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