SkyByte Mini Wi-Fi-controlled drone runs the open-source ESP32-Drone firmware (Crowdfunding)
The SkyByte Mini is a simple, miniature drone powered by the ESP32-WROOM-32 WiFi and Bluetooth module, and comprised of an MPU6050 inertial measurement unit, coreless motors, and plastic propellers.
The Espressif ESP32-WROOM-32 module on the board provides a wireless connection that can be used to control the drone from a mobile app. The printed circuit board uses an “all-in-one” design that removes the need for 3D-printed parts and makes for a more compact final product. The drone’s functionality can be extended with external sensors to suit desired applications. It can be used for hobbyist and educational purposes.
SkyByte Mini drone specifications:
- Wireless Module – ESP32-WROOM-32 module, dual-core Tensilica processor, with integrated Wi-Fi + Bluetooth 4.2 LE
- Motor control – 4x SI2302 N-Channel 20V MOSFET
- USB – USB-C port for power and programming
- Sensor – TDK Invensense MPU6050 IMU 3-axis gyroscope and 3-axis accelerometer
- Misc- 3x debugging LEDs, 1x power LED, 1x charging LED
- Power Management
- Microchip MIC5219 low-drop regulator for voltage regulation
- TP4056 charge controller IC
It runs the ESP32-Drone firmware, an open-source mini drone/quadcopter solution for ESP32 chips. The ESP32-Drone firmware makes it possible to control the drone via an open-source mobile app (Android/iOS) or gamepad over a wireless connection.
The SkyByte is live on Kickstarter and has raised over $3,500 with 25 days to go. Available rewards include a single SkyByte Mini drone for $54 (Super Early Bird offer), one SkyByte Mini Drone for $65 (Kickstarter Special), and five drones for $295 (Saver Pack), The drone comes semi-assembled, but the battery must be purchased separately. Add-ons are also sold via the Kickstarter page. You can buy the assembled version for $33 extra, a propeller for $5, and a coreless motor for $7. More details are available on Kickstarter.
Frankly, it is the same thing as the Circuit Digest DIY ESP32 drone that you can build yourself with some effort, but less money (BoM cost: about $12) and with any upgrades you prefer. The PiWings 2.0 drone is another alternative that uses a dual-microcontroller setup with a Raspberry Pi Pico and an ESP8266 Wi-Fi module.
