SkyBound The Drone
About Course
Phase 1: Drone Anatomy & “Plug & Play” (Weeks 1–3)
Focus: Understanding the physics of flight and assembling modular kits.
- Introduction to UAVs: History, types (quadcopters, hexacopters), and safety protocols.
- The 4 Pillars of Flight: Understanding Thrust, Weight, Lift, and Drag.
- Modular Assembly (PnP): * Connecting pre-built frames, motors, and props.
- Battery safety (LiPo charging, storage, and voltage monitoring).
- First Flight: Using a standard RC transmitter/receiver to test a modular build.
Phase 2: The ESP32 “Brain” (Weeks 4–6)
Focus: Transitioning from commercial flight controllers to DIY ESP32-based logic.
- ESP32 for Robotics: Why use ESP32? (Dual-core, built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, low cost).
- Sensor Integration: * Interfacing the MPU6050 (Gyroscope + Accelerometer) for stabilization.
- Reading I2C data and visualizing it on a serial plotter.
- The Flight Logic: * Understanding PID Control (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) in simple terms.
- Writing code to adjust motor speed based on drone tilt.
Phase 3: Construction & Building (Weeks 7–9)
Focus: Hardware assembly, soldering, and power management.
- Frame Engineering: 3D printing vs. Carbon Fiber vs. Lightweight DIY frames.
- Soldering & Wiring: * Interfacing ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers) or MOSFETs for brushed motors.
- Power distribution: Keeping the “logic” power (ESP32) clean from “motor” noise.
- The ESP-Drone Firmware: Flashing the ESP32 with ESP-Drone or ESP-FC open-source firmware.
Phase 4: Control & Expansion (Weeks 10–12)
Focus: Advanced features and mission-based flying.
- Mobile App Control: Connecting the drone to a smartphone via Wi-Fi (UDP/TCP).
- Telemetry & Tuning: Real-time data monitoring and adjusting PID gains over the air.
- The “National Mission”: * Conceptualizing the Rocket: Discussing how drone flight logic scales to high-speed aerospace (hypersonic basics).
- Final Flight Challenge: Maneuverability and payload lifting.
Course Content
Foundations of Flight (The PnP Phase)
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The History of UAVs & Safety
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The Physics of the 4 Forces
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Modular Assembly (PnP)
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Pilot Training (Simulator & Real)