This project is a Raspberry Pi PicoW–based micro size drone designed for hands-on experimentation with wireless control, sensor fusion, and flight stabilization. It uses coreless DC motors, an MPU-6050 gyroscope and accelerometer, and a Li-Po battery powered through a DC-DC boost converter. The drone connects to a mobile app via Wi-Fi for real-time flight control and telemetry. The total build weight is approximately 210 grams, making it lightweight and suitable for indoor and short-range outdoor flight tests, controlled wirelessly via the custom AirM Mobile App (v1.1).
| Component | Specification | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC Coreless Motors | 50,000 – 60,000 RPM, 3.7 – 4.2 V, 55 mm | 4 | Lightweight high-speed propulsion motors |
| Propellers | 55 mm (compatible with motor shaft) | 4 | Two CW + Two CCW blades |
| MPU-6050 Sensor Module | 3-axis Gyroscope + Accelerometer, 16-bit AD Converter, ±250 – ±2000 dps | 1 | Provides motion and orientation data |
| Resistors (SMD 1206) | 1 kΩ and 10 kΩ | As needed | Used for pull-up/pull-down and circuit balancing |
| Male & Female Pins | Standard 2.54 mm | As needed | For modular and flexible connections |
| Power Booster Module (MT3608) | DC-DC Step-Up Converter, Adjustable Output | 1 | Boosts 3.7 V Li-Po to 5 V for Pico and motors |
| Li-Po Battery | 3.7 V, 300 mAh | 1 | Lightweight rechargeable power source |
| Raspberry Pi Pico W | Dual-core RP2040, Wi-Fi enabled | 1 | Drone’s main controller |
| Breadboard | Mini breadboard | 1 | For initial circuit testing and prototyping |
| LED Indicator | 3 mm / 5 mm (red or blue) | 1 | Indicates charging or power status |
| Push Button Switch | Momentary type | 1 | Used for manual control or charging on/off function |
- 3D printer.
- Hot air gun.
- ScrewDriver kit.
- Soldering iron gun & paste.
Main connections:
- MPU-6050 → I²C Bus (SDA → GPIO 0, SCL → GPIO 1)
- Motors → PWM Pins (GPIO 2–5 for 4 motors) via transistor drivers
- MT3608 Output → Pico 5 V (VBUS)
- Li-Po Battery → MT3608 Input
- LED → GPIO 15 (with 220 Ω resistor)
- Button → GPIO 14 (pulled low when pressed)
- Common Ground (GND) across all modules
- Circuit diagram (Not Available).
The AirM Mobile App (Android) connects to the Pico W via Wi-Fi.
App Features:
- Real-time throttle, pitch, yaw, and roll control
- Live gyro feedback display
- Wi-Fi Direct / Hotspot connection
- Optional telemetry via MQTT or HTTP
Communication:
Uses UDP/TCP packets between the AirM App and Pico W firmware.
Language: MicroPython / C++
- Connect to Wi-Fi network (AirM App Hotspot)
- Read MPU-6050 data (gyro + accel)
- Compute PID for stabilization
- Control motor PWM outputs
- Receive commands via socket communication
firmware is self-designed with company support, optimized for efficient motor response and stable flight performance.
Special thanks to AirM for providing technical guidance, resources, and development support throughout the design and testing of this project. Their expertise in drone technology and embedded systems made this innovation possible.