Building a Budget-Friendly Drone with Arduino Boards

Overview

• Introduction to a video series on building a drone on a budget using Arduino boards.
• The focus of the first video is creating a custom six-channel transmitter and receiver.
• The setup is budget-friendly and comparable to a commercial Fly Sky system.
• Future videos will cover assembling the drone.

Components for the Transmitter and Receiver

• Transmitter Components:
  • Zero PCB
  • Two joystick modules (one for throttle and yaw, the other for roll and pitch)
• Receiver Components:
  • Arduino Nano
  • NRF24 module
  • 3.3V adapter

Building the Transmitter

• Layout all components on the Zero PCB.
• Follow a simple, straightforward connection diagram.
• Solder the components together.
• Outcome: Clean front side, messy back side.

Sponsor: LDM 365 and Student Lab

• LDM Designer: PCB design software.
• LDM 365: Cloud-based collaboration tool.
• Free access to tools and courses for electronics design.
• Certificates recognized by leading industries in India.

Designing the PCB

• Use LDM Designer for professional PCB creation.
• Next video will use the professionally designed PCB for the drone project.

Programming the Transmitter

• Required Library: NRF24 Library.
• Codes available in the video description.
• Use Arduino Nano board to upload the code.
• Outcome: OLED display works perfectly, transmitter part ready.

Building and Programming the Receiver

• Connect the NRF24 module using a 3.3V adapter to the Arduino Nano.
• Follow the provided circuit diagram.
• Add a fail-safe mode to gradually reduce throttle for smooth landings.
• Upload the code to the receiver.

Troubleshooting

• Initial issues: Delay in receiver response.
• Solution: Add a 100uF capacitor between NRF VCC and ground.
• Disconnected the OLED to improve response time.
• Final code available in the description.

Additional Features

• 3D printed case for the transmitter is available.
• Files for the 3D case are downloadable from the project website.

Conclusion

• The video ends with the preparation for the next part of building a fully functional Arduino-powered drone.
• Encouragement to subscribe, hit the bell icon, and like the video.
• Acknowledgement of the sponsor, LDM 365.
• Teaser for next part: Using custom transmitter and receiver for the drone.

These notes summarize the key points and steps from the presented video for building a budget-friendly drone using Arduino boards. The video focuses on creating a custom transmitter and receiver, with future videos covering the complete assembly of the drone.