ESC Board

FPV Drone PCB Full PCB + Code + Assembly

A comprehensive, fully open-source FPV drone platform: a two-board avionics stack (flight computer + power/ESC) complete with their codebase and a lightweight, robust airframe. All KiCad 9.0 design files, firmware, and CAD are included. Media of all PCBs, schematics and airframe are attached within this repository.

Overview

This project develops an FPV drone around two custom 5×5 PCBs: a STM32F411 flight computer and a STM32F405 power distribution + ESC board. esigned for compatibility with Betaflight (FC) and AM32 (ESC). Both are built around the STM32 chipset and designed to be compatible with BetaFlight and AM32 requirements.

Manufacturing Sponsor: Huge thanks to PCBWay for sponsoring fabrication and assembly of the MKII flight computer. Their high-quality manufacturing, quick turnaround, significantly accelerated the build process. Moreover, their service was excellent and addressed questions promptly and clearly. As a bonus, PCBWay offers affordable, unique silkscreen colours. PCBWay is highly recommended and proved to be a great fit for the FPV-Drone-STM32F411 project.

MKII Flight Computer 3D Model

What’s new (MKII & Airframe)

• MKII Flight Computer: UART and SWD flash options, cost-efficient and compact IMU (ICM-42605), oscilloscope-friendly SPI test pads, expanded test points, JST connectors, improved routing for debugability.
• Open-Source Airframe: integrated landing legs, structural reinforcements, and geometry to accommodate ~935 KV BLDC motors; CAD provided for easy printing/mods.

Airframe

The airframe is designed to be robust and lightweight with:

• Integrated landing legs and structural reinforcements for durability
• Geometry to suit ~935 KV brushless motors (modeled in CAD)
• CAD provided for printing and customization

Printing tips (suggested):

• Arms/plates: CF-reinforced nylon or strong PLA+/PETG
• Landing legs: TPU for impact absorption
• Verify clearances for your chosen motor + prop combo (aimed at 5″ class)

Hardware Details

Integrated PCB Design

• Flight Controller: STM32F411CEU6 (ARM Cortex M4)
• Power/ESC Board: High-current paths, AM32 compatible design

Connectivity

• All peripherals utilize SPI for high-speed sensor communication
• USB-C, JTAG, SWD
• UART port for external peripheral
• Backup Coin Cell Battery Port
• FTDI programming interface

Flight Controller Board

• STM32F411CEU6 microcontroller
• 12MHz external crystal oscillator
• ICM-42605 gyroscope/accelerometer
• BMP280 barometer for altitude hold
• L86-M33 GPS for postional tracking
• SX 1276 LoRa 915MHz Transciever NiceRF Module
• Power options, USB-C, LDO and External 3.3V Connection

Power and ESC Board

Power System

• SWD Flash
• DC-DC buck converter for efficient power regulation
• Support for 3S-4S LiPo batteries (11.1V-16.8V)
• XT-60 connector for battery input
• Electric Speed Controller for a BLDC motor

Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

• AM32 compatible
• 10A 935 KV motor capability
• Thermal management design

Software Compatibility

This drone design is compatible with:

• BetaFlight (recommended for racing/freestyle)
• INAV (for GPS functions)
• Ardupilot (for autonomous capabilities)
• AM32 (for ESC functionality)
• STM32CUBEIDE (Coded in C for entire codebase)

Bill of Materials

Electronics Knowledge

• Basic soldering skills
• Understanding of power systems
• Familiarity with microcontrollers
• Ability to flash firmware through CUBEIDE

Testing Procedures

1. Power system verification (voltage output, regulation)
2. Motor/ESC testing with oscillosocpe
3. SPI testing using oscciloscope test pads
4. Sensor calibration and verification
5. Radio range and failsafe testing
6. Controlled hover tests
7. Full flight testing

Media

Most Updated

Airframe

MKII of Flight Computer

MKII Flight Computer 3D Model

MKII Flight Computer PCB

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MKI Flight Computer Schematic

MKII Flight Computer Firmware Data Acquistion

Disclaimer: GPS outputs are example outputs

MKI of Electric Speed Controller

MKI of ESC 3D Model

MKI of ESC PCB

MKI of ESC Schematic

Historical

MKI of Flight Computer

MKI Flight Computer 3D Model

MKI Flight Computer PCB

MKI Flight Computer Schematic

Collaboration

This project is in collaboration with Ammar Mahmood and esb8, all PCB designs, CAD modelling, firmware modifications, and build documentation are developed jointly to ensure the highest quality and performance.

License

This project is released under the MIT License. All design files, including schematics, PCB layouts, and firmware modifications are open source and available for personal and commercial use with attribution.

Resources

• PCBWay
• BetaFlight Documentation
• STM32F4 Reference Manual
• ESB8 GitHub Repository
• Ammar Github Repository
• Project GitHub Repository

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This FPV drone project aims to combine and create a full documentation on the latest in drone technology with custom-designed electronics to create a high-performance, reliable platform for racing, freestyle, or aerial photography.