Skyfall(BackAgain)

Project Skyfall

Open-source. Modular. Built to grow. Powered by ESP32-S3 and lots of prayers. ;_;

Render

What is Project Skyfall?

Project Skyfall is an open-source modular aviation companion built around the ESP32-S3.

Its goal is simple:

Build a reliable, expandable and hackable platform that can be customized for different aviation applications without redesigning the entire system.

Skyfall is not intended to replace certified avionics.

Instead, it serves as a modular companion platform for experimentation, education, research and personal projects.

Features

Modular Architecture

Instead of putting everything onto one PCB, Skyfall uses stackable daughterboards.

Examples include:

• RS-232
• GPS
• CAN
• AC Power
• Future expansions

Need a feature?

Add a daughterboard.

Don't need it?

Leave it out.

Emotional Support MCU™

The RS-232 daughterboard contains an independent ATmega328PB.

Its responsibilities include:

• Heartbeat monitoring
• Fault detection
• ESP32 reset
• RGB status indication
• System supervision

Official description:

Keeps the ESP32 from having a panic attack.

Heartbeat System

The ESP32 periodically sends heartbeat packets.

If they stop arriving, the ATmega immediately notices.

Possible recovery actions include:

• Fault logging
• Status LED update
• ESP32 reset
• Safe state transition

SkyBus

SkyBus is the internal expansion interface used throughout Project Skyfall.

It allows daughterboards to communicate with the mainboard while remaining stackable.

Current supported interfaces include:

• I²C
• UART
• Power
• Reset
• Heartbeat

Additional interfaces may be added in future revisions.

Expandability

The project was designed with expansion in mind.

Adding a new feature should not require redesigning the mainboard.

Examples include:

• New communication interfaces
• Sensors
• Displays
• Power modules
• Custom hardware

Open Source

Everything is intended to be open.

That includes:

• Schematics
• PCB files
• Firmware
• Documentation

Because knowledge should be shared.

Repository Structure

Project-Skyfall
│
├── Hardware
│   ├── Mainboard
│   ├── RS232-Daughterboard
│   ├── GPS-Daughterboard
│   ├── CAN-Daughterboard
│   └── ...
│
├── Software
│   ├── ESP32
│   ├── ATmega328PB
│   └── PC
│
├── Docs
│
├── README.md
├── CONTRIBUTING.md
├── CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md
├── CHANGELOG.md
└── LICENSE

Hardware

The hardware is split into independent modules.

Each hardware folder contains everything related to that PCB:

• KiCad Project
• Schematics
• PCB Layout
• BOM
• Gerbers
• Images
• Documentation

No unnecessary folder nesting.

One board.

One folder.

Software

Firmware is separated by platform.

Current targets include:

• ESP32-S3
• ATmega328PB
• PC Utilities

Each platform has its own documentation.

Project Philosophy

Project Skyfall follows a few simple principles.

Modular

Need something?

Add it.

Don't?

Leave it out.

Repairable

Hardware should be understandable.

Not disposable.

Expandable

Future hardware should not require redesigning the entire platform.

Documented

Good documentation is just as important as good hardware.

Open

Learning is one of the main goals of this project.

Study it.

Modify it.

Improve it.

Contributing

Contributions are always welcome.

You can contribute by:

• Fixing bugs
• Improving documentation
• Designing daughterboards
• Writing firmware
• Suggesting improvements

Please read CONTRIBUTING.md before opening a Pull Request.

License

See LICENSE.

Disclaimer

Project Skyfall is an experimental open-source project.

It is not certified avionics and must not be relied upon as the primary source of information for operating an aircraft.

Always follow applicable regulations and use certified equipment where required.

Credits

Project Skyfall is developed by Melih.

Thanks to everyone who contributes to the project.

One More Thing

If you somehow spent weeks reverse engineering this board...

...

Check the back.

There was probably a QR code.

"One day, I'll come back to see what you've built."

— Melih