Introduction
This guide covers downloading and flashing firmware for the LiteWing ESP32-S3 drone. You can either build firmware from source using ESP-IDF or flash pre-compiled binary files. The LiteWing firmware is based on ESP-IDF v4.4 with modifications to fix several issues from the original Espressif code.
⇒ Method 1: Setting Up ESP-IDF
If you want to modify the firmware or compile the firmware by yourself, you will need to install some prerequisites
Prerequisites
To develop and upload firmware for the LiteWing drone, you need to set up ESP-IDF on your system. Follow the official ESP-IDF Programming Guide for installation and setup instructions.
Repository Setup
Building from Source
⇒ Method 2: Flashing Pre-compiled Firmware
If you don’t want to modify the firmware and just need to reflash or update the firmware, download the latest firmware binary files from the following link
Binary File Flash Addresses
When using binary flashing methods, ensure correct flash addresses:
Download Firmware Files
Option 1: ESP Flash Download Tool (Windows)
Flash Configuration
Flash Progress
The flashing process will start and show progress:
Option 2: ESPtool.js (Web-based, Cross-platform)
For users without a Windows PC or who prefer web-based tools:
Note: Sometimes the ESP32-S3 won't automatically reset after flashing is completed due to web API limitations. In that case, manually reset the LiteWing using the Reset button onboard.
Post-Flash Setup
Once the firmware is flashed successfully, you are ready to fly the LiteWing. Follow the instructions provided in the Mobile App Flight Guide to start flying the LiteWing.
Troubleshooting
Document Index
Last Updated: December 8, 2025 | Build Status: Tested & Verified
Hi, You can find the full source code in the LiteWing GitHub repo linked in the tutorial.
Hi, Can you tell me how to change the ssid and password of this drone?
Hi,
You have to use ESP_IDF as described by Jobit Joseph
use menuconfig
Select EspDrone config
then select Wireless config
all what you need is there
hi Jobit Joseph,
Can you confirm link for ESP IDF source code, The one linked in this tutorial is ARDUINO one
Kind regards
Hi jobit Joseph,
thanks a lot for all your great work on this project.
I finally succeed to install the ESP IDF and your firmware;
now I am developing a hardware remote controller for this but I cannot find the UDP port parameter.
Would you be kind to tell me witch UDP port is used or where I can find it in the ESP IDF
Rgds
OK I spy and get it !
Hi jobit Joseph,
I am now trying to have a ESP_now version to controle liteWing
I try you esp_now sketch on github but cannot compile directly and had to adapt a little bit to my own configuration.
Now it compile , run and say joystick data has been sended but nothing happen on drone side.
Is there any too I can use with ESP-IDF to check what the drone receive and then fix my coding ?
Thanks
under powershell I can see some information that seem MAC
I (612) wifi:mode : softAP (dc:b4:d9:06:13:a9)
then
I (626) espnow: mac: dc:b4:d9:06:13:a8, version: 2
Witch one should I use in the sketch for the remote controler for
i want to use a commercial transmitter like the fsi6 with it how can i do that ?
Hi,
Thanks for those clear explanations, flashing the ready-made (Bin) firmware work like a charm, but how to modify and adapt some more functions as the source code you provide is not the one that is ready-made !
Would you be kind to share the latest source code, as this is supposed to be open source and open to analysis and upgrade ?