If you’ve received the DIY version of LiteWing, follow these simple steps to assemble your drone. No 3D-printed frame or complex tools are required. Everything fits directly into the LiteWing PCB, which also acts as the drone's structural frame. If you are completely new to LiteWing check out the LiteWing Wiki Page or watch this video on what is LiteWing Drone to learn more about our ESP32-based programmable drone development board.
Package Contents
Your LiteWing DIY kit includes:
1x LiteWing PCB (also acts as the drone frame)
4x 720 Coreless Motors
4x 55mm Propellers
2 Clockwise (CW) – Marked A
2 Counter-Clockwise (CCW) – Marked B
4x Rubber Grommets
4x PCB Legs / Stands
Tools and materials required
For assembling the LiteWing you will require some basic tools and materials that include:
Soldering Iron
Solder
Solder Flux
Wire cutter
Assembly Steps
Step 1: Insert the Rubber Grommets
Gently insert the 4 rubber grommets into the motor mounting holes on the PCB. These help secure the motors and reduce vibration.
Step 2: Attach the PCB Legs/Stands
Take the 4 PCB legs/stands and align them with the slots at the corners of the PCB.
Push each leg into its respective slot until it fits securely.
Once all legs are in place, solder them to the PCB pads to make them firm and stable.
Step 3: Insert Coreless Motors into the PCB Frame
Now insert each coreless motor into the rubber grommet slots.
Match the motor wire colours with the wire colour markings on the bottom side of the PCB.
Make sure each motor is placed in the correct corner as per the marking.
Step 4: Trim and Solder Motor Wires
Once all motors are in place:
Cut the motor wires to the proper length so they can reach the solder pads easily.
Solder the wires to the corresponding pads, as per the colour labels marked on the PCB.
Step 5: Attach the Propellers
You’ll find two types of propellers:
A → Clockwise (CW)
B → Counter-Clockwise (CCW)
Use the propeller markings and propeller direction labels on the PCB to install them:
Attach Propeller A to motors labeled A
Attach Propeller B to motors labeled B
Push the propellers gently onto the motor shafts until they fit securely.
Step 6: Install the Battery
Use a Velcro tie (or hook & loop strap) to mount the battery to the frame.
You can mount the battery on either the top or bottom side of the drone, based on your preference.
Make sure the battery is secure and the wires don’t interfere with the propellers.
Tip: See the How to Select the Right Battery For LiteWing section for battery recommendations.
Assembly Complete!
You're now ready to start flying your LiteWing drone. Make sure to review the preflight check and calibration instructions before your first flight.
You can either attach them to the bottom side, soldering SMD female header.
Should the Optical Flow Sensor be facing down towards the ground? However, if I were to use the SMD method of attachment the pins are mirrored - IF the lens is facing down on the bottom of the drone! Could you provide a picture of the LiteWing with the sensors attached.
I tried to match the pins of the other sensors, with the SMD in mind, and they will not fit on the bottom of the board. The components of the sensors obstruct the connection. Is it possible that the labels on for the SMD points are mirrored or backward? Has anyone else successfully SMDed the sensors? A picture of success would help. I assume that the ToF and Optical Flow sensor are to face the Ground?
If I were to use the headers, I would like to see a picture of where they go.
Use SMD pin headers to attach the sensors. And there are modules with different pinouts are available. Choose the one with the correct pinout
Thank you for the response. It would be very helpful to see a picture and source for the sensors. The ones I chose looked just like the one displayed on your site. Am I correct that the ToF and optical sensors must point down to the earth?
What about attaching/ soldering the accesory sensors? There are no pins to attach, Assume they are attached like SMD? If so, I have never done that before. Please explain in detail or a short video would be better. I have requested this on the KickStarter page, but no response for a long time. I do no want to waste a drone or the 3 accessories - NOT cheap. THank you!