{"id":11,"date":"2025-12-31T12:52:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T12:52:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/circuitdigest.com\/wiki\/?page_id=11"},"modified":"2026-03-26T06:11:55","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T06:11:55","slug":"litewing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/circuitdigest.com\/wiki\/litewing\/","title":{"rendered":"LiteWing ESP32 Drone – Wiki Page"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/span>Introduction<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

LiteWing<\/strong> is a compact, WiFi-controlled drone based on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller.<\/strong> Designed for hobbyists, makers, and engineers, LiteWing offers a simple yet powerful platform for drone experimentation and development. It is an open-hardware<\/strong> project, making it easy to modify and expand.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Whether you’re new to drones or an experienced developer looking to create custom flight applications, LiteWing provides an accessible and affordable<\/strong> way to explore drone technology. Unlike traditional drones that require proprietary controllers, LiteWing connects to your smartphone, allowing for an intuitive flying experience without additional hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The firmware on LiteWing supports Crazyflie cfclient and cflib, meaning you can program and control your drone using Python and add more features like height hold, position hold, gesture control, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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LiteWing Version 3.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The latest version includes more GPIO pins, sensor mounts, LED indicators<\/strong> to make it easier to tinker with and program. The PCB frame design keeps it lightweight while reducing costs, making it one of the most affordable DIY drones available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"open<\/div>

Open Hardware<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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Fully open-source design with schematics, Gerber & Firmware available for download & modification<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Mobile App<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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Dedicated mobile app for Android and iPhone. No need for an external controller or Joystick<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Crazyflie<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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Comes with modified Crazyflie firmware with support for CFclient and add-on sensor integration<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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PC Control<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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Compatible with custom Python SDK (CFlib), allowing you to control the drone with Python scripts<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Betaflight<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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Supports Betaflight, an open-source flight control software for FPV enthusiasts <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Arduino<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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The on-board ESP32-S3 microcontroller can also be programmed using Arduino IDE<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>Specifications<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Category<\/th>Parameter<\/th>Specification \/ Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Core System<\/td>Microcontroller<\/td>ESP32-S3, Dual-core Xtensa LX7, 240 MHz, 512 KB SRAM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IMU Sensor<\/td>MPU6050 \u2013 3-Axis Gyroscope + 3-Axis Accelerometer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Communication<\/td>Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz (CRTP over UDP protocol)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Programming Interface<\/td>USB Type-C with CH340 USB-to-UART bridge<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Motor & Propulsion<\/td>Motor Type<\/td>720 Coreless DC Motors<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Propeller Size<\/td>55 mm or 65 mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Motor Control<\/td>MOSFET-based PWM speed control<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Power System<\/td>Battery<\/td>3.7 V 1S Li-Po battery, 20C or higher<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Charging Circuit<\/td>TP4056 Li-ion charging IC (1 A max)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Voltage Regulator<\/td>SPX3819, 500 mA low-noise LDO<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Physical Specifications<\/td>Frame Material<\/td>Custom FR4 PCB frame<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dimensions<\/td>100 mm \u00d7 100 mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weight<\/td>~45 g (without battery)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Payload Capacity<\/td>~25 g (with 55 mm propellers)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Optional Sensors<\/td>VL53L1X ToF Sensor<\/td>Height-hold capability<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MS5611 Barometric Sensor<\/td>Altitude-hold capability<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PMW3901 Optical Flow Sensor<\/td>Position-hold capability<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Control Options<\/td>Mobile Control<\/td>Android & iOS app (Wi-Fi based)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PC Control<\/td>CFClient support and custom Python SDK<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/td><\/td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/span>Quick Start Tutorials<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Basic Tutorials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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1. Select and Install Battery<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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2. Assemble Drone (DIY kit only)<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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\"flash<\/div>

3. Flash Firmware (Optional)<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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4. Fly with the Mobile App<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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5. Trim and Calibration Settings<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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Intermediate Tutorials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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1. Control Drone Using Python<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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2. Height Hold using VL53L1X<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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3. Fly with a joystick using cfclient<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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4. Reading Values from IMU Sensor (Optional)<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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Advanced Tutorials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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1. Gesture Control Drone<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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2. Betaflight with LiteWing<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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Tutorials using LiteWing Drone Positioning Module<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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LiteWing Drone Positioning Module Wiki<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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1. Height Measurement using ToF Sensor<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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2. Position Tracking using Optical Flow Sensor <\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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4. How to Control Neopixel Status LEDs <\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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\"position<\/div>

5. Position Hold on LiteWing Drone<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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6. Joystick Keyboard Control with Position Hold<\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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7. Autonomous Flight Path using LiteWing <\/strong><\/p><\/div>

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<\/span>Hardware Overview<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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ESP32-S3 Microcontroller<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The LiteWing drone is powered by the ESP32-S3<\/strong>, a highly efficient microcontroller that offers low power consumption and an increased number of GPIO pins for enhanced expandability. It is powered by a dual-core Xtensa LX7 core,<\/strong> capable of running at 240 MHz, accompanied by 512 KB of internal SRAM and integrated 2.4 GHz, 802.11 b\/g\/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 (LE) connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its improved computational efficiency ensures better flight stabilisation and allows seamless future firmware upgrades. The built-in USB interface simplifies programming, debugging, and firmware updates.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"ESP32-S3<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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MPU6050 IMU Sensor<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For precise flight stability, the LiteWing features an MPU6050 IMU<\/strong>, which provides accurate motion tracking and stabilisation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Programming Interface<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The LiteWing can be easily programmed through the onboard USB Type-C <\/strong>connector without the need for any external programmers or debuggers, thanks to the onboard USB-UART bridge controller and auto-reset circuitry.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"Close<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Designed for minimalist efficiency, the LiteWing drone incorporates an all-in-one PCB <\/strong>frame, eliminating the need for additional structural components. The frame includes hook & loop battery strap slots for easy mounting and removal of the battery.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Motor Drivers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The LiteWing employs PWM-based motor control,<\/strong> ensuring smooth acceleration and manoeuvrability with precision. The motor driver circuit is built around an N-channel MOSFET along with a flyback diode and a pull-down resistor.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"LiteWing<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"tp4056,<\/figure>
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Power Management<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LiteWing features a simple but efficient power management circuit:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Component<\/strong><\/td>Function<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
TP4056<\/strong><\/td>Battery charger with up to 1A charging current<\/td><\/tr>
SPX3819<\/strong><\/td>Ultra-low-noise 3.3V LDO for ESP32, IMU, and other components<\/td><\/tr>
Power Path Control<\/strong><\/td>P-Channel MOSFET and Schottky diode for automatic USB\/battery switching<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For detailed information on battery selection, see the Battery Selection Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Status & Debugging Indicators<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LiteWing features an intuitive LED status<\/strong> system for real-time feedback:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LED<\/strong> Indicator<\/strong><\/td>Function<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
PWR<\/strong><\/td>Power Indicator. On when LiteWing is turned on.<\/td><\/tr>
CHRG<\/strong><\/td>Charging Indicator. On when the battery is charging.<\/td><\/tr>
FULL<\/strong><\/td>Full Charge Indicator. On when the battery is fully charged.<\/td><\/tr>
SYS<\/strong><\/td>System Status. Slow flash indicates sensor calibration; normal flash when ready to fly.<\/td><\/tr>
ERR<\/strong><\/td>Error Indicator. On when the battery is low.<\/td><\/tr>
Link<\/strong><\/td>Link Status Indicator. Flashes when connected to the App or PC.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>
\"LEDS<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Audio Indicator Option<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

LiteWing also features an option for audio indications<\/strong> via a 1.25mm pitch JST connector near the ESP32-S3 SoC for connecting a passive piezo buzzer.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>Expansion Capabilities<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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GPIO Expansion Pins<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Pinout<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With extra GPIO breakout pins, the LiteWing is designed for expandability,<\/strong> allowing users to integrate additional sensors for enhanced flight capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Pin Name<\/th>Category<\/th>Description \/ Connection<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
IO15<\/td>General GPIO<\/td>ESP32-S3 GPIO15<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IO16<\/td>ESP32-S3 GPIO16<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IO17<\/td>ESP32-S3 GPIO17<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IO18<\/td>ESP32-S3 GPIO18<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IO19<\/td>ESP32-S3 GPIO19<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IO20<\/td>ESP32-S3 GPIO20<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IO1<\/td>ESP32-S3 GPIO1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TX<\/td>UART0<\/td>UART0 TX \u2013 Connected to TXD0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
RX<\/td>UART0 RX \u2013 Connected to RXD0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IO48<\/td>General GPIO<\/td>ESP32-S3 GPIO48<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SCL1<\/td>I2C1 (ToF \u2013 VL53L1X)<\/td>I2C1 Clock \u2013 Connected to GPIO41<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SDA1<\/td>I2C1 Data \u2013 Connected to GPIO40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SCL<\/td>I2C0 (IMU - MPU6050, Barometric - MS5611& Magnetometer - HMC5883)<\/td>I2C0 Clock \u2013 Connected to GPIO10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SDA<\/td>I2C0 Data \u2013 Connected to GPIO11<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IO13<\/td>General GPIO<\/td>ESP32-S3 GPIO13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3V3<\/td>Power<\/td>3.3V Regulated Output<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
GND<\/td>Ground Connection<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VBUS<\/td>USB VBUS Power<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IO39<\/td>Buzzer<\/td>Buzzer + (Connected to GPIO39)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
IO38<\/td>Buzzer \u2013 (Connected to GPIO38)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MISO<\/td>SPI (Optical Flow \u2013 PMW3901)<\/td>SPI MISO \u2013 Connected to GPIO37<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CLK<\/td>SPI Clock \u2013 Connected to GPIO36<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MOSI<\/td>SPI MOSI \u2013 Connected to GPIO35<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CS<\/td>SPI Chip Select \u2013 Connected to GPIO42<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Optional Modules for Assisted Flight Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Optional<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The firmware is designed with future updates in mind, enabling features such as position hold and altitude hold:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Module<\/strong><\/td>Interface<\/strong><\/td>Function<\/strong><\/td>Status<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
VL53L1X ToF Sensor<\/td>Auxiliary I2C<\/td>Height Hold<\/td>Tested and working<\/td><\/tr>
MS5611 Barometer<\/td>I2C<\/td>Altitude Hold<\/td>Coming soon<\/td><\/tr>
PMW3901 Optical Flow<\/td>SPI<\/td>Position Hold<\/td>Tested and working<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Assisted flight control is currently supported with the LiteWing App and the custom Python SDK. For setup details, see the New Mobile App Guide.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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<\/span>Firmware and Programming<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The LiteWing drone firmware is built using ESP-IDF, the official development framework by Espressif for ESP32-series microcontrollers. ESP-IDF provides a set of libraries, drivers, and tools essential for embedded development. Ensure your device is ready for firmware flashing. To flash the latest firmware to your LiteWing drone, you can use the web tool provided here. Click on start flashing and select the correct firmware version for your hardware and confirm that your LiteWing Drone is properly connected via USB and follow the on screen instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Use a supported browser (Chrome \/ Edge recommended based on chrome v86+).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Close other applications that may be using the serial port.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Use a reliable USB cable (data-capable, not charge-only).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • If flashing fails, try reconnecting the device in download mode or lowering the baud rate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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    \n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/span>\n \u26a1 LiteWing Firmware Flasher<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
    \n <\/span>\n LIVE TOOL<\/span>\n Chrome \/ Edge only<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n \n