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My ESP plane

Fg_

Hi Element14 community,

I'm currently working on an innovative RC plane project using the ESP32 DevKit V1 as the flight controller. The goal is to create a competition-ready aircraft capable of real-time GPS telemetry using NRF24L01+PA+LNA modules for long-range communication. The system also includes a ground station based on Arduino Uno, which will receive the data and display or forward it to a mobile device.

Project Overview:

NEO-6M GPS module on the plane collects real-time GPS data.

Data is transmitted via NRF24L01+PA+LNA to the Arduino Uno ground station.

Optionally, the data is forwarded to a mobile phone via Bluetooth or USB.


Components Needed:

ESP32 DevKit V1 – 1x

Arduino Uno – 1x

NEO-6M GPS Module – 1x

NRF24L01+PA+LNA (with antenna) – 2x

NRF24L01 Adapter Boards – 2x

18650 or LiPo Battery + Voltage Regulator – 1x

Jumper wires and connectors

(Optional) HC-05 or BLE Module – 1x


I Would Like to Ask:

1. Can you help verify the feasibility of this system for reliable long-range GPS telemetry?


2. Are there any project references or documentation on Element14 that can guide me?


3. Most importantly, would Element14 be able to help provide or sponsor these components for my project?

This is a competition-oriented build, and I’m aiming for first place with a creative and technically sound solution. Any support, advice, or guidance from the Element14 team would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for your time and help!

Best regards,
Jeevan

Parents

  • I have two main doubts: power consumption and vibration resistance of typical modular connectors of Arduino modules when using inside flying model...

  • in reply to JWx

    Thank you for raising these important concerns!

    Power Consumption:

    I’ve taken power management into careful consideration for my flying model. Here’s how I’m handling it:

    The main controller is an ESP32 DevKit V1, but I'm open to switching to a more efficient variant like the ESP32-C3 or S3 for reduced power draw.

    For wireless communication, I’m using the NRF24L01+PA+LNA module, which can draw over 100 mA during transmission. To stabilize it, I’ve included a dedicated 3.3V regulator with decoupling capacitors.

    The NEO-6M GPS module draws about 30 mA, and it's powered separately from the flight controller to avoid voltage dips.

    Motors and servos are powered from a separate BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit), isolating high-current loads from the logic electronics.

    This separation ensures stable operation without brownouts or interference.

    Vibration Resistance:

    Absolutely agree that vibration is a serious issue in flight:

    I’ve avoided standard Dupont jumpers and instead plan to use locking connectors like JST or DF13, where possible.

    For modules with pins, I either hot-glue or silicone-seal the connectors to prevent them from coming loose mid-flight.

    All boards will be mounted on foam tape or rubber standoffs to reduce vibration transmission.

    Wires will be routed with enough slack and bundled to reduce strain on connectors.

    I appreciate your feedback and would be grateful for any additional tips or recommended materials. I'm also interested to know if Element14 could help supply or sponsor any of these components as part of this educational and innovation-driven project.

    Thank you again for your support!

Reply
  • in reply to JWx

    Thank you for raising these important concerns!

    Power Consumption:

    I’ve taken power management into careful consideration for my flying model. Here’s how I’m handling it:

    The main controller is an ESP32 DevKit V1, but I'm open to switching to a more efficient variant like the ESP32-C3 or S3 for reduced power draw.

    For wireless communication, I’m using the NRF24L01+PA+LNA module, which can draw over 100 mA during transmission. To stabilize it, I’ve included a dedicated 3.3V regulator with decoupling capacitors.

    The NEO-6M GPS module draws about 30 mA, and it's powered separately from the flight controller to avoid voltage dips.

    Motors and servos are powered from a separate BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit), isolating high-current loads from the logic electronics.

    This separation ensures stable operation without brownouts or interference.

    Vibration Resistance:

    Absolutely agree that vibration is a serious issue in flight:

    I’ve avoided standard Dupont jumpers and instead plan to use locking connectors like JST or DF13, where possible.

    For modules with pins, I either hot-glue or silicone-seal the connectors to prevent them from coming loose mid-flight.

    All boards will be mounted on foam tape or rubber standoffs to reduce vibration transmission.

    Wires will be routed with enough slack and bundled to reduce strain on connectors.

    I appreciate your feedback and would be grateful for any additional tips or recommended materials. I'm also interested to know if Element14 could help supply or sponsor any of these components as part of this educational and innovation-driven project.

    Thank you again for your support!

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