Devlog #5

Subject: Finishing the PCB

Date: 7/1
I finally finished re-routing the PCB; it was one of my most challenging tasks, as I had to manage various signal lines (SPI, UART, USB) while prioritizing noise control and isolation to prevent interference with the traces.
The board is essentially a flight controller (FCB) featuring an IMU, magnetometer, barometer, MCU, and flash memory, along with external connectors for the ESC, radio, GPS, etc. It measures 45x50mm—compact compared to commercial double-sided flight controllers—and is a 4-layer board.

Devlog #4

Subject: Rerouting the PCB
Date: 6/30
Today, I wanted to redo the PCB routing and component placement to reduce noise and the amount of copper and vias used.
I am trying to simplify the PCB placement and routing, aiming to use the fewest possible vias and clean connections.

Devlog #3

Subject: Start to making the firmware and nav algorithms

Date: 6/28
I have started developing the drone’s firmware—including PID control and navigation algorithms—by basing it on and modifying the firmware from my previous fixed-wing project to adapt it for a rotary-wing drone.
I also incorporated new filters and algorithms to leverage the STM32F4’s capabilities and optimize flash memory management.

Devlog #2

Subject: Finishing CAD & Adding Fasteners

Date: 6/22/2026
I was finalizing the CAD modeling; in this case, the only things I hadn’t done were drilling the holes for the countersunk screws, threading, rounding the chassis, and conducting motion studies to see how the drone behaves.

Devlog #1
Date: 6/16/2026
Subject: Making CAD Design
I decided to discard the original design I had created due to a reorganization of the FCB I’m going to use.
I redid the unfinished models, like the frame, and adjusted the size to minimize this. However, space management is a problem; accommodating the ESC, FCB, external GPS, and radio can become a hassle if I don’t carefully plan the placement of each component.
I’m starting to brainstorm ideas for my own navigation and management algorithm, primarily as an alternative to Betaflight and other similar software.