There are already many cheap ESP32 drones on AliExpress, or you can even make an ESP32 DIY drone for about $12, but 01Studio’s pyDrone is a little different as it’s based on an ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 module and runs MicroPython firmware instead of the ESP32-Drone firmware.
The pyDrone can be controlled over WiFi or Bluetooth using the pyController gamepad, also based on the same ESP32-S3 module. Another advantage of the pyDrone is that it comes with a connector for the OV2640 camera module that’s often missing in other low-cost ESP32 drones.
pyDrone specifications:
- Wireless Module – ESP32-S3-WROOM-1
- SoC – ESP32-S3N8R8
- CPU – Dual-core Tensilica LX7 up to 240 MHz
- RAM – 512KB SRAM, up to 8MB PSRAM
- Storage – 8MB flash
- Wireless – WiFi 4 and Bluetooth LE 5
- Antenna – PCB antenna
- SoC – ESP32-S3N8R8
- Motors – 4x 716 hollow cup motors
- Blades – 46mm propeller blades
- Flight range
- WiFi – 120 meters
- Bluetooth – 60 meters
- Camera – OV2640 camera interface
- USB – Micro USB port for charging and programming
- Sensors
- 6-axis IMU (MPU6050)
- Barometer (SPL06-001)
- Electronic compass (QMC5883L)
- Expansion – 2x 8-pin female headers with 12x GPIO, Reset, V+, 3.3V, and GND
- Misc
- 4x LEDs (charging, power, calibration, and connection)
- Reset and Function buttons
- Battery cover
- Protective ring
- Battery
- 400 mAh battery, good for 8 minutes of flight
- 550 mAh battery, good for 12 minutes of flight
- Dimensions – Fits in a 130 x 130 mm square with the protecting ring attached
- Weight – 42 grams with battery and protective ring
pyController specifications:
- Wireless – ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 module as found on the drone
- Display – 1.54-inch color LCD with 240×240 resolution
- Controls
- Two joysticks
- Left, Right, Up, Down buttons
- X, Y, A, B buttons
- USB – 1x USB-C port for programming and charging
- Expansion – UART/I2C expansion connector
- Misc – Reset button, On/Off switch
- Battery – 1,200 mAh, good for 6 hours of flight
- Dimensions – 155 x 110 mm
- Weight – 132 grams with handle
I understand the pyController is not optional, or in other words, there’s no mobile app. I initially thought it might be because the solution relies on ESP-NOW communication, but the documentation, extensive but only in Chinese for now (they ask for help for the English version), only uses the WiFi or Bluetooth protocol. There’s also mention of socket and MQTT communication, so I assume an Android app could also be developed. The GitHub repository has more details. Resources like firmware, Python code for the drone and controller, PDF schematics, and documentation were apparently committed 3 years ago, but the first (and only) release is dated June 23, 2025.
The pyDrone can be purchased as a kit for $31.46 and up on AliExpress with all accessories shown below. However, this does not include the pyController, so you may want to select the bundle2 on the same link, since it adds the gamepad for a total of $54.18. The OV2640 camera module would need to be purchased separately.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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