Circuit Digest demonstrates how to build a budget-friendly quadcopter using an ESP32 MCU module, IMU, and four MOSFETs, with a total BOM cost of around $12 USD. The project, based on the ESP-Drone by Espressif, offers expansion options for additional modules and supports remote monitoring and control through cfclient software or a mobile app. While limited to local WiFi range and lacking a camera feed, it provides a fun and affordable DIY quadcopter experience.
China is considering using a foldable quadcopter named MarsBird-VII to assist in its mission to collect samples from Mars. The design, outlined in a journal article, describes a foldable copter that can autonomously deploy and collect up to 0.22 pounds of samples. The quadcopter would use a navigation method combining inertial and binocular vision to fly autonomously on Mars. While flight tests in a simulated Martian environment are yet to be conducted, the potential development of such plans highlights the growing importance of flight in Mars exploration.
Amazon is offering a 24% discount on the DJI Mini 3 Pro (DJI RC) Quadcopter Drone Camera, priced at $693.49 for Prime Day. Weighing less than 249 grams, this drone does not require registration and offers up to 34 minutes of flight time. It features a 4K video camera with a gimbal for smooth footage and includes the DJI RC controller with a built-in 5.5" HD display.
