Working with drones is one of the best ways to understand embedded systems, control theory, sensors, and real-time firmware in a single project. LiteWing makes this learning process even more interesting by combining open-source drone hardware with the flexibility of an ESP32-S3 flight controller.
LiteWing normally runs a modified Crazyflie firmware, but integrating it with Betaflight unlocks professional-grade drone tuning features used in FPV and racing drones.
This LiteWing ESP32 Betaflight drone project walks through how to configure the LiteWing ESP32 drone using Betaflight, turning it into a fully tunable and research-friendly flying platform.
Why Use Betaflight on LiteWing?
Betaflight is widely used in real-world drone development because it provides deep control over flight behavior.
Once configured, you gain access to:
- PID tuning
- Motor configuration
- Receiver setup
- Flight modes
- Battery monitoring
- Blackbox flight logging
- Real-time diagnostics
For engineering students, this means moving beyond just flying a drone to actually understanding how flight stabilization works.
Pre-Requirements
Hardware Needed
- LiteWing ESP32-S3 Drone
- ExpressLRS (ELRS) Receiver
- ELRS Transmitter (pre-bound)
- USB Data Cable
- Compatible LiPo Battery
Software Needed
- Betaflight Configurator (v10.10 recommended)
- Chrome / Edge Browser
- ESP32 Betaflight Firmware (ESP-FC)
Step 1: Flash ESP32 Betaflight Firmware
LiteWing uses an ESP32-S3 flight controller, so Betaflight must be flashed manually.
Flashing Process
- Download firmware from ESP-FC GitHub repository
- Open Espressif Web Flash Tool
- Connect LiteWing via USB
- Select COM Port
- Upload:
firmware_0x00.bin
Flash Address: 0x0000
After programming completes, the drone becomes compatible with Betaflight Configurator.
Step 2: Install Betaflight Configurator
LiteWing does not ship with Betaflight preinstalled, so firmware flashing is the first step.
Step 3: Configure Hardware Pins (Important Step)
Initially, the drone model may not respond correctly because default pin mappings differ from LiteWing hardware.
Step 4: Fix IMU Orientation
If movement appears inverted:
Go to:
Configuration → Board & Sensor Alignment
Set:
First Gyro → CW 270°
This aligns sensor orientation with LiteWing’s physical layout.
Step 5: Battery Voltage Monitoring
Battery monitoring helps prevent deep discharge and improves flight safety.
Enable onboard ADC voltage sensing in Betaflight and configure calibration values according to LiteWing’s voltage divider circuit. After saving the configuration, reboot the drone and confirm that battery voltage readings appear correctly in the interface.
Step 6: Configure Motor Protocol
LiteWing uses brushed DC motors, not brushless ESCs.
Inside the Configuration tab, select the Brushed motor protocol and set the PWM frequency to 8000 Hz. Save the settings and reboot the drone so the motors respond smoothly during operation.
Step 7: Setup ExpressLRS Receiver
ExpressLRS is commonly used due to its low latency and reliable communication.
Connect the receiver power pins to 3.3V and ground. The receiver TX connects to the drone RX pin, while receiver RX connects to the drone TX pin.
Inside Betaflight Configurator, enable Serial RX for the correct UART port. Then open the Receiver tab, select Serial-based receiver mode, and choose CRSF protocol.
After saving and rebooting, moving transmitter sticks should produce live channel movement in Betaflight.
Step 8: Configure Flight Modes
Flight modes determine how the drone behaves during operation.
Assign a switch for ARM mode so motors can be enabled safely. Configure ANGLE mode for stabilized self-level flight, which is ideal during initial testing. Leaving ANGLE disabled allows full manual ACRO flight control.
Enable BLACKBOX mode if flight data logging is required for analysis and tuning.
Step 9: PID Tuning (Where Engineering Happens)
PID control stabilizes the drone during flight.
LiteWing requires custom PID values because:
- Lightweight frame
- Brushed motors
- Small propellers
- Short arm geometry
Replace default PID values with LiteWing-recommended settings and perform short test flights.
This step directly connects to concepts taught in:
- Control Systems
- Feedback Loops
- Dynamic Stability
Step 10: Blackbox Flight Logging
Blackbox records:
- Gyroscope data
- Motor output
- PID response
- Receiver inputs
After flight:
- Download logs
- Open Blackbox Explorer
- Analyze oscillations or vibrations
Configuring LiteWing with Betaflight transforms an open-source ESP32 drone into a fully tunable experimental platform. From firmware flashing to PID tuning and flight data analysis, the entire process mirrors real drone development workflows.
Once completed, you don’t just fly the drone - you understand why it flies the way it does.
Perfect starting point for anyone interested in:
- UAV research
- Robotics
- Embedded AI drones
- Autonomous systems Happy flying and happy tuning
For complete tutorial : How to Connect the LiteWing ESP32 Drone to Betaflight
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