Open Source C Drone Software

DroneBridge for ESP32 is lightweight firmware that turns inexpensive ESP32 boards into wireless telemetry links for drones and other vehicles. It bridges serial data to standard Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Long Range, ESP-NOW, or Bluetooth Low Energy. MAVLink, MSP, LTM, and arbitrary serial payloads can be transported through the system. Standard Wi-Fi can reach roughly 150 meters, while compatible ESP-NOW or long-range Wi-Fi setups can extend much farther. Traffic can be encrypted with AES-256-GCM, including broadcast-based ESP-NOW communication. A web interface handles configuration, and over-the-air updates simplify maintenance. The project focuses on telemetry and low-data-rate communication rather than video transmission.

ESP-Drone is an open-source quadcopter platform built around Espressif ESP32, ESP32-S2, and ESP32-S3 microcontrollers. It combines lightweight hardware with firmware derived in part from the Crazyflie project. Pilots can control the drone through a mobile application or compatible gamepad over wireless connections. Stabilize mode provides basic assisted flight, while additional hardware enables height-hold and position-hold modes. The project supports the Crazyflie client ecosystem and ESP-BOX3 joystick control through ESP-NOW. Android and iOS companion application source code is available separately. Its simple architecture makes it particularly suitable for education, experimentation, and embedded drone development.

ExpressLRS is an open-source radio-control link system designed for low latency, long range, and high update rates. It supports 2.4 GHz, 900 MHz, and dual-band radio hardware from many manufacturers. Packet rates can reach up to 1000 Hz on supported configurations. Receivers can expose protocols including CRSF, SBUS, SUMD, HoTT telemetry, MAVLink, and PWM. Firmware updates can be delivered over Wi-Fi, while Bluetooth or Wi-Fi modes can emulate a simulator joystick. Bind phrases simplify pairing without requiring physical bind-button procedures. The project also supports telemetry, displays, and remote configuration of compatible video transmitters and receivers.

dRonin is an open-source autopilot and flight-controller firmware for hardware derived from the OpenPilot and Tau Labs ecosystems. It is designed for acrobatic flying, racing, autonomous flight, and vehicle research. The project supports a broad range of flight-control boards, including OpenPilot Revolution, BrainFPV, Sparky, Quanton, and several racing-oriented controllers. Its architecture combines embedded flight firmware with supporting ground-control and configuration software. Navigation-capable targets can support more advanced autonomous behavior, while lighter boards can be used for racing and manual flight. The project was released under the GPL and presented as production-ready during active development. It is primarily valuable today as a mature open-source reference for multirotor and aircraft flight-control software.

The DTC (Drone Traffic Control) project for air traffic drones. It also utilizes DGPS for accurate position measurement of the drones.

The AR Drone is a quadrotor helicopter sold by Parrot. Parrot sells the drone as a toy controlled via a wireless device such as Ipods, Ipads, or Android based devices. Parrot advertises the toy as an advance in gaming because the control devices will project a virtual reality allowing users to play with their physical drone with an enhanced version on their controller where bullets or hot air balloons must be avoided in the virtual world. KIPR, KISS Institute for Practical Robotics is an organization that facilitates the learning of robotics programming in middle and high school students to peak an interest in computer science. To do this they hold competitions around the world called botball where students program autonomous land robots to perform various sets of tasks. KIPR, now wants to expand and leave the ground by integrating flying robots (the AR Drone) into the tasks for added interest, fun, and challenge for students.