Key Takeaways
1. Max Imagination created a custom drone named ESP-Blast that can exceed speeds of 108 km/h (67 mph) using an affordable ESP32 microcontroller.
2. The project was inspired by DIY drone teams Benjamin Bigg and the Bells, who have been competing to create the fastest RC quadcopters.
3. Max collaborated with Benjamin to combine their expertise in building high-speed drones for this project.
4. The drone’s components cost around $155, including propellers, a microcontroller, and a GPS unit, with the frame 3D-printed from durable PETG material.
5. The ESP-Blast weighs 136 grams, has a flight time of about five minutes with a 450 mAh battery, and Max plans to enhance its speed in future versions.
In a fresh video on YouTube, DIY engineer and creator Max Imagination unveiled his newest invention — a small, custom-made drone that can reach speeds exceeding 108 km/h (67 mph). This remarkable drone was assembled using the affordable yet robust ESP32 microcontroller.
Inspiring Collaborations
Max states that he drew motivation for this project from two DIY drone teams: Benjamin Bigg on one end, and the Bells — Luke and Maximo Bell — on the other. Over the past few months, these teams have consistently outdone each other in achieving the fastest RC quadcopters, with the latest drone surpassing previous records.
Collaboration and Expertise
For this endeavor, Max — who is famous for his impressive electronic projects and for sharing tutorials and 3D models — teamed up with Benjamin to leverage his knowledge in high-speed drones.
Building the ESP-Blast
Max invested around $155 on the necessary parts, which included propellers, a microcontroller, ESCs, a barometer, a GPS unit, and more. The frame of the drone was 3D-printed using an Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus 3D Printer (currently priced at $349.99 on Amazon) and made with durable PETG material.
After going through assembly, tests, crashes, and repairs, the compact drone — affectionately named ESP-Blast — reached speeds well above 100 km/h. It features a 450 mAh battery that enables it to fly for about five minutes and weighs only 136 grams. Max has plans for future versions to further enhance the drone’s speed.