What You Need
Prepare the hardware, software, tools, and test environment before you start.
ESPFlight Docs · v1 • Validated v1 documentation path
# Reference build essentials
Controller
Wemos D1 mini / ESP8266 target used by the v1.0.0 firmware baseline.
IMU
MPU-6050 module on the shared I2C bus.
Motors & frame
A four-motor ESPFlight-compatible drone build with verified mounting and wiring.
Power
A suitable battery/power arrangement matching the hardware reference and the modules you install.
# First-build checklist
| Item | Qty | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wemos D1 mini / ESP8266 | 1 | v1 reference controller |
| MPU-6050 | 1 | IMU module on I2C |
| Compatible board / PCB | 1 | Hardware Reference v1.0 or your compatible variant |
| Motors | 4 | Match your frame and power design |
| Propellers | 4 | 2 CW + 2 CCW, matched to motor direction |
| Battery / power connection | 1 set | Match the Hardware Reference and your built board |
| USB data cable | 1 | For programming the Wemos D1 mini |
| Android phone | 1 | For ESPFlight Application v1.0.0 |
# Development tools
Arduino IDE or compatible Arduino build environment.
ESP8266 Arduino Core 3.1.2 for the reproducible v1.0.0 baseline.
ArduinoJson 6.21.6, ESPAsyncTCP 2.0.0, and ESPAsyncWebServer 3.6.0.
A USB data cable and programming access to the Wemos D1 mini.
An Android device for ESPFlight Application v1.0.0.
A private local Wi-Fi network used by both the controller and the phone.
# Optional assisted-flight hardware
Ordinary manual flight does not require a range sensor. The v1.0.0 altitude-assist variant additionally supports an optional VL53L0X using Adafruit VL53L0X 1.2.5 and the existing I2C bus.
TIP
If your goal is a first manual build, validate the core platform first. Add optional assisted-flight hardware only after the base build is stable.