Electronics for Makers: Design Flight Computers & Controller from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn electronic fundamentals and key components
Apply your knowledge to design functional circuits

Bring your circuits to life with pcb design software
Create your first custom pcb for your own project

Learn electronic fundamentals and key components
Apply your knowledge to design functional circuits
Bring your circuits to life with pcb design software
Create your first custom pcb for your own project

Syllabus

Introduction

Electronics Fundamentals

The Electron

Current

Buffalo Rev. D is our self-designed flight computer that controlled the actively stabilized ascents of our Buffalo rocket back in 2020 to 2022 (see YouTube).

It is the predecessor of Buffalo Rev. E. and was the first flight computer with which we achieved an actively stabilized ascent.

All major flight computer components, such as the inertial measurement unit, the barometer, and the microcontroller are implemented as breakout boards, which makes this board beginner-friendly.

It has a board outline of 75 by 65mm.

What you get:

The schematic and layout of the PCB.
Production files (Gerber, Bill of Materials, and Pick and Placement) that enable you to order your Buffalo Rev. D flight computer.
EasyEDA project file, allowing you to make adjustments to the design to best fit your projects.

The flight computer incorporates the following features:

Microcontroller:

A Teensy 4.1 microcontroller breakout board that features 600MHz CPU speed and an onboard SD card.

Power management:

The board is powered by a three-celled Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery
An ASM1117-3.3 3.3V linear voltage regulator that regulates the provided LiPo Battery voltage (11.1 - 12.6V) and powers most of the ICs.
An ASM1117-5 5V linear voltage regulator to regulate the LiPo battery input voltage, with which the microcontroller, the MPU6050 breakout, the HC12 breakout, the buzzer, RGB led, and the servos are powered.
Two fuses for over-current protection (one to protect the microcontroller and one to protect the entire board).

Sensors:

MPU6050 breakout board (accelerometer and gyroscope)
BMP280 breakout board (barometer)
HC12 breakout board (radio module)

Outputs:

Three servo ports. Two of them control the two axes of the thrust vector control system, and one either controls a thrust-blocking system or a parachute deployment mechanism.
One pyro channel to either power an electric ignitor or a heating wire.
A RGB LED, through which flight states can be indicated.
A display port to which a 7-segment display with a TM1637 display driver could be attached.

Limitations:

The MPU6050's gyroscope is prone to relatively high sensor drifts, which will make an actively stabilized ascent more difficult than more up-to-date options. (We demonstrated that it is still possible with the Buffalo Flight Four (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_s8bj3K7qk)
Furthermore, there are severe current limitations when using the servo ports, as the 5V voltage regulator can only withstand a total of 1A in normal operation conditions. A standard 9g servo usually draws around 1A. Two of them are, therefore, too much for the LDO to handle.
When buying the breakout boards for this PCB, please always check the pin outline first, as they might not match with the PCB. The BMP280 for example is mirrored for most available breakout boards.
Another design flaw of this PCB is the buffer capacitor in front of the HC12 module. This capacitor should not be added as it interferes with the voltage regulator unit.

The drawbacks that I just outlined are important to keep in mind when considering buying the files of this flight computer. When building your version of this flight computer, you should make some modifications to counteract some of these circumstances. (That's why I also provided the EasyEDA project files!)

There's a high chance that this PCB will not suit you, and there might be better options around, which you might want to choose rather (Buffalo Rev. E, Buffalo Perf, etc.)

Buffalo Performance is our self-designed flight computer that controls the actively stabilized ascents of our Buffalo mini rocket (see YouTube).

It weighs less than 11g, has a board outline of 45 by 40mm, controls a two-axis thrust vector control system, and features two pyro channels for engine ignition and parachute deployment.

What you get:

The schematic and layout of the PCB.
Production files (Gerber, Bill of Materials, and Pick and Placement) that enable you to order your Buffalo Performance flight computer.
EasyEDA project file, allowing you to make adjustments to the design to best fit your projects.

The flight computer incorporates the following features:

Microcontroller:

An ESP32-WROOM-32E microcontroller that features 240MHz CPU speed, Bluetooth & WiFi functionality, and 16MB of SPI flash storage.
A CP2102 USB-to-UART bridge, enabling the user to program the board via an incorporated micro USB port.

Power management:

The board is powered by a single-celled Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery
Features an MCP73831 battery charging IC, which enables direct charging of the battery through the micro USB port.
An AP2112K-3.3TRG1 3.3V linear voltage regulator that either regulates the provided USB port voltage (5V) or the LiPo Battery voltage (3.2 - 4.2V) and powers most of the ICs.

Sensors:

Bosch's BMI088 three-axis gyroscope and accelerometer to determine orientation
Bosch's BMP388 barometer to determine altitude
A voltage divider to measure the battery voltage.

Outputs:

Two servo ports that are powered directly by the input voltage and are used to control the two axes of the thrust vector control system.
Two pyro channels. One for igniting the engine with an electric ignitor, and another to deploy the parachute by burning through a rubber band with a heating wire.
A RGB LED, through which flight states can be indicated.
And finally, a RunCam port, through which an onboard camera could be powered.

Buffalo Rev. E is our self-designed flight computer that controls our Buffalo L rocket, which is aimed at achieving a propulsive landing. It was successfully actively stabilized twice (see YouTube) and has a board outline of 80 by 65mm.

Now, you can unlock its full potential for your projects by purchasing its design files!

What you get:

The schematic and layout of the PCB.
Production files (Gerber, Bill of Materials, and Pick and Placement) that enable you to order your Buffalo Performance flight computer.
EasyEDA project file, allowing you to make adjustments to the design to best fit your projects.

The flight computer incorporates the following features:

Microcontroller:

An ESP32-WROOM-32E microcontroller that features 240MHz CPU speed, Bluetooth & WiFi functionality, and 16MB of SPI flash storage.
A CP2102 USB-to-UART bridge enables the user to program the board via an incorporated micro USB port.

Power management:

The board is powered by a three-celled Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery
Features a 5V buck converter circuit that is able to provide up to 3A output current.
An AP2112K-3.3TRG1 3.3V linear voltage regulator that either regulates the provided USB port voltage (5V) or the from the LiPo step-down regulated 5V and powers most of the ICs.

Sensors:

Bosch's BMI088 three-axis gyroscope and accelerometer to determine orientation
Bosch's BMP388 barometer to determine altitude
A voltage divider to measure the battery voltage.
An SD card slot for flight data storage.

Outputs:

Five servo ports are used to control two sets of thrust vector control systems and a thrust blocking system.
Four pyro channels for mechanism deployment by heating wires.
One pyro channel with five screw terminal blocks for igniting up to five descent engines simultaneously.
A RGB LED, through which flight states can be indicated.

Don't worry if you're new to ordering PCBs or unsure about Buffalo Rev. E's functionality – we've got you covered! On our Patreon, we uploaded a video that guides you through the PCB ordering process.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Begins with electronic fundamentals and progresses to PCB design, which is suitable for learners with little to no prior experience in electronics

Uses EasyEDA design software, which is a popular tool for creating schematics, placing components, and routing PCB traces, making it easier to learn PCB design

Provides access to flight computer design files for personal use and inspiration, which can accelerate the learning process and provide practical examples

Includes hands-on activities after each lecture to help learners apply and solidify their understanding of the concepts, components, and circuits

Focuses on designing flight computers, but the knowledge gained can be applied to drones, RC cars, RC planes, and other innovative applications, broadening its appeal

Includes design files for the Buffalo Rev. D flight computer, which uses the MPU6050, an older sensor prone to drifts, which may require modifications to counteract its limitations

Reviews summary

Practical electronics & pcb design for makers

According to learners, this course provides a strong practical path to designing your own electronics, particularly custom PCBs for maker projects like flight computers. Many highlight the clear explanations and the step-by-step guide to PCB design using EasyEDA as especially valuable and a game changer. The course is seen as a good bridge between theory and practice. While the provided Buffalo design files are appreciated as a great bonus, some students noted that the initial sections on electronic fundamentals and circuits might move too quickly for absolute beginners, suggesting some prior knowledge could be helpful.

Buffalo design files are a valuable resource.

"The Buffalo design files are a great bonus, providing a real-world example to study and modify."

"The provided design files are a fantastic resource to learn from."

"The Buffalo files are super helpful for seeing how it all comes together."

Instructor explains complex topics clearly.

"Johannes explains complex topics in a way that's easy to understand..."

"Instructor is knowledgeable and clear."

"The way Johannes explains voltage, current, and components is brilliant."

Highly valued for its hands-on PCB design guide.

"This course is exactly what I was looking for! It bridges the gap between theoretical electronics and practical application... The focus on EasyEDA and PCB design is incredibly useful."

"The step-by-step guide to PCB design in EasyEDA is gold. I feel much more confident about designing my own boards now."

"Finally, a course that teaches you how to actually *make* something! The hands-on approach to PCB design in EasyEDA is brilliant."

"The EasyEDA section is particularly strong. It's a good starting point for makers wanting to move beyond breadboards..."

Some felt earlier sections could go deeper.

"My only minor criticism is that some parts could go a little deeper..."

"...while giving examples, [circuit design] didn't always explain the 'why' behind component choices or circuit configurations deeply enough."

"The earlier sections... don't provide enough detail..."

May be fast-paced for those with zero prior knowledge.

"...I felt the fundamentals were rushed... I wouldn't recommend it if you're starting from 'zero knowledge' as advertised."

"The earlier sections on fundamentals and circuits are a bit basic and don't provide enough detail for true beginners..."

"If you have some electronics background, this might be a good bridge..., but I wouldn't recommend it if you're starting from 'zero knowledge'..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Electronics for Makers: Design Flight Computers & Controller with these activities:

Review Basic Electronics Concepts

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Reinforce your understanding of fundamental electronics concepts like Ohm's Law, voltage, current, and resistance to prepare for the more advanced topics covered in the course.

Browse courses on Ohm's Law

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Review online resources and tutorials.
Work through practice problems.
Take a basic electronics quiz.

Read 'Make: Electronics'

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Supplement the course with a maker-focused electronics book to gain practical skills and inspiration for your own projects.

View Make: Electronics on Amazon

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Read chapters relevant to your interests and projects.
Build some of the projects described in the book.
Use the book as a reference for troubleshooting and design.

Review 'Practical Electronics for Inventors'

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Supplement the course material with a comprehensive electronics reference book to deepen your understanding of key concepts and circuit design principles.

View Practical Electronics for Inventors, Fourth... on Amazon

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Read relevant chapters on components and circuits.
Work through example problems.
Refer to the book for clarification on course topics.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Build a Simple LED Circuit

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Apply your knowledge of basic circuits by building a simple LED circuit on a breadboard to gain hands-on experience with components and wiring.

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Gather the necessary components.
Wire the circuit on a breadboard.
Test the circuit and troubleshoot any issues.

Follow EasyEDA Tutorials

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Refine your PCB design skills by following EasyEDA tutorials to learn advanced features and techniques for creating professional-quality circuit boards.

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Explore the EasyEDA website and documentation.
Complete tutorials on schematic capture and PCB layout.
Practice designing simple circuits in EasyEDA.

Design a Custom Flight Computer Module

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Solidify your understanding of PCB design by creating a custom module for a flight computer, incorporating sensors, microcontrollers, and power management circuits.

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Define the module's functionality and specifications.
Create a schematic diagram in EasyEDA.
Design the PCB layout and route traces.
Generate Gerber files and order the PCB.

Contribute to an Open Source Flight Controller Project

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Deepen your knowledge and gain practical experience by contributing to an open-source flight controller project, such as ArduPilot or PX4.

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Explore existing open-source flight controller projects.
Identify a specific area where you can contribute.
Submit bug reports, documentation, or code contributions.

Career center

Learners who complete Electronics for Makers: Design Flight Computers & Controller will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Hobbyist Maker

A Hobbyist Maker works on a wide range of projects for personal enjoyment, often involving electronics and DIY. This course is highly applicable to any maker that wishes to go beyond simple kits and begin designing their own custom circuit boards. Because the course teaches electronics from fundamental principles to PCB design, it allows anyone interested in creating their own electronics to move past simple kits and toward truly custom designs. By taking this course, an aspiring hobbyist maker may realize their own unique electronic projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hobbyist Maker

Electronic Engineering Technician

An Electronic Engineering Technician assists engineers in the design development, and testing of electronic systems. This role needs a good understanding of electronic schematics, circuits, and PCB design. This course provides a foundation in electronic fundamentals, circuit design, and PCB design, making it a very relevant course for anyone wanting to work as an electronic engineering technician. The hands-on nature of the course, which involves the creation of custom PCB boards, is particularly helpful for this kind of role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronic Engineering Technician

Embedded Systems Engineer

An Embedded Systems Engineer develops software and hardware for embedded systems. This role relies on a strong understanding of electronic circuits and microcontrollers. This course helps build the knowledge necessary for working with embedded systems by covering electronic fundamentals, circuit design, and microcontroller programming. The course is a particularly good fit because it deals with microcontrollers, sensors, and output implementations, all central components of embedded systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer

Hardware Engineer

A Hardware Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and testing of computer hardware components and systems. This role requires an understanding of electronic circuits, components, and PCB design. This course helps build a solid foundation in electronic design by offering detailed instruction in electronic fundamentals and PCB design, which are crucial skills for hardware engineers. By the end of this course, learners will have hands-on experience in designing and building their own hardware, enhancing their ability to work on real-world hardware projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

A Control Systems Engineer designs and implements control systems for a variety of applications, including robotics, aerospace, and manufacturing. This role relies on a deep understanding of electronic circuits, sensors, and microcontrollers. This course is particularly relevant since it provides a comprehensive introduction to the design of flight computers and controllers, and these skills also apply to other control systems work. The course's hands-on approach to PCB design allows an aspiring control systems engineer to apply theoretical concepts to practical applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Control Systems Engineer

Avionics Technician

An Avionics Technician installs, maintains, and repairs electronic equipment used in aircraft and spacecraft. This position requires a solid understanding of electrical and electronic principles as well as PCB design. This course provides a strong foundation for working with avionics systems, as it provides hands-on experience in designing and building flight controllers that rely on these same fundamentals. The course's focus on sensors, microcontrollers, and output implementations is very helpful to those seeking to work as an avionics technician.

See salaries and explore the career path for Avionics Technician

Drone Technician

A Drone Technician assembles, maintains, and repairs drones, often working with the electronic components that control the flight. This role requires a solid understanding of electronic circuits, sensors and microcontroller systems. This course is directly relevant as it provides hands-on experience of working with and building flight controllers, a skill that a drone technician benefits from on a daily basis. The course focuses on creating custom controllers using the same kinds of hardware found in a drone. This course provides a great opportunity for a drone technician who is interested in deeper understanding of drone electronics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Drone Technician

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical devices and systems. This role involves a deep understanding of both electronic fundamentals and circuit design. This course provides a strong foundation in building the kind of circuits that an electrical engineer works with, and the course goes further by showing how to bring these designs to life with PCB design software. This course enables learners to move past theory and into practice by creating tangible hardware, a skill that is extremely valuable in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Aerospace Engineer

An Aerospace Engineer designs aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems, often including complex electronics for flight control. This course is particularly useful for an aerospace engineer because it covers flight computer design, which is very applicable to the field. The course helps build a foundation in electronic fundamentals, circuit design, and PCB design, providing a comprehensive understanding of the systems used in aerospace vehicles. Learning to design flight controllers, as the course focuses on, is particularly relevant to this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aerospace Engineer

Mechatronics Engineer

A Mechatronics Engineer integrates mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to design and build automated systems. This role requires a blend of skills in each of these disciplines. This course contributes by providing a fundamental understanding of electronic circuits, microcontrollers, and PCB design, making it valuable for mechatronics engineers. The course's focus on practical application by creating custom controllers helps learners move beyond theory and to build practical systems. The course is especially relevant to those interested in the practical, hands-on, aspects of mechatronics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer

Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, builds, and programs robots. This role demands a solid understanding of electronics, sensors, and control systems. This course offers hands-on experience in creating custom controllers, which are a core component of robot development. The course's focus on sensors such as gyroscopes, accelerometers, and barometers, is extremely relevant to a robotics engineer. By learning to design and build circuits, a learner of this course is better prepared to contribute effectively to robotics projects.

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Product Designer

A Product Designer is involved in the creation of new products, from initial concept to final design. This can include electronic devices and gadgets, where understanding the underlying electronics is important. This course may be useful as it provides experience in electronics, which can help a product designer better understand the feasibility and constraints of electronic designs. The course provides a foundational understanding of basic circuits and how these can be constructed. This knowledge is useful for a product designer working with electronic devices.

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Research Scientist

A research scientist conducts experiments and analyses data, often working with custom-built equipment. This role can involve the development of electronic systems for data acquisition and control. This course may be useful for research scientists that want to have the necessary skills to build their own custom experimental equipment. The course provides an introduction to electronic fundamentals, circuit design, and PCB design, enabling a research scientist to create custom hardware for their experiments.

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Test Engineer

A Test Engineer designs and executes tests to ensure that products meet quality standards. For products involving electronic systems, a test engineer benefits from an understanding of electronic design principles. This course may be useful because a test engineer benefits from understanding the design process of a product, particularly if it involves electronics. This course provides experience with electronic design, circuit design, and PCB design, allowing a test engineer to better understand the process of a typical electronic product.

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Technical Writer

A Technical Writer creates documentation for technical products and processes, often including electronics. This role requires an understanding of the technical details to communicate effectively. This course may be helpful for technical writers who wish to work with documentation for electronics by helping them to understand electronics, circuit design, and printed circuit boards. The detailed information on components and circuits will allow the technical writer to have a firmer grasp of the topics that they document.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Electronics for Makers: Design Flight Computers & Controller.

Practical Electronics for Inventors, Fourth Edition

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Provides a comprehensive overview of electronics, covering both fundamental concepts and practical applications. It's a valuable resource for understanding the underlying principles behind circuit design and component selection. It serves as a useful reference for specific topics covered in the course, and it is commonly used as a textbook in introductory electronics courses.

Practical Electronics for Inventors, Fourth Edition

Paperback

Make: Electronics

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Is an excellent resource for makers and hobbyists who want to learn electronics through hands-on projects. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic components to more advanced circuits. It is particularly helpful for understanding the practical aspects of electronics and good complement to the theoretical concepts covered in the course.