Source Code UAV Electric Propulsion Thrust Stand ESP32 + 3x HX711
Description
The developed firmware was implemented on an ESP32 DevKitC microcontroller to acquire and process measurement data from three HX711-based load cell channels. The firmware manages the thrust and torque measurement functions of the developed propulsion test stand. The first measurement channel uses a 5 kgf load cell to measure the axial force generated by the electric propulsion system. The second and third channels use two 2 kgf load cells installed in an opposite configuration to measure the upper and lower reaction forces generated by motor torque. The torque value is calculated from the difference between the two reaction forces multiplied by the predefined moment arm distance. The firmware performs sensor initialization, load cell calibration, zero offset adjustment (tare), data acquisition, digital filtering, and conversion of sensor output into engineering units. A moving average filter is implemented to reduce measurement fluctuation during operation. The calculated thrust and torque values are displayed locally using a 16×2 I2C LCD module. The firmware does not require external software, wireless communication, or data logging systems. All measurements are processed locally by the ESP32, allowing the thrust stand to operate as a standalone measurement device.
Files
Steps to reproduce
The dataset was produced through the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing process of an open-source thrust and torque measurement stand for electric UAV propulsion systems. The mechanical structure was designed using 3D CAD software and fabricated using 3D printing technology. The measurement system was developed by integrating three load cell sensors with HX711 amplifier modules, an ESP32 microcontroller, and a 16×2 I2C LCD display. The electronic wiring and hardware configuration were assembled according to the provided schematic design. Each load cell channel was calibrated individually before system operation. The assembled thrust stand was tested using a brushless DC motor and propeller setup to verify its capability for measuring axial thrust and torque reaction forces generated by the electric propulsion system. The resulting design files, 3D models, firmware, and supporting documentation were compiled and uploaded as an open-access dataset.
Institutions
- Sekolah Tinggi Teknologi KedirgantaraanYogyakarta, Yogyakarta