Project Overview
Skyloop is an interactive drone racing track designed to enhance the racing experience with color-changing checkpoints. These hexagonal checkpoints, each equipped with ultrasonic sensors and programmable LEDs, detect the drone’s passage and instantly change colors to indicate progress.
The entire system is powered by ESP microcontrollers, enabling real-time synchronization between checkpoints and opening up possibilities for customizations and advanced hacks.
How It Works
Each checkpoint has two ultrasonic sensors that track when a drone crosses through, thanks to the sensors’ ability to emit ultrasonic frequencies and detect the response. This setup proved necessary after a single sensor created a diagonal detection field that wasn’t wide enough.
Now, as soon as a drone passes, the ESP triggers the LEDs to flash and signal the checkpoint completion. It also notifies the rest of the track that progress has been made, enabling intricate patterns and synchronized responses across the entire circuit.
What’s Next?
With Skyloop’s ESP-driven infrastructure, the possibilities for expansion are endless: dynamic race tracking, interactive visuals, or even integrating a scoring system—all while keeping the track hackable for continuous innovation.
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