> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dronebridge.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dronebridge.gitbook.io/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/quick-start.md). # Quick Start This page is the fastest way to get started with the general-purpose **DroneBridge for ESP32** release. {% hint style="info" %} This page is for **DroneBridge for ESP32**. It is **not** the [Drone Light Show Edition](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32-drone-light-show-edition/overview-drone-light-show-edition.md) and it is **not** the legacy [DroneBridge for Raspberry Pi](/docs/dronebridge-for-raspberry-pi/getting-started.md) project. {% endhint %} DroneBridge for ESP32 is a lightweight telemetry and data bridge for supported ESP32 boards. It is easy to set up and works well for single-drone telemetry links, but it currently does **not** provide video transmission or radio control. ## Before You Start You will typically need: * A supported ESP32 board * A USB cable for flashing and initial setup * Access to a flight controller UART * A Ground Control Station such as MissionPlanner or QGroundControl {% hint style="warning" %} DroneBridge is not designed for use as a safety-critical link and must not be relied on as the only communication link. Before wiring or flying anything, read [Safety & Integration](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/safety-and-integration.md). {% endhint %} If you still need to choose hardware, start with [Hardware & Wiring](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/hardware-and-wiring.md). ## Recommended First Setup For a first test, use a **single ESP32 in WiFi Access Point mode**. This is the simplest setup because it only needs one board and lets you connect directly to the ESP32 from your phone, tablet, or laptop. {% stepper %} {% step %} #### 1. Choose a supported board Pick a supported ESP32 board and check whether it is an official board, or a more generic development board. -> [Hardware & Wiring](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/hardware-and-wiring.md) {% endstep %} {% step %} #### 2. Flash the firmware Use the online flashing tool if possible. It is the easiest option for a first installation and helps you pick the correct firmware flavour. -> [Installation](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/installation.md) {% endstep %} {% step %} #### 3. Wire the ESP32 to the flight controller Connect `5V`, `GND`, `TX`, and `RX`. If you are not using UART flow control, leave `RTS` and `CTS` disconnected and disabled. -> [Hardware & Wiring - Wiring to the Flight Controller](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/hardware-and-wiring.md#wiring-to-the-flight-controller) {% endstep %} {% step %} #### 4. Open the web interface Power the ESP32, connect to the Wi-Fi network `DroneBridge for ESP32` using the password `dronebridge`, and open `http://dronebridge.local` or `http://192.168.2.1`. -> [Configuration - Web Interface](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/configuration.md#web-interface) {% endstep %} {% step %} #### 5. Configure the UART and mode Set the correct UART pins and baud rate for your hardware, then keep the device in **WiFi Access Point Mode** for the first test. -> [Configuration](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/configuration.md) {% endstep %} {% step %} #### 6. Connect your Ground Control Station Connect your GCS to the ESP32 link and verify that telemetry is arriving before trying more advanced modes. -> [Configuration - MissionPlanner Configuration](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/configuration.md#missionplanner-configuration) -> [Configuration - QGroundControl Configuration](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/configuration.md#qgroundcontrol-configuration) {% endstep %} {% endstepper %} ## Choose the Right Mode Use the mode that matches your setup: * **WiFi Access Point Mode**: Best first setup for a single drone and a direct connection to the ESP32 * **WiFi Client Mode**: Best when the ESP32 should join an existing Wi-Fi network * **WiFi LR or ESP-NOW LR**: Best when you want more range and can also use ESP32 hardware on the ground side * **Bluetooth LE**: Best for BLE-specific workflows and mobile-style setups, but it requires the BLE bridge application Read the full mode details on [Configuration](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/configuration.md). If you are comparing WiFi-based multi-drone setups with ESP-NOW, also see [Drone Swarm Control](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/drone-swarm-control.md). ## Detailed Guides
GuideOpen
Choose hardware and wiring/pages/hb5qPpKZJxqVYIaPnGxa
Flash the firmware/pages/2KZ4KSu2zHqgRHgB8Lhu
Configure modes and UART settings/pages/cxeAAp2n9mXKfcwhnClf
See complete setup examples/pages/N9n2rHB4Oigq0vfPQzUu
Fix common problems/pages/koStaSJK70OnpgbVDUPa
Capture logs and debug startup issues/pages/MF5nKPzyCDxaw0FHAOkj
Build against the API or firmware/pages/ajAUOzHyMir225aeLyoB
## Common First-Run Problems If your first setup does not work right away, these pages will usually get you unstuck quickly: * The access point is not visible: [Troubleshooting/Help](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/troubleshooting-help.md#i-flashed-and-the-access-point-is-not-showing-up) * The web interface does not load: [Troubleshooting/Help](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/troubleshooting-help.md#the-web-interface-is-not-loading) * No telemetry shows up in the GCS: [Troubleshooting/Help](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/troubleshooting-help.md#i-see-no-data-in-my-ground-station) * You are locked out after changing settings: [Troubleshooting/Help](/docs/dronebridge-for-esp32/troubleshooting-help.md#i-am-locked-out-how-do-i-reset-my-esp32-running-dronebridge)