Description

This project started as my master’s thesis, where I developed a prototype of a fully 3D-printed drone to act as a mobile air quality measuring station. I have since retweaked and improved it for sharing here on MakerWorld. Today, as a mechatronics engineer with years of experience in machine building, robotics, and 3D printing, I’m releasing it as both a functional RC quadcopter and an educational project that others can build and learn from.

Air pollution is a global issue that silently affects millions of people every year. In my hometown of Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina), winter air quality can reach levels above 500 AQI, which is extremely hazardous. With only two stationary measuring stations in the entire city, it is nearly impossible to determine exactly where the pollutants come from or how they spread. My motivation was to create a low-cost, mobile solution that anyone could build and use to measure local air quality.

👉 Note: If you are not interested in the air quality measurement system, this drone can also be built and flown purely as a regular RC quadcopter. In that case, the NodeMCU ESP8266 and PMS5003 particle sensor are not needed.

What’s Included (Free Version)

• ✅ 3MF print profile
• ✅ Assembly pictures
• ✅ Wiring diagram
• ✅ Bill of Materials (with screws, inserts, motors, ESCs, flight controller, etc.)
• ✅ Short 7-second drone flight video (demonstration of a test flight)

Coming Soon (Premium Version)

• 📘 Full step-by-step assembly manual with photos

• 🔧 Fusion 360 model (You can find it in my Cults page

        [https://cults3d.com/en/users/toniduspara/3d-models](https://cults3d.com/en/users/toniduspara/3d-models)

• 💻 Programming and setup guide for flight controller and sensors
• 🐍 Python scripts for the air quality sensor system, with setup and data logging instructions
• 🪛 Heat insert instructions for stronger connections
• 📡 Advanced integration of air quality monitoring

Why This Project Matters

This drone is more than a flying machine. It’s:

• 🛠️ A hands-on educational tool for 3D printing, electronics, and programming
• 🌍 A prototype environmental solution for monitoring air quality
• ✈️ A fully functional RC quadcopter for anyone who just wants to build and fly
• 💡 An open-source design to inspire further development

⚡ Download, print, and fly — and stay tuned for the full premium package if you want to take the project to the next level.