Exploring Bitcraze Crazyflie: A Modular Micro Drone Ecosystem

Posted on 12/06/2025 by dialfonzo in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Bitcraze's Crazyflie drones are palm-sized flying development platforms with big capabilities. Fully open-source and equipped with wireless communication, these micro quadcopters can be extended through plug-and-play expansion decks for everything from indoor autonomy to real-time AI processing.

All flight-capable models in the Crazyflie family share a modular deck system, allowing users to snap on hardware like cameras, laser rangefinders, motion capture markers, and more. Whether you're a classroom educator or a university robotics researcher, there's a Crazyflie model for you.

Crazyflie Models Comparison

Model	Motors	Payload Capacity	Flight Time	Expansion Compatibility	Status	Best For
Crazyflie 2.1+	Brushed	~15 g	~7 min	All decks	Current	Education, research, swarms
Crazyflie 2.1 Brushless	Brushless	~40 g	~10 min	All decks*	Current	Heavier payloads, longer missions
Crazyflie 2.1	Brushed	~15 g	~7 min	All decks	Discontinued	Predecessor to 2.1+
Crazyflie 2.0	Brushed	~10–15 g	~7 min	Limited (no deck auto-detect)	Discontinued	Early devs, legacy projects
Crazyflie 1.0	Brushed	~5 g	~5–7 min	None	Discontinued	Historical reference only

*LED-ring deck needs firmware tweak for Brushless version.

Crazyflie 2.1+ is the latest brushed model and ideal for indoor flight, classroom use, and research. The original Crazyflie 2.1 is now discontinued but was widely used prior to the 2.1+ refresh. The Brushless variant offers more thrust, smoother performance, and greater payload capacity. Both current models support the full range of Bitcraze expansion decks. Older versions like 2.0 and 1.0 helped pioneer the platform but lack modern features.

The Crazyflie Bolt 1.1 is a different type of product: it's a flight controller designed to bring Crazyflie firmware and deck compatibility to larger drones. Since it is not a complete UAV and does not include motors, frame, or battery, it is not included in the main drone comparison table, but it's worth noting for developers creating custom brushless drones.

Key Expansion Decks

One of Crazyflie's greatest strengths is its ecosystem of stackable expansion decks. Each deck unlocks new functionality — from visual tracking and indoor localization to AI and data logging.. If you're using the Loco Positioning system, remember that the Loco Positioning Deck works in tandem with multiple Crazyflie Loco Nodes placed around the room.

Positioning & Navigation

Whether you're using motion capture systems or setting up a wireless positioning grid, Crazyflie can localize itself in 3D with surprising accuracy using these decks.

Deck	Purpose	Notes
Loco Positioning	Indoor UWB-based positioning	Requires Loco anchors
Loco Node	UWB anchor for Loco Positioning	Required for Loco Positioning Deck (use 4+ per room)

Flight Assistance & Sensors

These sensor decks enable self-stabilization, precision flight, and environment sensing — all onboard with no external computer required.

Deck	Sensors	Key Capabilities
Flow Deck v2	Optical flow + ToF laser	Precise indoor hovering
Z-Ranger Deck v2	ToF laser (downward)	Altitude hold
Multi-Ranger Deck	5 ToF sensors (360° coverage)	Obstacle avoidance, SLAM experiments

AI & Data Logging

With the AI deck, the Crazyflie becomes a smart flying edge device capable of running neural networks onboard. The SD card deck makes high-frequency data collection possible.

Deck	Feature	Notes
AI Deck 1.1	GAP8 RISC-V, camera, Wi-Fi	Neural net inference onboard
Micro SD Card Deck	microSD slot	High-speed flight logging

Interaction & Utility

These utility decks add convenience and interaction — useful for demonstrations, classroom feedback, and swarm coordination.

Deck	Feature	Notes
LED-Ring	RGB & white LEDs	Status, visual effects
Buzzer Deck	Piezo speaker	Audio feedback or melodies
Qi Charging Deck	Wireless charging	Compatible with standard Qi pads

Custom Hardware

For developers, Crazyflie’s hardware interface makes it easy to prototype new hardware or scale to larger brushless drones.

Deck	Use	Notes
Breakout Deck	Breadboarding/analysis	Exposes expansion port
Prototyping Deck	Custom soldered circuits	Add your own sensors or actuators
BigQuad Deck	External ESC/motor control	For building larger drones (pre-Bolt)

Accessories & Maintenance

Not all components in the Crazyflie ecosystem are about sensors or flight control — some are simply essential tools for development and upkeep. These accessories help extend the life of your drone and streamline your workflow:

Item	Use Case	Notes
Debug Adapter Kit	Hardware and firmware debugging	Connects to Crazyflie for low-level access
Li-Po Battery Charger	External battery charging	Useful for managing multiple batteries
7mm Spare Motor Mounts	Hardware replacement	Compatible with 7mm motor brushed models

Whether you're prototyping, repairing, or extending your Crazyflie's capabilities, these small add-ons make a big difference in keeping your platform flying smoothly.

Why Choose Crazyflie?

Modularity: Snap-on decks make hardware upgrades easy.
Wireless: BLE and 2.4 GHz radio enable full wireless control and telemetry.
Open-source: Software, firmware, and hardware are open for custom development.
Scalability: From basic flight to advanced indoor autonomy and AI.

Whether you're launching a research project or teaching autonomous flight, Crazyflie is a robust platform that grows with your needs.

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