Drone Landing Pad & Timer

This drone landing pad features an integrated ultrasonic sensor that detects a drones presence. When a drone departs the Arduino starts a timer. When you return your lap time is displayed to you.

You can either try to improve your personal best or challenge a friend to do better than you (if you trust them with your drone that is).

It can be printed and assembled over a weekend.

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List of items used in this project and where to find them:

Arduino Uno: http://amzn.to/2prkQvJ

7 Segment Display: http://amzn.to/2HRAzuR

Battery holder: http://amzn.to/2pwiWJJ

Neodymium Magnets 3 x 6mm: https://amzn.to/2GoyaKV

Coloured wires: http://amzn.to/2IDIU6D

Ultrasonic sensor: http://amzn.to/2pt4xOm

Rechargeable batteries: http://amzn.to/2ptrSQ1

Standard AAs: http://amzn.to/2GNj8wg

Red and Green LEDs: http://amzn.to/2puX7Kw

Resistors: http://amzn.to/2HTmLA2

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Download 3D printable parts: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2832044

Code is available here: https://www.electromaker.io/project/view/drone-landing-pad-with-arduino-timer

Circuit diagrams: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2832044

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Sensorless Homing with RP2040 & TMC2209

By Lewis • February 24, 2026

In this video, I’ll show you how to set up sensorless homing using a TMC2209 stepper driver — no mechanical limit switches required! Perfect for 3D printers, CNC machines, robotics, and other DIY electronics projects. I’ll guide you through the wiring, Arduino code, and how to tune StallGuard for accurate, reliable homing. Whether you’re building a CoreXY, a custom motion control system, or just want to learn more about stepper motor drivers, this is a great place to start. Let’s build smarter! Why would we want to use sensorless homing? Well first the Pros…. There’s no need for extra mounts, additional components or running long dangling cables to one or both ends of the carriage or other moving component. And there are always cons, so in this case you’ll need a stallguard-capable driver (they cost a little more and are only manufactured by Trinamic) and accuracy isn’t great at slow speeds.