DroneLab - Coding Autonomous Drones in Baby Steps

On this blog, dronelab.dev, I explore machine learning by teaching a drone to fly autonomously. I break things down into small steps and share my discoveries along the way.

MNIST basics - Training a Digit Classifier

machine learning
fast.ai

A hands-on exploration of neural network training fundamentals using the MNIST dataset, covering pixel representation, broadcasting, gradient descent, and building basic digit classifiers with PyTorch.

Jun 11, 2025
Mark Pors

How does a neural net really work?

machine learning
fast.ai

A detailed exploration of neural networks fundamentals, including gradient descent and ReLU functions, with interactive examples and practical Python code using PyTorch.

Jun 8, 2025
Mark Pors

Interlude: Getting reproducible training results with Fast.ai + PyTorch

machine learning
colab
computer vision
fast.ai
pytorch

Why your Fast.ai or PyTorch experiments keep giving different results even when you think you’ve seeded everything properly. Spoiler: it’s not just about random seeds - DataLoaders have hidden state that screws things up. Here’s how to actually fix it.

May 25, 2025
Mark Pors

Interlude: Which image models are best? UPDATED

machine learning
timm
computer vision
fast.ai
open-source

A practical guide to choosing the best image classification models using updated timm data, interactive notebooks, and a Gradio app. Learn how to compare, visualize, and select top-performing models for your computer vision projects.

May 19, 2025
Mark Pors

Fly a drone with: Image classification

drone
code
tello
machine learning
image classification
fast.ai

Learn how to train a drone to detect obstacles using image classification with fast.ai. This post covers practical steps for building, cleaning, and improving an image classifier, including tips on data collection, augmentation, and model selection.

May 15, 2025
Mark Pors

Tello controller navigation - Part 2

drone
code
pygame
tello

Learn how to connect a GameSir T1d controller to a real Tello drone using Python, integrate live video streaming with Pygame, and set up a foundation for future autonomous drone experiments.

May 11, 2025
Mark Pors

Tello controller navigation - Part 1

drone
code
pygame
simulator
tello

Simulate and control a Tello drone using Python, pygame, and a GameSir T1d controller—learn practical code architecture, input smoothing, and debugging techniques for drone development.

May 7, 2025
Mark Pors

Interlude: GameSir T1d Python package

pygame
code
open-source
tello

Step-by-step guide to packaging, publishing, and using a Python library for the GameSir T1d Bluetooth controller with pygame, using the modern uv toolchain.

May 4, 2025
Mark Pors

GameSir T1d controller & pygame

drone
code
pygame
tello

Learn how to connect and use the GameSir T1d controller with your computer for Tello drone control using Python, BLE hacking, and a pygame-compatible wrapper. Step-by-step guide with working code.

May 2, 2025
Mark Pors

Key navigation & Video snapshots

drone
code
pygame
tello

Hands-on guide to controlling a Tello drone with Python and pygame: learn responsive keyboard navigation, smooth velocity-based movement, live video streaming, and how to capture snapshots from the drone feed.

Apr 27, 2025
Mark Pors

Interlude: I’m a Pilot!

drone
open-source

Passed the EASA A1/A3 drone pilot exam and built a free web-based practice app. Learn how to prepare for the EASA UAV certification and access open-source study tools.

Apr 25, 2025
Mark Pors

Crash the Tello (with and without code)

drone
code
tello

Learn how to fly and program the DJI Tello (RoboMaster TT) drone, avoid common beginner crashes, and get started with Python coding using the Tello SDK.

Apr 24, 2025
Mark Pors

Enter the Tello

drone
tello

Discover how to start building an autonomous scouting drone for hiking using the DJI RoboMaster TT (Tello Talent). Follow a beginner’s journey into drones, coding, and computer vision.

Apr 20, 2025
Mark Pors
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