0.5: Pycharm Edu Orientation

Step 1

Checklist

This lesson will go over the following steps:

Create a the CoDrone Mini Project Directory
Install the CoDrone Mini Package
Run your first test flight
Open and use the Python Console
Label your micro USB cable

If you have any trouble completing these steps throughout the lesson, please reach out to us on the forum so that we can help you get started!

Step 2

Set up PyCharm Edu

To use CoDrone Mini with PyCharm, you will need to open a new project with the right environment and install the CoDrone Mini library. Follow the video below to get started.

Step 3

Test Program

To make sure you have everything installed, let’s run a test program. First, connect your controller to your controller and power on your CoDrone Mini.

To keep our files organized, we are going to create directories for each of the islands (lessons) that we will progress through. To do this and do your first flight test, watch the video below:

Now you are going to run a simple test code that will make your drone take off, hover, and land. Copy and paste the following code into a new file and run the program. Make sure you have enough space! If you have trouble pairing, move on to the next step.

import CoDrone_mini

drone = CoDrone_mini.CoDrone()
drone.pair()

drone.takeoff()
drone.hover(3)
drone.land()

Step 4

The Python Console

Now that we know how to create and run python programs in Pycharm, we need to look at another useful tool called the Python Console. Watch the video below and follow along to learn more about this:

Step 5

Driver Installation

If you were able to pair successfully in the last step, you can skip the driver installation. Some devices will not recognize the CoDrone Mini controller so you will need to download a driver. You can download the driver below for your device:

Download MacOS Driver

Download Windows Driver

Download Linux Driver

ATTENTION: The drivers for CoDrone Mini and CoDrone Lite/Pro are different. Make sure you install from the links above if you are using CoDrone Mini.

Step 6

Label your microUSB cable

Mark the USB cable that came in the package with a tape—choose something obvious, like a colorful tape. This is because some USB cables only provide power but don’t transfer data, so you’ll want to distinguish it from others.

Step 7

All done!

You are ready to start learning Python with CoDrone Mini! Click the next lesson to get started. Please leave any feedback or issues you had by emailing us at support@robolink.com. When you email us, let us know you are contacting us about the Python CoDrone Mini setup process and be detailed with your issue.

This lesson works with:

Grade level:

Approx. time required: