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Maintenance

Like any technology, it's easy for your CoDrone to stop working. Learn how to keep it happy and healthy in this lesson!
CoDrone Pro getting started cover CoDrone Pro getting started cover

This lesson works with:

CoDrone Pro/Lite
Arduino
  • CoDrone
  • CoDrone Pro
  • getting started
  • hardware
  • maintenance
  • troubleshooting

Grade level:

6 - 12+

Approx. time required:

30 - 45 mins
Step 1

Video

Having problems with your CoDrone? We have a troubleshooting video!

Step 2

Battery

The CoDrone uses a 3.7V, 300mAH, 15c Lithium-Ion Polymer (LiPo) battery.

To charge your CoDrone battery, slide it into the charger and then connect the charger to a USB port. If the battery is charging or idle, the charger will show two red LEDs. If the battery is fully charged, the LEDs will turn off.

Maintenance

Follow these rules to make your battery last!

  1. Avoid leaving the battery charging for longer than an hour. LiPo batteries are not meant to be fully charged for too long. If they’re charged for extended periods, they will overheat and weaken.
  2. Do not leave the battery inserted in the CoDrone when storing. This will drain the battery completely and will also weaken the battery or make it puffy.
  3. When storing batteries for longer than 2 days, it is best to store them with a 50% charge.
  4. Like a lot of other batteries, LiPo batteries are prone to heat and moisture damage. Keep your CoDrone battery safe at room temperature and in a dry place. Do not get your battery wet unless you want to destroy it!
  5. Flight time from the battery will decrease in colder enviroments.
  6. Make sure not to step on or puncture the LiPo battery.
  7. Do not use a puffy LiPo battery. This can occur when you let the battery drain completely. You will need to purchase a replacement battery for your CoDrone.
CoDrone battery
Step 3

Propellers

Your CoDrone has four propellers. Two spin clockwise, and the other two spin counter clockwise.

The reason for this involves some physics called gyroscopic precession. The opposing motors cancel out each other’s net torque, or the sum of their rotational motion. If the propellers were all going in the same direction, your CoDrone would most likely be constantly yawing. If your CoDrone is tilting while trying to take off, there is a good chance your propeller placement has something to do with it!

Maintenance

Propellers are the most vulnerable component on the CoDrone because they are moving much faster than anything they will crash into. Keep yours in top condition to avoid any problems!

  1. Propellers are extremely aerodynamically sensitive. If your propeller has a crack or chip, it may cause your CoDrone to lean to one side or become unbalanced. Make sure to inspect and replace your propellers as often as possible. Replacement propellers are available on the Robolink website!
  2. Make sure your propellers are clean. Avoid hair and fibers.
  3. Although it’s fun, try not to crash into stationary objects!

Replacing your propellers

The CoDrone propellers are designed to be easily pulled off, cleaned, and replaced.

  1. To remove your propellers, pinch the motor with one hand and pull the propeller off with the other.
  2. To replace a propeller, align the through hole with the shaft and squeeze the propeller back on.
  3. Remember that propellers are directional and should be put in their correct placements!

Need a tip to remember how the propellers spin? Match the arrow direction up with the propeller guards! For example, the upper righthand motor should have a counterclockwise propeller attached since the propeller guard is pointing counterclockwise.

CoDrone propeller directions
Step 4

Motors

CoDrone motors are two-way DC motors and are controlled entirely by voltage. A DC motor will run faster with a large voltage, slower with a small voltage, and reversed with a negative voltage.

Maintenance:

CoDrone motors are easy to detach from the main body — just pull them off (gently)!  Inspect your motors often to clear away any obstructions or buildup.

  1. Hair can easily get caught and wound in the shaft. Be sure to pull off your motors and inspect the shafts carefully.
  2. A bent shaft can cause a lot of problems. When adding and removing propellers, be careful not to push or pull too hard.
Step 5

Body

The CoDrone body has a lot of sensors and circuits. Take good care of it so you don’t damage any of the onboard components!

Maintenance:

  1. The base contains the majority of your CoDrone’s vital hardware. Keep it in a safe, dry place at all times. Don’t fly it outdoors or over wet ground.
  2. The base also contains multiple infrared (IR) sensors. Keep these surfaces clean so your CoDrone works properly.
  3. Keep the base away from any magnetic objects.
  4. The top and bottom of the base separate easily when pulled apart. Use this to remove anything that might be stuck inside the body.
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