0.1: Introduction to CoDrone EDU (JROTC ed.)

Welcome to CoDrone EDU – the best solution to learn about drones and programming. CoDrone EDU is fully equipped with all the sensors and features you need to pilot and create dynamic autonomous programs. The possibilities of what you can build are endless! With CoDrone EDU, you will learn:

• Drone piloting skills
• Critical thinking
• Programming skills (Blockly and Python)
• Autonomous programming with sensors
• Debugging skills
• Teamwork and communication skills

Why JROTC edition?

CoDrone EDU (JROTC ed.) is the same drone as CoDrone EDU except it is made with special parts that meet national security standards and requirements. To distinguish the drone from CoDrone EDU, the JROTC edition has a white drone body and white Smart Controller. There are also some other minor changes that you will learn about in this Getting Started course. Don’t worry – none of these changes affect the performance of the drone.

The video below will introduce you to everything that comes with your CoDrone EDU, as well as resources that will help you get started.
Note: Although CoDrone EDU (JROTC ed.) may be a different color, all of the information presented in this video still applies.

Specifications:

• Size: 138.5 x 138.5  x  34.8 mm
• Weight: 54.8 grams
• Battery: 3.7v 530mAh
• Continuous flight time: 7-8 minutes (on a complete charge)
• Charge time: 60 minutes
• Payload capacity: < 5 grams
• Maximum Velocity: 2.5 meters per second  (9km/h)
• Communication Protocol: 2.4 GHz radio communication
• Range: 50 meters

Sensors:

• 3-axis gyroscope and accelerometer
• barometer
• 2 color sensors
• 2 infrared range finders (front and bottom)
• optical flow (for position)

Features:

• Auto-hovering and stabilization
• Programmable RGB LEDs on the drone and controller
• Programmable buzzer on the drone and controller

Here is what should be in your CoDrone EDU (JROTC ed.) box. Please check that you have all your pieces before you continue:

• User guide (available digitally here)
• CoDrone EDU (JROTC ed.)
• Smart Controller (JROTC ed.)
• 3 x drone batteries
• 1 x drone battery dual-charger
• 1 x USB-C cable
• 8 x color cards
• 4 x extra propellers
• 1 x propeller remover
• Screwdriver and spare bolts
• Set of labels for drone and controller

Let’s review! You should have:

1. Watched the introductory video
2. Read about the technical specifications, sensors, and features for CoDrone EDU (JROTC ed.)
3. Unboxed CoDrone EDU (JROTC ed.) and checked the parts list

In the next lesson, you will go through a pre-flight checklist to safely prepare for flight.