Since its launch in September 2024, DJI Neo has become the preferred drone for many people around the world. Most of this has to do with its small size, weight of less than 150 g, and a variety of intelligent flight modes and control options in an affordable option.
Packed with multiple flight modes and removable propeller guards in a small, lightweight package, DJI Neo is perfect for use outdoors, indoors, and on the go.
This article is a step-by-step tutorial showing how to remove the propeller guard on your DJI Neo and how to remove the propeller guard. Replace propeller if necessary.. We’ll also look at why you might want to remove the propeller guard.
Advantages of Propeller Guards
One of the biggest advantages of the DJI Neo is that it is a relatively safe drone, with minimal impact on people or property in the event of a crash. Much of this is due to the Neo’s weight, which weighs just 135 grams.
Additionally, Neo’s propeller guards completely enclose all motors.
This allows Neo to fly in tight spaces without harming most objects because the motors are not exposed. Of course, you need to be careful when flying Neo around tree branches and small branches. Because these things could potentially reach the motor.
One of the most interesting benefits of having propeller guards that completely surround the Neo’s motors is that it can be used as a Category 1 drone in the United States. Part-107 Pilot You can operate Neo than people When a RID module is connected.
Why remove the propeller guard?
With the two benefits of having a propeller guard on the Neo as mentioned, why would anyone consider removing the propeller guard?
weight saving
Neo is already an ultralight drone. However, removing both propeller guards reduces the overall weight by a few grams, giving the DJI Neo more flight time.
Exactly how much does removing a prop increase flight time?
According to DJI, the Neo achieves a flight time of up to 17 minutes with the propeller guards attached, and up to 18 minutes with the guards removed.
It may not seem like a huge increase in flight time, but that extra minute of flight time can make the difference between whether Neo Force lands randomly or hand-held. Of course, dropping your drone battery to almost 0% is not recommended, but it can happen nonetheless.
Open access to propeller
The most obvious reason to remove the propeller guards on your DJI Neo is to gain full access to the propellers.
Although Neo’s props are fully packaged and protected, there may be times when propellers need to be altered or replaced.
If there are third-party companies making accessories for the Neo, there may come a time when you can use aftermarket propellers from companies like Master Air Screw. Easy access to your current propeller will help with replacement.
Additionally, like any moving part, propellers can wear out over time. Alternatively, flying the Neo without the propeller guards attached may result in damage.
In both cases, the propeller will need to be replaced. Removing the propeller guard allows you to remove or replace the prop at that point.
Understanding Propellers
Here at Droneblog, we like to use an analogy when thinking about drone propellers.
Drone propellers are like tires on a vehicle. Tires are the only device that connects your car to the road. Likewise, props connect the drone to the air.
Just as you would inspect, rotate, or replace the tires on your vehicle before setting off on a long trip, you should also inspect or replace your Neo’s propellers periodically.
Although drone manufacturers do not specifically recommend replacing propellers for a certain amount of time or after a flight, DJI Support and other drone manufacturers have been known to suggest replacing propellers after a flight. 200~300 episodes.
Propeller replacement time
There are a variety of things to look for to determine whether your DJI’s propellers need to be replaced.
The propeller must be replaced in the following cases:
- twisted
- Broken, cracked, dented or dented
- discolored
- makes strange noises
Simply put, to ensure safe flight, you must replace your Neo’s propellers when they have been left on for too long (causing discoloration), appear worn and/or damaged, or come into contact with an object.
How to remove a propeller guard
One of the nice things about Neo’s propeller guards is that although Neo may feel like a toy, the propeller guards are snugly attached.
This is great for protecting Neo in case of contact with various solid objects.
To remove the propeller guard:
Step 1: Locate the first tab on the support guard and pry it off (using your fingernail or the included screwdriver).
This will release the tab from the notch on the Neo airframe.
Step 2: Continue working around the aircraft while pulling on the tabs. Removing all five tabs will separate the propeller guard from the aircraft.
How to replace a propeller
Before replacing a propeller, it is important to use the correct propeller for the motor location. Using the wrong propeller will cause Neo to fail to take off or fly incorrectly.
Looking at the two propeller packages containing the spare Neo propellers, the packages are color-coded according to motor position.
The front right and rear left propeller packages are color coded. yellow, Front left and rear right propeller packages are color coded. blue.
When preparing to replace a propeller, you will need the screwdriver included in the DJI Neo box and an appropriate spare set of yellow or blue propellers for your motor location.
To change propellers:
Step 1: Remove the correct propeller from its packaging and verify that it is the correct propeller for the correct motor location.
You can also remove the spare screw and set it aside for future spares.
Step 2: Unscrew the propeller.
Step 3: Set damaged propellers aside. Then carefully tighten the new propeller or both.
This is very simple and straightforward, but installing the new propeller incorrectly or loosely could result in a crash or loss of your Neo.
