DROMIDA KODO
Chris Savage, Model Aviation graphic designer, reviewed the Dromida KODO and here are his thoughts.
First impressions
I was amazed that so much technology can be squeezed into such a small, affordable aircraft. The Dromida KODO is intended as an indoor quadcopter, and I was taken aback by its compact size when I opened the box. The package contained everything needed to use the KODO right away.
Box contents
- Ready-to-fly quadcopter
- Simple transmitter (batteries included)
- 390 mAh flight battery with USB charging cord
- Spare set of rotor blades
- Rotor-blade guards
- 2 GB microSD memory card for photos and video
- USB microSD card reader
Manuals and documentation
The box included a double-sided full-color instruction sheet and a two-sided safety information sheet. The instruction sheet covers charging the battery, an overview of the transmitter controls, preflight preparation, and simple troubleshooting tips.
I recommend downloading the additional three-page manual from the Dromida website. It contains details on flight modes, how to install and remove the microSD card, replacement-part information, and an exploded parts diagram.
Assembly and preflight
The rotor guards were not preinstalled, so I attached them to protect the propellers and anything the quadcopter might contact. With the propellers installed, I charged the flight battery and prepared for takeoff.
Important: ensure the KODO is completely level when you connect the flight battery. The quadcopter’s stabilization system establishes a neutral position at each battery connection. If the aircraft is tilted while connecting the battery, the system will calibrate that tilted position as neutral and will try to stabilize to it in flight. If you think you’ve gotten it wrong, unplug the battery and start over. I found it easiest to install the battery with the quadcopter on the edge of a flat surface to allow room for my hands.
The KODO requires the pilot to arm the motors before flight to prevent unexpected throttle-ups. Arm the motors by moving the throttle stick to its uppermost position, then down again after hearing a beep from the quadcopter. Once the motors were armed, I slowly increased throttle and the KODO took off.
Flight characteristics
The rotor blades are noticeable in flight—certainly not painfully loud, but they can be bothersome to others in the same or adjacent rooms, similar to a TV or radio being on.
My KODO required some trim to achieve stable flight, and I found subsequent flights occasionally needed trim corrections. This may be due to slight differences in battery placement or small changes in airflow in the environment.
The built-in stabilization system is well balanced: powerful enough to help, but not so intrusive that it feels overbearing. I spent my early flights becoming comfortable with the controls and getting a feel for the craft.
Camera and recording
The transmitter does not provide a live view of the camera’s field of view, but the body design and camera mounting make it relatively easy to position the camera for intended shots. Audible beeps and clear LED indicators tell the pilot when a still image has been captured or when video is being recorded.
I got approximately 5 minutes of flight time per battery charge. Flashing LEDs indicate a low flight battery. The footage is stored on the included microSD card; I used the USB microSD card reader to view the files on a computer. The onboard camera records 720 × 480 resolution video in AVI format and 1280 × 960 still images in JPG format—plenty of resolution for point-and-shoot fun.
Durability and repairs
Flying indoors requires careful control, and I had several incidents involving the ceiling, a small cabinet, the floor, hallway walls, and an end table. The KODO passed these durability tests far better than I expected for an aircraft this small and inexpensive.
I never had to install the spare rotor blades (thanks to the rotor guards). The only damage I noticed was a cracked plastic body mount point that didn’t affect flight characteristics; I repaired it with super glue.
Conclusion
The Dromida KODO is a great way for a novice pilot to experience the fun of flying and the novelty of aerial photography with a full-featured, rugged, ready-to-fly aircraft at an entry-level price. For experienced pilots, the KODO offers a fun, casual flying experience that can be enjoyed almost anywhere. After getting some stick time with the KODO, I’d happily recommend it to anyone interested in flying.
Hobbico: 3002 N. Apollo Dr., Suite 1, Champaign, IL 61822; Tel. (800) 637-7660; website: www.dromida.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
